The Best of India & Sri Lanka
17 DAY TOUR TO COLOMBO, DAMBULLA, HABARANA, POLONNARUWA, SIGIRIYA, KANDY, BENTOTA, DELHI, AGRA, RANTHAMBHORE & JAIPUR
17 Day Tour to Colombo, Dambulla, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Bentota, Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore & Jaipur
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On this journey, we will come to Sri Lanka “the finest island of its size in the world”. We invite you to explore this superb destination with this small tour which covers some ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spice coast and finishing your holiday with beach resort. We then continue our journey to India, take an in-depth look at the amazing Palaces and Monuments of India and explore some of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur including the Taj Mahal. Search for the elusive tiger in the Ranthambore National Park and explore the colourful bazaars in your free time.
Tour Highlights
Comfort Rating: 5
4 Star Hotels
Fully Inclusive Group Tour
Fly from Australia to Colombo. Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport you are met and transferred to check in your hotel.
Enjoy sightseeing of Colombo and visit the residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent families, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, the New Parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura, the Folk Art Centre, Art Galleries, Parks, Independence Square, the Ceramic Corporation famous for its well-known brand “Noritake” and ODEL the renowned shopping centre.
After breakfast drive to Habarana in north central Sri Lanka en route visit Pinnawala & Dambulla.
Pinnawala Elephant orphanage, a conversation breeding centre for Elephants; today it is considered as one of the largest elephant breeding centres in the world with 80 elephants. Afternoon we visit the World Heritage site of Dambulla Caves, the largest and best preserved cave complex in Sri Lanka with over 80 documented caves in the surrounding areas. However the major attractions are spread over 5 caves which contain statues and paintings related to Lord Buddha’s life. Continue drive to Habarana, check into your hotel for overnight stay
After breakfast enjoy a visit to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The city remains as one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. It is now declared a World Heritage site by the UNESCO. Afternoon enjoy wildlife Safari at Minneriya National Park, it famous for Sri Lanka’s large elephant population. Besides elephants, Minneriya is also home to many species of mammals; like the deer, sambur and sloth bear.
Travel to Kandy, en-route visit the 5th century old Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The palace still has remains of four indoor swimming pools where the King’s 500 concubines bathed. The mirrors walls of the Sigiriya rock still retain the world famous frescoes of the king’s concubines, who originated from all parts of the world. Later visit the Spice Garden at Matale to see varieties of spice plantation and purchase as a locally grown souvenir. On arrival check in at hotel in Kandy and stay two nights.
In the morning explore the town and visit Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Tooth is kept in a two-story shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks and rests on a gold lotus flower, encased in jewelled casket that sits on a throne. Later in the afternoon visit the Gem museum and in the evening enjoy upper Lake drive and watch a cultural show before finishing your day.
Travel by road to Bentota, a small resort town in the south western coastal belt where the beaches boast of its dazzling combination of sun, sea and sand. Soft golden sand that feel like talcum powder under the feet, giant palm fronds rustling lightly in the tropical breeze; all in a breath stopping beautiful corralled bay, make your two nights at resort simply gorgeous! Enjoy and immerse yourself in the serenity of the area.
Day is at leisure. Enjoy the beautiful beach and relax.
This morning is at leisure until in time transfer to Colombo Airport for your flight bound for Delhi, the capital of India. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Stay in Delhi for 2 nights.
Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin! Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys and lanes in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and largest trading markets of the country; and drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj. Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, visiting the Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the world’s tallest brick minaret and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi. Drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi and take a photo stop at the iconic war memorial arch, the India Gate.
After breakfast travel to Agra, this afternoon visit the splendid Agra Fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Then witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. You may choose to stay back to see the glistening white marble beauty at sunset.
This morning embark on a leisurely drive to Ranthambhore, acclaimed as one of the best places in the world to photograph tigers in the wild. En-route to Ranthambhore, you will make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Continue your drive to Ranthambore and upon arrival; check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.
Today, enjoy an early morning and afternoon shared Jeep safari (accompanied by a trained naturalist) into the national park. The Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of India’s conservation program, Project Tiger. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, this national park stands atop a 600m high hill range, and is covered with thorn trees, scrub and grasslands. Dotted with beautiful ponds, streams, lakes and old ruins, it is home to a large number of tigers, often spotted and photographed by visitors to the park.
