Scenic Bringing Aura to India’s Hooghly River in 2027
Scenic is expanding its presence in South Asia with a new collection of India and Sri Lanka journeys centered on Scenic Aura. The 44-passenger river ship is scheduled to begin sailing on the Hooghly River in West Bengal in October 2027.
The program combines a 9-night Lower Ganges cruise with land journeys across India and Sri Lanka. Scenic has developed five itineraries ranging from 17 to 25 days. Depending on the journey, travelers can visit destinations ranging from the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan’s palace cities to the tropical landscapes of Kerala and Sri Lanka.
At the center of every itinerary is the Hooghly River. Flowing through West Bengal, the waterway links former European trading settlements, temple towns, artisan communities and Murshidabad, the former capital of Bengal. The itinerary also includes Mayapur and communities where traditional weaving and metalworking remain part of everyday life.
Before entering service in India, Scenic Aura will undergo a refurbishment. Additional details are expected later this year.
A Voyage Through Bengal
Flowing through West Bengal, the Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganges and one of eastern India’s historic commercial waterways.
The itinerary includes Kolkata, the former capital of British India, a city known for its colonial-era architecture, literary heritage and historic tram network. Scenic’s program also visits Chandernagore and Serampore, former French and Danish trading settlements whose churches, waterfronts and colonial buildings reveal a different side of India’s European past.
Passengers also visit Kalna, known for its terracotta temple complexes, and Mayapur, home to the international headquarters of the Hare Krishna movement and a sprawling temple complex on the banks of the river.
The voyage highlights Bengal’s living traditions through visits to Matiari, a community known for brass craftsmanship, and Phulia, a weaving center where traditional textile production remains part of daily life.
Another stop is Murshidabad, the former capital of Bengal. Once among the wealthiest cities in India, it is home to palaces, mosques and historic estates that reflect the region’s former prosperity.
According to Scenic, the itinerary will also feature experiences including high tea at Kathgola Palace, visits to the Hooghly Imambara, cultural encounters with local artisans and opportunities to explore the region’s historic palaces, temples and riverside communities.
Five Ways in India and Sri Lanka
While the Hooghly River cruise remains the common thread, Scenic has developed five different journeys around the voyage, ranging from 17 to 25 days.
For first-time visitors to India, a 17-day itinerary pairs the cruise with the country’s classic Golden Triangle route in the north. Travelers visit Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, including the Taj Mahal, before continuing to West Bengal and boarding Scenic Aura.
Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Jaipur. Photo credit: Adam Burke / Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Elephants pass through the gates of Amer Fort in Jaipur. Photo credit: Adam Burke / Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Another, spanning 22 days, takes a deeper dive into northern and central India. Along the way, travelers can experience Varanasi on the Ganges River, where pilgrims gather for centuries-old religious ceremonies, explore the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho and visit wildlife reserves including Panna and Ranthambore.
Those drawn to India’s royal history may find the 25-day Rajasthan itinerary especially appealing. The journey explores northwestern India through destinations such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, a region known for desert landscapes, palace hotels, hilltop forts and cities once ruled by maharajas.
Further south, a 24-day journey stretches from the tropical waterways of Kerala on the Arabian Sea to Chennai on the Bay of Bengal. Stops include Kochi, Periyar, Madurai, Chettinad and Puducherry, introducing travelers to spice plantations, temple cities and regional cuisine that differs markedly from the flavors many international visitors associate with India.
Scenic is also offering a 23-day itinerary that combines the Hooghly River cruise with a journey through Sri Lanka, the island nation located just south of India. Travelers visit destinations including Sigiriya, Kandy and Galle, along with tea-growing regions in the country’s central highlands and areas known for wildlife and cultural heritage.
Joining India’s River Cruise Market
Built in 2016, Scenic Aura accommodates 44 passengers in 22 suites and carries 41 crew members.
Scenic Aura was originally designed for river cruising on Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River. Before beginning service in India, the vessel will be refurbished by Scenic’s MKM Yachts team, with details of the redesign expected later this year.
Scenic’s arrival on the Hooghly River adds to a market that already includes several established operators.
Among them is Antara Cruises, an Indian-owned river cruise company that operates on the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems with a strong focus on regional culture and heritage. Assam Bengal Navigation, another long-established operator, offers boutique river voyages aboard small ships designed specifically for India’s waterways.
The market is also served by British-founded Pandaw, which has spent decades building a following among international travelers through its expedition-style river cruises across Asia, including India.
