A graduate in Law and Zoology, Raj Singh’s career began as a renowned wildlife authority and conservationist. He authored several books on South Asian mammals and birds and spent his early days boating in the reservoirs of his hometown in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. His deep connection with nature and love for India inspired him to innovate in tourism, including the introduction of luxury train tourism to India and promoting Bhutan to the US travel market.
Singh’s dream of sharing India’s beauty with travellers led to the inception of Heritage River Journeys, now rebranded as Antara Cruises. The journey was not easy—it took five years of perseverance before launching the first river cruise in 2009. The challenge of understanding the dynamic nature of Indian rivers, especially the Ganges, and building ships that could navigate the shifting and evolving waters was transformative for Singh.
Antara Cruises was born from his passion for offering extraordinary experiences. The company specializes in luxury river cruising, combining the serenity of the Ganga with the majestic landscapes of India. Raj Singh has played a pioneering role, inaugurating the first cruise between India and Bangladesh in 80 years, and now aims to launch the world’s longest river journey. This 51-day voyage will connect the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, covering 27 rivulets across two countries.
Singh’s expertise is widely recognized, and he is frequently invited to advise Indian state tourism departments and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). Under his leadership, Antara Cruises has a fleet of five distinctive vessels, with four more set to join this year. The company draws on the extensive experience of its sister companies, specialising in unique travel experiences such as luxury train journeys, archaeology tours, art, and textile explorations, as well as bird watching and visits to Bhutan.
Through Antara Cruises, Raj Singh has redefined luxury river travel, bringing travellers closer to India’s ancient landscapes and offering a fresh perspective on the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
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