India and Sri Lanka

Arrive at Delhi Airport and transfer to your hotel | Settle in and meet up with your group in the evening.

Thikana Delhi (or similar)

Take a guided walking tour through the narrow alleyways of Old Delhi | Visit the Jama Masjid Mosque | View the Red Fort en route to Delhi’s largest Sihk Temple | Take a photo at India Gate. (B)

Thikana Delhi  (or similar)

This morning drive to Agra to take time to wander around its most famous landmark, the astonishing Taj Mahal | Later, stop in and explore the Agra Fort, overlooking the River Yamuna. (B)

Clarks Shiraz Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast travel to and uncover the mysteries of Fatehpur Sikri, fabled deserted city of a Moghul Emperor| At Bharatpur visit the historical Keoladeo Bird Sanctury | Arrive at the heritage town of Karauli and check-in for two nights. (BLD)

Bhanwar Vilas Palace (or similar) – Stunning heritage hotel constructed in 1938 for the then ruler of Karauli. Its restored and decorated period interiors, with Laliqueand Bauhaus lights, exquisite European tapestries, portraits and furniture ensure a completely authentic palace experience whilst encompassing all modern hotel amenities.

Discover Karauli, one of the holiest cities in Rajasthan, renowned for its ancient, ornate palaces | Be guided through the City Palace and later, the Lord Krishna temple | Enjoy a stroll through the village and mingle with the locals. (BLD)

Bhanwar Vilas Palace (or similar)

Take a leisurely drive to the renowned wildlife sanctuary of Ranthambore | Buckle in for an afternoon game drive, searching for Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, hyena, indigenous deer and sloth bear. (BLD)

The Shergarh (or similar) – A royal heritage resort in a breathtaking four hectares’ oasis of beautiful, landscaped gardens. The Sher Garh enjoys an unrivalled position, just 1.5 kilometers from the iconic Ranthambore national park.

Rise for an early morning safari through the National Park, and witness the variations marked by a different time-of-day viewing | Marvel at the UNESCO listed, and majestic Ranthambore Fort, which stands as a testament to India’s rich historical past. (BLD)

The Shergarh (or similar)

A longish drive to arrive at the fabulous ‘Pink City’, Jaipur | Soak up one of India’s most memorable sights: the Amber Palace | Immerse yourself in the colour and vibrancy of this fabulous city | Enjoy an evening walk to explore Jaipuri art and crafts. (B)

Shahpura House (or similar) – An early 19th Century Palace of Shahpura royal family, Shahpura House in Jaipur encapsulates the essence of Rajasthan’s aristocratic past. Now an awarded luxury heritage hotel, it meticulously blends the allure of history with modern comforts.

Get up close and discover the delights of the Amber Palace | Return to the city and marvel at the incredible Palace of the Wind | Stroll through the Old Palace- now housing a museum showcasing artifacts and antiques from the royal heritage of Jaipur | Delve into the history of the ancient astronomical observatory at Jantar Mantar. (B)

Shahpura House (or similar)

Today is a travel day, so take the road to Jodhpur | Witness the changing landscapes, from the bustling urban scenery of Jaipur leading into the more arid, desert-like region as you approach the ‘Blue City’ | Check-in to your hotel for your two-night stay. (B)

Pal Garh Jodhpur (or similar) – Nestled amidst the scenic Aravalli hills, Pal Garh is a Heritage Hotel in Jodhpur, which offers a luxurious stay with world-class amenities. The hotel features lavish dining arcades, sprawling gardens and extravagant rooms with all modern amenities.

Take the morning to amble through the remarkable Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most spectacular in all of India| Enjoy the panoramic view from Fort and take a lot of photos |In the afternoon, lose yourself in the bazaar- known for its handicrafts, embroidered shoes, metalware, silver and paintings. (B)

Pal Garh Jodhpur (or similar) 

Journey to the beautiful village of Narlai, known for its ancient temples and step wells | Climb to the top of the granite hill for a wonderful panoramic view | Enjoy a glimpse into the traditional and serene side of Rajasthan | Check-in to the stunning Rawla Narlai heritage hotel, a restored 17^th-century royal retreat.  (B)

Rawla Narlai (or similar) – A 17th-century royal hunting lodge, Rawla Narlai is a Rajasthani treat, with uniquely decorated rooms, traditional gardens, pool and spa.

