Essential India & Sri Lanka

Arrive in Delhi and make your way to our meeting point. Our pre-departure meeting starts at 12:00, so you may wish to consider arriving in Delhi the day before we depart - please contact us to arrange pre-tour accommodation. At the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader, and find out more about our upcoming adventure.

We also enjoy a basic Hindi lesson with our tour leader. Then, after some time to check in, we are heading out at around 16:00 for a tour of Old Delhi. You’ll experience bustling markets, delicious street food, temples, and plenty of fun along the way - comfortable shoes are highly recommended! We will also visit the Sis Ganj Sikh Temple in Old Delhi, a grand 18th century Sikh temple.

Rise early for a friendly (but competitive) game of ultimate frisbee this morning, if you choose. You can also opt for an English session with a local, Mr. Sanjeev Nangia, an incredible personality with vast knowledge. He is open to answering any questions you may have about Delhi, and he will also be able to introduce you to locals so you can gain insights into their daily lives.

Late morning, we head out to visit Akshardham Temple with our tour leader. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple was built by 7,000 artisans using pink sandstone and Italian marble, showcasing 234 intricately carved pillars and 20,000 statues honouring Hindu spiritual figures.

The rest of the day is at leisure. You can join an optional pottery workshop (approx 2,000 INR) or perhaps you would prefer to head out to see some of Delhi's other sites, such as Humayun's Tomb or Qutub Minar - both are easily reached in an Uber, and entrance is approximately 600 - 1,200 INR per person.

Delhi - Varanasi. It's another early start as we head to the train station to board our train to Varanasi, India's spiritual heartland. Arriving in the city at around 14:00, we are transferred to tonight's hostel where there is time to freshen up and perhaps enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.

Later, we embark on a memorable Ghat tour by boat, exploring Varanasi’s iconic riverside steps, including the solemn Burning Ghat. Experience the vibrant Ganga Aarti Ceremony, where rhythmic chants and glowing lamps create a mesmerising tribute to the sacred Ganges. Watch for free from the riverbanks alongside the crowd or, for an added fee, gain a unique perspective from the boat. Afterward, join the group for an optional dinner (at your own expense) and stroll back to the hostel, taking in the lively evening atmosphere of Varanasi.

Varanasi - Agra. Enjoy a lie in this morning, or rise early for an optional sunrise boat tour on the Ganges (approx 400 INR). The rest of the morning and afternoon are free for you to explore Varanasi at your own pace. You may also wish to join an optional visit to the Sarnath Buddhist and Hindu archaeological site (approx 800 - 1,100 INR) or a visit to the famous Blue Lassi shop, where you can try the iconic lassi yoghurt drink.

At either 16:00 or 22:00 depending on the availability of trains, we will leave Varanasi, riding the night train to Agra.

Arriving in Agra, we transfer to the hostel, and you'll have time to head out for breakfast. The Bread&mine cafe near our accommodation is a great option, this community cafe helping to support members of the deaf community.

The rest of the day is at leisure. There's an optional afternoon visit to Agra Fort and Baby Taj (approx 1,100 - 1,400 INR) for those who are interested. Get an early night, because we have an unmissable day tomorrow...

Agra - Jaipur. We are waking just before sunrise and walking to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and without a doubt the most famous attraction in the whole of India. Marvel at this incredible monument to love in the early morning glow, and take plenty of photos to remember the experience.

We are departing Agra this afternoon, with a private transfer to Jaipur. The drive time today is estimated at 5 -6 hours, depending on the traffic and how many stops we make.

On arrival in Jaipur, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps pay a visit to the Nahargarh Fort (approx 210 INR). We recommend Tattoo Cafe for dinner!

Today is free for you to explore the Pink City of Jaipur. There are numerous optional activities that you can book in with your tour leader or head out to enjoy independently. Consider rising early again for a hot air balloon safari over the city (approx USD $310). The Govind Dev Temple is located within walking distance of our hostel and we also strongly suggest you visit the impressive Amber Fort (approx 1,550 INR). You can also visit Chokhi Dhani, a vibrant mock village celebrating the essence of Rajasthani culture, food, and heritage.

Jaipur has a bustling nightlife scene, and depending on the preferences of the group, we may head out tonight to enjoy a few drinks.

Jaipur - Jaisalmer. There's no rest for the wicked and we have another early start for our included visit to the Monkey Temple. The Monkey Temple, or Galta Ji, in Jaipur is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site featuring sacred water tanks and home to hundreds of rhesus macaques, set within a cliffside temple complex.

Back in the city, you have a free morning to head out for breakfast, or can join a Bollywood dance class (approx 1,000 INR). Then at around 14:00, we head to the rail station to board our overnight train to Jaisalmer - bring some dinner with you, as you won't be able to purchase anything on the train.

