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India Golden Triangle and Sri Lanka
13 Days
Overview:
The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments that the world has ever seen. Built in 1565, this majestic tomb was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife- and this labor of love has stood the test of time. Watching the breathtaking Indian sun rise behind this majestic wonder will be something that will stay in your mind forever. Delve into Indian history and get lost in the age-old labyrinths of Delhi's Humayun's Tomb before being whisked away in utmost comfort to the walled city of Jaipur to discover the legendary ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Then, fly to Sri Lanka and discover a range of cultures and cities, from modern and connected Colombo to the majesty of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Cycle around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa before spotting elephants on a safari and visiting tea plantations. From the culture and organized chaos to the flavors and sounds of one of the most colorful countries on Earth, you’ll be captivated by the magic of India and Sri Lanka and truly discover the extent of the history, art and mystery of this unique region.
3 days in New Delhi
2 days in Agra
2 days Jaipur
1 day in Colombo
3 days in Sigiriya
2 days Kandy
The Plan:
Day 1 New Delhi
Welcome to Delhi, India! You’ll be greeted at the airport by a hostess, who will lead you to your private driver. From the airport you will be taken straight to your hotel and you will be able to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Day 2 New Delhi
Today you will embark on your tour of Delhi. Your personal tour guide will meet you at your hotel and show you the delights of both New and Old Delhi. You will see the Laxminarayan Temple, a modern Hindu temple, and the famous Gate of India as well as other sites like the iconic Red Fort. After a full day of touring, you can enjoy the evening either relaxing at the hotel or discovering Delhi's delights on your own.
Day 3 New Delhi – Agra (4 Hours)
In the morning, your chauffeur will lead you on a 4-hour hour journey to Agra. After arriving and checking into your hotel, you will be able to explore the famous heritage trail. You will be joined by a local who will show you delights of the city that most visitors often miss. You will be able to see a glimpse of local life, the stunning gardens of Ram Bagh, and Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often known as the baby Taj.
Day 4 Agra
Today you’ll visit India’s crown jewel- the Taj Mahal. You will rise early and meet with your tour guide, who will take you on a private tour of the spectacular tomb. After this illuminating tour, you will be met by your personal, professional photographer who will ensure that you have a stunning memento of the day.
Day 5 Agra – Jaipur (6 Hours)
After breakfast you will embark on the journey to Jaipur. Your 6-hour ride will be both private and comfortable. After arriving and settling into your hotel, you will once again be whisked away via private transportation to learn all the nuances of tying and wearing both a turban and a sari. If you’re feeling brave, you’ll also have the opportunity to try a henna tattoo!
Day 6 Jaipur
After breakfast, you’ll observe the delightful city of Jaipur! From the Amber Fort and City Palace to the Observatory and Hawa Mahal, you will truly get a feel of what it was like to have been Indian royalty. In fact, you’ll witness some sections of the palace that the Maharaj still calls home! There will be picture-perfect moments throughout the day, but perhaps none more iconic than the stunning Hawa Mahal.
Day 7 Jaipur – Delhi (1 Hour) Delhi – Colombo (3 Hours 35 Mins)
As your time in this magnificent country draws to a close, you will have one last opportunity to explore the city before being picked up and taken to the airport in Delhi to begin your journey to Sri Lanka! After you arrive in Colombo, you will be swiftly transferred to your hotel to relax and spend the night at your leisure.
Day 8 Colombo – Sigiriya
Spend the morning on a private tour of Colombo with a personal guide, see the old parliament buildings, the famous Bayra lake and its Buddhist Temple, and do some shopping in the Pettah Bazaar. In the afternoon, enjoy a private transfer to Sigiriya. On the way, you’ll stop at the secluded Ritigala Buddhist Monastery!
Day 9 Sigiriya
Hop on your bicycle and enjoy the Sri Lankan air as you discover Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka dating back to the 11th century AD. Explore the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, the Lotus Bath, and the statue of King Parakramabahu. After lunch, you’ll continue to Sigiriya itself and visit the incredible rock fortress, where you’ll be able to snap photographs of the famed Lion Rock!
Day 10 Sigiriya
After a morning spent at your leisure, spend the afternoon touring Minneriya National Park with your private guide. Keep your eyes peeled for the wonderful bounty of wildlife that calls the park home including elephants, pythons and crocodiles
Day 11 Sigiriya – Kandy
As you travel to Kandy you will stop at the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a grand temple that is the most popular historical site in the whole country. It has been a draw to Buddhists and Hindus for centuries, and, with virtually unmatched spirituality and beauty, it’s easy to see why! As you get closer to Kandy, you’ll visit a spice farm and have the unique opportunity to see how the plants we enjoy are grown and used in other cultures. After you check into your hotel in the evening, you’ll experience the Temple of the Tooth.
Day 12 Kandy
Today you will enjoy an incredible experience as you board a train and head through the countryside to Gampola. While there, you’ll see the largest Buddha statue in South Asia. As you continue towards one of the most popular resort towns in Sri Lanka, you’ll visit both Nuwara Eliya and a tea plantation, enjoying some of the freshest tea you may ever have. The botanical gardens will be your next and final destination before you head back to Kandy and spend the evening walking its streets and discovering its secrets with a private tour guide. You will see all the arts and crafts that the bazaars have to offer before taking a tuk tuk back to your hotel.
Day 13 Kandy – Colombo (3 Hours)
As your time in this magnificent country draws to a close, you will have one last opportunity to explore the city or lounge in your hotel, before being escorted to the Delhi airport for your flight back home.
