Scenic Group to Launch India & Sri Lanka Land Journeys & Hooghly River Cruising
by Bruce Parkinson
The Scenic Aura. Photo: Scenic Group
Scenic Group has announced the expansion of its luxury river cruise and land touring portfolio with the deployment of Scenic Aura to the Hooghly River in India. Launching in October 2027, the boutique ship will introduce an exclusive collection of newly curated itineraries across India and Sri Lanka.
During its inaugural season from October 2027 to March 2028, Scenic Aura will welcome no more than 44 guests for an all‑inclusive ultra‑luxury river experience through the cultural heartland of West Bengal.
The newly released itineraries feature a unique collection of Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich events to showcase the vibrant cities, sacred sites, and riverside villages. The river journeys have been complemented by curated land experiences in India and Sri Lanka.
“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,” said Adam Burke, Scenic Journey Designer.
“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 personalized service Scenic is known for.”
New 2027–28 India & Sri Lanka Program
The India program has been designed as a fully integrated river cruise and land journey program with five new itineraries from 17-25 days across North India, South India, Rajasthan, and Sri Lanka.
Anchored by a 9-night Lower Ganges River cruise along the Hooghly River, a storied waterway flowing through some of India’s most historically significant regions, each journey offers a distinctive new way to experience the subcontinent.
Unique Scenic Enrich & Scenic Freechoice Experiences
Each itinerary will feature unique Scenic Enrich experiences, including 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.
A Reimagined Luxury River Ship
Scenic Aura will be redesigned by Scenic Group’s expert team at MKM Yachts for an intimate boutique ship experience. Details of the interior revitalization will be released later this year. Each spacious suite will feature a private balcony, separate bedroom and Scenic Sun Lounge.
Scenic’s inclusive style means your clients will receive all meals at up to four dining venues, 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. Land groups are limited to 25 guests to ensure a genuinely intimate, personalized experience.
Early Interest Signals Strong Demand
Scenic says the inaugural season has already generated significant interest, particularly from Scenic and Emerald Rewards members during the pre-registration phase. They are now available to book through an exclusive Early Access release, with full itinerary details and updated pricing to be confirmed from November 2026.