After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay. This evening explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi-precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city of Jaipur.
Rise early this morning to visit Jaipur’s famous Amber Fort. En route, take a guided walk through the flower market of Jaipur seeing the beautiful yellow and orange marigolds and other seasonal flowers, being traded. In close vicinity is also the wholesale vegetable market where farmers bring fresh produce to begin the day’s trading. Walking through the markets brings you to a junction where you will find the interesting and unusual milk traders of Jaipur, who bring their cattle’s fresh milk to be tested for quality, priced and traded on the spot. Be amazed at the primitive technique of testing quality of milk by dipping hands into large metal milk containers and evaluating the creaminess of milk supplied! After a brief walk through the local trading markets, drive onwards to visit Amber fort, built in the 16th century. The fort is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The Amber Fort was used by the Rajputs for the dual purpose of defense and private residence. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.
This afternoon take a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, with its unique layer-cake honeycomb windows designed to enable erstwhile women of the royal court to observe passing life without being seen; Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone, and the City Palace complex with its impressive gardens and museums.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travelling back to Delhi International Airport for your flight bound for Australia via Colombo / Singapore.
Arrive in Australia this morning.
Remarks
- This tour is a guaranteed departure based on a minimum of 2 people. Full package prices above include airport taxes and fuel surcharges.
- Land only price: Tour starts from Arrival transfer in Colombo to Departure transfer in Delhi; excluding any international air tickets.
- Indian Tourist visa: all travelers need to log on to website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html and submit your application online accordingly.
- Sri Lanka Tourist Visa, all foreign nationals are required to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their departure to Sri Lanka by logging on to http://www.eta.gov.lk website.
- Camera / video fees may apply in some sightseeing places (at your own expenses).
- Package prices of Singapore Airlines or Sri Lankan Airlines include flight from Colombo to Delhi.
- Package prices of Singapore Airlines are for departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth. Any cost including hotel or meals incurred due to the connecting flight in Singapore will be at your own expenses.
- Package prices of Sri Lankan Airlines are for departures from Sydney or Melbourne only.
- Stopover in Singapore permitted if flying with Singapore Airlines; extra airport taxes apply. Land arrangement in Singapore can be arranged at additional cost.
- Hotels used for this tour: 4* Delhi Royal Plaza; 4* Agra Clarks Shiraz; 4* Ranthambhore Jungle Villas; 4* Jaipur Radisson City Centre; 4* Colombo Ozo Hotel; 4* Habarana Cinnamon Village; 4* Kandy Amaya Hills; 4* Bentota Tangerine Beach Hotel or similar.
- Single supplement: $1150
- Pre / Post Stay in India: $168 (Delhi) per room per night with breakfast
- 5* Hotel Upgrade Options in Sri Lanka Only:
- Surcharge $180 per person to 5* Colombo Cinnamon Lake Side; 5* Habarana Cinnamon Lodge; 5* Kandy Grand Kandyan; 5* Bentota Royal Palms Beach Hotel or similar.
- Pre / Post Stay Hotel: 4* hotel $180 / 5* hotel $230 (Colombo) - per room per night with breakfast
- Pre / Post Stay Hotel: 5* hotel $190 / 5* hotel $220 (Bentota) - per room per night with breakfast
Inclusions
- Return economy class airfares departing from Australia with selected airlines and all domestic flights (unless specified), including ticketed airport taxes & fuel surcharges as at March 2022 (CBT reserve the right to charge extra if airlines increase their fuel surcharge).
- Fully inclusive tour with all transfers between airports / piers / stations and hotels in each city; daily sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary; evening entertainment; professional English speaking local guides and cruise etc. Most meals - breakfasts are Western / local cuisine style buffet at hotel, while lunches and dinners are mostly local cuisines served at selected restaurants, please refer to meal code on itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, BD=buffet dinner, SD=specialty dinner, WD=western dinner).
- Most of our hotels are 4 star international standard hotels with twin share superior class accommodation. All rooms have private facilities, telephone, colour TV and in-room internet facilities. Many hotels have a swimming pool.
- Professional English speaking National guide will accompany the group throughout the trip, in association with the local tour guides. This is subject to the minimum of 10 clients for each tour. Should the group be less than 10 people, the local guide will meet you at the airport / station upon your arrival and return you to the station / airport for your next destination.
- CBT Holidays travel wallet and travel kits.