Premium India and Sri Lanka

19 days51 reviews
Explorer
From
ZAR  116,680

Uncover spectacular wonders and cultural charm in India and Sri Lanka

Welcome to South Asia, where ancient religions, deep heritage and wild wonders are laced through cultural riches and spice-laden cuisine. On this 19-day Premium adventure you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, wildlife-spot in Minneriya National Park soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi, explore the ancient ruins of Habarana, sip tea in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and taste culinary delights in Colombo. Local leaders will bring the magic of India and Sri Lanka to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, discover the cultural heart of India and Sri Lanka.

Map of Premium India And Sri Lanka including India and Sri Lanka
Trip code: HPPGC
Start
Delhi, India
End
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Destinations
India, Sri Lanka
Meals
17 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, scenic train
Accommodation
Hotel (14 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)
Days
19
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Premium
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodationOur best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service
Premium experiencesAll must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium
Premium knowledgeTrips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders

Why you'll love this trip

Discover the beauty in famed structures, from Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Royal City Palace, to Agra’s Red Fort and iconic Taj Mahal, and the ruins and stupas of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

Taste the best of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a street food tour in Agra, a wonderful meal in the home of a Brahmin family in Jaipur, a cooking demo with a local grandmother in Polonnaruwa, and a Spice Garden visit in Matale.

Historical Feature Stays allow you to experience history first hand, staying at family owned heritage hotel in Jaipur and a historic mansion with a new sustainable lease on life in Nuwara Eliya.

Take part in Exclusive Experiences to remember – cruise down the Ganges at sunset accompanied by local musicians, and get an immersive look at rural life in Ambagasthenna.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Premium India And Sri Lanka including India and Sri Lanka

Inclusions and activities

Meals

17 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Boat, Cycle rickshaw, Metro, Plane, Private vehicle, Jeep, scenic train

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Premium inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Included activities
  • Delhi - Welcome dinner
  • Old Delhi City Tour
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Delhi - Jama Masjid (Shoe Keeper)
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
  • Agra - Agra Fort Visit
  • Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - City Palace
  • Jaipur - Private Royal Haveli visit with owner
  • Lucknow - Orientation Walk
  • Lucknow - Sheroes Dinner
  • Lucknow City Tour
  • Lucknow – Awadhi Cooking Class
  • Orientation Walk in Varanasi
  • Varanasi - Evening Ganga aarti with musicians on boat
  • Varanasi - Ganges candle flower ceremony
  • Varanasi - Sunrise Ganges boat trip
  • Sarnath Museum Visit
  • Sarnath Stupa Visit
  • Farewell Dinner at Haveli Dharampura
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Negombo - Welcome Dinner
  • Ridigama - Ridi Viharaya shrine visit and cultural experience
  • Muriya Kadawala Village - Pottery Making Experience
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
  • Polonnaruwa - Bicycle Tour
  • Polonnaruwa - Cooking demo and lunch
  • Matale – Spice Garden Visit.
  • Kandy - City Tour with the Temple of the Tooth
  • Ambagasthenna - Tea Plantation and Sustainable Farm Tour
  • Ambagasthenna - Village and Temple Tour
  • Ambagasthenna - Sunset Viewing with Drinks
  • Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
  • Nanu Oya - Scenic Train Ride
  • Nuwara Eliya - Orientation Tour
  • Colombo - Farewell Dinner
  • Colombo - Orientation Tour
  • Labukelle - Tea Plantation and Factory Visit

Optional activities
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
  • Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
  • Kandy - Cultural Dance Show - USD7

Is this trip right for you?

  • In the summer months, Rajasthan can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection.
  • There are several early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really come alive in the dawn light.
  • It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a new spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
  • The Rock Fortress – or Lion Rock – of Sigiriya is spectacular. However, those with a fear of (or even an aversion to) heights may wish to sit the excursion out. Scaling the rock involves walking up lots of rough, narrow steps and tight walkways.
  • There are a couple of long travel days on this trip. Journeys may take up to five hours but are a great opportunity to get to know locals, fellow travellers and the diverse scenery.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes a domestic flight in India. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. This trip is a combination of two trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Diane · Traveled October 2023
Review submitted 02 Nov 2023
Premium India and Sri Lanka
From
ZAR  116,680