India & Sri Lanka: 24 Days Across Two Subcontinent Cultures
Delhi to Mirissa: Rajasthani forts, tiger safaris, tea plantations, and coastal temples across 24 days
This 24-day journey moves across India and Sri Lanka in two distinct phases. The first twelve days traverse northern India—from Delhi's bazaars through the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaipur, into the tiger habitat of Ranthambore National Park, and concluding at the Taj Mahal in Agra. The second phase crosses to Sri Lanka, traveling through Sigiriya's rock fortress and village farmland, the central highlands' tea country, and finishing on the southern coast near Mirissa. Throughout, the itinerary pairs major monuments and wildlife reserves with stays in local communities, cooking demonstrations, and guided walks through markets and temples. Accommodation ranges from traditional desert tents to beachfront eco-retreats. A local English-speaking guide leads the entire journey; meals include 23 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners, with vegetarian options throughout.
Highlights
- Mehrangarh Fort, a 15th-century hilltop fortress overlooking Jodhpur's blue-walled old city
- Overnight desert camp in traditional Rajasthani tents with local hospitality and cultural performances
- Cooking demonstration with a local family in Jaipur, preparing dinner together
- Sunrise safari in Ranthambore National Park searching for Bengal tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and wild boar
- Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra with guided historical context and photography stops
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress viewed from Pidurangala Rock, followed by village farmland and cooking demo in Sri Lanka
- Tea plantation visit in Ella with hands-on tea picking and production methods
- Scenic train journey through Sri Lanka's central highlands to Ella
- Little Adam's Peak hike with panoramic views of the Ella valley
- Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct in the tea country
- Sunrise safari in Udawalawe National Park for wild elephants, crocodiles, and bird life
- Private surf lesson at Welligama Beach on the south coast
- Buddhist monastery visit and cultural exchange with young monks
Day by day
1Arrival in DelhiDelhi airport
Transfer from Delhi airport to accommodation in central Delhi. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing time to settle in and meet the group.
2Old Delhi Markets and Religious SitesChawri Bazaar · Jama Masjid · Rajghat Memorial · Sikh temple
A guided walk through Chawri Bazaar with a local guide reveals the narrow lanes and street-level commerce of Old Delhi's traditional quarters. The route includes stops at Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, with its red-marble courtyard and minarets. Visits also include Rajghat Memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and a Sikh temple. The day incorporates sampling of local street food—chaat, lassi, and other Delhi specialties—at various stops throughout the bazaar.
3Flight to Jodhpur and the Blue CityJodhpur · Delhi
A morning flight departs Delhi for Jodhpur, a 700-year-old walled city in Rajasthan's desert region. Upon arrival, the group visits the old city's maze of blue-painted buildings by tuk-tuk, followed by a sunset viewing point. Dinner is taken in the city.
4Mehrangarh Fort and Bishnoi VillageMehrangarh Fort · Bishnoi village
Mehrangarh Fort, a 15th-century fortress perched on a rocky outcrop above Jodhpur, dominates the skyline and offers views across the desert plains. The fort's interior contains ornate chambers and detailed architectural elements. In the afternoon, a visit to a Bishnoi village provides insight into the traditional practices and hospitality of this pastoral community.
5Desert Camp and Rajasthani Hospitalitydesert camp site
Travel to a desert camp site featuring traditional canvas tents. The camp is positioned near Savitri Devi temple. Evening activities include local cultural performances and traditional Rajasthani hospitality.
6Pushkar Sacred CityPushkar · Brahma temple · surrounding bazaar
Pushkar, a pilgrimage city centered on a sacred lake, is explored on foot. The walk includes the Brahma temple and the surrounding bazaar. The afternoon is free for further exploration or pool time at the accommodation.
7Sunrise Yoga and Travel to JaipurJaipur · before breakfast · a local family
A sunrise yoga session takes place before breakfast. The group then travels to Jaipur, known as the Pink City for its rose-tinted buildings laid out in a grid pattern. In the evening, a local family hosts the group for a dinner preparation session.
8Jaipur's Monuments and ArchitectureHawa Mahal · Amber Fort · Jantar Mantar
The day begins at Hawa Mahal, the five-storey pink sandstone palace with its distinctive honeycomb facade. A jeep ascends to Amber Fort, a 16th-century hilltop complex with ornate chambers and courtyards. The afternoon includes Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observation site.
9Ranthambore National Park & FortRanthambore National Park · Ranthambore Fort
We leave the urban chaos behind, trading rickshaws and scooters for the quieter outskirts of one of India's largest and most renowned national parks. After settling into accommodation, there's time to rest and acclimate. Later, we venture into the jungle on an expedition to visit Ranthambore Fort, a 10th-century structure set within the park's boundaries. The fort occupies elevated terrain, its ruins offering views across the surrounding landscape and wildlife reserve.
10Sunrise Safari in Ranthambore National ParkRanthambore National Park
We depart at sunrise for a jeep safari through Ranthambore National Park, where Bengal tigers roam alongside leopards, crocodiles, wild boar, deer, monkeys, and peacocks. Wildlife sightings vary by season and time of day, but the park's diverse ecosystem offers rich possibilities for observation. The afternoon is yours to spend as you choose—rest by the pool, visit the local surroundings, or simply reflect on the morning's encounters in this remarkable landscape.
