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Best of India & Sri Lanka

The best of India and Sri Lanka in 24 days

Best of India & Sri Lanka Map

Prices from

£2,499

was £2,599

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£49
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Duration:

24 days

Age Range:

Avg 18-30

Group Size:

Avg 16

Trip Highlights

  • Explore India’s extraordinary Golden Triangle and see the mesmerising Taj Mahal at sunrise 
  • Experience India off-the-beaten-path, with unforgettable safari rides in the Thar Desert and Ranthambore National Park 
  • Discover Sri Lanka’s enchanting natural beauty: from mountain vistas to emerald tea plantations and some of the world’s best beaches 
  • Ride the world’s most scenic train journey and capture Sri Lanka’s most famous locations, like the Nine Arches and Coconut Tree Hill
  • Get to know India and Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultures with unmissable experiences like village visits and cooking with the local people

Trip Overview

India and Sri Lanka are some of the most sensational travel destinations that the world has to offer. In 24 days, this two-country trip combines world wonders and iconic landmarks with secluded spots of paradise, enriching cultural experiences, once-in-a-lifetime activities and trips to national parks. It’s hard to say which day comes out on top, because how can you compare witnessing the Taj Mahal at sunrise to the chance to discover Bengal tigers out in the wild, or unwinding on secluded beaches to riding the world’s most beautiful train journey? Just when you think you’ve seen it all, this trip surprises you in every way imaginable. And while you’re guaranteed to come away from this trip with spectacular photos, it’s all the treasured travel memories that make it absolutely life-changing.

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  • 23 nights’ accommodation
  • 23 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Tour guide
  • Flight to Sri Lanka
  • Internal flight to Jodhpur
  • Private buses
  • Airport transfer from Delhi
  • Chawri Bazaar tour
  • Jama Masjid visit
  • Jodhpur tour
  • Mehrangah Fort and village visit
  • Thar safari and glamping
  • Pushkar yoga session
  • Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar
  • Amber Fort exploration
  • Indian cooking experience
  • Ranthambore Fort visit
  • National parks safaris at sunrise
  • Baby Taj and Abhaneri Stepwell
  • Taj Mahal at sunrise
  • Negombo tour
  • See Sigiriya Rock
  • Sri Lankan cooking demonstration
  • Temple of the Tooth and spice garden
  • Tea plantation visit
  • Ride the Ella Train
  • Little Adam’s Peak hike
  • Visit Nine Arches Bridge
  • Surfing lesson and Coconut Tree Hill
  • Transfer to Negombo 
  • 24-hour emergency support

What's Not Included

Accommodation

This trip includes 23 nights of accommodation. You will stay in ensuite twin rooms across a gorgeous selection of hotels, beachfront resorts and rare experiences like glamping in the Thar Desert. Below is a taster:

India 

  • 2 nights in Delhi - contemporary hotel with laundry facilities and restaurant on the rooftop
  • 2 nights in Jodhpur - vibrant hotel with amazing rooftop and fantastic location
  • 1 night in Osian - airy and comfortable tents with extraordinary desert scenery
  • 1 night in Pushkar - a hotel that looks like a palace and has a big pool and beautiful garden
  • 2 nights in Jaipur - sophisticated hotel with a rooftop pool and calming atmosphere
  • 2 nights outside Ranthambore National Park - clean hotel with relaxing facilities like a pool and spa
  • 1 night in Agra - stunning 4-star hotel with a quieter location, big rooms and a pool on the rooftop
  • 1 night in South Delhi - beautiful 4-star hotel with rooftop and international restaurant

Sri Lanka

  • 1 night in Negombo - colourful beachfront hotel with a pool and stylish rooms
  • 2 nights in Sigiriya - comfortable hotel with beautiful tropical scenery and a big pool
  • 1 night in Kandy - chic hotel with fabulous city views and room balconies
  • 2 nights in Ella - beautiful mountain retreat with a sun terrace and balconies with amazing vistas 
  • 1 night in Udawalawe - laidback hotel with a poolside restaurant, bar and ideal location
  • 2 nights in Talalla - gorgeous eco retreat with an outdoor pool, yoga classes, a restaurant and nice garden 
  • 2 nights in Mirissa - clean and spacious hotel with its own private beach section, a bar and a restaurant

Meals

23 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners are included in this trip. Travellers are expected to fund the rest of the meals themselves, but it is so easy to eat on a budget in both India and Sri Lanka - and without having to compromise on incredible flavours either!

