India & Sri Lanka: A Golden Adventure

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by road to Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its architecture is a magnificent confluence of Hindu, Jain and Mughal architectural styles.

Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to get to know this vibrant city. In the evening light, the pink-coloured buildings exude a magical glow, complemented by the camel-drawn carts that are characteristic of the streets. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Estimated transfer distance 256km/159miles.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for the Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, on your way to the Amber Fort. Explore the majestic Amber Fort with a Jeep transfer. In the interior, cross the premises of the palace Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautifully bright pieces of mirror.

Continue with a city tour of Jaipur including a visit to the Palace of the Maharaja, former royal residence, where a part of it has been converted into a museum. Also experience the wonder of the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world, made of marble. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Agra and along the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive historic town. Next, pass by Buland Darwaza, the largest gate in the world.

Arrive in Agra and enjoy a world of contrasting colours of red sandstone and white marble with an irresistible charm that made this the favourite city of the Mughals. Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Afterwards visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the fort, discover the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.

Estimated transfer distance 237km/147miles.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience the legendary splendour of the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river and a universal symbol of love.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon drive back to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Delhi.

Estimated transfer distance 209km/130miles.

Breakfast at the hotel*. It's time to bid farewell to magical India and say hello to the new adventure in Sri Lanka. At the designated time, transfer to the airport and check-in for your flight to Sri Lanka.

Land in Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka. On passing through customs, you’ll be greeted by an Exoticca representative who will guide you to your private vehicle. Just a short drive away, head straight to the western port city of Negombo. Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Negombo**.

*Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel's breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

**You have the possibility to upgrade in Sri Lanka to half-board by adding 8 dinners or to full-board by adding 8 lunches and 8 dinners in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Dambulla, a picturesque village in the heart of the island. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and settle in. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, with the option to explore the breathtaking Pidurangala Rock*, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

*Optional tour to Pidurangala Rock: This enormous rock, located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya, has a fascinating and interconnected history with Sigiriya. In the 5th century, while King Kasyapa was constructing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, he moved the monks living around Sigiriya to establish a new monastery on Pidurangala Rock. This site not only offers historical significance but also provides breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere, making it a compelling addition to your visit.

Estimated transfer distance 130km/80miles.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off and embark on a journey to one of Sri Lanka's most captivating destinations - Sigiriya Rock. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also known as the “Lion Rock.” The rock is mesmerizing. It rises 200 meters from the scrub jungle around it. It is a regional landmark. It has a raised mesa. A fortress was ingeniously built on it centuries ago.

Upon arrival, prepare to be awe-struck by the sheer grandeur of Sigiriya. Climb up to the fortress. You will marvel at the stunning water gardens below. As you climb higher, you'll see the famous frescoes inside. They offer a glimpse into the ancient art and rich culture of the region. After the tour, return to Dambulla to further explore the region. Alternatively, you can join our optional excursion to Minneriya National Park* and immerse yourself in the island's vibrant wildlife. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

*Optional excursion to Minneriya National Park: Home to a diverse array of wildlife attracted to its varied topography and the Minneriya Tank, a man-made reservoir built in the 3rd century. The park is known for its permanent population of 150-200 Sri Lankan elephants.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you embark on a captivating Habarana Village trek in Hiriwadunna. Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of this typical Sri Lankan town as you stroll along the Wewa, a serene man-made reservoir, observing the local wildlife and townsfolk congregating by the water's edge. Cross the tranquil waters by catamaran to reach a traditional farm, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about indigenous agricultural practices and savor the hospitality of the farmer with a taste of freshly harvested vegetables.

In the afternoon, accompanied by your guide, venture to Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital of the illustrious Sri Lankan kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts monumental man-made reservoirs, including the expansive "Sea of Parakrama," surpassing even the size of Colombo harbor. Explore architectural marvels such as the Royal Palace complex, featuring the King's Palace and Audience Hall, and marvel at the Quadrangle's wealth of ancient haeritage. Don't miss the awe-inspiring Gal Vihare complex, showcasing four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single slab of granite. After a day of exploration, transfer back to your hotel, reflecting on the rich history and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Breakfast at the hotel. Join your guide to begin the journey towards the historically-significant city of Kandy with two stops along the way. Before leaving the village, see the Dambulla Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of five interconnected caves and features over 150 depictions of the Buddha. Though most of what we see dates to the early 19th century, some inscriptions come from as far back as the 2nd century BCE.

Next, visit the Spice Garden to learn more about the exotic botanicals that motivated centuries of trade and colonization on the island. Get a detailed look at the plants on display and enjoy a head and shoulder massage before you leave!

From there, arrive in Kandy and check in at your hotel. Head out for an included evening tour of the city including the Gem Museum and a Batik factory. Continue with a tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a complex with palaces, gardens, and of course a Buddhist temple. Finally, end your evening with an hour-long Kandy cultural show, where you’ll be wowed by dances with swords and fire. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Estimated transfer distance 93km/57miles.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have a free day to explore the beauty of Kandy at your leisure. We recommend an optional visit to the Royal Botanical Garden* and suggest enjoying an optional cooking demonstration class at Thotupala Residency**. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Note: You can enjoy both activities on the same day.

*Optional tour to the Royal Botanical Garden: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, are located approximately 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. This renowned garden attracts 2 million visitors annually and is situated near the Mahaweli River. It is especially known for its collection of orchids.

**Optional Cooking demonstration class at Thotupala Residency: This cooking class provides an opportunity to learn how to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes through practical experience. Activities include scraping coconut, cutting vegetables, grinding spices in a mortar and pestle, and other culinary tasks. Participants will have the chance to taste the Sri Lankan cuisine and gain knowledge about Sri Lankan spices.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by train to the southern city of Nuwara Eliya on a scenic journey. En route, visit a tea plantation to learn about the tea industry's historical impact on Sri Lanka's topography and demography. Introduced in 1867, tea remains a key export.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening walking tour starting at the iconic Golf Club, one of Asia's oldest. Visit the city’s oldest post office, a Tudor-style colonial building, and explore landmarks like the HNB Bank, Police Station, St. Xavier’s Church, and the Grand Hotel. Conclude your day with a stroll through Victoria Park and the Race Course. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed with your guide to Colombo, where you’ll have the chance to take a tuk-tuk tour of the Sri Lankan capital. This bustling city is alive with color, sound, and rich history. Visit religious monuments like the old Wolfendhal Dutch Church (built in 1749) and the famous Gangarama Temple situated opposite the Beira Lake. Be sure to take note of the city’s manicured gardens and examples of colonial architecture such as the Dutch Hospital. Transfer to your hotel for final check in, overnight stay in Negombo.

Estimated transfer distance 205km/127miles.