✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ 19 nights accommodation, mostly in five-star luxury
✓ All airport transfers
✓ Daily breakfast, one lunch and six dinners
✓ Fully escorted tour with professional guides
✓ In-depth sightseeing including entry fees – See the imposing forts of Delhi, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya
✓ 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.
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.
Today enjoy a late start, taking time to relax and prepare for an exciting first day of touring. We’ll leave the hotel around 9.30-10am, bound for Sigiriya, or Lion Rock. En route we'll spend the afternoon on a private jeep safari at either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant 'gathering'. During the dry season – from June to September – hundreds of elephants travel to ancient reservoirs located within the parks for water. Minneriya and Kaudulla are two of the best places in the country to see wild elephants. Outside of the dry season (and depending on the elephant migration patterns) the safari will be conducted in one of the surrounding parks.
This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner nip of arrack (a potent local spirit made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers), or a glass of something else to suit your taste.
This morning we'll climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or Lion Rock – one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka. A dramatic rocky outcrop that rises from the surrounding plains like a mirage, the 200-metre tall rock column is topped by the ruins of a 5th-century citadel. Reaching the top of the rock requires a little leg work, but is well worth the effort. The stunning stone facade has been weathered over many centuries and the panoramic view from the top is awe-inspiring.
On our climb we’ll explore the beautiful water garden, the boulder garden, the colourful frescoes and the so-called 'mirror wall'. Once we pass the lion's paws, hewn from solid rock, it’s a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways. Those who don't wish to venture to the top can rest at the lion's paws until the rest of the group return.
This evening, enjoy another round of arrack before dinner.
This morning we leave for Kandy. En route, visit the Matale Spice Garden to learn more about Sri Lanka's agricultural heritage. We then continue on to the Sacred City of Kandy, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The second largest city in the country, and the capital of the central hill regions, Kandy remains a very peaceful place that's centred around a lake. It's home to a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), not to mention well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
Spend your afternoon in Kandy exploring or relaxing as you wish.
Late afternoon saunter around the Kandy Lake, the atmosphere alone will intrigue you to spend a few moments here. Visit the Temple of Tooth, with its guardian elephants is a deeply significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre and this draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world.
After breakfast we bid farewell to Kandy and hop on what is widely recognised as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, winding around mist-shrouded hilltops, through vivid green valleys and past waterfalls, on our way to Nuwara Eliya. Apart from taking in the breathtaking scenery of tea country, this is a great opportunity to mingle with locals.
Often referred to as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya, is a genteel highland community with a British country village feel to it thanks to the resident colonial-era bungalows, which come courtesy of its British roots.
Upon arrival to Hill Country, visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.
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 carriages are basic, but have air-conditioning. On the rare occasion that the train is fully booked we’ll travel by road instead.
This morning we make our way to Yala/Tissamaharama.
After checking in to your hotel spend your afternoon on a guided game drive spotting the abundant flora and fauna of Yala National Park. As one of the largest national parks in the country Yala is the ideal place to spot the rare Sri Lankan leopard.
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 (please refer to dates in Fine Print section under Yala National Park Closure), Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park.
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.
This morning we leave for Colombo. En route we explore the Galle Fort and its fortifications. Galle is a carefully preserved colonial city, which features an interesting blend of European architecture (Portuguese, Dutch and English) as well as South-Asian traditions. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
As we continue on to Colombo we'll also visit a turtle hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five of them are found in the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast: the hawksbill, loggerhead, green, leatherback and olive ridley.
On arrival in Kochi, your Indian guide will welcome you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
This afternoon, your guide will take you on a walk through the historic districts of the town. The walking tour will allow you to see the different cultural sides of Kochi, from the Jewish area including the Pardesi Synagogue to the Mattancherry Palace, known as the Dutch Palace to the locals. We will see Fort Kochi which is reminiscent of European streets and the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, used by the locals for hundreds of years. This evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance show, a traditional dance and costume show from the Kerala region.
After breakfast, we drive inland to the hill town of Munnar, some 1,600m above sea level in the Western Ghats Mountains. The landscape becomes progressively more beautiful as we climb higher. Enroute, we stop at the Athirapally Waterfalls on the River Chalakudy. The waterfall drops from a height of 25m. In the monsoon season, the falls are known as the “Niagara of India” due to the force and volume of water flowing down. From here we can also admire the view of the Sholayar hills before continuing on to Munnar.
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Munnar. The heart of a massive tea industry today, Munnar was a cool summer retreat for the British during colonial days. The hinterland around Munnar is dotted with English cottages amongst rolling hills and untouched forests. Visit the Tea Museum in the Nallathanni Estate to learn about the process of making tea and the old world machinery used in the 1800’s. We visit a local church built by the British before enjoying the afternoon at leisure or taking a stroll through the quiet pathways crisscrossing the endless tea plantations.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before driving to Kumarakom, located on the shore of Lake Vembanad and laced with majestic canals and streams. Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater fishing village and a local bird paradise offering a plethora of exotic sights. On arrival, check in and enjoy some time at leisure.
This morning we drive to Alleppey to board a houseboat for a scenic cruise through the famed backwaters. The houseboat is an adaptation of a kettuvallams boat which has been used for generations to transport rice and spices. Amazingly, not a single nail is used to hold these traditional boats together. The serene natural beauty and simple charm of the backwaters surprises at every turn. Enjoy sailing leisurely through canals which crisscross paddy fields and lagoons.
At the appropriate time you will be driven from Kumarakom to Kochi to board your homeward flight.
Arrive home today.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
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. We recommend AUD$3 per person, per day, to be paid in local currency. 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. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. 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 AUD$6-10 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3-5 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.
Any other tipping, such as tips for camera and video fees, bathroom attendants or hotel porters that are taking luggage to your room, is at your discretion as are gratuities for additional requested special services. We encourage passengers to have a supply of small denominations of local currency to distribute for personal tipping.
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 $1,499 per person in addition to the twin share price.
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.
Triple Share
Available. Please purchase 3 x $4,999. If you wish to purchase triple share please phone 1300 376 832.
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 in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Sri Lankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air India, Emirates Airlines or similar.
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
Adelaide customers will likely require two stops in either direction
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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