Antara’s experts share their knowledge and insights on how to best experience some of the most spectacular locations in the world on your upcoming short cruises.
OVERVIEW
The virgin stretched beaches, lush green mangroves, migrating birds and turtles, the estuarine crocodiles, meandering water courses, tranquil surroundings intercepted by the chirping of birds and the ever embracing nature. These are some of the offerings of Bhitarkanika – popularly referred to as the mini-Amazon. An Antara cruise takes you to the heart of ‘Bhitarkanika’ which originates from a blend of two Odia words – Bhitar which means interior or inside and Kanika that translates to exceptional or outstanding beauty. Traverse the estuarine region of Brahmani – Baitarani river systems and their tributaries from the comforts of your suite aboard an Antara Cruise and enjoy this spectacular work of nature.
Gupti
Gupti
Antara Nauka Vilas
Arrive at the village of Gupti which is three and half hours drive from Bhubaneswar and a short distance from the nearby town of Rajnagar . Welcomed on board with a refreshing beverage followed by a safety briefing you embark between 1600 -1800 hrs from the jetty. Enjoy sundowner
as you gently traverse the Pathsala river enjoying a curated Hi-Tea. The sight of distant Bay of Bengal has breathtaking views.
A multi course traditional meal awaits you in the evening giving you the flavours of the region.
oday sail into the rich and unique mangrove ecosystem with creeks ,mudflats and estuaries when you visit Bhitarkanika National Park .The area has much importance because of its biological, geomorphological, and ecological background. The Park is rich in birdlife with home to 8 different species of colourful kingfisher and other wildlife including the estuarine crocodile, monitor Lizard, Spotted deer and wild boar. You also explore the park on foot to observe and learn about
the mangrove forest on trails which also have the remains of temples as well as old hunting towers.
Enjoy a sundowner from the top deck of your cruise ship where the views of the forest and the setting sun are simply mesmerising. Dinner at leisure followed by a relaxed evening.
After breakfast, set sail to Habali Kathi mangrove forest with birdwatching and seeing other animals along the Maipura river. You stop enroute at Ekakula depending on the tidal conditions ,walk along the beach and through the mangrove forests ,enjoy a picnic lunch. The area has rich mangrove forests comprising of salt tolerant plant species found in the inter-tidal regions along the creeks and estuaries and the coast overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The area along the Odisha coast is also known for Olive Ridley turtles which come for breeding during late winter.
Enjoy the sun rise and feel the fresh clear crisp air that is so invigorating.
Post breakfast ,sail towards Gupti where you reach by noon. Relish the landscapes and beauty of the river and the life alongside.
Disembark at Gupti.