11Abhaneri Stepwell and Travel to AgraAbhaneri Stepwell · Agra · the tomb of I'timãd-ud-Daulah
A stop at Abhaneri Stepwell, a 10th-century water-preservation structure with a geometric descent of narrow steps, provides historical context before the drive to Agra. The tomb of I'timãd-ud-Daulah, a 17th-century marble structure often called the Baby Taj, is visited en route.
12Taj Mahal Sunrise and Return to DelhiTaj Mahal · Delhi
An early departure allows arrival at the Taj Mahal before sunrise. The monument, a 17th-century marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is viewed as light breaks across its facade. A local guide provides historical detail and directs the group to photography vantage points. After breakfast, the group returns to Delhi by road. The evening includes a final group dinner with music and dancing.
13Flight to Sri LankaSri Lanka · Delhi
An included flight departs Delhi for Sri Lanka, arriving in the island nation to begin the second phase of the journey.
14Negombo and Tuk-Tuk ExplorationNegombo · local markets
The beachside town of Negombo is explored by tuk-tuk, including local markets. The group then travels north to Sigiriya.
15Sigiriya Rock and Village Farmlandvillage farmland · Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock, a neighboring peak, offers views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a palace site from the surrounding plain. The afternoon includes a village farmland experience with local transport and a cooking demonstration led by village women, followed by a meal prepared with local ingredients.
16Spice Garden and Temple of the Tooth in Kandyspice garden · Temple of the Tooth
The route south passes through a spice garden before arriving in Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural center. The Temple of the Tooth, a Buddhist shrine housing a sacred relic, is visited. Dinner and evening activities follow.
17Tea Plantations and Train to Ellatea plantations · Ella · central highlands
The journey continues south through rolling tea plantations. A stop includes hands-on tea picking and instruction in tea production. The group then boards a scenic train route through the central highlands to Ella, a hill station town. Dinner and evening activities occur in town.
18Little Adam's Peak and EllaLittle Adam's Peak · Ella
The morning is free to visit Ella. A hike to Little Adam's Peak, a modest summit above the town, provides panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The afternoon allows time for massage, shopping, or rest.
19Nine Arches Bridge and Travel to UdawalaweNine Arches Bridge · Nine Arches Bridge to Udawalawe National Park
The Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct set among tea plantations, is visited. The group then travels south to Udawalawe National Park.
20Udawalawe Safari and Coastal ArrivalUdawalawe National Park · Hiriketiya · beachfront eco-retreat in Talalla
A sunrise jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park focuses on wild elephant herds, crocodiles, and bird life. The afternoon continues to Hiriketiya, a small coastal settlement, before arriving at a beachfront eco-retreat in Talalla for sunset.
21Talalla Eco-RetreatTalalla Eco-Retreat
Today is designed around your own pace. The retreat sits on one of the south coast's quieter, lesser-known beaches—a place to simply be. Join the included yoga session if it calls to you, or settle into the loungers with a book. An Ayurvedic massage can be arranged. Swim, rest under the palms, soak in the calm. During your stay, the group participates in regular beach cleanups, removing debris and trash to protect this coastline. It's a small gesture that keeps these waters and shores unspoiled.
22Surf Lesson and Mirissa ArrivalMirissa · Welligama Beach · Coconut Tree Hill
A private surf lesson takes place at Welligama Beach, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beginner-friendly conditions. The group then checks into beachfront accommodation in Mirissa and visits Coconut Tree Hill for sunset views.
23Buddhist Monastery and Farewell Dinnera local Buddhist monastery · the beach
A visit to a local Buddhist monastery includes a cultural exchange with young monks who study there. The group participates in an English lesson and gains insight into monastic daily life and Buddhist practice. The evening features a farewell dinner on the beach with the group.
24Departuredeparture location
The journey concludes. The group leader assists with arranging onward travel.
Where you go
- 1Jodhpur
- 2Delhi
- 3Mehrangarh Fort
- 4Pushkar
- 5Brahma Temple
- 6Jaipur
- 7Hawa Mahal
- 8Amber Fort
- 9Jantar Mantar
- 10Agra
- 11Taj Mahal
- 12Delhi
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- 2 Nights Delhi (Twin/Double Rooms) /2 Nights Jodhpur (Twin/Double Rooms) / 1 Night Desert Camp (Twin/Double Tents) / 1 Night Pushkar (Twin/Double Rooms) / 2 Nights Jaipur (Twin/Double Rooms) / 2 Nights Ranthambore (Twin/Double Rooms) / 1 Night Agra (Twin/Double Rooms) / 1 Night Delhi (Twin/Double Rooms) / 1 Night Negombo (Twin/Double Rooms) / 2 Nights Sigiriya (Twin/Double Rooms) / 1 Night Kandy (Twin/Double Rooms) / 2 Nights Ella (Twin/Double Rooms) / 1 Night Udawalawe (Twin/Double Room
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 23, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 6
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.