Sail abode the Ganges Voyager

Wake up to the sound of birds, the splash of oars cutting through water, and the smell of rural India and its natural greenery, when you go on an Indian river cruise. Lately, river cruising has become an increasingly popular form of travel as you come across the slow lane with a gentle pace, and nature all around, whilst exploring riverside towns. This is because of the diverse cultural legacies, geography, and landscape along the banks of rich rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and the backwaters of Kerala. These cruises take one through history where past and future are seamlessly blended into one beautiful tapestry. 

The Antara Ganges Voyager has 28 suites across three decks, along with a bar, restaurant, fitness centre, spa, and sundeck. The ship features colonial-style furniture, plush upholstery with floral or paisley motifs, ornate light fixtures, and the dining room bedecked in peacock blues and greens.

As we sail upstream from Kolkata, daily shore excursions reveal the wonders of Bengal. Kalna stands out for its exceptional temple architecture, notably the Rajbari palace complex with stunning temples and the 108 Shiva temples. Matiari showcases families crafting brass items for daily and ritual use. Sailing to Khushbagh, from Plassey battlefield to the garden cemetery of the Nawabs of Bengal, also the resting place of Siraj-ud-Daulah. This place holds great significance in history as it marks the beginning of the East India Company's rule. Murshidabad unveils heritage structures and the yellow-walled Hazarduari Palace with its thousand doors, showcasing the region's historical wealth. Exploring further, we use electric rickshaws to visit Katra Mosque and enjoy the elegant riverside promenade of Chandannagar, once under French rule until 1952.

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Immerse in the festival of colours

The festival Holi is celebrated by millions of Hindus around the world, from India and Pakistan to Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. It falls on the Purnima, or full-moon day of Phalguna, which is the last month of the Hindu lunar calendar (usually March), and it is a joyous, vibrant celebration of colors.

The festival celebrates the love story between Radha and Krishna. It involves throwing gulal (colored powder) and water, symbolizing love, goodness, and positivity. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to remember the burning of the demoness Holika, a triumph of good over evil. This tale tells us how Prahlad, a devout worshiper of Vishnu, was saved by Vishnu when his father, the evil king Hiranyakashipu, tried to have him killed. Prahlad's willingness to enter a fire pit and Vishnu's intervention reversed the power of Holika, Hiranyakashipu's sister, who was burned to ashes instead. This reminds us of the strength of good intentions over evil.

Holi is an invocation for a flourishing harvest season and spring arrival, as Holi falls around the time that many people in India harvest wheat. Each color of the festival has a meaning, red for love and fertility, yellow for turmeric, blue for Lord Krishna, and green for new beginnings. There is a feast, of course, the festival concludes with a feast, featuring traditional dishes like gujiya, dahi vada, barfi, and lassi.

We recommend that your guests celebrate the Holi festival at the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It is an extraordinary celebration exclusively for guests staying at the palace.

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Rumbak and the paradise of snow leopards

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Rumbak, a hidden gem nestled within the Leh district of Ladakh, India. This quaint village unfolds a paradise of diverse nature against the backdrop of majestic mountains. At an elevation of 3,960m, the Rumbak Valley within Hemis National Park reaches a soaring altitude of 4000m, offering a pristine habitat for an array of wildlife, from blue sheep, Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urial, to bird species like golden eagles and vultures.

The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge, your home during the quest to spot the mystical snow leopard, seamlessly blends with the local environment. The cottages, are adorned with premium features and provide floor heating, insulated roofs, traditional wood stoves, and double-glazed windows, ensuring comfort and warmth against the cold. After an adventurous day, indulge in relaxation with heating blankets and hot/cold water in the bathrooms.

The common dining and lounge area is a fusion of local and international cuisines, along with the beverage of your choice. Warmed by a traditional wood stove, the space offers a cozy dining experience, creating a sense of camaraderie among fellow adventurers. The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge, a conscious creation nestled in the Ladakh mountains, not only allows you to explore the wildlife but also offers a zero-light pollution experience in the Rumbak Valley. Crafted and operated by locals, the property harmoniously melds with the geographical hues of the region, presenting a model of sustainable tourism that respects and preserves the unique beauty of Ladakh.

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