Both parts of this trip wee amazing but the tour leader, Nala, for the Sri Lankan part was amazing. We were seeing and doing so much of Sri Lanka but his efficiency and effectiveness at keeping us all informed and inspired throughout was seamless. He was knowledgeable, fun, and thoughtful with all of our group. He was careful to make sure everyone was happy and felt part of the group, and was aware of everyone's particular interests.
Nala made sure that we all knew what to expect in the day's itinerary but also added in extra activities if there was time, or the opportunity arose for example, a large banana market where the cooperative owners were happy to hear our questions and have phottaken.
We would thoroughly recommend Nala as a tour guide- everything he did was designed to keep us all happy and he was exceptional in this.
Welcome to South Asia, where ancient religions, deep heritage and wild wonders are laced through cultural riches and spice-laden cuisine. On this 19-day Premium adventure you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, wildlife-spot in Minneriya National Park soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi, explore the ancient ruins of Habarana, sip tea in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and taste culinary delights in Colombo. Local leaders will bring the magic of India and Sri Lanka to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, discover the cultural heart of India and Sri Lanka.
Looking back at our photos now we've returned to the UK we can't believe the amount we saw and the amazing experiences we had on this tour. Sri Lanka is an amazing beautiful country with some much going on - we only scratched the surface. Our tour leader Cham worked so hard to make sure that we had everything we needed, resolving our problems and sorting out food for our fussy son! His knowledge about Sri Lankan history and wildlife was immense. He even found the best place to buy genuine Sri Lanka cricket shirts for the sporty members of our group. The only thing we'd change was the pace of the second half of the Sri Lanka leg of the trip. The first half gave us time to chill and bond as a group, as well as hang out in the pool at Giritale and play cricket. The second half we moved every night and covered a massive distance, though interesting, this was quite tiring (especially for the kids), so we'd suggest that a two night stop in the middle of this element would resolve this issue easily. This was clear in the notes, however, as was the high chance of not getting the train. The pace did slow considerably for the Maldives element, with a lot of time on our boats travelling between reefs. The snorkelling was quite frankly mind-blowing, and even the more nervous swimmers loved it. The crew were fantastic, and the food was delicious. The guide knew his stuff, and made sure we had great snorkelling experiences. Our only criticism of this part of the trip was that splitting the group when we'd got to know each other and were getting on really well was disappointing. There were larger boats, and we'd have preferred to be on a single boat given how long we spent travelling separately. The crew did what they could to mitigate this by tying the boats together when we moored for snorkels, meals and overnight and that was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and with a few very small tweaks it'd be perfect!
The highlights of Sri Lanka and the Dhoni cruise in the Maldives was excellent. The only complaint I have is that I could have spent two weeks on the boat instead of the 8 days. The cruise needs to be longer!
This tour takes you through the key sites of India and Sri Lanka, showcasing their rich architecture and history. In Delhi, marvel at the stunning Red Fort, explore Chandni Chowk, visit Raj Ghat, and see the Qutab Minar. Then, travel to Agra to witness the Taj Mahal, and explore the Amber Fort in Jaipur before returning to Delhi. The next day, fly to Colombo and experience Sri Lanka’s exotic wildlife and cultural heritage. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the historic Dambulla Rock Temple, and climb the Sigiriya Fortress. Discover the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, including the Gal Viharaya and the Statue of King Parakramabahu. In Matale, learn about Sri Lankan spices, then visit Kandy, the last royal capital. Explore the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya and a Tea Plantation en route to Nuwara Eliya. Finally, travel to Negombo and conclude your tour in Colombo, ending your journey through India and Sri Lanka.
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Sri Lanka. Start by exploring the vibrant city of Colombo before heading to the cultural heart of Kandy, where ancient temples and traditions await. Continue to the lush highlands of Nuwara Eliya, renowned for its tea plantations, then relax amidst the scenic beauty of Ella. Experience the wild wonders of Yala National Park before soaking up the serene beaches of Hiriketiya and Dickwella. Finally, unwind in the coastal town of Negombo before concluding your adventure at Bandaranaike International Airport. This tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.
This fascinating tour of Sri Lanka will guide you through the most beautiful scenery and fascinating landmarks the South Asian country has to offer! Begin your trip in the city of Negombo, known for its beautiful beaches and abundant supply of cinnamon. Continue your journey to Dambulla, where you may explore the Dambulla Cave Temple. This is a legendary 2000-year-old rock cave temple that was named a World Heritage Site in 1991 and is the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in the country! From there you will travel to the mountainous city of Kandy, with an en-route stop in Matale. Here you will visit the aromatic spice garden and discover the healing properties of the local spices. Once you arrive in beautiful Kandy, you may explore the city along with its well-known gem museum and fresh markets. Embark on an optional tour to the legendary Temple of the Tooth to see a relic of Lord Buddha or experience the fine culture of Sri Lanka with a fun night of entertainment at the cultural show! Discover some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka as you travel to Wadduwa, a breathtaking coastal town with crystal-blue waters. End your journey with a couple of days in this beautiful paradise before you fly back home!
This fascinating of Sri Lanka will guide you through the most beautiful scenery and fascinating landmarks in the South Asian country has to offer! Begin your trip in the city of Negombo, known for its beautiful beaches and abundant supply of cinnamon. Continue your journey to Dambulla, where you may explore the Dambulla Cave Temple. This is a legendary 2000-year-old rock cave temple that was named a World Heritage Site in 1991 and is the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in the country! From there you will travel to the mountainous city of Kandy, with an en-route stop in Matale. Here you will visit the aromatic spice garden and discover the healing properties of the local spices. Once you arrive in beautiful Kandy, you may explore the city along with its well-known gem museum and fresh markets. Embark on an optional tour to the legendary Temple of the Tooth to see a relic of Lord Buddha or experience the fine culture of Sri Lanka with a fun night of entertainment at the cultural show! Discover some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka as you travel to Wadduwa, a breathtaking coastal town with crystal-blue waters. End your journey with a couple of days in this beautiful paradise before you fly back home!
Really excellent trip - we saw and experienced so many things. Only downside is it meant a lot of travelling on the bus and only one night in every hotel.
Highlights were the Safari - seeing the elephants especially. Climbing Lions Rock at 6am and the delightful food we had along the way.
Our guide, Chamodi was very enthusiastic and friendly. She was especially good with the children.