Essential India & Sri Lanka

Welcome to New Delhi – and the start of your India to Sri Lanka adventure! Meet your group and Adventure Leader at around 12 pm for a trip briefing covering your upcoming travels and tips for staying safe in India.

We’ll then head straight into our first unmissable experience – a Hindi language lesson. Your local guide will introduce some key phrases to help you navigate the next two weeks. From there, it’s time to explore Delhi’s highlights. Discover the bustling streets of Old Delhi, its renowned temples, vibrant spice markets and mouth-watering street food.

This evening, we’ll visit Sis Ganj Sikh Temple – one of Delhi’s nine historical gurdwaras. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore and find some dinner – don’t forget to ask your Adventure Leader for local recommendations.

If you’re up early, join the group for a game of ultimate frisbee in Lodhi Gardens. Prefer a slower start? Meet us later to chat with a local resident about everyday life in Delhi.

Next, we’ll visit Akshardham – a spectacular Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

You can opt to join us at the Clay Company for a hands-on pottery workshop and introduction to ceramics. Alternatively, you might explore one of Delhi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden-tomb in India – or the soaring Qutub Minar in Mehrauli.

New Delhi - Varanasi. Rise early for your train journey to Varanasi, one of India’s oldest and most spiritual cities. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to your accommodation before we head out for another unmissable experience – a boat tour along the ghats of the Ganges River.

Witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony as lamps flicker across the water and chants fill the air – an unforgettable introduction to Varanasi’s spiritual heart. After disembarking, enjoy dinner at your leisure before settling in for the night.

Varanasi - Agra. Start your day on the water once again, with an optional sunrise boat tour offering spectacular views of life along the Ganges. On your way back, grab a steaming cup of tulsi chai to warm up.

Later this morning, you can opt to join the group on a visit to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist and Hindu archaeological site. It’s believed to be the place where Buddha first shared his teachings – the Dhamek Stupa marks the spot of that first sermon.

Back in the city, wander through the Old Market in search of the famous Blue Lassi Shop, known for its delicious yoghurt drinks. This will be your final chance to explore Varanasi before we board the night train to Agra – use your time wisely!

Arrive in Agra this morning and transfer to your accommodation. Take some time to rest or, if you’re feeling energetic, opt to join us for an afternoon visit to Agra Fort and the Baby Taj – two stunning examples of Mughal architecture.

This evening, you may like to join your group for dinner and drinks at the Salt Café. Try not to stay up too late though – tomorrow starts early!

Agra - Jaipur. Rise early for a truly iconic experience – sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Watch as the morning light illuminates this world-famous monument before returning for breakfast and your private transfer to Jaipur.

After checking in, we’ll visit Nahargarh Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city as the sun sets. Later, join your group for dinner in the Pink City.

If you’re an early riser, why not start your day with a thrilling hot-air balloon safari or a peaceful morning visit to Govind Dev Temple, where you can learn about local religious practices?

Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to the magnificent Amber Palace – an architectural gem built entirely of yellow and pink sandstone.

This afternoon is yours to explore. You might visit the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar observatory, browse the lively Bapu Bazaar, or experience traditional Rajasthani culture at Chowki Dhani.

As evening falls, you can join the group for an optional street food tour or sample Jaipur’s nightlife.

Jaipur - Jaisalmer. Another early start takes us to the Monkey Temple – a fascinating Hindu pilgrimage site set amid stunning scenery and home to hundreds of playful monkeys.

Spend the rest of the morning relaxing or exploring Jaipur at your own pace. You can even take part in an optional Indian dance class if you’re feeling lively.

This afternoon, we’ll transfer to Jaipur station for our overnight journey to the next stop on our Indian adventure – Jaisalmer.

Arrive in Jaisalmer this morning and head to a local hostel for breakfast and a rest. Later, join us for a visit to the remarkable Jaisalmer Fort – a 17th-century sandstone fortress rising dramatically from the desert. You can also visit Gadsisar Lake for some beautiful photo opportunities.

Then, it’s time for one of the most memorable experiences of your trip – a camel trek into the Thar Desert. We’ll ride out to our desert camp, enjoy dinner under the stars, and settle in for a night of traditional music, stories, and stargazing.

Jaisulmer - Jodhpur. Wake to a desert sunrise before enjoying breakfast and returning to the city. From here, we’ll travel by private transfer to Jodhpur – the Blue City.

After checking in, we’ll take a short orientation walk, visiting landmarks such as the Clock Tower and the striking Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell.

This evening, you’re free to relax or join your group for a drink near the stepwell.

Today is yours to explore Jodhpur at your leisure.

If you’d like, you can join one of our optional experiences:

A cooking class, where you’ll discover the flavours and history of Indian cuisine.
The Flying Fox zipline – an exhilarating adventure offering incredible views across the city and its fort.

Later, unwind with your group for a rooftop drink at your hostel as the city glows blue beneath the evening sky.

Jodhur - Mumbai. Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking a flight to your final destination in India – Mumbai.

After arriving and checking in to your accommodation, unwind and join your group for a relaxed evening. You might head to a rooftop bar to enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline.

If you’d like to understand more about everyday life in Mumbai, join us this morning for a guided tour of Dharavi – one of Asia’s largest and most industrious communities. You’ll also visit Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi – the world’s largest open-air laundry.

This afternoon, meet up for an unmissable tour of Mumbai’s highlights, including the Gateway of India and the Colaba District.

