Highlights Of India & Serene Sri Lanka

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT DELHI

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, our representative will meet and greet you and transfer you to the hotel. Delhi: It is a city that has been an idyllic symbol of the magnificent past and thriving present of India. It has never failed to amaze its visitors with its beautiful blend of various nationalities, diverse cultures & traditions, heritage of the bygone eras and its modern lifestyle – all rolled into one. Day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

DAY 02: DELHI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, proceed with Delhi sightseeing tour with first visit to the Jama Masjid - the largest Mosque in India. Visit Chandni Chowk – oldest, biggest bazaar of Old Delhi. Later, walk up to Fatehpuri Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride till Red Fort. Here our driver will meet you, drive past Red Fort (a 17th century historical fort in Delhi) and reach Rajghat, a memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. An eternal flame burns on one side of this memorial. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb - first garden-style tomb of India. The main highlight of this tomb, inspired by Persian architecture, is the four garden squares with water passage channels surrounding the tomb. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - residence of the President of India and India Gate - an archway built in honor of the soldiers who died in World War I. Visit Qutub Minar built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

DAY 03: DELHI - AGRA [205 KMS/APPROX. 4-5 HRS]

After breakfast, you will head to Agra. Agra: It a beautiful city situated on the banks of river Yamuna that achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. It still remains a popular tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival in Agra, check-in at the hotel. After some relaxation, visit the Agra Fort that resembles the magnificent Red Fort in Delhi. The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) are must-see attractions here. Later in the evening, enjoy a royal Tonga ride to the Taj Mahal - the most extravagant symbol of love, dedication and purity ever that took almost 22 years to build. It is an ivory-white marble monument where rests the mortals of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (who built Taj Mahal) and his wife (Mumtaz). An interesting fact about this stunning edifice is that it turns pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night as the moonlight falls upon it. Watching sunrise over this iconic monument is truly a sight to behold. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

DAY 04: AGRA - JAIPUR [260 KMS /APPROX. 5-6 HRS] VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI

Post breakfast and check out, drive to the beautiful city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned city of the Mughal Empire. The city boasts some of the magnificent monuments built during the Mughal Era, which include the Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. You have time to explore the corners of Fatehpur Sikri before continuing your way. Continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Jaipur: Jaipur is a city known as the Pink City of India due to extensive use of pink sandstone in various buildings of the city. Its monuments showcase a myriad of architectural styles and its vibrant bazaars are famous for traditional handicrafts and jewellery. The ambiance of this city speaks volumes of the rich lifestyle of the Rajput Kings. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 05: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, head for Jaipur sightseeing. Visit the Amer Fort dating back to 16th century that displays private halls, pavilions, former private chambers of the King and royal Rajput women. The reflection of this fort falling on the Maota Lake is truly captivating. Enjoy an Elephant ride here. Explore the City Palace consisting of former private and public chambers, silver vessels, courtyards, gateways, private chambers of the King and lot more. Later, head to Jantar Mantar. It is an astronomical observatory that features the World’s largest Sundial - Samrat Yantra. Visit the Hawa Mahal - a five-storey palace built in 1799 during Rajput rule. It is popularly known for its intricately-designed 953 windows adorned with spectacular latticework. Later, afternoon is kept free to visit the famous Markets of Textiles, Gems, Carpets, and handicrafts. Jaipur is an ideal place for buying souvenirs. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

DAY 06: JAIPUR - MUMBAI [BY FLIGHT]

Have breakfast in the morning at the hotel. Later, you will be transferred to the Airport to board the flight for Mumbai. Mumbai: Mumbai previously known as Bombay is a city located along the Arabian Sea. It is a thriving city that attracts tourists for its fine beaches, centuries-old Elephanta caves, vibrant shopping bazaars, mouth-watering street food and so much more. Also, it is home to the Bollywood industry which makes it the entertainment capital of India. Upon arrival at Mumbai, you will meet our representative who will assist you to transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