After landing at the airport, we'll pick you up and take you to the hotel in Delhi. We'll meet up as a group for the first time this evening and start getting excited about all the adventures we're going to have!

There's no place like Delhi! Today we'll wander around the Chawri Bazar, one of India's most popular marketplaces, and enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, we'll explore India's largest mosque, the red-marbled Jama Masjid, before visiting the Rajghat Memorial: where lawyer and social activist Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Our city tour finishes with us wandering around a breathtaking, ivory-coloured Sikh Temple.

We've only scratched the surface of India's incredible cities. This morning, we'll take a flight and land in Jodhpur: famed for its vibrant, cobalt blue architecture. And what better way to explore than with a tuk-tuk ride around the streets? Afterwards, we'll head to one of the most magical sunset spots in the city, overlooking the cerulean cityscape. Then finish the day with a delicious local dinner.

Carved into the rocky hill above Jodhpur is Mehrangarh Fort. From here, you'll have the best view imaginable of this electric blue cityscape, contrasting against the surrounding burnt-orange landscapes. This afternoon, we'll visit a village called Bishnoi and connect with the community's cultural customs and beliefs.

Discover another side to India today, as we head into the magnificent Thar Desert. Expect rippling sand dunes, shimmering golden hour skies and endless opportunities for stargazing. We'll be chasing the sunset on a safari ride, camping in the desert overnight and dinner under the moonlight.

Today's entirely about discovering more of traditional India as we visit Pushkar, one of India's most sacred cities. Famed for Hindu pilgrimage sites and a beautiful lake in the centre of it all, Pushkar is an inspiring city to explore. You can get a taste for more of India's bustling markets and legendary street food here, as well as wandering along the water.

It's an early rise this morning, as we settle in for some yoga while the sky bursts with shades of pinks and golds. Our journey then continues to Jaipur, the second city on India's iconic Golden Triangle. This evening, we'll visit a local family for a delicious homemade dinner; as we make appetisers, they will prepare the main course using their exceptional skill and fill us in on a few cooking secrets.

Just outside of Jaipur you'll find a grand, golden fortress stretched across a steep hill. Wander around and soak in all the stunning mosaic tiles across various columns and ceilings, before getting ready to experience even more colour. It's time for our city tour around Jaipur, aka India's "Pink City", including the rose-tinted Hawa Mahal. We'll finish up at an astronomical observatory called Jantar Mantar, which also has loads of restaurants and shops for you to explore as part of your free afternoon.

Ready to experience another side of India? Today we're travelling to the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park where tropical jungle paradise awaits. Take some time today to chill out at the resort before we start exploring! We'll be going for a hike through the forest and keeping our eyes peeled for peacocks and monkeys on the route to Ranthambore Fort. From the ancient ruins to the breathtaking vistas of the park, this attraction feels like something out of an action movie!

It's an early rise this morning to discover the national park's outstanding wildlife at the best time of day. While the sunrise is spectacular by itself, it's all the animals you'll encounter roaming freely that make today feel extra magical. This park is abundant in natural beauty spots which attract creatures like crocodiles and wild boars, and there's a good chance of us spotting a leopard or legendary Bengal tiger today.

Today we'll exit the rainforest and make our way to Agra: the final destination on India's Golden Triangle, and arguably the most famous one. Before we reach the attraction everyone's waiting for, today's all about discovering a few hidden gems. The Abhaneri Stepwell is the deepest of its kind in the entire world, and the level of detail everywhere you look is mind-blowing. Then we'll explore the I'timãd-ud-Daulah, which is nicknamed "Baby Taj" after its similarly beautiful structure!

As one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal already feels larger than life. Then you see this extraordinary attraction while the sun rises, and as a traveller you will feel transformed. Come away with enchanting photos, a rich knowledge of the Taj Mahal's roots and an overwhelming feeling of wanderlust. After such an incredible high, we're travelling to South Delhi: inside the city where all our adventures first started. This evening, we're going to celebrate our India adventure with a traditional feast, drinks and some dancing to the sound of Bollywood music!

Board an included flight to the enchanting island country of Sri Lanka, and get ready to explore its best beaches, richest nature spots and glorious landmarks. Part two of your trip has begun!

This morning we'll hop into a tuk-tuk to explore Negombo's quaint scenery in style. Other than the beautiful stretches of golden sand, if there's one thing Negombo is famous for, it's the fishing markets! After getting to know Negombo's community spirit, our journey continues to the town of Sigiriya where the rest of today is yours to chill out.

