- ✓ Witness sunrise at the iconic Taj Mahal
- ✓ Explore Rajasthan’s iconic cities
- ✓ Ride the tea-country train
- ✓ Go on safari in Yala
- ✓ Relax on the sandy shores in Mirissa
Two countries, one incredible journey. Start in India, travelling from bustling Delhi through colourful Rajasthan, with the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur along the way. Taste your way through local markets, meet the people and soak up the sights with your own private driver.
Then swap India’s forts and palaces for Sri Lanka’s lush hills, tea plantations and tropical beaches. Learn to cook a Sri Lankan curry, ride the scenic train to Ella, head out on safari in Yala and finish with some well-earned beach time in Mirissa. A perfect mix of culture, food, wildlife and relaxation.
Day 1 – India: arrival in Delhi
After your international flight, you’ll arrive in the heart of India, Delhi. You’ll be collected by your private driver and taken to your comfortable hotel in Central Delhi, near to both the spice markets of Chandi Chowk and the modern bars of Connaught Place. Here, you can catch your breath and rest after your flight or alternatively you can visit some of the local sights by metro as there is a station nearby.
Day 2 – Travel to Agra by train
It’s time to experience the famous Indian Railway! You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the station where you’ll board the train to Agra. This day train is comfortable, and the journey is relatively short (approx. 2 hours). On arrival in Agra you’ll be warmly welcomed into the cosy homestay which is your base for the next two nights. We’ve found a handful of wonderful, small, family owned homestays that are less than 10 minutes stroll from the Taj Mahal. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and the gardens are just the spot to relax.
Day 3 – Taj Mahal and Agra’s highlights
Today, you’ll visit two breathtaking sites. First, in the morning, you’re free to visit the Taj Mahal – a highlight of any trip to India. Standing serenely in the first light of the morning, we’re sure that this building will beat all your expectations. No postcard can possibly do it justice. Built by Shah Jahan as a token of his love for his deceased wife, it is the most romantic burial site in the world.
After visiting the Taj Mahal by yourselves, you’ll be collected and taken to Agra Fort. In the golden light of the afternoon, you’ll see the sunshine slant through the pillars and galleries. From its majestic walls and through its arches, you can see the Taj Mahal, just as Shah Jahan would have done centuries ago, when he was imprisoned here by his son.
From here you’ll cross the River Yamuna and visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb – better known as the Baby Taj. Albeit not on the scale of the Taj Mahal itself, this peaceful building also features the marble inlay work for which Agra is famous. Finally, you’ll visit Mehtab Bagh, a formally laid out Mughal garden which offers stupendous views of the Taj Mahal.
Days 4 & 5 - Travel to Jaipur & explore independently
Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Agra and transfer you to Jaipur, which takes around five hours. On arrival in Jaipur, you’ll check into your accommodation for the next two nights, where you’ll be staying in a family-run hotel in a quiet area, with characterful rooms decorated in typical Rajasthani style. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool, unwind in the garden with a good book and enjoy a tasty dinner at the small on-site restaurant serving local dishes.
The following day is free for you to spend as you wish, explore the majestic Amber Fort, visit the royal City Palace and take a stroll through the colourful bazaars this city is famous for.
Day 6 – Travel to Pushkar
Today, you’ll leave Jaipur and head for Pushkar. This picturesque town is built around a beautiful holy lake. Temples line the water’s edge and pilgrims come here to bathe and chant at the ghats. It’s a peaceful spot to just sit, watch, and soak up the magical atmosphere, especially at dawn and dusk. Away from the lake, wander through the narrow streets of the old centre, past colourful market stalls, temples and cosy cafes.
Day 7 – Pushkar to Jodhpur
Continue your journey to Jodhpur, also known as ‘The Blue City’ because many houses in its old town are painted in shades of blue. Explore the narrow alleyways and buzzing, vibrant markets of the city where you’ll find stalls selling colourful bangles and leather goods, aromatic spices and tempting snacks. Towering above the city is the dramatic Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive Mughal forts in India. We can arrange a guided tour of the fort – just ask your Travel Specialist to include this in your travel plan.
Day 8 - Travel to Udaipur
After breakfast you’ll depart for Udaipur. On the way, you’ll stop to visit the striking Jain temple of Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, it’s made entirely of white marble and features 1444 intricately carved pillars. Continue onto Udaipur, which is set around the shimmering Lake Pichola and backed by green hills, It’s often called India’s most romantic city and has a relaxed charm.
You’ll spend two nights here, staying in a comfortable traditional haveli with a roof terrace. In the evening, relax on a rooftop terrace with something cold to drink and watch the sun set.
Day 9 – Udaipur city tour and boat ride
You’ll spend today exploring Udaipur. In the morning, a local guide will take you to visit the City Palace with its impressive murals, intricate mosaics and sweeping views over Lake Pichola. You’ll also stop at the Jagdish Temple that’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s a working temple so you may see daily rituals and hear chanting drifting out into the streets. Your guide will fill you in on the history of this atmospheric city as you take in the sights.