Spend your final evening in India soaking up Mumbai’s vibrant nightlife before we continue our journey to Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Mumbai - Colombo. Fly from Mumbai to Colombo to begin the Sri Lankan leg of your adventure. Meet your new Adventure Leader in the hostel lobby for a pre-departure briefing, then set out on a city tour of Colombo.

Explore the capital’s fascinating blend of modern life and colonial heritage as we travel by coach and on foot through its lively streets and cultural landmarks.

Colombo - Negombo - Dambulla - Habarana. Start your morning with a trip to Negombo’s famous fish market, locally known as ‘Lellama’. Located along the beach, this bustling market offers a fascinating glimpse into local life as fishermen auction their daily catch in a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Next, we’ll transfer to the Sputnik Centre for a rewarding half-day of volunteer activities. Here, you’ll learn about the centre’s inspiring community initiatives that have empowered young people for over two decades through language courses, youth programmes, and sports activities.

Afterwards, we’ll continue to Dambulla to visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple complex. This ancient site features beautifully preserved cave temples adorned with intricate murals and statues that date back nearly 2,000 years.

In the evening, check in to your hostel and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Habarana - Sigiriya - Habarana. After breakfast, we’ll head northeast to another of Sri Lanka’s remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the ancient city of Sigiriya. Climb the iconic rock fortress built by King Kashyapa I (477–495 AD) and take in sweeping views across the surrounding plains.

In the afternoon, spend time exploring Sigiriya at your leisure, or join an optional excursion to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Once a royal capital, this site is best explored by bicycle, allowing you to admire its temples, pagodas, statues, and ruins at a relaxed pace.

Return to Dambulla in the evening to unwind with a glass of arrack – a traditional Sri Lankan spirit made from fermented coconut sap.

Habarana - Kandy. After breakfast, we’ll journey south to the Knuckles Mountain Range – a striking landscape named for its peaks resembling a clenched fist. Enjoy a scenic hike along the Manigala Trail, taking in panoramic views and spotting native flora and fauna along the way.

After a picnic lunch, we’ll continue to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill capital and second-largest city. Spend the afternoon exploring its lively streets, where colonial architecture meets modern cafés, before ending the day with a relaxed drink at a local pub.

Kandy - Kitulgala. Start your day with an optional visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites – the Temple of the Tooth. Once the royal palace, it’s now home to the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

This afternoon, you can explore more of Kandy at your own pace or opt to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. These peaceful gardens, just outside the city, are renowned for their vast collection of orchids and tropical plants.

Later, we’ll travel to Kitulgala for a thrilling white-water rafting adventure through the rainforest. After an adrenaline-filled afternoon, relax for the evening surrounded by lush jungle scenery.

Kitulgala - Ella. After breakfast, travel to Nanu Oya to board one of the world’s most scenic train journeys to Ella. Sit back and enjoy the ride through rolling tea plantations, misty forests, and charming mountain villages.

Once in Ella, check in to your hostel and take some time to relax before joining a hike to Little Adam’s Peak. This easy trail winds through tea fields and ends with spectacular views over Ella’s hill country – the perfect way to end your first day here.

Start early with a packed breakfast as we embark on an unforgettable trek along the 15th and 16th stages of the Pekoe Trail.

Stage 15 begins at Makulella Buddhist Temple and leads through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and jungle paths to the summit of Ella Rock. Enjoy panoramic views of Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak before continuing to Stage 16.

The second stage passes through the lush Ella Forest Reserve and past the famous Nine Arches Bridge before finishing at the Demodara Railway Loop.

In the evening, unwind and explore Ella’s cosy cafés, pubs, and restaurants at your own pace.

Today, immerse yourself in Sri Lankan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare authentic dishes and uncover the secrets behind the country’s distinctive flavours.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Ella your way – you might opt for a yoga class, an exhilarating ride on the Flying Ravana Zipline, or simply relax with a tea overlooking the hills.

Ella - Udawalawe. After breakfast, travel to Udawalawe, stopping en route at the ancient Buduruwagala Temple. This serene Buddhist site is home to seven 10th-century rock carvings, including a towering statue of Buddha surrounded by bodhisattvas.

Continue to your campsite near Udawalawe National Park. This area is a sanctuary for elephants and other wildlife – keep your eyes open for crocodiles, deer, and vibrant birdlife as you settle in for the evening.

Udawalawe - Unawatuna. This morning, we’ll visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate, where you’ll learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup. Explore the historic factory and museum before enjoying a freshly brewed cup overlooking the lush plantations.

Afterwards, we’ll travel along Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna – a laid-back beach town famous for its golden sands and turquoise water.

Spend today enjoying the best of Sri Lanka’s coast – sun, sea, and surf. Relax on the beach or take part in a surfing lesson.

Please note: surfing sessions operate from December to April; if conditions are unsuitable, a full refund will be provided.)

In the afternoon, you can try a traditional mask-painting workshop, a craft believed to bring protection and healing through its intricate designs.

Unawatuna - Galle - Unawatuna. Today, hop in a tuk-tuk for the short journey to Galle – Sri Lanka’s lively southern hub. Explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch.

Wander through its cobbled lanes lined with colonial architecture, boutique shops, and cafés, all within the fort’s historic ramparts. As the sun sets, enjoy the view from the fort walls before returning to Unawatuna for the night.

Unawatuna - Colombo. Your India to Sri Lanka group adventure comes to an end today. We’ll make our way back to Colombo, stopping at a temple en route to meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a traditional pooja – a blessing ceremony to mark the close of your journey.

On arrival in Colombo, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and reflect on an unforgettable experience across two incredible countries.