India + Sri Lanka Experience, 24 Days

Arrive in Delhi and meet your group and INTRO leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

Today we dive deep into the sights, sounds and smells of Delhi. Wandering the streets of Chawri Bazaar, our local guide will show us how little traditional life has changed. We'll get a taste of India's renowned cuisine as we sample local delicacies - chaat or lassi, anyone? This afternoon we visit the magnificent, red-marbled Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and learn how religion has shaped this country. To finish off the city tour, we'll also visit Rajghat Memorial, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and visit a Sikh Temple

Leaving the hectic streets of Delhi, this morning we'll catch a short flight to Jodhpur, a 700-year-old city in the desert famously known as the 'blue city'. We'll hop on some tuk tuks for a tour of the city before watching the sunset and heading out for dinner. 🌱 Small Change: We'll visit a local family-run cafe to enjoy masala chai tea at sunset.

Dominating the Jodhpur skyline, the impressive Mehrangarh Fort stands on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city and the desert plains below. Today we visit this spectacular sight to find out about the history of the area and check out some pretty impressive views. 🌱 Small Change: We'll visit Bishnoi Village to learn about the rural areas around Jodhpur, whilst supporting their family businesses.

It's time to leave city life behind as we venture into the Desert. We'll embark on a beautiful dune experience in some open-top Jeeps for sunset. Later, we will experience true Rajasthani hospitality and learn some traditional dancing.

Pushkar, one of India's holiest cities, is next on the agenda. We'll explore this city built around a holy lake with a walking tour, where we'll begin to understand why it is a sacred place for Hindu pilgrims to visit at least once in their lifetime. Boasting beautiful markets and (more) delicious food, this city is like nowhere else in Rajasthan. In the morning, we'll get an epic view from Savitri Devi Temple to see the city from above. This afternoon you'll have some time to explore more of the city, or lounge by the pool.

Where better than the birthplace of yoga to get in touch with your inner yogi, so this morning we'll stretch into physical and mental peace with an included sunrise yoga class. After breakfast, we'll head to Jaipur, aka 'Pink City', where extravagant rose-tinted buildings await. This evening we visit a local family and help them prepare dinner. After breakfast, we'll head to Jaipur, aka 'Pink City', where extravagant rose-tinted buildings await. This evening we visit a local family and help them prepare dinner. 🌱 Small Change: A local cooking demo at a family home, learning about local cooking techniques and supporting a family business.

Next we'll visit Jantar Mantar, Jaipur's Observatory. At almost 200 years old, it still houses incredibly sophisticated instruments, another marvel of Indian achievement.

Today let's get a little wild. Leaving the madness of rickshaws and scooters behind, we're going for a complete change of pace, heading for the outskirts of one of India's largest and most renowned national parks. After checking in to our accommodation, there's time to chill. Later we're going full Indiana Jones mode - voyaging into the untouched jungle to explore Ranthambore Fort.

Tiger time! This morning is an early start as we head out on a sunrise safari to try and spot these incredible big cats in the wild. Ranthambore National Park is brimming with wildlife - monkeys, crocodiles, wild boars, deer, peacocks, and even leopards, so we're sure to have an adventure. After our safari, check out the local area or have some well-earned R&R by the pool.

Departing the jungle, en-route to our next location we will stop at the Abhaneri Stepwell, an otherworldly structure built over 1000 years ago to conserve water and provide respite from the intense heat. Photos snapped, we'll make tracks to magical Agra and tease you with what is to come by visiting the tomb of I'timãd-ud-Daulah - otherwise known as the Baby Taj. We're getting excited now…

Wake up early and witness the dawn illuminate the famous Taj Mahal with mesmerising golden glow. Yup, we've saved the best til' last. One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, our local guide will share the Taj's history and secrets and show us some iconic spots to snap pics. With awoken imaginations and full camera rolls, we head back to the hotel for breakfast and drive back to South Delhi. Tonight we celebrate our adventure together with one last Indian feast, some drinks, and maybe even some Bollywood dancing.

Today we'll board our included flight to the beautiful Sri Lanka to start the next half of our epic adventure!

This morning we'll jump into tuk tuks to explore the pretty seaside town of Negombo, stopping off to visit the local markets. We'll then head to the town of Sigiriya, where we'll check in to our lush hotel, with comfy beds, aircon, WiFi and ensuites!

Today we'll take in views of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress as we climb the towering rock adjacent, with 360 degrees views from the top. We'll then head to a local village to understand how small rural communities live, before hopping on some unique, local transportation. We'll then be treated to a cooking demonstration (and eating, of course) courtesy of the local village ladies.

It's goodbye Sigiriya and hello Kandy today as we head south to the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, stopping en route to visit a spice garden. Once in Kandy, we'll head out to visit the fascinating Temple of the Tooth. We will head out for dinner and drinks tonight.

Our southern journey continues today, surrounded by lush and green tea plantations stretching in every direction. We'll be stopping to get a closer look and learn the art of tea picking (and brewing) from local pickers. We'll then hop on board a train for one of the 'world's most scenic train journeys' (no biggie) bound for beautiful and serene Ella. Finally, we'll enjoy dinner at a must-visit spot in Ella, before hitting the town for a fun night out.

You'll be grateful for a later start this morning, as we lace up our trainers for a hike to Little Adam's Peak, where the views are seriously something else. This afternoon you'll have time to yourself to chill and explore the pretty town of Ella. Maybe treat yourself to a traditional massage, or curl up with a book and cuppa.

Get those cameras at the ready as this morning we'll be making a stop at Nine Arches Bridge, one of the most Insta famous places in all of Sri Lanka. We'll then continue south to Udawalawe National Park, where we'll check in to our laid back and beautiful hotel perched right on the edge of the park.

Travelling by jeep at sunrise we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for the free roaming wild elephants, plus other species like crocodiles, buffalo and bird life on safari. We'll then head to the beachside oasis of Hiriketiya for a chilled afternoon in paradise. Later we'll arrive at our beachfront eco retreat in gorgeous Tallala, where we'll finish the day watching the sunset.

The aim of today is to do as little or as much as you want. Take a deep breath and feel the peace and calm wash over you at this beautiful retreat. Participate in the included yoga session, read a book on the loungers by the pool, book an ayuverdic massage, or just snooze under a palm tree whilst soaking in one of the best kept secret beaches of the south.

From one sun drenched beach to the next, we'll be stopping off at Welligama Beach this morning for a private surf lesson. We'll later check into our beach front hotel in Mirissa, our home for the next two nights, followed by a visit to Coconut Tree Hill for it's beautiful views.

Saving one of the best experiences till last. Today we'll be heading to a Buddhist Monastery to take part in a cultural exchange with the local monk students who live there and gain a unique insight into Buddhist ways of life. Tonight and in celebration of our last evening together, we'll be treating you to a farewell dinner on the beach.

Your unforgettable adventure comes to an end today. Those flying home today will jump in our bus back to Negombo to make their way to the airport, or keep living the dream and extend your stay in South Asia with our help and the new friends you've made.