Scenic Group to debut India, Sri Lanka trips in 2027

Scenic Group is set to debut river cruising on India’s Hooghly River in fall 2027 with the introduction of the Scenic Aura.

The 44-guest vessel will operate its inaugural season from October 2027 through March 2028, offering a range of itineraries that combine river voyages with land experiences 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, journey designer for Scenic Group, in a statement.

“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."

Guests will have the opportunity to combine river cruising with immersive land touring through five new itineraries spanning 17 to 25 days across North and South India, Rajasthan and Sri Lanka.

Each journey will centre on a nine-night sailing along the Hooghly River, complemented by a variety of cultural experiences.

Highlights include afternoon tea at Kathgola Palace in Murshidabad, visits to landmarks such as the Hooghly Imambara and the ISKCON Global Headquarters, encounters with skilled artisans in Matiari and a traditional toto ride through the historic streets of Nawabi-era Bengal to Katra Mosque.

The Scenic Aura is also undergoing an interior transformation led by MKM Yachts, with additional design details expected later this year.

Asia expansion

The vessel’s launch marks another step in Scenic Group’s expansion across Asia.

Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce Scenic Spirit II on the Mekong River in 2028, while Scenic Eclipse II is scheduled to return to Asia and Oceania and Emerald Xara will make its Asian debut.

Reservations for the new India and Sri Lanka programs are currently open through an exclusive Early Access offering, with complete itinerary information and revised pricing set to be announced in November 2026.

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