You want to discover Sri Lanka and India! Would you like to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise? Fancy an authentic Sri Lankan cookery course? Want to see some of the world's most amazing animals up close?
Well, this is the tour to experience all that and MUCH MORE! Over the next 23 life-changing days, we'll discover the best of the best of India's Golden Triangle, experience the world-famous safari at Ranthambore National Park and watch the sun set over Lake Pichola with a sunset sail. And all this before travelling to the breathtaking country of Sri Lanka. There we will take you to the hidden treasures and hotspots of this idyllic country.
Imagine visiting the iconic Sigiriya Rock, immersing yourself in local life at an authentic homestay and marvelling at breathtaking landscapes on the world-famous Kandy-Ella railway line. India and Sri Lanka are two countries full of bucket list moments and truly incredible memories. So, what's stopping you? See you at the airport!
Detailed information about the tour and accommodation can be found below and in the tour PDF. This can be found further down on this page.
Duration of the journey: 23 days / 22 nights
Start: New Delhi
End: Unawatuna
Transport: All transport during the tour, private van, train to Ella & flight to Colombo, flight to Colombo
Meals: 20 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 6 x dinner
Group size: approx. 20 persons
Accommodation: 22 nights in a hotel double room, glamping
Age range: 18 - max.45
International flights to and from the destination are not included in the price. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding flight offer. Simply send us an enquiry.
23 days
International Group Tour
English
20 people
Are you ready for the most epic 23 days of your life? Give us a WAHOOOO! Let's go. Spend some time in our accommodation before we go out for a welcome dinner and a few drinks to get to know your new TruFam who you'll be spending the next 13 days with. Delhi is a vibrant, bustling city with so much going on! So have a beer and let's get out and explore!
Airport pick-up
Wake up! It's our first morning in New Delhi, and it's beautiful! What better way to experience Delhi than to be shown around by a local in person? We're here to see it all, baby! We start a pedestrian tour under the guidance of the Salaam Balak Trust. One of the most trusted charitable organisations for street children in Delhi. You're going to learn a lot today, so grab your thinking caps and put them on! We'll visit their headquarters, learn how the organisation provides opportunities and care to children to help those living on the streets. It's a rewarding day and one you won't want to miss. Later, we visit some of the main sights, including the famous India Gate war memorial and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India. In the evening, we pack our bags and head to the railway station where we board the overnight train to our next destination, Udaipur!
Salaam Balak Trust Walk, New Delhi City Tour & Rickshaw Ride
Breakfast
Good morning! We've arrived in Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East" - you'll soon understand why! The day is yours to explore. Once we arrive at our new hotel, you'll have time to relax, chill, update your Instagram stories (you'll want to), or you can head out and explore the sights - they'll surprise you, trust us! In the afternoon, we'll hop on a sunset cruise boat and sail the calm waters of Lake Pichola. Let your eyes savour the mesmerising scenery of Rajasthan's most beautiful and romantic city and take it all in! You will notice incredible architecture, temples, picturesque ghats and even majestic palaces. After all that sightseeing, it's time to indulge in some delicious Indian cuisine. Treat your taste buds to a delicious traditional thali or savour the fiery flavours of street food!
Sunset boat trip on Lake Pichola
Breakfast
It's the second day in Udaipur, and we couldn't be happier about it! Get your comfy shoes on, because today we're heading out on a city tour. We'll delve into the rich history and architectural wonders of this beautiful place, stopping at some of the city's biggest hotspots. First up we'll visit the City Palace, so be prepared to be enchanted by the ornate marble and granite work, adorned with colourful glass jewels, intricate engravings and elegant towers and balconies. It really is just as impressive as it sounds! We then stop at the Jagdish Temple before heading north of this bustling city to visit one of the most amazing gardens - the Saheliyon-ki-Bari. It's been a busy day, so enjoy the afternoon to explore on your own, relax by the lake or browse the markets for souvenirs before we meet up for dinner with the TruFam and reflect on the incredible first few days in India!
Udaipur city & palace visit
Breakfast
Pack your bags, it's time for our next adventure! Today we're heading to one of the oldest cities in India! We're escaping to a tranquil retreat, far from the hustle and bustle but close enough to the truly eternal spiritual high that the holy city of Pushkar offers. We'll take it easy, relax by the pool, admire the views and savour the relaxing time to the full before the alarm clock rings tomorrow morning!
