‘Government’s focus on ocean and river tourism is a game changer for India’s inland waterways’: Antara Cruises founder Raj Singh

Raj Singh, the founder and Chairman of Antara Cruises (Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd), has been instrumental in popularising river cruising on the Ganges.

Besides his interest in river cruising, Singh showed a keen interest in wildlife and wildlife conservation. He published several books on South Asian mammals and birds. In his youth, as a native of Bharatpur, in Rajasthan, Raj Singh regularly went boating on Band Barretta, a nearby reservoir, and at Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After having played a key role in the successful introduction of luxury train tourism to India, opening up Bhutan to the US market, he expressed immense interest in river cruising in India. Singh created Antara Cruises with a passion for offering extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. 

Antara—travelling with a difference—is an ambitious endeavour to introduce in India the uniqueness of river cruising. Singh has launched the first cruise between India and Bangladesh in 80 years and it sails on the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. It is the longest river journey in the world, set over 51 days across 27 rivulets and two countries.

The company’s fleet includes five distinctive vessels, with four more in the pipeline this year. In an interview with THE WEEK, Singh speaks about his love for river cruises and how it can go a long way in promoting river tourism in India. 

 

Q/ What is your perspective on the government’s recent push to boost Ocean and River Tourism, and how do you see it accelerating growth and opportunities in the river cruise sector in India?

 

A/ The government’s focus on ocean and river tourism is a game-changer for India’s inland waterways. This opens up new opportunities to showcase our heritage and landscapes through sustainable river cruises. Improved infrastructure will attract investment, create jobs in local communities, and support artisans, hospitality, and eco-tourism.  This initiative not only promotes responsible travel but also positions India as a rising player in global river cruising. Overall, I am optimistic that the government's commitment will drive growth and innovation in the river cruise industry, positioning India as a key player in this evolving market.

 

Q/ As an industry player, what key areas of improvement do you see in river tourism infrastructure, and what form of government support could further strengthen this emerging sector?

 

A/ We see critical areas that need focus including connectivity, amenities and safety. Enhancing connectivity will result in better road and rail links to cruise terminals and, in turn, boost accessibility. Seamless last-mile connectivity for travellers needs to be ensured. Besides that, there should be world-class docking facilities with clean restrooms, waiting areas, and cultural displays. All this can elevate the visitor experience. 

 

Besides that safety standards and emergency protocols must be prioritized to build traveler confidence. Government initiatives to ensure safety standards and emergency protocols on waterways will build trust among travellers. I envision a model where the government incentivises private investments through tax breaks or subsidies for infrastructure projects, including grants for eco-friendly developments that promote sustainable practices. With targeted improvements and proactive policies, river tourism can become a major pillar of India’s travel industry driving both economic growth and sustainable tourism.

 

Q/ How is Antara Cruises driving the momentum of river tourism in India, and what aspects of your offerings make them unique in today’s evolving travel landscape?

 

A/ At Antara Cruises, we are redefining river tourism in India by combining luxury, cultural immersion, and sustainability. Our fleet offers comfort while allowing guests to connect with the rivers and the regions they flow through. We offer curated, immersive itineraries featuring local excursions, hands-on workshops, and authentic cuisine that celebrate India’s diverse heritage and support local communities. All this enriches the journey and supports local communities. We are committed to sustainability with eco-friendly practices and partnerships with environmental organizations to meet the demand for responsible travel. This is crucial as travellers seek enjoyable yet mindful experiences. Wellness is another key pillar of our offering with onboard yoga sessions and spa treatments, catering to travellers looking for relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

Q/ Which river cruise routes are currently the most active and in demand, and what new travel preferences are you seeing among Indian and international travellers?

 

A/ The Ganges is currently one of the most sought-after river cruise routes in India. Celebrated for its deep cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Both Indian and international travellers are seeking authentic experiences that emphasize cultural connections and sustainability. They are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and prefer eco-friendly options that allow exploration of off-the-beaten-path destinations. Wellness is also a key priority with guests valuing onboard experiences that include yoga, spa treatments, and healthy dining options.  At Antara Cruises, we continue to evolve and innovate our offerings to reflect these trends, creating journeys that are enriching, responsible and restorative. 

 

Q/ Could you share any upcoming expansion and investment plans, especially in the context of the government’s renewed focus on river tourism development?

 

A/ We are excited about the positive developments in river tourism and the government's renewed focus on this sector. Our vision aligns with these initiatives as we enhance our offerings on the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and beyond. In the coming months, we plan to invest in eco-friendly cruise vessels and explore partnerships with local communities to create immersive cultural experiences. Additionally, we will expand our wellness offerings on board, including yoga and healthier dining options, catering to travellers seeking relaxation. We look forward to contributing to the growth of river tourism in India.

 

Q/ How can river tourism contribute to local economies and sustainable travel, and what role is Antara Cruises playing in this transformation?

 

A/ River tourism plays a vital role in boosting local economies by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and fostering community engagement. It generates revenue for various sectors, including hospitality and crafts, while often leading to improved infrastructure for both visitors and residents. Sustainable travel is essential in this sector, emphasizing eco-friendly practices that protect both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. We are investing in green technologies, collaborating with local communities, and curating wellness-focused experiences. 

 

Q/ Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of river cruise tourism in India? What role will you be playing in it? 

 

A/ River cruise tourism in India is set for strong growth, driven by demand for meaningful, sustainable travel. These journeys offer deep cultural immersion and low-impact exploration appealing to modern, conscious travellers.  The potential for river cruising in India is significant, thanks to its extensive rivers and rich cultural heritage which makes it an ideal destination for river cruising. Major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra offer unmatched opportunities that blend scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation. At Antara, we aim to capitalize on this by providing luxurious river cruises that highlight India’s natural beauty and historical sites, while promoting ecological and sustainable travel. These cruises allow passengers to explore charming riverside towns and ancient temples, turning each journey into a rich experience of India's diverse landscapes and traditions. River cruising in India is more than travel it is a gateway to connect with heritage, support communities, and experience the country from a fresh perspective.

Tourism