Antara River Cruises Hosts 50 UK Travel Agents for Ganges River Experience

Antara River Cruises Hosts 50 UK Travel Agents for Ganges River Experience

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 6, 2024

Antara River Cruises recently hosted 50 travel agents from the UK aboard the Antara Ganges Voyager II for a three-night, four-day cruise from June 8-11, 2024. This meticulously planned journey aimed to highlight the pleasures of cruising on the Ganges River and exploring the towns along its banks. The event was a great success, with guests thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Raj Singh, Promoter and Managing Director of Antara Cruises, greeted the guests with traditional garlands and tikas. He expressed his delight in introducing the agents to the Indian waterways, especially the sacred Ganges River, which flows over 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. Singh noted the historical significance of the river, mentioning that the Buddha preached his first sermon on its banks in Sarnath in 528 BCE, and the British established their first capital in Kolkata along these waters.

Cruise Highlights:

Day 1: The cruise began with a scenic sail along the Ganges, offering views of Kolkata’s iconic landmarks such as the High Court, Belur Math, Howrah train station, and various bathing and ferry ghats.

Day 2: Guests explored Kalna, riding electric rickshaws to the Rajbari Temple Complex, which houses the region’s highest concentration of temples, including the Nabakailas Temple with 108 sloped-roof shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. They also visited a local market selling seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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Later, the cruise continued downstream to Chandernagore, a former French colony established in 1673. Here, guests walked along the promenade, visiting colonial-era buildings such as the former French governor’s residence, now a museum, and the Sacred Heart Church, designed by French architect Jacques Duchatz and inaugurated in 1884.

Day 3: Returning to Kolkata, the guests embarked on a city tour starting with the bustling Flower Market near the Howrah Bridge. They visited Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata known for its clay idol manufacturing for various festivals and exports.

The tour concluded with a panoramic exploration of Kolkata’s British colonial architecture, including the Writer’s Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India, and Dalhousie Square. Highlights also included St. John’s Church, Kolkata’s oldest Anglican church built in 1756, and the grand Victoria Memorial for a photo opportunity.

About Antara River Cruises:

Founded in 2003 by travel industry pioneer and naturalist Raj Singh, Antara River Cruises has grown to include a fleet of nine ships that sail South Asia’s most iconic rivers. The company offers luxurious accommodations and vibrant experiences along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra River systems. In 2024, Antara expanded its operations to include the four rivers of Bhitarkanika National Park, showcasing indigenous environments and cultures with renowned hospitality and meticulously designed ships.


Bollywood Meets the High Seas: Yacht Week Opens Its Iconic Adriatic Experience to Indian Travellers

Bollywood Meets the High Seas: Yacht Week Opens Its Iconic Adriatic Experience to Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

Following the release of the visually striking trailer of the Bollywood entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera, curiosity around its breathtaking coastal backdrops has surged among Indian audiences. From turquoise waters to sun-drenched decks and high-energy yacht parties, the film’s sailing sequences have quickly become talking points online.

Yacht Week has now confirmed that these iconic scenes are not cinematic fantasy. The sailing lifestyle, vibrant social moments, and the much-talked-about circle raft parties featured in the trailer are part of its real-world experience and Indian travellers are officially invited to join.

Shot along Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, the film showcases destinations such as Hvar, Vis, and Brač. These islands form the core of Yacht Week’s legendary Original Route, a carefully curated sailing journey that has long been popular with travellers from around the world.

For Indian audiences, this marks a chance to step beyond the screen and experience the lifestyle themselves. Yacht Week combines island-hopping, sailing, and immersive social experiences that closely echo the companionship, romance, and freedom portrayed in Tu Meri Main Tera.

The week-long journey mirrors the spirit of the film, taking guests along the same Adriatic waters, stopping at historic coastal towns and hidden bays. Days are spent soaking up the sun on deck, swimming in clear blue waters, and enjoying relaxed seaside meals. Evenings transform into open-air celebrations, culminating in the iconic Circle Raft, a signature Yacht Week moment where yachts connect in the middle of the sea to create a floating celebration, just as seen in the trailer.

Despite its global reputation, Yacht Week is positioning the experience as accessible for Indian millennials, couples, and groups of friends. Flexible instalment plans are also available, allowing guests to secure their spot with an initial deposit.

Commenting on the growing interest, Sahil Wahid, Director, Revel Travel — Official Travel Partner for India, said,

“We were thrilled to see Bollywood bring the energy of Yacht Week to the big screen with Tu Meri Main Tera. The trailer perfectly captures the spirit of friendship and freedom that defines our global community. We know Indian travelers have a deep love for travel and cinema, and we are ready to welcome them to live the journey they've fallen in love with on screen — real yachts, real people, and the real Adriatic summer.”

Bookings are now open for the upcoming summer season, offering Indian travellers the opportunity to experience the exact route, lifestyle, and energy that made the film’s sailing scenes go viral.

For more details, visit: www.theyachtweek.com


Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

Ring in 2026 with Grand Celebrations at ZANA Luxury Resorts & Country Inn Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.

ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.

ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.

ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.

Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.

Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.

Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.

Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.


PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

PRISM Offers Full Refunds for Guests Affected by Flight Disruptions

By Hariharan U

Published on December 10, 2025

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.

Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.

Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”

PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.

Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.

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