The Antara Ganga Vilas, operated by Antara Cruises, India’s river cruising pioneer, has been awarded a silver for the World’s Longest River Cruise in the Overall Cruising category, by US-based Travel Weekly at its Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.

The Antara Ganga Vilas, the luxury boutique rivership, designed, detailed and crafted in India, won this recognition in 10 months of the launch of the world’s longest river cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Dhaka in Bangladesh.

The epic journey created headlines in January 2023, when it traversed 3,200 km in 51 days, two countries, five states and 27 river systems.

The cruise offers an opportunity for anyone looking to explore South Asian culture along some of its most ancient regions and systems. Perfect for leisure travellers, history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers, the cruise allows for a hop-on and hop-off option for those who cannot commit to the entire journey, said a statement from Antara Cruises, which operates a fleet of nine vessels.

 “This is an extremely proud moment for us.  We are delighted to receive this esteemed recognition from the jury of the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. We have had an amazing opening and it is indeed a great honour for us to be counted among the best in the river cruising business,” said Raj Singh, Chairman, Heritage River Journeys.

Built to reflect mid-20th century Modernism, the 18-suite Antara Ganga Vilas is an amalgamation of yesteryear glory and modern elegance, said a statement.

Each room is inspired by the painted and meditative colour experiments of Josef Albers and has been designed using only locally made fabrics, linen, furniture, and serveware. Large ceiling to floor guillotine windows bring enchanting riverviews into the ship's expansive spaces.

Its cuisine offerings by the onboard kitchen specially curates menus keeping in mind the local and regional specialities as well as popular preferences. TradeArabia News Service