With the launch of Scenic Aura in October 2027, groups will be able to cruise through West Bengal and pair a river journey with new land excursions in India and Sri Lanka.
The new India & Sri Lanka programme features five fully integrated river cruise and land journey itineraries spanning 17-25 days across North India, South India, Rajasthan, and Sri Lanka.
Scenic Aura will have a capacity of 44 guests to provide an intimate all-inclusive river experience. Its inaugaural season on the Hooghly River will run from October 2027 to March 2028.
Adam Burke, Scenic journey designer said: “The introduction of Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River is a significant milestone for Scenic Group with the collection developed entirely around what our guests are asking for.
“These itineraries have been thoughtfully designed to provide unique and exclusive experiences that are culturally rich and showcase the best of India and Sri Lanka, all delivered with the depth of inclusions and personalised service Scenic is known for.”
India & Sri Lanka holidays 2027–28
The Hooghly River flows through West Bengal and some of India’s most historically significant regions. Anchored by a nine-night all-inclusive Lower Ganges River cruise, starting in Kolkata, each of the five new itineraries offers a distinctive new way to experience the subcontinent.
Each itinerary will feature Scenic Enrich experiences, including an elegant High Tea at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad, a visit to the revered Hooghly Imambara, meeting master craftspeople in Matiari’s artisan quarter and travelling by traditional toto (similar to a tuk-tuk) to Katra Mosque.
New itineraries:
- 17-day Golden Triangle and Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise - land tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, followed by the river cruise.
- 22-day Jewels of North India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise - an extended land tour that includes the Golden Triangle, Varanasi and Ranthambore National Park, followed by the river cruise.
- 24-day Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise - eight-stop land tour starting in Kochi with highlights including Kerala, Periyar National Park and Puducherry plus the river cruise.
- 25-day Royal Rajasthan & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise - experience the Golden Triangle, Jodhpur and Udaipur before the luxurious river cruise.
- 23-day Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise & Ultimate Sri Lanka - following the river cruise, fly to Sri Lanka for an extensive tour that features Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Sigiriya and Anuradhapura.
Scenic Aura is being redesigned to offer groups an intimate boutique ship experience. Expect spacious suites with a private balcony and separate lounge, and all meals included across up to four dining experiences, complimentary beverages throughout the day and an in-suite mini-bar.
Facilities include unlimited Wi‑Fi, a resort-style pool, yoga classes, a Wellness Centre and fitness area, and self-service laundry facilities. Rates for the combined land and river journeys also include handpicked hotels, internal transport and gratuities.
Broader Asia expansion
The launch of Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River is among several major developments set to follow in 2028, with Scenic Spirit II joining Scenic Spirit on the Mekong River, Scenic Eclipse II returning to Asia and Oceania, and Emerald Xara arriving in Asia.
As Scenic Aura accommodates just 44 guests, groups are encouraged to book early to secure desired dates. They are available to book now through an exclusive Early Access release, with full itinerary details and updated pricing to be confirmed from November 2026.
Find full details on the new India and Sri Lanka river cruise programme here.
