Scenic launches luxury river cruising in India with just 44 guests aboard

Scenic opens a new frontier: ultra-luxury cruising on India's storied Hooghly River

Scenic has unveiled a new collection of luxury journeys through India, centred around one of the country's least-explored waterways, the Hooghly River in West Bengal. A storied arm of the Ganges that flows through colonial-era ghats, Mughal palaces and riverside villages where little has changed in centuries, the Hooghly has long been one of India's best-kept secrets.

The launch of Scenic Aura introduces an entirely new way to experience the Indian subcontinent. Carrying just 44 guests, the intimate ultra-luxury ship will offer a collection of five new journeys spanning 17 to 25 days across India and Sri Lanka. Each will be anchored by a nine-night all-inclusive river cruise through the cultural heartland of India.

This is India at its most layered and least hurried. Along the Hooghly, Scenic guests are invited beyond the usual tourist trail through a series of exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences and immersive FreeChoice excursions. They can take High Tea at Kathgola Palace, a magnificent 19th-century mansion seldom opened to visitors, wander the grand arcades of the Hooghly Imambara, one of West Bengal's most important spiritual landmarks, and step inside the ISKCON Global Headquarters, where devotional chants, marble courtyards and centuries-old traditions offer a rare glimpse into India's living spiritual heritage. 

In the artisan quarter of Matiari, master craftspeople demonstrate skills passed down through generations. And winding through the atmospheric lanes of Nawabi-era Bengal by traditional toto is exactly the kind of moment that no big group tour itinerary could replicate.

Scenic Aura is being thoughtfully redesigned and refurbished by Scenic's specialist team at MKM Yachts ahead of her inaugural season. Every suite will feature a private balcony, a separate bedroom and Scenic's signature Sun Lounge, a quiet corner to watch the colourful river life unfold.

All meals across four restaurants and bars, beverages throughout the day^, an in-suite mini-bar, unlimited Wi-Fi, yoga classes, a wellness centre and resort-style pool are included. Hand-selected hotels, internal transport, and all tipping and gratuities are included too. Land groups are capped at just 25 guests, to ensure a genuinely intimate, personalised experience.

India and Sri Lanka, seamlessly connected

The full program offers five itineraries, ranging from the temples of South India to the royal forts of Rajasthan and the tea country of Sri Lanka, all designed to work as a single, seamless journey rather than a series of disconnected highlights. It is, in the truest sense, the subcontinent at your own pace.

Adam Burke, Scenic Journey Designer, spent considerable time in the region developing the program: "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,” he said. "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."

With such limited space across each sailing, these journeys are expected to book out well ahead of departure. An exclusive Early Access release is now open.

Early Access offer for India & Sri Lanka journeys

Enjoy up to $1,500pp* off selected India & Sri Lanka river cruise and land journeys departing from September 2027 to March 2028. Offer is strictly limited, subject to availability or until sold out. 

About Scenic Group

Scenic has grown over its 40-year history to include award-winning, truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river and yacht cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to all seven continents.

Scenic Group comprises of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours, and Mayflower Cruises & Tours.