Polonnaruwa | Sri Lanka
FROM: USD $2,765 pp

Combine the incredible sites of India's Golden Triangle with Sri Lanka's ancient ruins, verdant jungles, cool mountains and amazing wildlife. Explore the legendary Taj Mahal and pink city of Jaipur, Dambulla's rock temple, sip pure Ceylon tea and discover the bustling city of Colombo.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID SAFE GUIDE
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Agra – Enjoy a guided tour of striking Agra Fort and India’s most recognisable site - the legendary Taj Mahal
Delhi – See the highlights of India’s capital including Jama Masjid and the Rajpath, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar
Colombo – Take a tour of Sri Lanka’s largest city and see the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple
Polonnaruwa – Discover the impressive temple of Gal Vihara and the 12th century Royal Palace
Jaipur – Visit the highlights of the Pink City including Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar Space Observatory
Karauli – Stay at the Palace Bhanwar Vilas, home to the current Maharaja and be amazed by the rarely visited City Palace
Sigiriya – Explore the UNESCO-listed rock fortress, which is more than 1,500 years old
Udawalawe National Park – Look out for elephants and leopards on a game drive in the biodiverse reserve
Dambulla – Marvel at the impressive Cave Temple, the largest temple complex in Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya – Pass through sprawling tea plantations as we take a scenic train ride to ‘Little England’
Kandy – Ride on a tuk-tuk in the countryside and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour including the famous Temple of the Tooth
Kayanwala – Canoe to the village and help cook a delicious traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family

Included

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Karauli, Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Udawalawe NP
Rickshaw ride in Delhi and travel by jeep to stunning Amber Fort in Jaipur
Escorted by an English-speaking Indian and Sri Lankan tour guide (for groups of 6 or more)
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1, 8 and 15
14 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
Scenic train trip journey Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and tuk tuk trips
Jeep safari game drive in Udawalawe National park
Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flight from Delhi to Colombo
Tip for your tour guide in India and Sri Lanka. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$75-$85pp, paid in local currency
International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: USD$200-210pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi

Saturday. Namaste! Welcome to Delhi. On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel to spend the rest of today at leisure. This evening meet the guide and rest of the group at the hotel lobby at 18:00 for a welcome meeting.
Overnight: Delhi

Day 2

Old and New Delhi sightseeing

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in India’s capital city. In Old Delhi we visit the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - the oldest and largest mosque in India. Continue to the site of Gandhi’s cremation at Raj Ghat before we stroll down the ceremonial Rajpath and admire the famous India Gate monument in New Delhi. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar. Our Namaste dinner takes place this evening so you can get to know your tour group.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

The Taj Mahal

Delhi - Agra. Leaving Delhi, we travel to Agra - former capital of the Mughal Empire. We’ll explore behind the fortified walls of Agra Fort and continue to the Taj Mahal - India’s most recognised attraction. Enjoy a guided tour of this famous white mausoleum, commissioned in the 17th century by the Emperor Shah Jahan and built by 20,000 workers. The Taj Mahal stands in memory of the Emperor’s beloved wife who died tragically in childbirth. It remains the most extravagant and beautiful symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival.
Overnight: Agra  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Karauli

Agra - Karauli. This morning we explore the ghostly city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has laid abandoned for more than 400 years. Continue to the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli, which remains the home of the current Maharaja and Maharani. Much of the complex has been transformed into a heritage hotel, our home for the night. Enjoy free time and stroll around the palace grounds, or if we’re lucky we may be able to join a guided tour led by the princess. Later we visit the Karauli City Palace, which is being lovingly restored by the family. You may also opt to attend the evening Aarti prayer ceremony.
Overnight: Karauli  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Jaipur

Karauli - Jaipur. This morning we travel to a local school (if open) to meet the pupils and teachers. We operate our Change for Children programme here and any donation you make would be appreciated. After the visit we continue to the UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You may wish to catch a Bollywood film at the Raj Mandir cinema, which always has a lively atmosphere. Expect cheering when the hero of the film appears on screen.
Overnight: Jaipur  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

