India to Sri Lanka Group Tour

Day 1: Welcome to New Delhi

Welcome to New Delhi – and the start of your India to Sri Lanka group tour! You’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader this morning, where you’ll get a trip briefing to lay out your upcoming travels and tips on staying safe in India.  

After this, it’s off to your first unmissable experience – a Hindi language lesson. Your local guide will take you through the basics and key phrases that you’ll need for your next two weeks. From there, it’s off for a tour of the city’s highlights. You’ll visit Old Delhi and its temples and spice markets, Connaught Place in the downtown district, the Delhi Haat crafts market, and the beautiful Sri Bangla Sahib Gurdwara.  

This evening, explore the area to grab yourself some dinner – and don’t forget to ask your Adventure Leader for tips!  

Day 2: New Delhi

Today is yours to spend as you see fit. However, we’d recommend spending a relaxing morning at the Lodhi Garden, followed by a visit to the Khan Market. Be sure to seek out the India Gate, and the Aagrasen ki Baoli – the oldest monument in Central Delhi.  

This afternoon, you’ve got plenty of options to explore. Why not pay a visit to: 

• Aksardham, a beautiful Hindu temple 
• Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi 
• Raj Ghat, a memorial complex dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi 
• The Lotus Temple, whose iconic design makes it a must-see 
• Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent 

Make sure you’re back in good time, though, as you’ll be travelling overnight on the night train to Varanasi – destination #2 on our India to Sri Lanka group tour!  

Day 3: Varanasi

After arriving in Varanasi this morning, you’ll transfer to your next accommodation where you’ll have some time to rest and freshen up. You’ll then meet your Adventure Leader for your second Hindi language lesson, where you can build on what you’ve already learned.  

If you’re feeling bright enough, you can opt to pay a visit to the Sarnath Buddhist and Hindu archaelogical site. According to tradition, Sarnath is where Buddha taught his first sermon, and is today home to some truly remarkable preserved artefacts and sites.  

You’ll all meet up this evening, though, for your next unmissable experience. What better way to greet Varanasi than with a Ghat boat tour, complete with the Ganga Aarti ceremony? After the ceremony, you’ll disembark at the Dasawamedh Ghat, where you can opt to join your group for dinner before returning to get some well deserved sleep! 

Day 4: Varanasi

Your second day in Varanasi starts on the water again, as you can opt to join your group for a sunrise boat tour to grab some truly spectacular views. After this, you’ll meet back up with your Adventure Leader where you’ll have the opportunity to ask them any burning questions.  

This afternoon, you might opt to join your group for a walk around the old market in Varanasi. Then, later, why not get a glimpse of Indian culture with an amazing classical music and dance show? This is a great way to close out your time in Varanasi before you move onto your next destination via night train – Agra!  

Day 5: Agra

After arriving in Agra this morning, transfer to your new accommodation to get some well-deserved rest. If you need time at your leisure, you can rest up today. Otherwise, why not join us for an optional trip this afternoon? Head out to Agra Fort and the Baby Taj for a glimpse of Agra’s spectacular architecture. 

If you’d like, this evening join your group for dinner and drinks at the fabulous Salt Café. You might want to take it easy, though – you’ve got an early start!

Day 6: Jaipur

Before we head off to Jaipur, it’s up early for a sunrise visit to the most famous site in India – the Taj Mahal! Explore this incredible complex as the sun rises, and be back in time to grab your private transfer to Jaipur.  

After checking in here, jump on the bus to Nahagarth Fort, which features one of the most amazing viewpoints from which to watch the sun set. If you’re hungry, join your group for dinner this evening.  

Day 7: Jaipur

Are you an early riser? If so, you might want to capitalise on this with one of the most exciting options to start the day: a balloon safari! Otherwise, wake up in your own time this morning and grab breakfast, before opting to visit the spectacular Amber Palace, which is built entirely of yellow and pink sandstone. 

This afternoon is yours to spend as you see fit. You might want to explore the City Palace and the next-door Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, or get your fill of shopping at the Bapu Bazaar. After this, you can opt to meet your group for an early evening food court tour to grab some local delicacies, before exploring the nightlife that Jaipur has to offer.  

Day 8: Jaipur

Another early start, as you’re up with the birds for another unmissable activity – a trip to the Monkey Temple! This temple is an incredible site that’s often a Hindu pilgrimage, and features incredible architecture, beautiful landscapes… and monkeys!  

For the rest of the morning, you can either spend it at your resting up, exploring the Pink City, or taking part in a fabulous art class!  

This afternoon, we’ll transfer to Jaipur station, bound for the next stop on our India group tour: Jaisalmer!

