Best of India and Sri Lanka

Welcome to India! Delhi is a fascinating city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples, and tombs. Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our company representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, start your tour to India with a visit to Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. Drive past the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly independent India on August 15, 1947, trade the vehicle for bicycle rickshaws. Weave through the warren of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest bazaars, where you will see the traditional workmanship for which India is well known and continues to thrive. Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The majestic Jama Masjid — meaning “world-reflecting” mosque — is Old Delhi’s principal place of worship and the largest and most renowned of its kind in the country. Built-in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan – who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort – it is an elaborate structure featuring an expansive geometric base topped with globe-shaped minarets crafted from strips of red sandstone and white marble, and a massive courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 people. This afternoon, visit the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning 240-foot brick minaret, the tallest in the world, surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. In the afternoon drive to the medieval city of Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, although its attractions also extend to a wide range of other impressive historical sights. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.

Overnight in Agra

Early this morning you will visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel over the breathtaking transformation of lights and sun rays before you return to your hotel for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps join an optional tour.

Overnight in Agra

Begin your tour with a visit to the Itmad-Ud-Daulah monument, known as the "Baby Taj", the first Mughal structure that was entirely built from marble. Later, you will visit the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site developed and added to between the 16th and 17th centuries by successive rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. The fort was primarily built as a military structure, but Shah Jahan upgraded it to a palace before it became his gilded prison for 8 years after his son Aurangzeb seized power. The elegant building inside reflects a fascinating synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.

Drive to Jaipur with an en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri — an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his famous works. Sadly, it served as the capital for little more than a decade and was eventually abandoned for a lack of access to water. Later, join a demonstration of gem-cutting and polishing. In the evening you will check in to your hotel upon arrival. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname will become immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings rising at every turn.

Overnight in Jaipur

After a traditional welcome, learn about the local culture, cuisine, rituals, and festivals from your charming hosts. Listen to the stories of the Pink City , admire the traditional décor of Hindu gods, and savor the delicious flavors of Rajasthani cuisine. Sit with the family to feast on naans, lentils, curry, and dal-bati, and many other dishes typical to Rajasthan served with a dessert or sweet dish.

Begin your day with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort. Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well-preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.” In the afternoon take a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. See the City Palace and the impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name. Also, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old part of the Pink City. Enjoy a demonstration of gem-cutting and polishing before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel back to Delhi and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Delhi

Today you will be transferred back to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Colombo. Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Colombo

After a delicious breakfast, take to the road for a day of exploring Sri Lanka’s wildlife and heritage. The first stop will be at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which was founded in 1975 with only five calves and has more than 100 today. For all the elephants rescued from the rainforests, there have been dozens of births at the shelter, with the first arriving in 1984. Here, they are fed, bathed, and allowed to roam freely. See them at feeding time — a bottle for the calves and coconut leaves for the adults — and then watch these gentle giants frolicking in the waters of the River Maha Oya at bath time.

After this fun and wild interlude, continue your journey to Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. In this city, you will find a hub that has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, standing as an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in wonderfully constructed five cave temples flanking the Golden Temple of Dambulla. See how the exquisite cave paintings are done along the walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over the land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.

Overnight in Dambulla

Start today on a high with a climb up the fifth century Sigiriya fortress, situated on top of a rock that dramatically rises 200 meters above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock’, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. In the time it came to be abandoned and forgotten, covered by dense overgrowth until the British found it and started a painstaking archaeological exploration. Today, the terraced gardens and cisterns, the moat, the ‘Mirror Wall’, and the fragile frescoes of the ‘heavenly maidens’ among the other remnants of this once-thriving city offer only a tantalizing indication of what once stood here. Pass through the lion’s ‘belly’ and climb to the top via a spiral staircase that snakes its way around the rock. Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit over the surrounding landscape and beyond into the horizon. 

In the afternoon, discover the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Built about 1,000 years ago, it boasts a large artificial lake, which is still in use and feeds a network of irrigation canals, the remains of a royal palace, and many temples and administrative buildings. Admire the Gal Viharaya with its four statues of the Buddha carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the Statue of King Parakramabahu. Discover the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, and much more.

Overnight in Dambulla

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Kandy. En-route visit a spice and herb garden in Matale. Sri Lankan spices such as turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and lemongrass are considered among the best in the world. See a cookery demonstration and learn about the culinary and therapeutic values of these products.

Proceed on a city tour of Kandy. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy — the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings — boasts an array of culture, history, and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Discover an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel — the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town cradled among the misty hills will include the Kandy City Centre, bundled with the latest and world-class brands, a bustling bazaar, arts and crafts centre, gem museum, and lapidary. Drive towards the Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world boasting class and style. Choose to walk in color as you walk by fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming with a cultural show showcasing the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the Wonder of Asia.

Overnight in Kandy

This morning, check out of your hotel and continue to Nuwara Eliya via Peradeniya. Initially developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya — today bundled with the most welcoming facilities situated just four miles off Kandy — is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing by well-tended lawns, pavilions, and an octagon conservatory to be greeted by a magnificently landscaped green turf that will summon you for a break. Towards the north of the entrance lies a cafeteria which one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights of this place that overflows in grace, such as the orchid house and giant Javan fig tree.  Continue your journey to the Tea Plantation. In Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words that cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold and misty hills which take pride for the ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of plantations. Or you may step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to see a rich tradition up to date. As you discover the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day with a perfectly blended cup of Ceylon Tea. Proceed to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, explore Nuwara Eliya. Travel through the Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate reminding visitors they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light — once governed by English and Scottish planters — continues to be studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows, and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a bustling countryside hamlet. Drive through the green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls, dotted by tea pluckers draped in colorful saris. Or you may rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory. In the afternoon you will head to Negombo. Upon arrival check in to your hotel.  

Overnight in Negombo

Enjoy a delicious breakfast this morning (standard check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late checkout is subject to availability of the hotel). Check-out and store your luggage with the Hotel Concierge. Later, continue to see the bustling metropolis of Colombo. Situated in the West, Colombo is not only the country's commercial capital but also the turbine that makes over 50% of the national GDP flanking the city’s fancy urban development efforts. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course — a horse-racing hub from 1893 & World War II airstrip — furnished today with lavish clothing, delicious food, and tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah and tune into the Floating Market — an offbeat shopping experience — or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City — an offshore city featuring parks, commercial complexes, and even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic way post, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet, and even the 'walk-over fish tank' have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing the best fashion, jewelry, and handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of the Gangarama Temple. Or you may jazz up Colombo's nightlife spiced by clubs and casinos bordering its bustle. If you are lucky, you may enter an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or playing at Nelum Pokuna for a day of perfection!

In the evening you will be transferred back to Colombo International Airport for your flight to the USA/Canada.