The Pink City of Jaipur

Rise early this morning if you wish to join our Balloon Over Jaipur add-on. Climb aboard a hot air balloon and float with the wind over hill-top forts, temples and palaces. Returning to land, we travel to the striking 16th century Amber Fort. Enjoy a tour of this well-preserved fortress, which is spread out over four levels and sits on the shore of the majestic Maota Lake. We then return to Jaipur, stopping en route at a local cotton weaving house. Later enjoy a tour of city highlights including the impressive City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Overnight: Jaipur  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Return to Delhi

Jaipur - Delhi. This morning we return to Delhi where the rest of the day is free to relax in the hotel or explore. Perhaps visit the impressive Red Fort and see its famous Sound and Light Show after dark.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Delhi to Colombo

Delhi - Colombo. We say goodbye to India today and transfer to the airport for our flight to Sri Lanka. On arrival you’ll be transferred to our hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Please note: The flight from Delhi - Colombo is not included in the cost of this tour. Sri Lankan Airlines fly direct. If you provide us with your flight details, we will be there to meet you at Colombo airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight: Colombo  |  Breakfast

Day 9

Dambulla & Sigiriya

Colombo - Dambulla - Sigiriya. Visit a local market in Naramwela this morning and continue to the Dambulla Rock Temple, the largest and best-preserved temple complex in Sri Lanka. There are hundreds of paintings and statues of Buddha spread over the five impressive caves. The largest of these is a 14-metre statue, carved straight from the cave rock.

After our visit we continue to the iconic UNESCO-listed Sigiriya rock fortress, which is more than 1,500 years old. Explore the impressive Lion Gate, the upper palace and the mirror wall, which was once polished so clean that the king could see his own reflection. You can also see the famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, reached by climbing a spiral stairway.
Overnight: Sigiriya  |  Breakfast

Day 10

Polonnaruwa & Spice Gardens

Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Kandy. Our first stop today is the ancient UNESCO-listed city of Polonnaruwa. See the 12th century Royal Palace and the famous rock cut temple of Gal Vihara. Admire the four giant rock carvings of Buddha in different positions - sitting, standing and reclining.

Later, enjoy a bullock cart ride and a canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala and join a cookery demonstration in a local mud brick house. Feast on a delicious lunch of curry, dahl and spiced rice and then visit a spice garden in Matale. We’ll tour the gardens and there is the opportunity to buy local spices in the shop, which make excellent souvenirs. After our visit we continue to Kandy for the night.
Overnight: Kandy  |  Breakfast

Day 11

Temple of the Tooth & Tuk Tuks

Explore Kandy today with a guided sightseeing tour and take in highlights including the Temple of the Tooth - allegedly home to the relic of the tooth of Buddha. The tooth was historically important in local politics in Sri Lanka, as whoever held the relic oversaw the governance of the country. We also drive around Kandy Lake, visit a gem museum and stroll through a bustling local bazaar. We then enjoy an exhilarating tuk-tuk ride in the surrounding hills and marvel at the incredible scenery. Our final stop of the day is at Geragama Tea Factory to learn about the tea making process and taste a delicious cup of local tea
Overnight: Kandy  |  Breakfast

Day 12

Scenic Train trip & Tea Plantations

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. There is free time this morning to relax before we embark on a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya. The train winds along mountain passes and from lush jungle to sprawling tea plantations. Pass waterfalls and see beautiful suspension bridges before we arrive in Nuwara Eliya. The region is a popular hill resort and Sri Lanka’s most important tea producing region. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, known as ‘Little England’ due to its colonial past, which is still clearly visible.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya  |  Breakfast

Day 13

Udawalawe NP Jeep Safari

Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Leaving Nuwara Eliya today, we travel to Udawalawe National Park and join a wildlife game drive this afternoon. The park is largely made up of grassland plains and you have a good chance of spotting rare species including elephants, leopards and the elusive Sri Lankan Sloth Bear.
Overnight: Udawalawe National Park  |  Breakfast

Day 14

Colombo sightseeing

Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. This morning we visit the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura on our way back to Colombo. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems in the world. We then enjoy a guided tour of Colombo and discover highlights of the Fort area including the government buildings. See the stunning Gangaramaya Temple and take a stroll through Galle Face Green, a popular park on the coast.
Overnight: Colombo  |  Breakfast

Day 15

Colombo

Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today with an included departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast

Extend Your Stay!

Extend your stay with a relaxing 4 day beach break. Located on the south west of the island, palm fringed Bentota offers sandy white beaches, azure waters, colourful markets and opportunities for surfing and water sports.

