Scenic River Cruising in India on the Hooghly (with land extensions in Sri Lanka)
Seeing India in comfort and style just got a lot easier, thanks to Scenic Cruises offering river cruises on the Hooghly River and Lower Ganges. Though we've considered India before, the extensive logistics of land travel didn't appeal to us enough to make it to the top of our travel bucket list… until now.
Scenic River Cruises Enters India
Scenic Group has announced the deployment of Scenic Aura on India's Hooghly River — a tributary of the Lower Ganges flowing through the cultural heartland of West Bengal — launching in October 2027. With just 44 guests per sailing and a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, this is just about as boutique as river cruising gets.
We've sailed with Scenic Group's sister brand, Emerald Cruises, and experienced their level of service, comfort, and culinary program firsthand. If Scenic operates at an even higher register than that, this India and Sri Lanka program is going to be something special.
Each trip promises to be intimate, with space limited to fewer than two dozen cabins. The itineraries will be popular, given that very few well-known river cruise lines currently offer programs there. Currently, Viking offers a limited number of 15-day itineraries in India, and Uniworld offers a limited number of 13-day cruises. Nothing this extensive or special exists without Scenic.
What Makes This Cruise in Asia Different
This isn't a repackaged European itinerary with an exotic backdrop. The Lower Ganges and Hooghly River program was built from scratch around destinations that reward slow, immersive travel: riverside artisan villages in Matiari, Mughal-era architecture at Hooghly Imambara, High Tea at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad, and the ISKCON Global Headquarters — a living, breathing spiritual experience, not just a sightseeing stop.
The excursion structure is worth noting, too. “Scenic Freechoice” lets guests choose their own pace — from active to moderate to relaxed — among options such as a Pichwai painting workshop or a folk dance class.
“Scenic Enrich” goes deeper: private-access experiences such as a Ganges Aarti cruise with live musicians or a traditional Kandyan cultural performance with dinner. These experiences are designed exclusively for Scenic guests.
Adam Burke, Scenic Journey Designer, said, “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 personalized service Scenic is known for.”
Itineraries and Stops to Look Forward To
Five itineraries ranging from 17 to 25 days in total anchor around a 9-night/10-day ultra-luxury river cruise on the Lower Ganges along the Hooley River, with land journeys extending through North India, South India, Rajasthan, and Sri Lanka. Land groups are capped at 25 guests, keeping the intimacy going well beyond the ship. Prices start at $16,136 per person.
Here are some land and river stops to look forward to during the journey:
- Agra, India, where the world-famous Taj Mahal is
- Jaipur, India
- Ranthambhore, India
- Mayapur, India
- Galle, Sri Lanka
- Kandy, Sri Lanka
Experiences to look forward to:
- Kathgola Palace High Tea
- Panna National Park Safari
- Bharatanatyam Dance Performance
- Abhaneri Village
- Kandyan Dance Performance
- Muthurajawela Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Safari (we love the chance to see a bucket list bird, like the Painted Stork)
The Ship: Scenic Aura
Scenic Aura is a 2016 build being redesigned by MKM Yachts, and we're excited to see the full interior details of the deck plan later this year.
What we already know: every suite has a private balcony, separate bedroom, and Scenic's signature Sun Lounge for watching riverscapes roll by. The “Scenic Slumber Bed” is an ergonomic sleep system designed around recovery after full days of exploration.
The ship also has a pool on the top deck under a retractable shade. A river cruise pool is a feature we absolutely love, especially in hot regions of Asia, including the Mekong River. There's nothing as satisfying as cooling down in the river cruise pool after a hot day on land!
Up to four dining options are available, from multi-course degustation to in-suite dining, with menus drawing on the regions you're passing through. Premium beverages are always included with Scenic Cruises, with not just wine and beer like all river cruises, but cocktails, spirits, and fresh juices, all day.
In fact, everything is included with Scenic: meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, excursions, and internal land transport. For a program this remote and this curated, that matters.
Worth Watching
The inaugural season runs from October 2027 through March 2028. It's the perfect winter vacation to escape the cold if a Christmas Markets cruise isn't of interest to you, or you've already done it. Why not head to Asia?
Bookings are open via an Early Access release, with full pricing confirmed from November 2026. Reach out to us if you want to be connected to our preferred travel agents to book.
River cruising in India has been a white space in this industry for a long time. Scenic, making a serious move here, is worth paying attention to, and we are definitely watching!
Is a trip to India and Sri Lanka on your bucket list?
