Antara Cruises Completes Two Years of Luxury River Safaris in Bhitarkanika

Antara Cruises Completes Two Years of Luxury River Safaris in Bhitarkanika

Antara Cruises has completed two years of operating luxury catamaran safaris in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park, offering visitors a private river-and-wildlife experience through the region’s mangrove waterways.

The luxury cruise operator said the initiative has attracted both domestic and international travellers interested in exploring Bhitarkanika’s rich biodiversity and secluded landscapes. Often referred to as the “Amazon of India,” Bhitarkanika is the country’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara Cruises, said the company aims to showcase the natural heritage of eastern India and place Bhitarkanika on the global tourism map alongside renowned wildlife destinations such as Africa’s Masai Mara.

The protected wetland is home to more than 320 bird species, including all seven species of kingfishers found in India. The region also supports monitor lizards, nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles and a significant population of saltwater crocodiles.

Antara Cruises currently operates four private catamarans in Bhitarkanika — MV Mahanadi, MV Brahmani, MV Baitarani and MV Bhitarkanika. Each vessel has two cabins and can accommodate up to four passengers. The boats also feature a living lounge and an open-air sundeck for wildlife viewing along the creeks and riverbanks.

The company offers two packages for visitors. The “Creeks and Crocodiles” itinerary covers two nights and three days and is priced at ₹1.10 lakh for four guests, while the “Mangrove Majesty” package spans three nights and four days and costs ₹1.50 lakh for four guests, with both packages being all-inclusive.

Antara Cruises also operates luxury vessels on the River Ganges, including Ganges Voyager I and II, Bengal Ganga, Ganga Vilas and Nauka Vilas. The fleet includes all-suite vessels with varying capacities, ranging from a single-suite boat to ships featuring up to 28 suites.

The company said it maintains a high crew-to-guest ratio across its operations, combining personalised service and dining with heritage, river and wildlife experiences