Must See:
New Delhi:
The Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Jama Masjid, Indian Gate, Lotus Temple, Lodi Gardens
Agra:
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Akbar's Tomb, Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Jama Mosque, Delhi Gate, Jahangir Palace.
Jaipur:
Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Sheesh Mahal, Albert Hall Museum
Colombo:
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
Sigiriya:
Sigiriya, Lions Rock, Minneriya National Park, Pidurangala Rock, Peak of the Sigiriya
Kandy:
Temple of the Tooth, Dambulla cave temple, Horton Plains National Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Memory Makers:
New Delhi
Rashtrapati Bhavan Changing of Guard and Museum Entry Independent Tour
Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace, one of India’s oldest military traditions, on this private 4-hour tour. Enjoy the memorable parade, complete with the elite President’s Body Guard on horseback and the Army Brass Band in full regalia. Then, head to either the National Museum or the National Rail Museum and explore the fascinating exhibitions independently, before being driven back to your hotel.
Experience Indian Food: Delhi Food Tour
There are few better ways to experience Old and New Delhi than with this incredible food tour that hits major culinary attractions, food stalls that are off the beaten path and provides samples of the city's most famous flavors. Follow your expert guide through back alleys and bustling urban streets, visit several major landmarks and sample the best of the city’s cuisine.
Agra
Private Food Tasting Tour in Agra
Become more familiar with Indian cuisine, and enlighten your taste buds on this private, 1.5-hour food tour in Agra. The menus in Indian eateries are full of delicious selections, but to a newbie, the numerous options can seem intimidating at first. With help from your knowledgeable guide, voyage to some of the most popular food spots in India, and taste delectable treats along the way. At the end of your tour, take home a sweet pumpkin dessert that originated in the city!
Evening Tour of Mohabbat The Taj Show
Spend your evening enjoying the amazing Mohabbat The Taj show that depicts the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the famous Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center. You will be blown away by the creative dance and dramatic lighting, the 12’ x 12’ Taj Mahal replica, and the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. The live show is in both Hindi and Urdu languages and interpretation is available in English, French and German through headphones.
Jaipur
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Jaipur
See the sites of Jaipur from high above the sky in this hot air balloon tour. Learn about the capital of Rajasthan during this one-hour morning or evening flight above India's 'Pink City'. Listen is as your expert guide shares informative commentary about the traditional villages, mountain ranges and rural fields spread out before you. You'll see the Amber Fort, as well as other top attractions, and enjoy personalized attention and safety with a small group of just seven other passengers. This memorable adventure includes round-trip hotel transport and is guaranteed to make lasting memories.
Evening Excursion: Indian Home Cooking Class in Jaipur
Spend an entertaining evening preparing traditional Indian dishes under the guidance of a local chef during this home cooking class in Jaipur. Learn about the spices, vegetables and other ingredients that make this cuisine so flavorful, and gain a deeper understanding of the rituals used to prepare some of the nation's most popular dishes. You'll work alongside a professional chef, who will instruct you step by step on how to prepare food like a local.
Colombo
Overnight Leopard Safari and Luxury Glamping
Look for leopards and other animals on an overnight safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s second-biggest wildlife park and home to the world’s highest density of leopards. After lunch, watch for these magnificent big cats, elephants, crocodiles and more on a late afternoon game drive with a qualified ranger. Enjoy a starlit dinner and sleep in a private, luxury tent before a dawn game drive and breakfast the next morning. Your trip includes round-trip transfers from different locations, plus three meals and accommodation.
Old Town Galle Tour
This tour offers 2 of the most unique experiences in the south coast of Sri Lanka. The tour includes both Handunugoda Tea Factory and a guided tour of the Fort of Galle, its ramparts and parts of the original town that have importance.
Sigiriya
Private Village Tour
This 3-hour private village tour gives you a chance to experience traditional Sri Lanka in all its glory. Spend time with the villagers and engage in many village activities that form everyday life-- such as an oxen cart ride, a catamaran ride, and a walk through the fields. Learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food, before finishing off with an exceptionally delicious buffet lunch, served in classic Sri Lankan style.
Sigiriya Birdwatching Hike
Join an expert birding guide for an early-morning, two-hour hike and watch for some of the diverse bird species that thrive in the ancient forest. You’ll follow trails through dense trees at the edge of the lake, listening for the sound of bird calls in the surrounding canopy. This two-hour birding hike is the perfect introduction to the birds of Sri Lanka, and includes a picnic-style breakfast with coffee and tea in the forest.
Kandy
Waterfall Trekking
Waterfall trekking tour in knuckles mountain range, a UNESCO world Heritage site and a part of the central highlands well-known for its natural beauty and recognized as one of the most adventurous trekking paths in Sri Lanka. The trek is about 10 KMs both ways. The journey begins and ends with a unique and memorable Tuk Tuk ride you won’t forget!
Kandy Crafts and Spices
See and shop for central Sri Lanka’s traditional handicrafts and products on this full-day tour from Kandy. Visit a spice garden to see how the island’s herbs and spices are grown and used, watch artisans create batik prints and wood carvings, and visit a gem museum to learn about indigenous gemstones and their mining and crafting. Buy souvenirs at each stop if you wish, and break for lunch in the city.
Weather and climate
India
The best time to visit Delhi, Agra and Jaipur would be between February-March and October-November. These months offer great temperatures and the largest crowds. From April – June, the temperatures will reach over 40 degrees Celsius most days, with monsoon season following.
Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka would be between December – April, when the weather is moderate and the crowds are at their peak. The time between April – September isn't too bad either, with less people and more time for sightseeing.
Inspiration Tags
Cuisine & Wine
Family
History
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