On the last day of your Delhi to Colombo tour (day 15) you'll travel by private transfer from Colombo to Bentota for 4 nights of beach time bliss. Accommodation is at the beautiful Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information on our 4 day beach break, contact us.

View our selection of add-ons and short stays to enhance your holiday.

The Delhi to Colombo tour can be arranged exclusively for you and your family or friends on a private basis, by paying the private tour supplement. Details are noted at the bottom of the prices & dates tab.

For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our dedicated travel guide.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Read More
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $2,825
USD $3,575
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,765
USD $3,505
USD $2,825
USD $3,575
USD $2,825
USD $3,575
USD $2,825
USD $3,575
USD $2,825
USD $3,575
USD $2,825
USD $3,575
USD $2,825
USD $3,575

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Delhi
USD $65
USD $135
Post-Tour Accommodation - Colombo
USD $95
USD $165
Backstreets of Delhi Morning Cycle
USD $105
N/A
Balloon over Jaipur
USD $325
N/A
Bollywood Dancing
USD $165
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, Delhi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

The luxurious Jaypee Siddharth is a stunning property located just five kilometres from the New Delhi Railway Station. Guestrooms are exquisitely decorated with a blend of cream and brown tones and benefit from air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. If you have free time, guests can indulge in one of the rejuvenating treatments available at the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or work up an appetite in the gym. A range of cuisines are served in the various restaurants found within the hotel complex.

Vivanta by Taj Dwarka, Delhi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Vivanta by Taj Dwarka is a modern, luxury hotel located in Dwarka, on the outskirts of New Delhi, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Spread over 7 acres, this striking hotel has a unique angular design and offers 250 luxurious rooms and suites. All tastes are catered for at the hotel's multi-cuisine restaurant, while the Indus Express restaurant serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine. Head to the popular Tipple bar for a delicious array of heady cocktails or relax by the poolside with a refreshing smoothie from the Celsuis Pool Bar. The nearby Sector 21 Metro station provides direct access to the heart of the city and after a day of sightseeing you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and massage parlour.

Hotel Jivitesh, Delhi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The Jivitesh Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Karol Bagh, a popular neighbourhood of Delhi renowned for its excellent shops and vibrant street markets. The Jivitesh offers comfortable and spacious guest rooms, with modern amenities such as free WiFi, and you can be assured of a warm welcome and excellent customer service from the hotel staff. Enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine at the hotel's restaurant and take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool after a day of sightseeing in the capital. Please note: The swimming pool at the Jivitesh hotel is currently under renovation and is expected to be finished by September 2020.

Hotel Royale Residency , Agra

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Situated a stone’s throw away from the legendary Taj Mahal, the Royal Residency Hotel is perfectly located for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Agra’s famous monuments. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can enjoy an array of flavours around the world in the multi-cuisine restaurant, or perhaps sip on a cocktail next to the outdoor pool.

Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Karauli

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Heritage

Built in 1938, this stunning property is the residence of the Maharaja (181st in the Royal Dynasty) and Maharani of Karauli. Both the architecture and furniture have been designed in fitting with colonial styles and the property offers a fantastic insight into the history and elegance of a bygone era. Rooms are split between deluxe rooms and luxury suites, each including a range of modern amenities such as a mini bar, a well-appointed ensuite and a plush king-sized bed. In the evenings, guests can tuck into an array of regional specialties as well as cuisine from around the world in the hotel's restaurant. The hotel is just 7km from the nearest train station.

Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Heritage

Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.

OZO Colombo, Colombo

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

OZO Colombo is a modern and stylish hotel, with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness center and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. OZO is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 minute drive from the city centre.

The Paradise Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

An eco-friendly resort surrounded by the lush foliage of Sigiriya, this comfortable and conveniently located hotel is just a short distance from the sights of Sigiriya and Dambulla. The resort itself boasts an outdoor swimming pool and four dining options, where you can enjoy a selection of local fare and international favourites. There's also complimentary WiFi, a gym and spa facilities, and even bicycle rental available so you can explore the local area.

OZO Kandy Hotel, Kandy

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The stylish OZO Kandy prides itself on its smart facilities and stunning mountain surrounds. Its highlight being the rooftop pool and BOMMU Bar where you can soak up panoramic views over Kandy whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant serves a tasty array of Asian and international cuisine using only fresh and handpicked produce. Other amenities include a fitness centre and complimentary WiFi, with guestrooms boasting signature soft beds and rain showers.