Embark on an open jeep safari in search of leopard, antelope, hyena and jackal | Drive to Ranakpur and call in to the Jain Temples |Arrive to Udaipur and settle in for your three-night stay.  (B)

Fateh Niwas (or similar)

Be guided through the city’s highlights, including the City Palace and Jagdish Temple | Stroll through the lovely Saheliyon-Ki-Bari gardens | This evening take an optional sunset boat ride to Lake Pichola, and enjoy views of the Lake and City Palaces.  (B)

Fateh Niwas (or similar)

Start the day with a drive to Eklingji, and roam what is perhaps Rajasthan’s most famous Hindu Temple complex | Return to Udaipur for an afternoon at leisure- enjoy last-minute shopping, sight-seeing or just relax.  (B)

Fateh Niwas (or similar)

Breakfast this morning followed by an airport transfer | Fly from Udaipur to Delhi to Colombo | Late evening arrival and transfer to your beachside hotel.  (B)

Raddison Colombo Hotel (or similar) – A retreat in the heart of Colombo, the hotel masterfully combines contemporary design with luxurious hospitality. It features sea views, a rooftop pool, bars and restaurants.

A free day to relax and unwind on Colombo’s beautiful sandy beaches  | In the evening meet up with your group.  (B)

Raddison Colombo Hotel (or similar)

Start the day with a visit to the excellent National Museum | Enjoy a guided tour through the city’s old colonial quarters | Take the afternoon at leisure to explore the historic old town known as ‘Fort’. (B)

Raddison Colombo Hotel (or similar)

Drive north-east to the rock temples of Dambulla | Explore the Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site | Marvel at the intricate murals, the Buddha statues and the history of the caves which dates back to 1st century BC | Check-in to your hotel for your two-night stay. (B)

Rangirir Dambulla Resort –  (or similar)

After breakfast travel to Polonnaruwa | Traverse the extensive ruins, one of the great sites in Sri Lanka | En route back to Dambulla stop off at a local woodcarving workshop and see local artisans at work. (B)

Rangirir Dambulla Resort (or similar)

Head to Sigiriya, the ‘Lion Rock’ and climb to summit its massive rock fortress| Take the slow drive through the beautiful Knuckles Range and enjoy a picnic along the way | Call in and be guided over a fascinating spice plantation | Arrive to Kandy. (B)

Suisee Hotel (or similar) – Experience the perfect blend of colonial charm and modern comfort, nestled amidst lush gardens overlooking scenic Kandy Lake

Be guided through the city, known as the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka- and now a listed UNESCO site | See the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world | Stroll through the beautiful Botanical Gardens | Investigate a gem factory. (B)

Suisse Hotel (or similar)

Delve into the world of tea at the excellent Tea Museum | Take to the hills of Nuwara Eliya, once known as ‘Little England’ | Enjoy lunch at the Hill Club, a relic of the British ‘Raj’ |Observe the works of a busy tea plantation | Drive through mist-covered hills to Ella. (B)

Ella Breeze Hotel (or similar)

Gaze at Ella Gap, the view from your hotel | Walk to the summit of ‘Little Adam’s Peak’ | Purchase supplies at the local market and enjoy a morning cooking class | The afternoon is at leisure to wander or just relax and sip tea. (BL)

Ella Breeze Hotel (or similar)

Descend into the plains and discover the massive stone-carved Buddha of Buduruwagala | Check-in to Udawalawe and enjoy lunch | Buckle in for an afternoon jeep safari and spy elephant, deer, water buffalo and wild boar | Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a refuge for orphaned baby elephants. (B)

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (or similar) Immerse yourself in nature at this safari resort, offering elegant comfort just moments away from thrilling wildlife encounters in Udawalawe National Park.

Leaving Udawalawe, travel to the elegant hide-away on Sri Lanka’s stunning south coast | The afternoon is a leisure to enjoy the white-sand beach, swim, relax or experience an Ayurvedic massage. (B)

Lagoon Paradise Beach Resort (or similar) – Relax in tropical bliss at Lagoon Paradise Beach Resort, where serene lagoon views meet the pristine ocean shores of Tangalle for a wonderful beachfront escape in Sri Lanka.

Arrive this afternoon to charming Galle, situated by the Indian Ocean | Take a guided walking tour and visit the town’s principal sights | Explore the well-preserved Dutch fort, a UNESCO site, and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.  (B)

Yarra Galle Fort Hotel (or similar) – Discover timeless elegance at the Yara Galle Fort Hotel, nestled within the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, where colonial charm meets modern luxury in the heart of Sri Lanka’s coastal heritage.

A day at leisure to enjoy the delights of the Galle and its stunning coastal surrounds | Options to spend time at the National Maritime Museum, walk to- and admire the views from the Galle Lighthouse, relax at renowned Unawatuna Beach or enjoy some of the town’s many fine restaurants and cafes.  (B)

Yarra Galle Fort Hotel (or similar)

Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast before travelling on to Colombo | En route visit the informative Mask Museum at Ambalangoda | At Balapitiya take a boat trip along the Madu River | Arrive to Colombo late afternoon and enjoy a final night in the city.  (B)

Raddison Colombo Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast concludes your tour | Taxis to the airport are available, or Byroads can organise a transfer on request. (B)