Day 9: Jaisalmer

You’ll arrive in Jaisalmer this morning. You can head to a local hostel for a rest and to grab some breakfast, before opting to join us as we explore the fascinating Jaisalmer Fort. This amazing structure is 250 feet tall in places, and parts of it date back to the mid-1600s! You can then opt to head to a remarkable viewpoint in the local area – Gadsisar Lake!  

It’s a flying visit though, as we’re taking you into the Thar desert for your next unmissable activity – and arguably, the jewel of your India adventure tour. Transfer by jeep into the desert, where you’ll take part in a camel trek that leads you to the site of your camp. Here, you’ll have dinner al fresco, and set up your comfortable beds, ready for a night sleeping under the stars.  

Day 10: Jodhpur

There’s no escaping the sunrise this morning, as it’ll wake you gently from your spot in the desert. After preparing a breakfast and packing up, you’ll head back to the city, ready to transfer to Jodhpur.  

After your private transfer arrives, you’ll check in to your next hostel and drop your things. We’ll then take you on tour to orientate yourself in the Blue City, where you’ll see landmarks like the Clock Tower and the fascinating Toorji Ka Jhalra – the ancient step well.  

This evening, feel free to join your group at the Stepwell Café for a drink.  

Day 11: Jodphur

Today’s a free day to spend as you see fit! If you’d like to join us for an optional activity, however, you might opt for: 

• A cooking class, where you’ll learn about the history of Indian food and its place in wider culture. You’ll develop an appreciation for the flavours of true traditional Indian cuisine.  
• A pulse-raising Flying Fox zip line experience! Whiz across the city and the fort, getting both incredible views and a real adrenaline rush.  

This evening, why not meet your group for a drink atop the hostel?  

Day 12: Mumbai

Late morning today, you’ll fly to your final destination in India: Mumbai!

After your flight, spend the day transferring to your accommodation, arriving in the late afternoon – just in time for movie night! This evening, why not grab a view of the city from a roof top bar? 

Day 13: Mumbai

If you’d like to learn more about local life in Mumbai, opt to join us this morning for a tour of the Dharavi Slum. You’ll also get the chance to visit the Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi – the largest outdoor laundry in the entire world!  

This afternoon, meet up with your group for an unmissable tour of Mumbai. Along the way, you’ll explore must-see sites like the Gateway of India and the Coloba District. In the evening, you might opt to spend your last night in India exploring all the exciting nightlife that Mumbai has to offer.  

Day 14: Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Today marks the start of your Sri Lanka adventure!

Catch a flight from Mumbai to Colombo, and then meet your new Adventure Leader in the lobby of the Colombo hostel. You’ll drop off your luggage and have a pre-departure briefing, where you’ll discuss the upcoming itinerary. After, take an evening walking tour around the old town of Colombo and discover the rich history and culture of the city.  

Day 15: Negombo & Dambulla 

Kick off your morning with an early trip to Negombo to check out the famous fish market, known locally as ‘Lellama’. Located along Negombo beach, this fresh fish market is the ideal place to interact with local fisherman and witness the daily fish auction. 

After, you’ll all head to Dambulla – here, you’ll visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex, one of Sri Lanka’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover a series of caves – turned into temples almost 2,000 years ago, before checking into your hostel for the evening. 

Day 16: Sigiriya 

After breakfast, head northeast to another of Sri Lanka’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites – the ancient city of Sigiriya. Here, you’ll climb the ancient rock fortress – home to ruins of the capital built by King Kashyapa I during the reign of 477 – 495 – and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding lowlands.  

Spend the afternoon exploring Sigiriya at your leisure or join us on an optional visit to the old city of Polonnaruwa – another magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the ruins of this medieval capital city by bicycle, taking in the beauty of its monuments, statues, royal palaces, temples, and pagodas.  

After an active day, there is nothing left to be done other than wind down at your guesthouse in Dambulla for the evening with a glass of arrack – a traditional Sri Lankan spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flour.  

Day 17: Knuckles Mountain Range

After breakfast, we’ll head south to the Knuckles Mountain Range – a geographical formation renowned for its unique recumbent folds and peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. We’ll 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 some serious views. 

Late afternoon, bid farewell to the mountains and head to Kandy – the hill capital and Sri Lanka’s second largest city. Take the rest of the day to explore the vibrant mix of both ancient and modern architecture that this city has to offer, before taking a visit to the local pub. 

Day 18: Kandy

After breakfast, start the day with a visit to one of the nation’s most iconic sights: The Temple of Tooth. Formerly the royal palace of the Sri Lankan King, it is now a temple – considered the most sacred in the country as it houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha himself.  

You can either spend your afternoon exploring the city some more under your own steam, or you can opt for a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Roughly 5.5km west of Kandy, these gardens make for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Keep your eyes peeled for its famous collection of orchids. 

