Private journey · India and Sri Lanka
North India and Sri Lanka: The Taj Mahal to the Tea Hills
The Golden Triangle, then Sri Lanka’s ancient rock fortress, the hill capital of Kandy, the tea country and the old Dutch fort at Galle.
- Duration
- 14 nights · 15 days
- Route
- Delhi · Agra · Jaipur · Sigiriya · Kandy · Tea country · Galle
- Best months
- December to March
- Hotels
- Palace hotels, tea estate bungalows and coastal villas
- Pricing
- Tailored to your choices
Why this journey
Why this India and Sri Lanka tour
This India and Sri Lanka tour combines the Golden Triangle with the island’s ancient cities, tea hills and south coast in fifteen days. From Jaipur you fly on to Sigiriya, Kandy, the tea country and Galle. Like every India and Sri Lanka tour we plan, it can be shaped around your dates, pace and interests. For background, see our guide to travelling in Sri Lanka.
01
Two journeys in one
The forts and palaces of the north, then the green, slower world of Sri Lanka, a short flight away.
02
Sigiriya at first light
The fifth-century rock fortress, climbed early in the morning before the heat and the crowds.
03
Tea country
Two nights among the estates of the hill country, with time to walk, read and watch the mist lift.
The route
Your route
You travel by road between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, then fly to Colombo. In Sri Lanka a private chauffeur-guide drives you north to Sigiriya, up to Kandy and the hills, and down to the south coast.
Day by day
Your India and Sri Lanka tour, day by day
Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
You are met at the airport and driven to your hotel to rest.
Overnight: Taj Palace, New Delhi
Day 2 Delhi
Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw, Jama Masjid and the spice market, then Humayun’s Tomb and the avenues of New Delhi.
Overnight: Taj Palace, New Delhi
Day 3 Delhi to Agra
Drive to Agra. The Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtab Bagh across the river.
Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Day 4 Agra to Jaipur
The Taj Mahal at sunrise, then Fatehpur Sikri on the way to Jaipur.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Day 5 Jaipur
Amber Fort, the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the bazaars of the old city.
Overnight: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Day 6 Jaipur to Colombo
Fly to Colombo via Delhi or Mumbai. You are met on arrival and driven to a hotel near the airport.
Overnight: Shangri-La Colombo, Colombo
Day 7 To Sigiriya
Drive inland to the Cultural Triangle. An unhurried afternoon at your hotel.
Overnight: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
Day 8 Sigiriya and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya rock early in the morning, then visit the painted cave temples of Dambulla.
Overnight: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
Day 9 Sigiriya to Kandy
Drive to Kandy by way of a spice garden. In the evening, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Overnight: King’s Pavilion, Kandy
Day 10 Kandy
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya and a walk around Kandy lake.
Overnight: King’s Pavilion, Kandy
Day 11 Kandy to the tea country
A drive or a scenic train ride up into the hills, through some of the island’s oldest tea estates.
Overnight: Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton, tea country
Day 12 The tea country
A tea factory visit and a walk through the estates with a planter.
Overnight: Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton, tea country
Day 13 The tea country to Galle
Down through the hills to the south coast.
Overnight: Amangalla, Galle
Day 14 Galle
The ramparts and lanes of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with time on the beach.
Overnight: Amangalla, Galle
Day 15 Depart Colombo
Drive to Colombo airport for your flight home.
Where you’ll stay
Hotels on this India and Sri Lanka tour
These are the hotels we usually suggest for this route. We confirm each one with you, and can suggest alternatives at a similar level if you prefer.
Taj Palace
New Delhi · 2 nights
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra · 1 night
Rambagh Palace
Jaipur · 2 nights
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Sigiriya · 2 nights
Ceylon Tea Trails
Hatton, tea country · 2 nights
Amangalla
Galle · 2 nights
Make it yours
Shape it around you
This India and Sri Lanka tour is a starting point. These are some of the changes our travellers most often ask for.
Questions
Questions about this India and Sri Lanka tour
Do we need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival. We will tell you what applies to your passport, as well as for India.
When is the best time to travel?
December to March is the best time for this route: dry and warm on Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts and in the hills, and pleasant in North India.
How long are the drives in Sri Lanka?
Most drives are three to four hours, broken with stops. Roads in the hills are slow and winding, which is why we never rush them.
Is the flight to Colombo included?
The flight from India to Colombo is part of the journey. We confirm the routing and baggage allowance in your quote.
North India and Sri Lanka
Enquire about this India and Sri Lanka tour
Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. We will reply personally to arrange a call at a time that suits you.
Prefer to write directly? contact@alluring.travel · WhatsApp +91 92119 13735
