Scenic Group has confirmed it will introduce an India & Sri Lanka program from late 2027, as foreshadowed exclusively by LATTE last week. The move will see Scenic reintroduce Scenic Aura to the Hooghly River (Lower Ganges) in India, after the ultra-luxury 44-guest ship was rested after a pause in operation on the Irrawaddy during the pandemic.
During its inaugural season from October 2027 to March 2028, Scenic Aura will offer all‑inclusive ultra‑luxury river experiences through the cultural heartland of West Bengal. The itineraries feature a collection of Scenic Freechoice excursions and exclusive Scenic Enrich events to showcase the vibrant cities, sacred sites and riverside villages, which will be complemented by curated land journeys 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 personalised service Scenic is known for.”
New 2027-28 India and Sri Lanka programme
The India offering has been designed as a fully integrated river cruise and land journey program with five new itineraries from 17 to 25 days across North India, South India, Rajasthan and Sri Lanka. Anchored by a nine-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.
These journeys are now available to book through an exclusive Early Access release, with full itinerary details and updated pricing to be confirmed from November 2026.
Unique Scenic Enrich and 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 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 an 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.
Refitting Scenic Aura
Scenic Aura—which has been on the shelf since the pandemic—will be redesigned by Scenic Group’s in-house team at MKM Yachts. Details of the interior revitalisation will be released later this year.
Each suite will feature a private balcony, separate bedroom and Scenic Sun Lounge. All meals across up to four dining experiences, 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 are included. On combined land and river journeys, Scenic also includes hotels and special stays, internal transport, tipping and gratuities.
Scenic Group’s broader Asia expansion
Scenic Group’s expansion into India forms part of a broader investment in Asia as a destination. 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. Together, these milestones represent a significant expansion of Scenic Group’s regional portfolio.
For more details on the program, click here.