india Tours Discover India & Sri Lanka: Plantations & Pink Cities

Itinerary:

Day 1 Delhi, India      
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital, Delhi!  Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over traditional Indian cuisine at Delhi's Kitchen with a Cause. Afterward, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out.        

Day 2 Delhi to Agra    
Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous - but no less impressive - sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.        

Day 3 Agra to Jaipur        
Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.        

Day 4 Jaipur
Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.      

Day 5 Jaipur to Tordi Sagar    
Ride to peaceful Tordi Sagar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women.  

Day 6 Tordi Sagar to Pushkar        
Have a final taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch before travelling to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar, the site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.  

Day 7 Pushkar      
Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!

Day 8 Pushkar to Udaipur
Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breath-taking lakes and Raj-era palaces. With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.        

Days 9–10 Udaipur        
Free time to explore "Venice of the East" with its plethora lakes, palaces, and narrow lanes. Wander around solo or see who wants to join you on an adventure.  

Day 11 Udaipur to Mumbai        
Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history. From here, get some rest on an overnight train as you cruise to Mumbai.        

Day 12 Mumbai        
Arrive in Mumbai and stretch your legs on an orientation walk of Colaba and the Fort district. Enjoy a free day to uniquely explore the bustling metropolis; be sure to capture a group photo under the Gateway to India. Opt to take a boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta Island, famous for intricate cave temples carved in rock walls.

Day 13 Mumbai to Goa    
Hop on a short morning flight to North Goa. Head to the white sand beaches, visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and discover Panjim, the capital. In the evening, opt to sample tasty treats at the night market and take in the nightlife of this coastal state.        

Day 14 Goa    
Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group.        

Day 15 Goa to Kochi        
Fly to Kochi and explore this major port city of southern India by wandering through the unique neighbourhoods and exciting markets. Opt to visit Fort Kochi, learn how to toss a fishing net, or catch a traditional dance performance, known as Kathakali, telling of mythological tales.

Day 16 Kochi to Alleppey    
In the morning, explore Kochi's Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. Travel afterwards to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.    

Day 17 Alleppey to Kollam    
Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterwards, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.    

Day 18 Kollam to Varkala    
Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterwards, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.

Day 19 Varkala    
Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.

Day 20 Varkala to Kochi        
Return to Kochi by train and take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and Chinese fishing nets. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife.        

Day 21 Kochi, India to Negombo, Sri Lanka      
Fly from Kochi to the stunning island country of Sri Lanka, landing first in Negombo. Spend the evening at the beach.  

Day 22 Negombo to Sigiriya        
Cruise to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress.      

Day 23 Sigiriya      
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, say hello to the Elephants in Minneriya National Park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

Day 24 Sigiriya to Digana    
Visit a Kandy medicinal spice garden en route to the G Adventures-supported homestay in Digana. Arrive at Tamarind Gardens Farm for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.        

Day 25 Digana to Kandy
Early birds can opt to get a productive start to the day by joining the Tamarind hosts for first-hand experience with farm life and get up close with the animals. Enjoy breakfast at the Gardens and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.  

Day 26 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya    
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.    

Day 27 Nuwara Eliya to Ella      
If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax. If you are feeling foodie, opt to participate in a Sri Lankan cooking class.        

Day 28 Ella    
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.

Day 29 Ella to Hikkaduwa        
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.    

Day 30 Hikkaduwa        
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town, enjoy a drink on us, and dance under the stars.

Day 31 Hikkaduwa        
Another day in paradise. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creators, or wander through the bustling beach town.  

Day 32 Hikkaduwa        
The adventure ends today. Depart at any time.    

Departs: