Combine the incredible sites of India's Golden Triangle with Sri Lanka's ancient ruins, verdant jungles, cool mountains and amazing wildlife. Explore the legendary Taj Mahal and pink city of Jaipur, Dambulla's rock temple and the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, sip pure Ceylon tea and discover the bustling city of Colombo.
Countries Visited: India, Sri Lanka
Countries Visited: India, Sri Lanka
ITINERARY
Day 1
Day 2
Delhi - Old & New
This morning, our Welcome Meeting takes place. We then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi, taking in the Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque and Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation in Old Delhi, and the Rajpath and India Gate in New Delhi. Tonight, we enjoy a group Namaste Dinner at a restaurant specialising in classic Indian cuisine.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we make our way to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal empire. Our first stop here is the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. Later we travel on to the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by the order of Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in affectionate memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is perhaps one of the most extravagant monuments to love ever built and has no peers.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
Day 4
Fatehpur Sikri
Agra - Jaipur. En route to Jaipur we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has been deserted for over four centuries after it was allegedly abandoned due to a lack of water Thanks to the very durable red sandstone from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri still remains well-preserved and is a fascinating place to explore. Later we drive to Jaipur, the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
The Pink City of Jaipur
Very early this morning there is the opportunity to sail over the lofy hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur in a hot air balloon, on our Balloon Over Jaipur Bolt-on. We then travel beyond Jaipur to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort where we enjoy a tour of the fort's well-preserved interior and grounds. Reaching the fort is an experience in itself, as we ride up the road in princely style aboard Indian elephants - subject to regulations and availability. Later we visit a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration of fabric dyeing and block printing before touring the City Palace and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Day 6
Village life, rural India
Jaipur - Alsisar. Today we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region, which lies in a triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. The small towns in this region were once important trading posts, and today their legacy is carried on through the beautiful painted havelis that were constructed by wealthy merchants here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Later we enjoy a walk through a local village and time to relax.
Overnight: Alsisar | Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Alsisar | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Alsisar to Delhi
Alsisar - Delhi. This morning we make a quick visit to the children and teachers at a local school in Alsisar (if open) where we operate our ‘Change for Children’ programme, before returning to Delhi. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to further explore the city. Opt for a meal in the heart of the city or simply relax and chat with group members at the hotel.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Day 8
Delhi to Colombo
Delhi - Colombo. Our tour of India concludes today. Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight to Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Please note: The flight from Delhi - Colombo is not included in the cost of this tour. Sri Lankan Airlines and Jet Airways fly direct. If you provide us with your flight details, we will be there to meet you at Colombo airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Colombo | Breakfast
Please note: The flight from Delhi - Colombo is not included in the cost of this tour. Sri Lankan Airlines and Jet Airways fly direct. If you provide us with your flight details, we will be there to meet you at Colombo airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Colombo | Breakfast
Day 9
Dambulla & Polonnaruwa
Colombo - Polonnaruwa. Today we head inland to Polonnaruwa. On the way we visit a local Sunday market before arriving at one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave temples, the Dambulla Rock Temple. This stunning complex of five caves contains over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre statue carved out of the cave rock. After exploring this ancient site we continue on to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Giritale | Breakfast
Overnight: Giritale | Breakfast
Day 10
Sigiriya, village visit & Spice Gardens
Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya – Kandy. Our first stop today is the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Located atop a rock plateau overlooking lush jungle foliage this granite rock fortress is accessed via a steep set of stairs up the side of the rock, and along the way there is an opportunity to see a fantastic collection of frescos known as the Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya. Climb to the summit and enjoy spectacular views of the jungle below and mountains in the distance.
Once we’ve fully explored the rock we take a jeep ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, we try our hand at preparing a meal of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more in the mud brick home of a local family. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Arriving to Kandy, we attend a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Overnight: Kandy | Breakfast
Once we’ve fully explored the rock we take a jeep ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, we try our hand at preparing a meal of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more in the mud brick home of a local family. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice garden in Matale, to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Arriving to Kandy, we attend a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Overnight: Kandy | Breakfast
Day 11
Temple of the Tooth, Tuk Tuks & Pinnawala
This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Our first stop will be the Temple of the Tooth Relic, allegedly home to one of Buddha’s teeth. After driving around the Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, visiting the local bazaar and a gem museum we take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills.
This afternoon we visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where we meet some of the 78 elephants in their care. Some of these elephants were abandoned as babies, others born in the facility and unable to return to the wild and a few with disability - one elephant is blind. Today's highlight will be to watch the herd bathe uninhabited in the nearby river.
Before returning to Kandy we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea.
Overnight: Kandy | Breakfast
This afternoon we visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where we meet some of the 78 elephants in their care. Some of these elephants were abandoned as babies, others born in the facility and unable to return to the wild and a few with disability - one elephant is blind. Today's highlight will be to watch the herd bathe uninhabited in the nearby river.
Before returning to Kandy we stop at a working tea factory at Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy was established in the year 1903, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea.
Overnight: Kandy | Breakfast
Day 12
Scenic Train trip & Tea Plantations
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time before transfering to the railway station for a scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Opt to sit outside, within the open viewing section of the carriage for uninterrupted views of the magnificent landscape. Later on we embark on a sightseeing tour of the region referred to locally ‘Little England’.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya | Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13
Udawalawe NP Jeep Safari
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Elephants. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and different species of deer. We take an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel for the night.
Overnight: Udawalawe N.P. and Embilipitiya | Breakfast
Overnight: Udawalawe N.P. and Embilipitiya | Breakfast
Day 14
Colombo City Tour
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. This morning with a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world.
Arriving to Colombo, we commence a city tour seeing the Fort area in the north of the city, famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We explore the Fort area in the north of the city, famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll see the stunning Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
Overnight: Colombo | Breakfast
Arriving to Colombo, we commence a city tour seeing the Fort area in the north of the city, famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We explore the Fort area in the north of the city, famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll see the stunning Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
Overnight: Colombo | Breakfast
Day 15
Colombo
Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. Included transfer to Colombo airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Breakfast
EXTEND YOUR STAY!
Extend your stay with a relaxing 4 day beach break. Located on the south west of the island, palm fringed Kalutara offers sandy white beaches, azure waters, colourful markets and opportunities for surfing and water sports. For more information on our 4 day beach break, contact us.
TOUR DETAILS
STARTS
Delhi
ENDS
Colombo
DEPARTS
Saturdays
HOTEL RATING
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels
LOCAL PAYMENT
None
TOUR GUIDE
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
MEALS
Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
“
The trip was flawless from start to finish. Satish was a complete professional and gave lots of information throughout, made us laugh, gave honest insight into Indian culture and arranged every details to perfection. Have had the trip of a lifetime and will definitely return to India. ”
JOANNA BATTERY
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