** Journeys with Soul
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The Hooghly is the most sacred offshoot of the legendary Ganges — once its principal route to the sea, until the river shifted course in the 17th century. Winding through Bengal’s cultural heartland, the Hooghly carries centuries of history, devotion, and artistic legacy. Antara invites you to journey along its storied waters, where every moment is a quiet passage through time and tradition.
** The Hooghly Imambara
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** A Hooghly History
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** Inside the Hooghly Imambara
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Kolkata owes its very existence to the Hooghly. Without it, the city would have remained a modest fishing village. For over 3,000 years, farming communities have thrived along its banks as it journeys toward the Bay of Bengal. Waves of invaders — from the Mughals and Portuguese to the French, Dutch, Danish, and British — arrived to conquer, yet stayed to build kingdoms and colonies, drawn by the river’s promise of trade and passage. Along these waters, exquisite art and architecture flourished. It was here, too, that India’s first steamship expedition set off, forging upriver from the heart of Kolkata.
Breaking away from the Ganges on its descent from the Himalayas, the Hooghly flows past Murshidabad, weaving through the historic landscapes of Plassey, Chandernagore, Serampore, and finally, into Kolkata. Its significance lies not only in its geography and layered history, but also in its deep spiritual resonance — known as the Bhagirathi, the sacred river said to have descended through Shiva’s locks on its way to the sea.
Route map for the 51 days cruise
** Explore Chandernagore, an erstwhile French colony
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Chandernagore is a step back into India’s colonial past. Its wide boulevards are filled with the gentle hum of French accents, while the breezy promenade, lined with graceful French colonial buildings, evokes a sense of nostalgia. At the heart of it all stands the stunning Sacred Heart Church, a symbol of the town’s rich heritage.
** Hooghly from Antara’s Ganges Voyager
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Route map for the 51 days cruise
** A Hooghly sunset on the Antara Ganges Voyage
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The East India Company’s fortunes were closely linked to this humble river. In keeping with this history, our sister ships, Ganges Voyager I and II, take you on journeys of discovery — exploring the weavers, temples, palaces, and villages along the Hooghly. Designed in colonial architectural styles, one ship features intricate ornamentation and vibrant colors, while the other showcases the understated elegance of Georgian white. Inside, the gleaming Burmese teak flooring, cane furniture, hand-painted murals, and sweeping views of the river transport you to another time, all while ensuring every modern comfort is at your fingertips.
** 7 NIGHTS AND 8 DAYS
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** Artisans of Bengal
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From December 13 to 20, 2025
** 7 NIGHTS AND 8 DAYS
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** Princely Murshidabad
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From October 1 to 8, 2025
** Before & After
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** IN THE BUDDHA’S FOOTPRINTS
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** The Buddhist holy site of Ratnagiri
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If you’re cruising with Antara in Odisha in Bhitarkanika National Park’s mangrove jungles, don’t miss the opportunity to walk in the footprints of the Enlightened One.
This tour of the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri (the diamond triangle of Odisha) can be added on before or after you get to the boarding point for your charming Catamarans.
Antara Green banner with Antara symbol in a dark grey block
** FEATURED VOYAGES (2025—26)
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** 2 NIGHTS AND 3 DAYS
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** Amazon of the East
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From April 17 , 2025
** For you, from India, on the river.
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