Breakfast & Dinner
Good morning! We got up early today, but everything has a good reason. It's time to get ready for the day and visit the Savitri Mata Temple in time to see the sunrise. It will be beautiful! Situated on a hill, we will have amazing views of the city below. Later, we will explore the heavenly Pushkar Lake and the popular eighth-century Brahma Temple before spending a relaxing afternoon. Take advantage of the tranquil surroundings, swim in the pool, treat yourself to a drink or two and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Sunrise to Savitri Temple & exploring Pushkar
Breakfast & Dinner
Have you ever dreamed of immersing yourself in a land of pink? Well, it's a reality and you'll soon find out why! Today we're off to Jaipur, where we'll embark on a flavour-packed adventure into India's culinary realm! We'll meet a local family and dive straight into an Indian cookery lesson to master the art of spicing! You know it's about to get spicy! Of course, we couldn't end this experience without savouring the delicious food we've just prepared! Masterchef, here we come! After an epic day, you'll have the chance to throw yourself into a whirlwind of colour, music and dance at Rajmandir Cinema, where Bollywood magic is unleashed like no other! Popcorn? Check. Drama? Double check. Let the Bollywood spectacle begin!
Local cookery course demonstration
Breakfast & Dinner
Wake up in the city of Jaipur and an action-packed day awaits you! We explore the city and first visit the Jaipur City Palace before heading to the fortress in a 4x4 vehicle. Want to see a viewpoint? Well, get ready, TruFam, because this is like no other! You can see the whole city! The entire city of Jaipur and its wonderful pinkness! Next, let's visit the Hawa Mahal. One of the most amazing forms of architecture in India, it looks like an optical illusion. If that doesn't get your brain going, try counting how many windows there are! *Spoiler alert, there are 953?!* World famous, a must see in India! In the evening, we head out for dinner to explore more of this beautiful city.
Pink Palace, Hawa Mahal & Amber Fort
Breakfast
Get ready, we're going on an adventure! This time we're heading to the Ranthambore National Park, a huge wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. It was once a royal hunting reserve and is now home to tigers, leopards and swamp crocodiles. In the afternoon, we have time to explore the area and visit the 10th century Ranthambore Fort on a hilltop before listening to a lecture on tiger conservation in India. Dinner is on us tonight, so savour the delicious food and prepare for the most epic day yet...
Tiger documentation
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Wake up, it's going to be a WILD day! No, seriously, it will be! We get up early and hop into jeeps for a safari through the national park. Get the binoculars out because we're going to see lots of local wildlife. Monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, deer - we might even see a wild tiger if you're lucky! Or unlucky? Grab your camera, because with this experience you'll see a side of India that is rarely shown on TV. The wildlife is beautiful, the scenery spectacular. The experience? Unrivalled. After an epic morning, the rest of the day is free to explore the surroundings or simply relax and enjoy the warming sun.
Morning safari
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Today we are travelling to Agra! And as we are on our way, we make a stopover in Fatehpur Sikri. A ghost town that was built between 1571 and 1585 and later abandoned and is now known for its beautiful old structures that have been preserved. After wandering around there for a while, we continue our journey and make our way to our TRU EXCLUSIVE, the best of the best, a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience! We will have lunch at the palace where we will meet a host family and walk through the organic gardens and their dairy farm. We'll find out what's in season and what the family's favourite dishes are made from the freshest ingredients. We'll even enjoy a traditional lunch in the restaurant. It's been pretty packed so far, but the day isn't over yet! We'll head to our final stop, Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, before finally returning to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Fatehpur Sikri & Agra Fort
Lunch & Breakfast
It's time, the moment you've all been waiting for! The destination that's been on your bucket list since you could hold a pen. We're getting up early because we're heading to the Taj Mahal for sunrise! Make sure you've packed your camera, your GoPro or even a disposable camera because this moment is truly once in a lifetime. Spend the morning learning more about the construction of the Taj Mahal and the history behind it, enter inside to see the tombs where the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife are buried. Watch the sunrise with your TruFam and enjoy the surroundings of one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. There is no better way to experience the Taj Mahal and its perfect views than in the early morning. Is there anywhere else you'd rather be?
In the afternoon we return to Delhi, where our unforgettable journey began. Come on, it's not a TruTravels trip without a big last night, so let's do it RIGHT. We check into the hotel, take a shower before heading into the city of Delhi for a final farewell dinner! Delicious cuisine, colourful cocktails and drinks and well, the company couldn't be better.
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Breakfast
It's time to say goodbye to India and say hello to Sri Lanka with a hearty "Ayubowan"! (That means "hello" in Sinhala, the local language of Sri Lanka, in case you didn't know!) We say goodbye to those who have only been on the India tour and catch an early morning flight to our next country, Sri Lanka! Arrive in the late morning where we will transfer you directly to our hotel in Negombo. The day is at your leisure, so take this opportunity to relax and prepare for the next phase of our incredible journey: discovering the beauty of Sri Lanka!#
Flight to Colombo
After a relaxing 24-hour break in Sri Lanka, it's time to get to know your new TruFam in the second part of your incredible journey. The afternoon is at leisure, so sit back and relax by the pool, indulge in some delicious food before meeting the group and your new Travel Ninja in the evening. We'll explore Negombo, have dinner together and enjoy a beer under the stars. Sri Lanka is a dream destination and this is just the beginning! Life-changing travel experiences await you. Really.