We arrive in Jaisalmer at about 5:00 and head to the hostel for a rest. We aren't staying here but you will be able to unwind in the common areas and have a wash. The rest of the morning and early afternoon can be spent exploring the surroundings, or you could visit Jaisalmer Fort. Some of it is free to enter, but a cost of around 600 INR is needed to enter the temple inside the fort.

Mid-afternoon, we head out of the city. Take a one-hour jeep drive into the desert, where a camel ride awaits, leading you through stunning sand dunes. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner, then sleep comfortably on proper beds under the open sky. In case of rain, tarpaulins will be provided for extra cover.

Jaisalmer - Jodhpur. Wake early to watch the sunrise and enjoy a vegetarian breakfast before we head back to Jaisalmer. Freshen up before we make the 6-hour drive in private transportation to Jodhpur. Arriving at our hostel, we have an hour or so to relax after checking in.

Then we enjoy an included 2-hour orientation tour of this famous Blue City, taking in some of Jodhpur's historic sites and a local bazaar. We finish at a local cafe, where you can enjoy a drink before we head back to the hostel.

Today is free for you to explore Jodhpur, or to enjoy some of the optional activities available. There's a hands-on cooking class (approx 2,000 INR) or you can ride the Flying Fox zip line, which takes about one hour to complete and sees you whizz between six stations, offering panoramic views of Jodhpur and the surrounding desert. This activity needs to be pre-booked with your tour leader.

We'll gather as a group for dinner and drinks at the hostel this evening, to reflect on our day.

Jodhpur - Mumbai. Today we are flying to Mumbai (included). Your flight will either be at 11:00 or 14:00, your tour leader will confirm flight times. On arrival in the city, formerly known as Bombay, you will be transferred to our hostel. We will have a chilled evening in the hostel, or perhaps head out for a Bollywood movie night (approx 850 - 1,250 INR).

This morning is at leisure, or you can join an optional tour to Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, where you can learn about local life here (approx 1,000 - 1,200 INR). Later, an optional trip to Dhobi Ghat Mahalaxmi is offered (approx 600 INR). This is the largest outdoor laundry in the world, and you can learn how to wash clothes the traditional way.

At around 17:00, we embark on an included orientation tour of Mumbai with our tour leader. Make use of the city's train network and explore upscale townships like the Gateway of India and the Queen's Necklace - Marine Drive. If we fancy a few drinks and dinner in the city afterwards to celebrate our trip, this can be arranged. Alternatively, we can head back to the hostel.

Mumbai - Colombo (Sri Lanka). Today marks the beginning of the Sri Lanka section of our tour. You will be transferred to the airport at the scheduled time, and will be collected on arrival in Colombo and taken to tonight's hostel in the Sri Lankan capital.

In the evening, join a welcome meeting with your new tour leader and the rest of your tour group for this part of the trip. We will then enjoy an included evening walking tour around the Old Town of Colombo.

Please note: Some members of your group will be finishing their trip in Mumbai, and others will be starting their adventure in Colombo. The maximum group size of the tour will never be exceeded. You may also have a different tour leader for the next part of the trip.

Colombo - Negombo - Dambulla. We start our morning with an early trip to Negombo to explore the famous fish market, known locally as ‘Lellama’. Located along Negombo beach, this fresh fish market is the perfect place for us to interact with local fishermen and witness the daily fish auction.

Afterwards, we will head to Dambulla, where we will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex, one of Sri Lanka’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will discover a series of caves that were transformed into temples almost 2,000 years ago, before checking into our hostel for the evening.

Dambulla - Sigiriya. We will start our day at 05:30 with a packed breakfast as we climb the Sigiriya rock fortress to explore Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient palace, carved into the rock, stands as a testament to the master engineers and artists of ancient times, showcasing intricate architecture, a network of ponds and streams at the summit, and stunning rock paintings, including the famous “Sigiriya Damsels.” We will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding lowlands from the top before making our way back down.

You can spend the afternoon visiting cultural attractions in the area at your leisure, or you can join an optional visit to the old city of Polonnaruwa (approximately $55 USD). Later this evening, you can wind down with an included glass of arrack, Sri Lanka’s favourite alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers.

Sigiriya - Knuckles Mountain Range - Kandy. After breakfast, we will travel to the northern part of the Knuckles Mountain Range, a geographical formation renowned for its unique recumbent folds and peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. We will hike along the scenic Manigala Trail, taking in the rich diversity of flora and fauna in this cloud forest before settling down for a packed lunch with spectacular views.

