Antara Introduces Nauka Vilas Offering Private Heritage Cruises Through Bengal’s Historic Waters

Image generated with Ai

Antara River Cruises has launched Nauka Vilas, a one-suite luxury yacht, to offer a private and personalized river cruising experience. Out of Nauka Vilas, the first and only yacht of its kind, set sail from Kolkata. Nauka Vilas is designed to provide privacy and luxury for a single client couple. The Hooghly River has a lot of historic and cultural importance. With Nauka Vilas, Antara River Cruises aims to provide its guests an opportunity to experience the cultural and historic importance of the Hooghly River in a personalized and comfortable way.

Designed by skilled craftsmen and luxury yacht specialists, Nauka Vilas features just one exclusive Luxury Suite. The elegant accommodation includes a king-sized bed, a three-fixture ensuite bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a private sun deck that opens into an outdoor lounge overlooking the river. From expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted river views to handcrafted teak interiors and personalised dining experiences prepared by an onboard culinary team, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create the feeling of a private floating residence.

The yacht’s debut itinerary, A Romantic Bespoke Journey on the Hooghly, offers an all-inclusive three-night and four-day voyage through the river’s fascinating history. The journey begins at Tribeni, a historic confluence town known for its 14th-century Islamic shrine, before continuing through Bandel’s Portuguese heritage, Chandernagore’s French colonial legacy, Serampore’s Danish influences and finally into Kolkata.

During the voyage, guests can discover centuries of cultural treasures, including Mughal-era tombs, intricate terracotta temples, colonial churches and atmospheric riverside landmarks, all while travelling aboard their own private vessel. The experience includes curated excursions, gourmet meals, beverages and transfers, ensuring a seamless luxury river journey that combines heritage exploration with personalised comfort.

“Nauka Vilas was conceived for travellers who no longer wish to share their journey — not the deck, not the itinerary, not the moment,” Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara Cruises comments. “It is an intimate journey of immersive discovery, reimagined.”

Nauka Vilas has been designed not only as a luxury river escape but also as a meaningful experience to celebrate life’s most special moments. Whether marking an anniversary, enjoying a romantic honeymoon, celebrating a birthday or presenting a memorable gift to loved ones, the private yacht offers a rare once-in-a-lifetime journey that guests can cherish for years.

Nauka Vilas is now available for bookings, with prices starting at ₹1,00,000 per night, including pick-up and drop-off services from Kolkata. Each itinerary can be fully personalised, allowing guests to customise their river journey according to their preferences, interests and special occasions.