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Scenic Group has expanded its global river cruising portfolio with a collection of ultra-luxury Indian journeys revealing a different side of the subcontinent.
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Scenic Group has unveiled a new collection of luxury journeys through India, centred on one of the country’s least-explored waterways, the Hooghly River in West Bengal.
A storied arm of the Ganges, flowing past 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 a new way to experience the Indian subcontinent.
Carrying just 44 guests, the intimate ultra-luxury ship will offer five new journeys spanning 17 to 25 days across India and Sri Lanka. Each itinerary will be anchored by a nine-night all-inclusive river cruise through India’s cultural heartland.
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This is India at its most layered and least hurried. Along the Hooghly, Scenic guests are invited beyond the usual tourist trail through exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences and immersive Freechoice excursions.
Guests 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 glimpse into India’s living spiritual heritage.
In the artisan quarter of Matiari, master craftspeople also demonstrate skills passed down through generations, while winding through the atmospheric lanes of Nawabi-era Bengal by traditional toto, offering the kind of intimate experience rarely found on large-group itineraries.
Scenic Aura is being redesigned and refurbished by Scenic’s specialist team at MKM Yachts ahead of her inaugural season.
As part of this, every suite will feature a private balcony, separate bedroom and Scenic’s signature Sun Lounge, a quiet corner from which to watch the colourful life of the river 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; and hand-selected hotels, internal transport, tipping and gratuities are also part of the experience, while land groups are capped at 25 guests to ensure an intimate and personalised trip.
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.
Adam Burke, Scenic Journey Designer, spent considerable time in the region developing the program.
He says: “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.
“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 limited space across each sailing, the journeys are expected to book out well ahead of departure. An exclusive Early Access release is now open.
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.
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