We’ll also arrange a boat trip on Lake Pichola, for an alternative perspective on Udaipur from the water. You’ll pass ghats where locals gather, and drift past the gleaming marble Lake Palace – one of Rajasthan’s most iconic sights.
Day 10 – Fly back to Delhi for the night
It’s now time to leave Rajasthan and head back to Delhi. You’ll board a domestic flight from Udaipur back to India’s capital city. Spend one final night in Delhi tonight, before flying to Sri Lanka tomorrow.
Day 11 – Fly to Colombo, transfer to Kandy & city tour
Today, you’ll be collected and taken to the airport to catch your flight to Colombo, where you’ll be met and transferred to Kandy. You’ll spend the next two nights in a homestay, just outside the city, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms. There’s a really relaxed atmosphere here and you’re sure to feel immediately at ease.
Later this afternoon, you’ll head out on a city tour and see the sights. We’d recommend visiting the Royal Botanical Garden and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
You can spend your first evening relaxing in the garden with a good book or taking a look around the home – you’ll find plenty of interesting photos!
Day 12 – At home in the curry kitchen
Today you’ll start your morning by heading for a stroll through the local villages before tucking into your breakfast. After you’ve eaten, you’ll weave between the stalls of the local markets where your senses will be awoken by the colourful sights and tantalising smells. On your return, it’s time to get your taste buds going as you join the local cook who’ll teach you how to make a delicious Sri Lankan curry, revealing all her tasty secrets.
Day 13 – Travel to Nuwara Eliya & try tea picking
Bid farewell to your hosts and continue your journey through Sri Lanka, heading into the hills of Nuwara Eliya. With the unmistakable air of a quintessential English town, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as ‘Little England’, and it won’t take you long to see why. Colonial style buildings, rose scented flower gardens, red telephone boxes and even a church, all surrounded by a blanket of rolling tea plantations; this is a totally different side of Sri Lanka.
You’ll head straight into the fields with a local tea plucker and, under her guidance, pick the tea yourself before enjoying a freshly brewed cup before arriving at your centrally located hotel right in the heart of the country.
Day 14 – Trek to World’s End...
It’s an early rise today and after a refreshing cuppa, you’ll be given a breakfast pack before jumping into your jeep for a trip to Horton Plains National Park. After an hour’s scenic drive, you’ll reach the plateau and soon be on your way along the beautiful 3-4 hour circular walk, taking in the many the highlights of this World Heritage national park, from wild grasslands to thick forests.
Eventually, you will discover the highlight of this trip; World’s End. As the dusty trail reaches an opening, you’ll be met by views of a spectacular gorge and sheer cliff that will leave you feeling that the world has come to an end. It’s the perfect place to tuck into your picnic breakfast and soak up the views before the white mist rolls in.
... and continue to Ella
Then you’ll travel by train to the mountains of Ella. We’ll buy 3rd class tickets for you so you have the chance to travel with the locals. The journey takes roughly 3 hours, and when you arrive at the station, your driver will already be there waiting. You’ll walk with him along the track to the hotel.
Known for its breathtaking mountain views and endless rolling hills, Ella is a popular small town nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, with plenty of places to eat and a buzzy, welcoming atmosphere. When you arrive at Ella station, you’ll see your driver giving you a wave on the platform to take you to your hotel.
Day 15 - Trekking
This morning, you’ll wake up to the endless mountain views that surround you. Lace up your boots; it’s time for some hard work as you set off on a trek to Little Adam’s Peak! Armed with a map of the routes and a packed lunch that we’ll provide, you’ll begin your brisk walk for about two hours through tea plantations, beautiful train bridges and remote villages.
Once you’ve climbed the large steps to the summit, you can put your feet up at the top as you look out over the gigantic ridges. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous today, you could climb Ella Rock instead. This is a more challenging trek where you’ll walk for about 4 hours through winding jungle trails to reach the top.
Day 16 – Travel to Yala National Park & wildlife safari
Today you’ll head to the famous Yala National Park. En route, you’ll stop at the Elephant Transit Home where injured babies and orphans are cared for. Watch as herds of elephants bustle their way to the gates at feeding time. You’ll continue to Yala, where you’ll take a jeep safari into the park to spend the next couple of hours scanning the landscape for wildlife. Hold on tight as you’re driven across winding roads in search of elephants and crocodiles on the lake’s banks. After an exciting afternoon, you’ll arrive at the campsite to spend the night in a tent with a private bathroom and a comfy bed.
Days 17 & 18 – Travel to Mirissa & relax
Time to head to the south coast. First you’ll make a stop at the nearby Tissa Kataragama Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Here, you can see all these religions melt together in one place.
After your temple visit, you’ll continue on to the south coast seaside town of Mirissa. Time to relax, soak up the sunshine and reflect on your epic adventure. We’ve included two nights in Mirissa, but if you want to stay longer, let your Travel Specialist know and they will add more beach time into your travel plan.
Day 19 – Departure from Sri Lanka
Take one final dip and the pool and a last stroll along the beach, as it’s time to travel back to Colombo airport in time to catch your international flight home.
Accommodation
