Scenic Aura November 15-December 7 2027 Cruise & Offers | Scenic Cruises

Your West Bengal river journey begins in the vibrant city of Kolkata, where you are warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the wharf to board Scenic Aura. Settle into your luxurious surroundings before joining your fellow guests for an elegant Welcome Dinner.

After an early morning visit to Kolkata’s flower market, one of the largest in India, step ashore at Serampore to explore one of Bengal’s most intriguing Danish colonial settlements, once described as the best-kept European town in India.

Today, Scenic Aura arrives at Mayapur, the global spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and one of the 20 most visited and sacred places in the world. Admire the nearly completed Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, part funded by Alfred Ford and due for completion in November 2027, with opening celebrations planned through to March 2028.

This morning, arrive in Murshidabad, once the powerful seat of the Nawabs of Bengal and the region where the British East India Company began its expansion in India. It remained the capital of Bengal until it was moved to Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1773.

Step ashore to explore the tranquil village of Khushbagh, known as the “Gardens of Happiness” where history and rural life intertwine. A serene early morning journey past farmland leads to a beautifully preserved mosque complex built by Nawab Ali-Wardi-Khan, where the Nawab, his family and his grandson Siraj-ud-Daulah are laid to rest.

Today’s destination is the village of Matiari, renowned for its long-standing tradition of copper and brass craftsmanship. Watch master artisans transform recycled metals into beautifully handcrafted pots, platters and decorative pieces using techniques passed down through generations. This visit offers an authentic glimpse into a living cultural tradition.

Arrive this morning in the ‘City of Temples’, Kalna, which flourished in the late 18th century under the patronage of the Maharajas of Bardhaman. Explore the Rajbari complex, home to several remarkable temples, including the Lalji Temple built around 1739, the Krishna Chandra Temple with its 25 decorated spires, the Vijay Vaidyanath Temple dedicated to Shiva, and the intricately detailed Pratapeswar Temple.

Today’s call at Chandernagore transports you to a beautifully preserved corner of French colonial India. It was first established as a French colony in 1673 on the bank of the Hooghly River, when the French obtained permission from Ibrahim Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, to establish a trading post.

Your final full day returns you to the captivating streets of Kolkata. Visit Mother Teresa’s Mother House of The Missionaries of Charity before embarking on a private heritage tram tour, a nostalgic way to glide through the city. Continue to Tipu Sultan Masjid and the Victoria Memorial and Gardens before returning to the ship for lunch.

This morning, disembark Scenic Aura in Kolkata and transfer to the airport for your flight to Colombo. Be welcomed to Sri Lanka before transferring to Negombo, a vibrant coastal town known for its rich fishing heritage and colonial influences. Check into your luxury boutique hotel for the next two nights, Wattura Resort & Spa, with mesmerising views over the water.

Travel to Muthurajawela Wetlands Sanctuary to explore one of Sri Lanka’s important ecological reserves at the southern end of the Negombo Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through mangroves and waterways while observing a variety of bird species, butterflies, reptiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

This morning, journey towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, and learn about its captive elephant care and breeding program. Continue to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, widely acknowledged as Sri Lanka’s first ancient kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spend a relaxing day at Uga Ulagalla, enjoying the luxurious property and its serene surroundings. Unwind in the comfort of your villa, take in the beautiful landscapes, and experience the exceptional amenities the resort has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this exquisite retreat.

Check out and drive to the World Heritage-listed historical city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital after the fall of Anuradhapura. Set beside a vast man-made lake, its remaining city walls, temples and dagobas reveal the grandeur of this once-opulent garden city.

Sigiriya > Dambulla > Kandy is a published destination on Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise & Ultimate Sri Lanka: Kolkata to Colombo aboard Scenic Aura. It provides the setting for this stage of the journey; arrival, departure, berthing and excursion details are displayed only when they appear in the stored Scenic schedule, and final operating information should be reconfirmed before sailing.

Explore this cultural city by tuk tuk visiting the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. At Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, wander through expansive lawns and themed sections showcasing orchids, palms, medicinal plants and towering tropical trees, all in a tranquil riverside setting.

Tea is synonymous with Sri Lanka, and today you journey into its misty highlands. Board a train for a scenic ride through emerald hills and tea estates to Hatton in the Nuwara Eliya District, one of the country’s most celebrated tea-growing regions.

Hatton is a published destination on Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise & Ultimate Sri Lanka: Kolkata to Colombo aboard Scenic Aura. It provides the setting for this stage of the journey; arrival, departure, berthing and excursion details are displayed only when they appear in the stored Scenic schedule, and final operating information should be reconfirmed before sailing.

Today journey to Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Estate, the former country home of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, art-filled spaces and tranquil corners that showcase his pioneering vision of tropical modernism. After lunch in the estate gardens, continue to the Madu River for a relaxing cruise through one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque wetland ecosystems.

Head to the colonial and heritage rich World Heritage-listed city of Galle, first settled by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. En route, stop at a sea turtle hatchery operated by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka.

Galle is a published destination on Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise & Ultimate Sri Lanka: Kolkata to Colombo aboard Scenic Aura. It provides the setting for this stage of the journey; arrival, departure, berthing and excursion details are displayed only when they appear in the stored Scenic schedule, and final operating information should be reconfirmed before sailing.

This morning, travel to Colombo and visit the Natural History Museum, Sri Lanka’s largest museum, showcasing the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Explore ancient artefacts, royal regalia, traditional art and archaeological treasures that trace Sri Lanka’s long and layered past.

Colombo is a published destination on Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise & Ultimate Sri Lanka: Kolkata to Colombo aboard Scenic Aura. It provides the setting for this stage of the journey; arrival, departure, berthing and excursion details are displayed only when they appear in the stored Scenic schedule, and final operating information should be reconfirmed before sailing.