Highlights of India and Sri Lanka

Begin your day with a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a classic example of Persian-inspired Mughal architecture. From there, travel to the Qutub Minar complex, home to the tallest brick minaret in the world. After lunch at a contemporary Indian café, explore the grandeur of the Red Fort, You then move into the historic heart of Old Delhi to explore Chandni Chowk, a bustling bazaar where the aroma of street food fills the air. Sample famous Indian snacks like parathas and jalebis as your guide shares fascinating stories of Mughal-era Delhi. and 17th-century Mughal palace complex, and the adjacent Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. A rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's bustling lanes offers a thrilling glimpse into the city’s soul. The day ends with an optional cultural performance at the showcasing India’s artistic diversity through music, dance, and theater.

After breakfast, set off by private vehicle along the modern Yamuna Expressway toward Agra. Upon arrival, head straight to the world-renowned Taj Mahal. This white marble mausoleum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, leaves an everlasting impression with its romantic history and intricate craftsmanship. Next, visit the Agra Fort, a sprawling red sandstone fortress that once housed the Mughal emperors. After enjoying a Mughlai lunch at a local restaurant, visit the exquisite Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, affectionately known as the “Baby Taj.” Return to Delhi in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel.

Today’s journey takes you into Rajasthan, with a stop at the magnificent Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century Mughal ghost city built by Emperor Akbar. Explore its imperial gateways, marble pavilions, and the beautiful Jama Masjid before continuing onward to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a brief rest. In the early evening, begin your discovery of Jaipur with a visit to the City Palace, a royal residence filled with ornate halls and museums. Nearby, the Jantar Mantar observatory provides a fascinating look into ancient astronomical instruments. A traditional Rajasthani dinner at a cultural venue rounds off your evening.

Enjoy a full day exploring the architectural splendors of Jaipur. Begin at Amber Fort, set on a hillside above Maota Lake. Ride an elephant or take a jeep up to the entrance, then explore its majestic halls, gardens, and mirror work interiors. Later, see the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, whose honeycombed windows once allowed royal women to observe street life in privacy. After lunch at a scenic rooftop restaurant, shop for gems, textiles, and handicrafts in the vibrant markets of Johari and Bapu Bazaar. In the evening, engage in a cultural interaction with a local Rajasthani family, where you'll enjoy an authentic home-cooked dinner and stories of daily life in Jaipur.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Jaipur Airport. Your flight to Colombo connects via Delhi. Upon landing at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, you’ll be greeted and escorted to your hotel in the capital. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation. You may choose to stroll along Galle Face Green, where the ocean breeze meets the city’s colonial charm. For dinner, enjoy a freshly prepared seafood meal at a beachfront restaurant, where dishes like Sri Lankan prawn curry and spiced calamari are served with ocean views.

Your city tour of Colombo begins at the National Museum, home to relics of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom and colonial Ceylon. Next, visit the serene Gangaramaya Temple, an eclectic Buddhist complex blending Sri Lankan, Thai, and Chinese architecture. Stop for lunch at a restaurant offering classic rice and curry dishes before visiting the Independence Memorial Hall. Your afternoon concludes with a walk through Pettah Market, where you can explore an array of colorful stalls selling spices, textiles, tea, and handicrafts. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

After breakfast, depart for the scenic hill town of Kandy. En route, stop in Matale to tour a traditional spice garden where nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves are grown and processed. Upon reaching Kandy, check into your hotel and prepare for a late afternoon visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, considered the most important Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka. In the evening, witness a vibrant cultural performance featuring Kandyan drumming and traditional dance, offering a deeper insight into local heritage.

Today’s drive winds through tea-covered hills and misty valleys toward Nuwara Eliya, a former British hill station known as “Little England.” After checking into your hotel, visit a working tea estate to see how Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea is harvested and processed. Enjoy a tasting session before heading into town for lunch at a colonial-style café. Spend your afternoon relaxing by Gregory Lake or exploring Victoria Park’s flower-filled gardens. The cooler climate and fresh mountain air provide a refreshing contrast to the lowlands.

After breakfast, travel south to Yala National Park, the premier wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. After checking into your safari lodge and enjoying lunch, head into the park for an afternoon jeep safari. The diverse terrain of Yala supports a high density of leopards, along with elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. As the sun sets over the savannah, return to your lodge for dinner and a night immersed in the sounds of the wild.

Depart Yala after breakfast for the historical coastal city of Galle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a beautifully preserved colonial fort built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Upon arrival, explore the cobbled streets lined with heritage buildings, art galleries, and quaint cafes. Visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea. Spend your afternoon relaxing at a beach café or shopping for souvenirs before heading to your hotel for a restful evening.

This morning, travel north along the coast to Bentota, known for its golden beaches and serene backwaters. The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Swim in the warm ocean, try out thrilling water sports such as jet skiing or banana boating, or unwind on the sand with a tropical drink in hand. For a more peaceful activity, take a river safari along the Bentota River to spot mangrove ecosystems and local wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a romantic beachfront dinner while the sky fades into twilight.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a brief city tour. As your journey concludes, you leave with unforgettable memories of India's regal heritage and Sri Lanka’s tropical charm—a perfectly blended adventure across two vibrant South Asian cultures.