Come late afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to Kandy Lake – the centrepiece around which the city is built. This makes for an unforgettable setting during golden hour! After, you and your fellow travellers can enjoy a relaxing evening in Kandy, exploring as you please, before heading to your hostel for the night.

Day 19: Kurunegala

After breakfast, depart to Kurunegala where you’ll spend the day at The Sputnik Centre – where you’ll witness, first hand, some of the nation’s exciting efforts to engage with their youth community. Sputnik has been providing language courses, community programs, and table tennis classes for over two decades and plays host to some inspirational volunteers.

After, transfer back to Kandy and enjoy some downtime with your fellow travellers.

Day 20: Kitulgala

Bid farewell to the nation’s hill capital and transfer to your next destination in Sri Lanka – the hillside town of Ella. However, not before taking part in some adrenaline-pumping, jaw-dropping activities on the route

In the morning, we’ll head 2 hours south for an exhilarating white water rafting journey through the Kitulgala rainforest – swiftly followed by a hearty Sri Lankan lunch. After, we’ll travel to Hatton to hop on board the afternoon train to Ella. Far from your average journey, this is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world and certainly, a must-do when in Sri Lanka. This scenic journey takes you through tea plantations, forests, and villages in the central hills of this beautiful country. 

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

Day 21: Ella

Kicking off day 21 of this India to Sri Lanka tour is a 4-hour round hike to Ella Rock at sunrise. Though an early start is required, this will not be without the reward of stunning views! You will be met at the top by a sea of rolling mountain landscapes and valleys, all glowing golden as the sun rises over the horizon – a truly unforgettable moment. 

Following the hike, we’ll take a short drive to Ravana Falls. This stunning geographical feature is known for its cascading waters and rock pools which make for the perfect afternoon swim (weather permitting). 

For the rest of the afternoon, explore Ella on your own time. Or better yet, take your pick from a local Sri Lankan cooking class or a yoga lesson – both optional activities.  

Day 22: Ella & Udawalawe

It’s time for your second scenic sunrise of the trip with a hike to Mini World’s End. This spectacular viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views with a touch of adrenaline mixed in – its sheer drop of 1192 metres in the reason for its name. 

After returning to the hostel to freshen up, we’ll then be on our way to Udawalawe – home to some of Sri Lanka’s most incredible animals. But not before visiting Buduruvagala Ancient Temple – an incredible Buddhist complex, set in a tranquil forested area. The temple is renowned for its remarkable collection of seven statues carved into a rock face, dating back to the 10th century.

Following, we will check into our campsite, before heading out on a jeep safari around Udawalawe National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, an array of birdlife, and more.  

Day 23: Handunugoda & Unawatuna

Sri Lanka is widely known for its production of delicious tea, so it wouldn’t be right to leave without visiting a tea plantation. After breakfast, we’ll head 2 hours southwest to the Handunugoda Tea Estate where you’ll learn about the tea-making process – from field to cup. Then, pay a visit to the historic tea factory and museum, before settling down to enjoy a freshly made cup of tea at the end of the tour. 

From there, we’ll head 30 minutes along the stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna – one of the many world-class beach destinations. Take some time in the evening to explore this vibrant, surfing town before relaxing in your hostel. 

Day 24: Unawatuna

Today, it’s all sun, sand, sea, and surfing! Take some well-deserved, relaxing time on the beach, before taking to the waves for a surfing lesson. NOTE: Sri Lanka’s surfing season is from December to April – we expect most surfing sessions to run as normal, but should the conditions not be deemed suitable, travellers will receive a full refund for this activity.

The afternoon comes with the option to get creative! Try your hand at some mask painting – a traditional Sri Lankan craft which, once created, are thought to have healing and protective powers.

Day 25: Galle 

Today kicks off with a tuk-tuk ride to Galle – Sri Lanka’s busiest southern city and home to Galle Fort City, another captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, is a phenomenal historic feature that demonstrates the interaction between architectural styles and South Asian traditions. 

The fort ramparts, including a lighthouse, clock tower, houses, churches, and other various buildings are well-preserved – most now playing host to chic restaurants, private villas, boutiques, and guesthouses – without, of course, compromising on the authenticity of the fort.  

After exploring the city on foot, you and your fellow travellers will be able to enjoy the sunset on the fort’s ramparts, before heading back to Unawatuna.  

Day 26: Colombo

Today marks the final day of your India to Sri Lanka group tour package! We will start our journey back to Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, where you will bid farewell to your new friends and prepare to head home! 

On our way, we will stop by a temple where you will meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a pooja (blessing ritual) prior to the end of your journey.