Best of Indian Ocean
Destination
Beyond the Boundries - Traditions of India & Nepal
Overview
Embark on an immersive 20-day journey across the vibrant cultures, heritage wonders, and scenic landscapes of India and Sri Lanka—two gems of the Indian Ocean. Begin your adventure in India’s bustling capital, Delhi, where centuries of Mughal and colonial history come alive. Marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and explore the royal city of Jaipur with its majestic forts and palaces. Continue south to Kerala, the tropical heart of India, where colonial charm meets serene backwaters. From the coastal heritage of Cochin to the misty tea gardens of Munnar, the wildlife of Thekkady, and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala offers a refreshing retreat. Then, fly to Sri Lanka and discover its mystical landscapes, ancient cities, and colonial charm. Scale the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the sacred city of Kandy, visit lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and unwind on the southern beaches near Galle. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balance of cultural depth, natural beauty, and coastal relaxation in two enchanting countries of the Indian Ocean.
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Tour Highlights
- Delhi city tour including rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb & Qutub Minar
- Visit to the World Wonder: Taj Mahal, Agra
- UNESCO World Heritage site: Amer Fort & Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
- Port city Cochin, “Queen of the Arabian Sea
- Kathakali shows in Cochin
- Visit the Tea plantations in Munnar
- Boat ride/ Trekking & bamboo rafting in Periyar National Park
- Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the palm-fringed backwaters
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
- Visits to tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and explore colonial-style gardens and lakes
- Visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and relax at beaches on Sri Lanka’s southern coast
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Tour Plan
Upon arrival in Delhi, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.
After breakfast, explore Old and New Delhi. Begin with a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, followed by a visit to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Pay homage at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and drive past the ceremonial boulevard of India Gate. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Humayun’s Tomb and the towering Qutub Minar, showcasing the grandeur of Mughal and early Indo-Islamic architecture. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Agra. En route, visit Sikandra. Resume your journey to Agra, on arrival, check in at the hotel & visit Mehtab Bagh, a Mughal garden situated across the Yamuna River, offering the most enchanting views of the Taj Mahal at sunset — an unforgettable sight as the marble monument glows in the golden light. Overnight at the hotel.
Get up early in the morning & visit the stunning Taj Mahal at the time of sunrise, witnessing its beauty. After breakfast, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors, and visit the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, often referred to as the Baby Taj for its delicate marble inlay work and design — a forerunner of the Taj Mahal itself. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the local bazaars. Overnight stay in Agra.
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri (once the capital of Emperor Akbar), now just ruins of the fort area, and Abhaneri (Chand Baori step well). On arrival, check in and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, visit Amer Fort, where we will take an elephant ride to reach the hilltop of the fort, Jal Mahal. Continue with a photo stop at Jal Mahal, the serene Water Palace floating on Man Sagar Lake. Next, visit the City Palace, a sprawling complex that showcases artifacts, royal costumes, and weaponry. Adjacent to the palace is the Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary astronomical observatory from the 18th century, also a UNESCO site. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to the iconic Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. Enjoy the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
After breakfast, drive to Delhi and transfer to the airport for a flight to Kochi. Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be assisted by our Executive and check in at the hotel, and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit some of the famous places of Cochin, such as Bolgatty Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, and Fort Kochi Beach, followed by a Kathakali show in the evening and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, and drive to Munnar (one of the finest hill stations of South India) and check in at the hotel, and our afternoon is free for leisure, in the evening we can take a walk through the lush tea gardens of Munnar and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, and today we will take a full-day trip to Munnar. We will visit the famous tea gardens of Munnar, Photo point, Mutthupeddy dam, Echo point & tea Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and later, enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Lake and see wildlife in Periyar Lake. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and half Full day trekking cum bamboo rafting tour in periyar national park with Guide come back by evening and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, check in at the houseboat. We will keep moving during our Houseboat Cruise on the lake is a great way to explore the great beauty of the backwaters. Overnight at the Houseboat.
After breakfast, drive to Kochi & transfer to Kochi Airport to take a flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet our representative & further drive to Sigiriya. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and overnight at the hotel.
This morning, ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” offering panoramic views and fascinating ancient frescoes. After breakfast, drive to the former royal capital of Kandy. Along the way, we will stop to visit the highest temple in the country at Matale. This temple, both Hindu and Buddhist, rises to more than 37 meters in height. Its Gopurams (towers) display superb, finely engraved sculptures. Kandy takes its name from Kanye, which means "the king of the mountain". The city was the capital of the kingdom of Kandy in the 16th century, as evidenced by the royal palace today. The main attraction of the city is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which contains a relic of Buddha. This temple is of major
importance because, in the past, owning this relic meant holding the power of the land. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View a traditional cultural show and the Kandy temple.
Breakfast at the hotel, and today we have full-day Activities for Kandy City & free time for shopping in the city of Kandy, and evening, come back to the hotel for dinner at the hotel, and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, journey into Sri Lanka’s hill country toward the charming colonial-era town of Nuwara Eliya. En route, stop at a tea plantation and factory to see the tea-making process and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its cool climate and British-style architecture. Check in and relax. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast, Explore Gregory Lake, take a stroll through Victoria Park, and visit Hakgala Botanical Garden. If you wish, enjoy a gentle hike or nature walk in the surrounding hills and tea estates. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive down to the southern coast to the fortified coastal city of Galle. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and stay overnight in Galle.
Full day relaxation and a visit to Galle City & Fort Galle’s earliest historical existence is traced to Ptolemy’s world map of 125–150 AD, when it was a busy port, trading with Greece, Arab countries, China, and others. It's mentioned as a “port of call of the Levant”. Galle has it all: historic colonial sights, meditative temples, sandy beaches, and rivers teeming with wildlife, all of which make this southern seaside escape a must-see on most Sri Lankan travel itineraries. Its origins are ancient; as a seaport, it dates back millennia. Overnight Stay in Galle.
Breakfast at the hotel, and either you can enjoy a full day of relaxation at the beach or take a day trip to Mirissa for Whale Watching. In the evening, come back to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to Colombo. Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. Colombo offers a port city with a rich colonial heritage, and on the western coast is a potpourri of races, religions, and cultures. Colombo displays the best and worst that the country has to offer. The city is a contrast itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, and shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands. With many boutiques filled with international brands and local art and fabrics, Colombo is the best place to do some minute shopping. Overnight Stay in Colombo.
After breakfast, we will drive to Bandaranaike International Airport to take a flight for your homebound journey.
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