Today we'll discover the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock: a UNESCO-protected ancient fortress with walls that tell the story of two brothers fighting for the crown. For the best possible view, we'll be climbing the Pidurangala Rock. Then later today, we'll visit a local village and get to know Sri Lankan culture on a deeper level with a cooking demonstration!

Today we'll explore a spice garden infused with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper, en route to the city of Kandy. After settling in, we'll visit the sacred Buddhist Temple of the Tooth.

As we journey further south in Sri Lanka, discover endless rolling emerald hills and tea plantations nestled into them. Learn all about the art of tea picking and brewing, before it's time to board the world's most beautiful train journey: Sri Lanka's famous Ella train!

Enjoy a lazy morning exploring the village of Ella or admiring the mountains from your hotel balcony, curled up with a book and a cup of tea. Later today, we're grabbing our walking trainers and going for a mini hike. The views from the top of Little Adam's Peak are breathtaking, with forests dotted around the tall mountains in the distance. You have this afternoon all to yourself.

Today we'll visit the Nine Arches, which is just as striking in person as it in photos! Our journey continues to the awe-inspiring Udawalawe National Park.

Rise early this morning for the rare chance to spot herds of wild elephants and crocodiles roaming freely from the comfort of our safari vehicle. Take things slow this afternoon at the beachy hideaway of Hiriketiya, where you can enjoy the ocean and beachfront cafes. The day finishes with us arriving at our beachfront retreat in Tallala and digging into a barbecue while gazing at the glorious sunset.

As we enter the last few days of our trip, take today to enjoy Tallala completely at your own pace. Whether you're in the mood for a beach day, some yoga, a massage or lounging by the pool, there's no rush.

This morning starts with a trip to the sunkissed stretches of Weligama Beach. Today we've got a private surf lesson planned before we visit the famous and unique Coconut Tree Hill and check into our final accommodation in Mirissa (it has a private beach!).

Participate in a cultural exchange as you get to know the local monk students and witness everyday life around the monastery. This evening, we'll return to the sandy landscapes that Sri Lanka is so famous for and end our trip on a spectacular high with a farewell dinner on the beach!

This extraordinary trip to India and Sri Lanka finishes today. There are no activities are included today, so you can leave at any time. While you're welcome to extend your stay in Mirissa, there will be a bus taking travellers back to Negombo. For any help with onward travel, just ask your guide.

Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.

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Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]

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Arrival Information:

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) on Day 1, where you will be transferred to the hotel in Delhi. You will meet the group in the early evening. There is no need to arrive the day before, but the pickup will still be offered if you’d prefer to. We can help you to organise pre-trip accommodation. 

This trip ends on the morning of Day 24 in Mirissa. There will be a bus back to Negombo, which arrives around midday/afternoon. Here you could stay an extra night or arrange a taxi to the international airport which is around 30 minutes away. If you plan on flying out on Day 24, please choose a flight that leaves no earlier than 5pm.

Age & Eligibility:

This trip is designed for travellers between the ages of 18 to 40. 

Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >

Customer Images & Reviews

Customer Images

Customer Reviews

Christopher

I had a really good time and the experience was amazing. Matt was a great team leader and kept the upbeat tone throughout this whole trip and we all bonded really well as a group and this made the...

Ann

Just returned from the 12 day Sri Lanka trip. Had an amazing time with a great group of people in a beautiful country! Matt was a fantastic leader - warm, welcoming, fun, enthusiastic and really...

Claire

Just returned from 12 Day Sri Lanka trip. It was AMAZING! I haven't travelled for a long time and was quite anxious but Matt, the group leader, was welcoming and immediately put me at ease. ...

Malin

I had the best time in Sri Lanka! Really happy to have had the opportunity to experience such a wide range of what the country has to offer. It also helped that our group had the best possible...

Francesca

My dietary requirements were cared for really well which made the trip so much more enjoyable as I wasn't having to worry about food! It was really well organised too.

Celine

I only hoped for a good trip, but I'm amazed of how incredible and memorable the trip ended up being. Everything from the nature, to the people (both the group and the locals), from the early...

Katie

Amazing enjoyed itinerary, penn our group leader was fab

Elisheva

I loved this trip, great included activities and liked how there were no hidden costs. Having a bus that stayed with us and took us everywhere was really great. All the local guides were really...

Monica

This trip was absolutely incredible. Our third trip and definitely the best by far. Emma was an amazing group leader. She couldn't do enough for us. She was so supportive and helped with...

Matthew

We have done 3 trips and this has been our best trip so far, our leader Emma was amazing and was attentive to our needs and remained positive throughout making our experience even better.

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