Jetwing St Andrew's, Nuwara Eliya

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Jetwing St. Andrew's is a unique colonial retreat set in a former country house and surrounded by landscaped gardens. All the spacious rooms are classically furnished with elegant wood and offer free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The grounds of the hotel give a great feel of colonial splendour and guests can wake up to a typical English breakfast and enjoy a stiff brandy at the bar later in the day. Fine dining is offered at the Old Course Restaurant and the hotel also boasts an antique snooker table, which is the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Udawalawe National Park

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated on 7 acres of land, the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is the only hotel of its class in the area. Rooms are spacious with beautiful hard wood flooring and artwork depicting the wildlife of Udawalawe. Food here is delicious and plentiful with an extensive breakfast menu. The outdoor pool is a great place to relax by and enjoy a refreshing splash in after a good day on safari. Well located just a few minutes drive from Udawalawe National Park.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.33 out of 5 based on 3 recent reviews

The tour through part of North India was definitely eye-opening, even for a long term traveler like myself. It inspired many emotions and our guide Yusuf really helped to put things into perspective. His personal and historical narratives were greatly appreciated as well as all the support he gave me resolving some issues around the purchases I made in India. Yusuf is an excellent tour leader, very good at "herding cats and people". I am definitely looking at South India tours based upon his recommendations and overall presence in our group.

• Submitted 15 Feb 2019
Tour
Guide
Country

The whole 2 country trip was amazing. Yusuf’s passion for India rubbed off on us all. India has its issues, poverty and rubbish, but we were able to see beyond that. The trip was well planned with a good balance of historical places, culture and tradition. Diwali was memorable. Yusuf is a true gentleman, with a great sense of humour, is very engaging, very efficient, who genuinely wanted to get to know us

Manoj was our main Sri Lankan guide. Sri Lanka is a real contrast to India with its tropical climate and different landscape. Our schedule was changed from day to day due to the cricket Test Matches in Sri Lanka and the changes to our hotels (location, upgrade and some complimentary evening meals). Zudi, our one day guide for our trip back to Colombo (Manoj continued whale watching and National Park) was amazing, very informative, friendly and did a great job.

• Submitted 04 Dec 2018
Tour
Guide
Country

The trip was flawless from start to finish. Satish was a complete professional and gave lots of information throughout, made us laugh, gave honest insight into Indian culture and arranged every details to perfection. Have had the trip of a lifetime and will definitely return to India.

Joanna Battery • Submitted 27 Oct 2014

Tour in India & Sri Lanka. Excellent tour visiting major sites and others of interest. Kandy Festival was wonderful. Hotels excellent but generally isolated - opportunities to eat elsewhere would have been appreciated.

• Submitted 12 Sep 2014
Tour
Guide
Country

Our guide opened my eyes to what a beautiful, vibrant, hectic, exciting country India is. And what a contrast Sri Lanka was - tropical & calm! Thank you for a great time.

Nicola Spencer • Submitted 14 Mar 2013

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Delhi
Ends
Colombo
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Visiting
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Karauli, Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Old Delhi, Polonnaruwa
Countries
Jama Masjid
The Taj Mahal reflected in the water in Agra
The majestic City Palace in the heart of Karauli
A-sunny-blue-sky-day-at-the-Amber-Fort-in-Jaipur
A-sunny-blue-sky-day-at-the-Amber-Fort-in-Jaipur
Humayun's tomb glowing in the waning sunlight in Delhi
Cannon pointing towards the sea in Colombo
Iconic rock sitting among lush vegetation in Sigiriya
The ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa
View of Kandy from across the water
The rolling tea plantation hills of Nuwara Eliya
Elephants in the long grass of Udwalawe National Park

Tour Add-ons

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The tour through part of North India was definitely eye-opening, even for a long term traveler like myself. It inspired many emotions and our guide Yusuf really helped to put things into perspective. His personal and historical narratives were greatly appreciated as well as all the support he gave me resolving some issues around the purchases I made in India. Yusuf is an excellent tour leader, very good at "herding cats and people". I am definitely looking at South India tours based upon his recommendations and overall presence in our group.

Holly Elke
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