Scenic Expanding River Cruising to India, Sri Lanka

Posted on 06/25/2026

In October 2027, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is launching the Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River, debuting a collection of itineraries in India and Sri Lanka. 

Scenic Aura River Cruising 

During its inaugural season from October 2027 to March 2028, Scenic Aura will welcome no more than 44 guests per sailing for a truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river experience through the cultural heartland of West Bengal. The newly released itineraries feature a unique collection of Scenic included excursions and exclusive Scenic Enrich events to showcase the vibrant cities, sacred sites, and riverside villages, complemented by curated land journeys in India and Sri Lanka. 

Scenic says the new itineraries provide unique and exclusive experiences that are culturally rich and showcase the best of both countries. 

New 2027–28 India & Sri Lanka Program 

Anchored by a 9-night all-inclusive ultra-luxury Lower Ganges River cruise along the Hooghly River, the 5 new India itineraries involve a fully integrated river cruise and land journey program, each offering a distinctive new way to experience the subcontinent. 

Itineraries range from 17 to 25 days and encompass North India, South India, Rajasthan, and Sri Lanka, all via the storied waterway that flows through some of India’s most historically significant regions.  

Unique Experiences 

Devoted Scenic travelers will be delighted that each itinerary will feature unique Scenic Enrich experiences. These include an elegant High Tea at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad and a visit to the revered Hooghly Imambara, celebrated for its spiritual resonance and Mughal-influenced architecture. The ISKCON Global Headquarters will be a highlight, where devotional music and vibrant rituals offer a deeply immersive encounter with living spirituality. Guests will also meet master craftspeople in Matiari’s artisan quarter and travel by traditional toto to Katra Mosque through the atmospheric streets of Nawabi-era Bengal. 

The Ultimate in All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury 

Scenic Aura’s interiors are being re-imagined for the launch. 

The new itineraries will feature Scenic’s signature, all-inclusive river cruising experience, with everything included as standard. Spacious suites have private balconies, separate bedrooms, and Scenic Sun Lounges. Included dining encompasses four different experiences, and guests enjoy complimentary beverages throughout the day, an in-suite mini-bar, unlimited Wi-Fi, a resort-style pool, yoga classes, a Wellness Centre and fitness area, plus self-service laundry facilities. 

On combined land and river journeys, Scenic also includes handpicked hotels and special stays, internal transport, tipping and gratuities, while land groups are limited to 25 guests for an intimate, personalized experience. 

Scenic Group's Broader Asia Expansion 

The launch of Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River is the start of more 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. 

Early Access Release 

Bookings have opened, with full itinerary details and updated pricing to be confirmed from November 2026. 

 

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