Scenic Group is expanding its Asia portfolio with the launch of luxury river cruising on India’s Hooghly River, unveiling a new collection of India and Sri Lanka itineraries for 2027 and 2028.
The program will see Scenic Aura deployed to the Hooghly River from October 2027, offering an all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience through the cultural heartland of West Bengal.
Accommodating just 44 guests, the boutique vessel will operate between October 2027 and March 2028, combining river cruising with curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka.
New itineraries blend river cruising and land touring
The new program features five itineraries ranging from 17 to 25 days, covering destinations across North India, South India, Rajasthan and Sri Lanka.
At the heart of each journey is a nine-night Lower Ganges River cruise along the Hooghly River, a historically significant waterway that flows through some of India’s most culturally rich regions.
Scenic Journey Designer Adam Burke said the new deployment responds directly to growing guest demand for immersive experiences in the region.
“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,” Burke said.
Exclusive cultural experiences planned
The itineraries will feature a range of Scenic Enrich and Scenic Freechoice experiences designed to provide deeper connections with local culture and history.
Highlights include High Tea at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad, visits to the Hooghly Imambara and ISKCON Global Headquarters, encounters with artisans in Matiari, and exploration of the historic streets surrounding Katra Mosque.
According to Scenic, the itineraries have been designed to showcase India’s spiritual, cultural and architectural diversity through exclusive access and immersive experiences.
Part of wider Asia expansion
Scenic Aura will undergo a redesign by Scenic Group’s MKM Yachts team ahead of its deployment, with details of the refurbishment expected later this year.
The launch forms part of a broader Asia growth strategy for Scenic Group. In 2028, Scenic Spirit II is scheduled to join the Mekong fleet, while Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara are also set to expand the group’s presence across the region.
To drive early bookings, Scenic is offering savings of up to $1,500 per person on selected India and Sri Lanka river cruise and land journey departures operating between September 2027 and March 2028.