Keeping it local, we'll head into the heart of Sri Lanka to explore the local culture, history and tradition. We'll take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred temple carved deep into the rock, and then to the Golden Buddha, a huge (appropriately named), majestic golden statue atop a picturesque hill. After some walking (you're doing great by the way), we'll arrive at our next accommodation in the evening, check in and enjoy the spectacular views of the Sigiriya rock. It's best to have a look at your route, because tomorrow we'll be climbing the rock face. Yes! Good night!
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Dambulla cave temple, Golden Buddha
Breakfast
So it's your first early start. Are you ready for it? Pack your bag and hurry up, because this morning we're going to the top of one of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks - Lion Rock (locally known as Sigiriya Rock). This awe-inspiring beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so we'd better be on our best behaviour. A huge rock formation that stands almost 700 feet tall (that's huge, btw), an ancient fortress with breathtaking views from the top; the trek is definitely worth it. Now we know you've been up since dawn and haven't had your Weetabix yet, but RELAX. We promised you we'd look after you. Once we're back down, it's time for a feast at the hotel before we head back into town to explore. There's no rest for the wicked, sweetheart. Now, we promised you a heart-warming activity and we weren't lying. As night falls, we head to a beautiful, authentic, local farm village to be properly spoilt and have our dinner prepared by the most adorable villagers. Enjoy a delicious, authentic meal around a roaring campfire as our locals also welcome you into their homes and our community. Great 1TP5 Blessed atmosphere.
Sigiriya Rock & Local Village
Breakfast & Dinner
Traditional food in the local village
Who wants to take a look at our royal treasure? Today we get another taste of Sri Lanka's rich history as we travel to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, located in the Royal Palace complex. Note the significance of the royal temple, which carries great ancient political power, and the famous relic believed to hold dominion over the land. Finally, we will enjoy the marvellous sunset at Kandy Lake, a few beers (FINALLY) from our hotel on the hillside.
Temple of the Tooth & Kandy viewpoint
Breakfast
Firstly, let's quickly check that your mobile phone is charged, the cameras are packed and the tissues are ready, as today's trip is sure to bring tears to your eyes. We're talking tears like in the Lion King when Mufasa dies. Today's journey is a real eye-opener. 10/10 would post on Instagram. So we drive through the beautiful town of Nuwara Elia and spend the early morning at the local tea estate, where we'll learn all about the tea brewing process from leaf to cup. Early start, so in with the caffeine. Then we'll spend some time at a local family-run cookery school where we'll learn to cook some of Sri Lanka's best dishes. Belly full, heart full. Perfect, now your breath will be taken away. It's time to embark on "the most picturesque train journey" - and they weren't lying when they called it that. It is a sight to behold. We board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to the laid-back town of Ella. Watch out for rushing waterfalls, free-roaming wildlife and another glimpse of the locals.
Train journey
Breakfast & Lunch
Don't worry - you don't have to rush out of the house at the crack of dawn today, BUT we will push ourselves on a hike to one of the best views in Ella. Enjoy a lush climb to Little Adams Peak and take in breathtaking views of Ella Gap - a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning scenery. We'll have a hearty lunch in the town of Ella before stopping at the Nine Arch Bridge, where we'll walk along the tracks (not the plank) and watch the train pass through.
Little Adams Peak & Nine Bridge
Breakfast
Another hot day, as always. So we start the day with a visit to the neighbouring waterfalls, followed by a day in Udawalawe National Park - if you're brave, you can even take a dip if the weather is right. It's the right way to start the day. Don't forget your underwear. You're an adult now and you've only got yourself to blame if you walk around the park naked. The experiences on your bucket list don't stop here, because our next activity is a safari! This is the trip of a lifetime for a reason. See elephants, monkeys, buffaloes, flamingos, to name but a few. After this incredible experience, we check into our glamping tents where some more wholesome activities and questionable behaviour will begin. Don't forget to look up because the stars are pretty spectacular.
Waterfalls, safari & glamping
Breakfast
After a day full of waterfalls and wildlife yesterday, it's only right that we throw in a bit of history today too! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest still inhabited fortresses in the world. There's so much to discover here, with a mix of modern and historical sites, so get ready to spend the day exploring. In the afternoon we'll head back to the hotel to relax, maybe play some cards and process the tour so far with the Trufam!
Exploring the Dutch Fort
Breakfast
You've held out so well, so wake up today whenever you want. Have breakfast in peace, enjoy yourselves, savour it as you please. Once the team is awake and refreshed, we'll walk through the jungle to the stunning golden sandy beach on the other side. Top up on some vitamin D, swim in the sea and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the beach. What a life! Once you're all sun-kissed, we'll head back to the hotel for our farewell dinner. We hope you still have tissues left. It was magical.
Jungle beach
Breakfast
You've expanded your family, that's Tru. We'll come round at Christmas to kiss your gran, but now it's time to say goodbye. What a ride. We're here to plan the next steps of your adventure, whether it's onwards, homewards or bedding down for a week to catch up on early starts. We've loved having you along for the ride and can't wait to hear what's next. Big love!
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