DAY 07: MUMBAI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, proceed with Mumbai sightseeing tour with first visit to the Elephanta Caves located on the Elephanta Island. Enjoy a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves built between 5th-8th centuries. These caves are originally a set of rock-cut cave temple. An impressive 20 ft. high Trimurthi featuring the three aspects of Lord Shiva: Creator, Protector and Destroyer, is the prime highlight of this cave temple. Take the ferry ride back to the Gateway of India. Spend time clicking photographs at the Gateway of India - one of the prime landmarks of Mumbai. Built in 1924, it was built in honor of King George V and Queen Mary's visit to India in 1911. Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, also called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, built during the early 20th century. This museum is a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture with an impressive Mughal white dome atop the museum. It is said to have around 2,000 miniature paintings along with artifacts belonging to the Indus Valley civilization. Later, visit the Hanging Gardens established in 1880 at the Malabar Hills. A splendid view of the Arabian Sea adds to the beauty of this natural realm. A striking flower clock is the main attraction here. End your Mumbai sightseeing tour with evening visit to the Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace). It is the heart and soul of Mumbai stretched across the coast of Arabian Sea. At night, it is lit with lights and looking like a dazzling necklace and this is why, it is called Queen’s Necklace. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

DAY 08: MUMBAI – COLOMBO [BY FLIGHT]

Post breakfast, transfer to Mumbai International Airport to board flight to Colombo. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Colombo: It is the gateway to the sprawling country of Sri Lanka. It is an excellent start and end to your sojourn to Sri Lanka. After some relaxation, head for Colomba sightseeing tour with first visit to the Old Parliament - residence of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall - an exquisite convention centre of Sri Lanka nestled amidst wonderful settings. Later, you will head to the Gangaramaya Temple, a complex of a Buddha temple, Buddhist school learning and a museum showcasing a huge collection of Buddhist relics. Visit the Colombo Lake located in the center of the city. Tour ends with excursion to the Old Town Hall - one of the famous landmarks of Colombo. It is the official residence of the Mayor of Colombo. Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo.

DAY 09: COLOMBO - KANDY [133 KMS/APPROX. 4 HRS]

After breakfast, proceed with a drive to Kandy. En-route visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage wherein volunteers and caretakers offer care and shelter to orphaned, abandoned and injured elephants. Stroll around the park and watch the caretakers feed, bathe and help these gentle giants. Continue drive to Kandy. On reaching, check-in at the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Kandy: Kandy is a pristine town surrounded by tea plantations and mountains. This city boasts the Temple of the tooth that boasts the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha. Overnight, stay at hotel in Kandy.

DAY 10: KANDY

After breakfast, head for Kandy sightseeing with first visit to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the important pilgrimage sites of Lord Buddha. Thereafter, proceed with Upper Lake Drive, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum, Lapidary and the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya on the banks of the Sri Lanka’s longest river and see its magnificent Orchid House and the grove of splendid trees all planted by eminent figures. In the evening, witness the Kandyan cultural dance with drumming performance. Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

DAY 11: KANDY – BENTOTA [180 KMS/APPROX. 4.5 HRS]

After breakfast, drive to Bentota. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Day free at leisure. Bentota: It is a city famous for its golden sand beaches, Japanese-style gardens, Turtle Hatchery Project, cinnamon plantations, Buddha Temples, tallest statue of Lord Buddha and lots more that you would love to explore. Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota.

DAY 12: BENTOTA – GALLE EXCURSION [70 KMS/APPROX 1.5 HRS]

After breakfast, proceed to Galle. Galle: It is the city that houses the Galle Fort, which is the largest European fortress of Asia. It also has the most active harbour of Sri Lanka. On arrival, visit the Unawatuna Beach, Galle Fort, Turtle Hatchery and you can also do a boat trip at the Madu River. In evening, drive back to Bentota. Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota.

DAY 13: BENTOTA – COLOMBO [80 KMS/APPROX. 2 HRS]

After breakfast, check-out at the hotel and our company representative will transfer you to the Colombo Airport for your flight back home.