16 Day Sri Lanka & Northern India
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Internal airfares
✓ 14 nights accommodation, mostly in 5-star hotels
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
✓ Ride the famous train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
✓ Game drives in Ranthambore National Park, Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park
✓ Fully escorted tour with English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today board your international flight for Delhi. Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport with a meet and greet by our representative who will assist by transferring you to your hotel.
Please note - most flights arrive into Colombo after midnight. To maximise suitable rest time before the tour starts on Day 2, we suggest departing the day before Day 1.
Check-in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary.
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi beginning with a photo stop at the Red Fort. The walls of the massive Red Fort rise a daunting 33 metres (108 ft) above the bustle of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power of former emperors. Very near to the fort is the 17th-century Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Walk through the famous bazaars of Old Dehli to experience the hustle and bustle. Visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation. In New Delhi, visit the India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to the President House, flanked by the houses of Parliament, the Secretariat building, the Birla Temple and Lotus Temple.
Today we make our way to Agra. Agra rose to fame in the 17th century as the capital of the Mughal Empire and was beautified with gardens, waterfalls, bathhouses and canals. In modern times, the city houses a thriving crafts industry, including marble inlay work and carpets. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Agra which includes a highlight for many, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-17th century by Shah Jahan following the death of his queen, this mausoleum is an eternal love poem written in stone. During the visit, you can admire the intricacy of the work of the 20,000 craftsmen who were brought from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy to build this astonishing monument.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart by road to Bharatpur to board the Jan Shatabdi Express train to Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to the famous Ranthambore National Park. Forget the over-crowded pictures of train travel you have seen on social media. Long distance train travel in India is a plesant experience with civilised, air-conditioned reserved seating. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. If you want evidence of the Project Tiger conservation programme's success, Ranthambore National Park is a prime example as it is renowned for its tiger population.
Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on a safari after breakfast at the hotel. Ranthambore is located in what was originally the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur. The park features a varied geography of forested hills, sweeping grasslands and lakes, all under the shadow of the ruins of the hilltop Ranthambore Fort, more than 200 metres above the surrounding plain. The park’s Bengal tigers are renowned for being fearless and roaming the park during the day. Other residents include leopards, striped Hyenas, sambar and chital deer, jackals, sloth bears, wild boars and more. Break for lunch and return to the park in the afternoon for yet more animal sightings. After, return to the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Agra and head to Jaipur, arriving in the ‘Pink City’ in the afternoon. Check-in on arrival and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel we head out for a tour of the Amber Fort. Located on a spur overlooking a lake, Amber Fort’s robust, time-ravaged walls appear imposing from the outside but they hide an interior packed with beautifully decorated palaces, temples and landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by the Sheesh Mahal, a room with its four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces. Return to the old city to visit the City Palace and the beautiful Chandra Mahal Palace and Mubarak Mahal Palace within, as well as the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. After, make a stop at the spellbinding Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds and the famous Johari bazaar known for its jewels and saris. We will also be visiting the Tripolia bazaar with bronzes, sculptures and lacquerware, the Bapu bazaar renowned for its perfumes and textiles, and Chandpol bazaar for pottery and bracelets.
Today, we will be up nice and early, taking most of the morning (approx. 4 hours) to drive back to Delhi to transfer to the airport to board your flight to Sri Lanka. A warm welcome awaits you at the arrival lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport. You will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.
This morning enjoy a late start allowing you to relax and prepare for the day ahead. We’ll leave the hotel around 9:30-10am bound for Sigiriya. This afternoon set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya (or Kauduala) National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! Outside of these months and depending on the elephant migration patterns the safari will be conducted in one of the surrounding parks. This evening enjoy some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes.
This morning we climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion’s Rock), one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. For lunch today, take part in a Cooking Demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry (5-6 curries) and enjoy this typical Sri Lankan lunch while overlooking the paddy fields. In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Medieval Capital City of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). This evening enjoy another round of sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes.
This morning we leave for Kandy. Enroute, visit the Matale Spice Garden to learn about an important agriculture iconic to Sri Lanka. We then continue on to Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces. On arrival in Kandy spend the afternoon at leisure. Visit the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic with its guardian elephants - a deeply significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre. This site draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world.
After breakfast we leave for the hill country town of Nuwara Eliya. Embark on the famous train journey which is supposed to be one of the most scenic and beautiful travel routes in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. With the end of this unique experience comes your arrival in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’. This genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it with its colonial-era bungalows and British roots.
Please note: It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.
Today, leave for Yala/Tissamaharama. On the way we will visit the Buduruwagala Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted.
After checking in to our hotel spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare and beautiful leopard!
Please note: Sections of Yala National Park close due to conservation efforts each year between September and October. The closure dates are advised by the Sri Lankan government 1-2 months prior and differ each year. As Yala National Park is made up of multiple sections, if one section is closed due to conservation works we will visit one of the open sections.
This morning we leave for Colombo. Enroute we explore the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes a perfectly blended essence of past and present. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort. As we continue along to Colombo we will visit a Turtle Hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five are found in the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast. The five species are the Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
Arrive home today.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
Maldives Extension
You may wish to extend your stay to the beautiful Maldives at the end of your journey.
Package includes:
Please note - There are no included activities, however there are options that can be booked directly through the resort.
Cost - $2,969 per person Twin share ($4,729 Single, $2,530 Triple)
Valid through to 31/10/2020
Please click HERE for itinerary. Please click HERE for information on the Adaaran Club Rannalhi Resort
If you wish to book the Maldives Extention package after your tour, please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced for this in your final payment.
The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”:
4 – Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. You will be asked for LKR7000 per person. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. Tipping towards the kitty is compulsory. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated. \
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend LKR1200 per person per day for your guide and LKR600 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,199 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Available. Please purchase 3 x $3,999. If you wish to purchase triple share please phone 1300 886 688.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of your return.
An e-visa is required for entry into India. You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have your tour documents indicating your date of entry into India, approximately 120 days prior to departure.
Please note, the ETA is limited to 60 days validity from the date of arrival.
You can visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/Registration to purchase your visa online. The cost is US$80 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
An e-visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration and Emigration launched a system called "Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA" in order to grant prior approval for a visa online for foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka. You can visit http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ to purchase your visa online. The cost is US$35 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-30 people.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Unparalleled value for money is the name of the game. These tours tick all the boxes with loads of inclusions: sightseeing highlights, quality accommodation, transfers, private transportation, breakfasts and some meals. You will be travelling with up to 40 Inspiring Vacations guests and the tour will be escorted by an expert, local tour leader.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Day 5 - Train Journey
Please note that it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-airconditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park. Please refer to the itinerary.
Although smaller in size to Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park is considered one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, Udawalawe is also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting and being far less crowded than Yala, it makes for a more enjoyable experience for travellers and therefore, we believe is a more than suitable alternative for one safari day. You will still be able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park, so you are able to experience both.
Wondering what to expect when you visit the iconic Yala National Park? Click HERE to learn more about Yala
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