Scenic Aura February 17-March 11 2028 Cruise & Offers | Scenic Cruises

Welcome to Kochi, known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Upon arrival transfer and check into the Brunton Boatyard, your beautiful colonial-era home for the next two nights. Kochi is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata aboard Scenic Aura.

Head down to the harbour, where ships from Asia and Europe have docked since the 14th century. Watch local fishermen expertly operate the Chinese fishing nets before discovering the city’s layered colonial history on a tour of Fort Kochi, reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British influences from the 16th to 18th centuries.

After a relaxing morning, travel into the Kerala Backwaters to Kumarakom and check in to Coconut Lagoon, your home for the next two nights. Located on Vembanad Lake, one of India’s largest lakes and a key wetland ecosystem, the resort’s villas are built from the reclaimed timbers of traditional tharavad homes, some over 150 years old.

Kumarakom is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata 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.

Ascend into the highlands to Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, a reserve known for its elephant population and rich biodiversity. In the afternoon, take a 90 minute boat cruise on Lake Periyar, a stunning 26 square kilometre reservoir created in 1895.

Periyar National Park > Madurai is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata 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.

Rise early for a walk through the heritage section of town to witness the early morning rituals. Later, wander through the local flower and vegetable market and the weaver’s market. Visit one of South India’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Sri Meenakshi Temple, dating from the 1500s.

Drive to the village of Karaikudi in the Chettinad region, where the Chettiar merchant community once amassed great fortunes as bankers and traders. Experience a bullock cart ride through the narrow streets, exploring the faded elegance of colonial-era bungalows and merchant mansions, and stop for a weaving demonstration en route.

Witness Kolam making, the creation of intricate designs using coloured rice flour, before visiting a pottery village to see colourful Athangudi tiles crafted by hand. This afternoon, enjoy a heritage walk and visit Chettinad Palace. Chettinad is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata aboard Scenic Aura.

Journey through the “rice bowl” of Tamil Nadu to Trichy, the former capital of the Madurai Nayaks. On arrival, choose your Chettinad > Trichy is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata aboard Scenic Aura.

Drive to Tanjore to discover the 11th-century Brihadishvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece and one of the Great Living Chola Temples. Continue to the pretty seaside town of Puducherry, the former capital of French India, and check in to Palais de Mahe, a romantic boutique hotel that pays tribute to the town’s French legacy.

Puducherry is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata 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.

Travel north to Chennai, stopping at Mamallapuram to explore the World Heritage-listed Shore Temples. On arrival in Chennai, check in to The Leela Palace for a two-night Special Stay. Puducherry > Chennai is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata aboard Scenic Aura.

Chennai is a published destination on Colours of South India & Luxury Lower Ganges River Cruise: Kochi to Kolkata 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.

Fly to the vibrant city of Kolkata to continue your journey with a West Bengal river cruise. You will be 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 or hotel for your onward journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or festivities. Please refer to Scenic’s terms and conditions for further information.