Antara Cruises, a pioneer in the river cruising industry, is delighted to announce that it has won the prestigious Gold Magellan Award, presented by Travel Weekly, for its pioneering Odisha Expedition Cruises at Bhitarkanika National Park. The award recognises Antara’s commitment to excellence in quality, and one-of-a-kind travel experience that blend culture, adventure, heritage and wonderful landscapes.
The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards celebrate the best in travel across the globe, honour the best professionals and organisations in the sectors including hospitality, travel destinations, cruise lines, airlines and airports, tour operators and others. The awards recognise exceptional achievements in travel design, marketing, and services by the world’s leading industry experts from Harvard Group International, The Travel Institute, World Travel and Tourism Council, Crewe Associates, National Geographic Travel Media, and other renowned industry-related organisations and groups. This win for Antara Cruises is a significant acknowledgment of its world class services and leadership in the river cruising industry. Raj Singh, Founder Chairman, Antara Cruises - Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for receiving the Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award. He remarked, “This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and commitment to offering unique, luxury river cruising experiences that showcase India’s natural beauty, inhabitants and cultural heritage. Our Odisha Expedition Cruises are particularly special, as they allow travellers to explore the stunning areas of Bhitarkanika National Park, which takes you through the diverse wildlife and the rich life of local communities.”
Antara Cruises continues to set benchmarks in the industry with its carefully curated itineraries that emphasize sustainability, comfort, and immersive experiences. Odisha Expedition Cruises offer guests a chance to explore the lesser-known, pristine areas of the Odisha’s mangroves in Bhitarkanika National Park, renowned for its biodiversity, local community and scenic beauties.
Bhitarkanika National Park, located along Odisha’s Bay of Bengal coast, is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Travellers can explore the estuarine regions of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers, walk through mangrove forests, and visit Habalikathi beach. Antara Cruises’ exclusive packages of 2N-3D and 3N-4D on their Catamarans, MV Bhitarkanika and MV Mahanadi, provide the perfect way to experience this natural environment in unparalleled comfort and luxury. These cruises promise an intimate encounter with Bhitarkanika’s rich wildlife, from majestic Saltwater Crocodiles, Oliver Ridley Turtles, and rare Migratory Birds, offering a truly transformative experience in one of India’s most spectacular natural treasures.