In the late afternoon, around 16:00, we will transfer to Kandy, the hill capital and Sri Lanka’s second-largest city. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant mix of ancient and modern architecture that this city has to offer before visiting a local pub.

We begin our day with a visit to one of the nation’s most iconic sights: the Temple of the Tooth. Once the royal palace of the Sri Lankan king, it is now a temple regarded as the most sacred in the country, as it houses the relic of Lord Buddha's tooth.

You can either spend your afternoon exploring the city further at your own pace or choose to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya (Approximately $30 USD).

Later today around 17:30, we will visit Kandy Lake for sunset - the centrepiece of the city. This provides an unforgettable atmosphere during the golden hour.

Kandy - Kurunegala - Kandy. Today, we will take a day trip to Kurunegala and spend the day at The Sputnik Centre, a vibrant hub known for its engaging activities and workshops. Here, we can enjoy various cultural experiences, including local crafts, cooking classes, and traditional music performances, immersing ourselves in the rich heritage of the region. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with the community and learn more about Sri Lankan culture. We then return to Kandy, and the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Kandy - Kitulgala - Ella. Depart for Kitulgala at 07:30 for an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure through the Kitulgala rainforest. After our rafting experience, we will enjoy a hearty Sri Lankan lunch to refuel.

We will travel to Hatton to board the afternoon train to Ella. It is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world and is definitely a must-do while we are in Sri Lanka. Our scenic journey will take us through tea plantations, forests, and villages in the stunning central hills of this beautiful country.

You can spend the evening exploring Ella at your own pace, with plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants to choose from.

We will start our day with a hike at 07:00 up to Ella Rock for sunrise. Following our hike, we will take a short drive to Ravana Falls. This stunning natural feature is known for its cascading waters and rock pools, which provide the perfect opportunity for an afternoon swim (weather permitting).

For the rest of the afternoon, you can explore Ella at your own pace or choose from a local Sri Lankan cooking class (approximately $20 USD) or a yoga lesson (approximately $25 USD).

Ella - Udawalawe. We will enjoy our second scenic sunrise at 05:00 with a hike to Mini World’s End. This breathtaking viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views with a touch of adrenaline. Its sheer drop of 1,192 metres will give us a better understanding of its name.

After we return to our hostel to freshen up, we will make our way to Udawalawe, home to some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable wildlife. Our first stop will be the Buduruwagala Ancient Temple, renowned for its unique Buddhist art and history. The temple features seven statues carved into the rock, dating back to around the 10th century, with the main statue being a large standing Buddha surrounded by smaller figures such as bodhisattvas and deities. The peaceful, wooded surroundings enhance its spiritual atmosphere.

Finally, we will proceed to our campsite for the night, located at the edge of Udawalawe National Park. Here we will enjoy an included jeep safari through the national park at around 15:30. Keep an eye out for wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and a variety of birdlife. If we're lucky, we might even see an elusive leopard.

Udawalawe - Handunugoda - Unawatuna. At 10:00 we will head two hours southwest to the Handunugoda Tea Estate, where we will learn about the tea-making process - from field to cup. After that, we will visit the historic tea factory and museum before enjoying a freshly made cup of tea at the end of the tour.

From Handunugoda Tea Estate, we will travel for 30 minutes along the stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna, one of the many world-class beach destinations. We should arrive in for our check in at 14:00. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sun, sand, sea, and surfing in Unawatuna.

Today, we will have an included surfing lesson, the timing of which depends on the conditions. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Unawatuna.

Later today you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional mask painting lesson (at approximately $38 USD).

Please note: If the surfing lesson is cancelled due to the conditions, you will be refunded for this activity.

Unawatuna - Galle - Unawatuna. Today at 08:30, we will take a 20-minute ride in a tuk-tuk to Galle for a day of exploring the Galle Fort City, another captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. Galle is the largest and busiest city in southern Sri Lanka. Tucked away in a corner jutting out into the ocean is the old city, protected by a fort where time has surely slowed down. The fort was built in the 1600s by the Portuguese and later extensively fortified by the Dutch.

As we explore, we will discover the well-preserved ramparts, along with a lighthouse, clock tower, houses, churches, and buildings constructed by the Dutch and Portuguese. Many of these buildings now host chic restaurants, private villas, boutiques, and guesthouses, all while maintaining the fort's authenticity. The best way to explore the fort is on foot. We can enjoy a sunset on the ramparts before returning to Unawatuna.

Unawatuna - Colombo. We will transfer for two hours to the capital, Colombo. Along the way, we will stop by a temple to meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a pooja, which is a blessing ritual, before the end of our journey. We can arrange post-tour accommodation for you in Colombo, if you wish.