Uncover the delights of India’s famed Golden Triangle - Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, then head south to tropical Kerala. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations, spot elephants in Periyar Wildlife Sancutary, relax in sleepy Kumarakom and spend a night aboard a house-boat, gliding along the palm fringed backwaters.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Kochi, Periyar, Kumar
New Delhi, Kochi, Periyar, Kumarakom, Kerala Backwaters, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur, Munnar
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
We booked the Classic Ceylon Sri Lanka Tour for our honeymoon. The tour agent was Aitken Spence Travels. Day 1: Arriving at Colombo airport, we were greeted by our guide/driver named Rane (guide and driver are the same person throughout the tour). Our first stop was the Ramada Hotel in Columbo, where we checked in. You can take advantage of the afternoon to explore the city or relax at the hotel. We have reviewed each hotel separately in this thread if you want to learn more about each hotel review in detail. Our guide agrees on a time for you to be picked up the next morni g, which was ours at 8am. to start on time. Colombo is a busy city so traffic can be very busy. Day 2: Drive from Colombo to Dambulla, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Your guide will make a rest stop for a drink if you wish. Once we reach Dambulla we visit the Temple of the Rock. This fascinating temple is built on the side of a rock with some historical monuments of Buddhas and paintings. Once we had visited the temple, we stopped for lunch at one of the various Sri Lankan tourist restaurants. The food is in keeping with the country and there are usually rice, potatoes, various meats and salads on the menu. We were never disappointed. Lunch is not included in the tour price so it is extra, but at approx 600 rupees it is very reasonable in terms of cost. Some days we didn't fancy lunch and you can skip this if you want. Your driver will be very accommodating. We were then taken to our hotel which would be home for the next 3 nights: Amaara Forest Hotel (review available separately). The following days consisted of: Day 3 - Drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa to visit the 2nd Heritage of the Capital City. This is an amazing experience that offers a fantastic insight into Sri Lankan history. After this we reached Minneriya to the national park. The opportunity to see elephants in the wild is something not to be missed. There are also wild buffaloes, monkeys, birds, and many more animals to witness. We also visited a silk shop where silk was made, and we were dressed in traditional Sri Lankan clothing, where you can take photos of each other. The ladies at this store were wonderful and we bought a few items. The woodcarving factory is also a good stop, where you can watch how they make traditional Raksha masks and other items. We really wanted to buy a pair of these and the factory store on site had plenty to choose from at reasonable prices. Day 4 - Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock). This spectacular rock of approximately 200 m high has impressive views. The only way to achieve this is through lots of steep steps so you will need to wear some good trainers as flip flops will wreck your feet. It can get quite busy on the stairs for the first part as there are historical paintings to see a third of the way which causes the delay, but it picks up soon after. Don't let this delay put you off, I almost decided not to bother you, but the wife talked me into it and I'm glad I did. When you get to about 2/3 of this way, this is where the Lions entrance is. At one point this one had a huge rock lion face on it which is sadly gone. From this point you can reach the top and the view of Sri Lanka can be seen for miles. Word of advice to all of you, there are people who offer to "show" you the rock, they will expect payment for their services, so you politely say no or agree to a cost up front. Also when on the stairs there will be men offering to help him up (at one point taking my wife's hand and escorting her down the stairs which I soon said no to) in all fairness once I say no they will leave you alone, so don't do it. Don't let this discourage you, but be prepared. This day you also have a tour of a rural town in a carriage and a boat ride. You may be offered lunch here which is a great experience and at 600 rupees well worth it. A local lady prepares dinner in her cabin in the woods, and there is a good choice to have. You won't get a chance to experience this again so totally recommend it. Day 5 - Kandy. The journey from the hotel above to here is around 2.5 hours, but it breaks down to an intermediate stop at Spice Garden, where you can see how various spices grow and are shown how to make curry mixes from scratch. The day also included a visit to a gem museum. Generally these places have a room or two showing the history of the gems etc but then a shop at the end. We found the gem shop too expensive for what we wanted to get out of our souvenir shopping, so we didn't buy anything. Again, you don't have to buy anything if you just want to look around. After you transfer to another hotel, we stopped at Earls Regent in Kandy. Day 6 - We visit the Botanical Garden which is a lovely relaxing day where you can walk slowly and take in the surroundings. After this, you can have lunch or return to the hotel to relax. Day 7: We visit a tea plantation on this day where you can see the process from tea leaf picking to the final product. We were allowed to pick tea leaves in the hills as well as visit the shop on site to pick up some reasonably priced local tea/souvenirs. From this point, you can return to the final hotel of the tour to rest in Nuwara Eliya. You can, if you wish, take a walk in the area near the hotel. Day 8 _ This is the route back to the airport, which takes around 7 hours in total, but is broken down by the different sights offering opportunities for waterfalls and a few breaks at local cafes and restaurants. As a guide, we leave at 8:30 am and arrive at the airport at 3:30 pm. Overall the tour was amazing but very tiring. It's not a relaxing vacation, so if you can get a second week in a row somewhere, you can relax. We went to the Maldives which is a 1 hour flight to Male airport. Some final points:
We were advised to tip the driver between $5-10 per person per day as an example, but you can tip what you feel was worth. Your guide will offer to take you to other places that are not listed on the tour and will be charged. If you don't want to do this, just say no thanks and they won't accept you. We almost fell for this and arrived at a spa which we were told would cost 5,000 rupees each for an hour which works out to a total of �40 so not a huge cost but we really didn't want a spa visit So we politely said we weren't interested. On the last day you will also be asked if you want to go rafting, which we didn't do as the last thing we wanted was to get wet en route to the airport. Overall, a worthwhile trip to an amazing country.
Great trip, particularly being on the backroads experiencing more of the local life. Equipment was in very good condition and staff and locals very friendly.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Waskaduwa, Minneriya Na
Colombo, Waskaduwa, Minneriya National Park, Induruwa, Ahangama, Udawalawe, Banadarawela, Kandy, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
The Trek was excellent - the scenery was fantastic with the clear weather in mid-October. The trekking was sometimes challenging, but never too hard for fairly fit "almost-60-year-olds". The views of Everest and its surrounding peaks, especially from Tengboche Monastery, were fantastic. If you don't feel the need, or have the time, to go all the way to Everest Base Camp, this is the trek to take!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and rewarding trek around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu, at 8,163 meters. It offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks, diverse landscapes, a rich culture, and wildlife. The trek typically lasts 10–14 days and requires a special permit. The best time to do the trek is during the spring and autumn, with moderate temperatures, clear skies, and good visibility. The winter and monsoon seasons are less crowded but pose more challenges and risks. The trek follows the Buri Gandaki River Gorge, passing suspension bridges and lush forests, waterfalls, and villages. The average cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on factors like season, duration, itinerary, service level, and trekking agency chosen. Some additional factors that can affect the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek include accommodation choices, transportation expenses, and any additional activities or side trips included in the itinerary. It is recommended to research and compare different trekking agencies to find the best value for your budget and preferences.
Trip was amazing. We covered all the places as per the itinerary. Our guide is very humble and great person, explained about all the places in detail. Worth visiting the coutnry with Aitken & Spence.
Enjoy this 8-day Golden Triangle of India (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra) trip with a visit to Ranthambore. You will visit cities rich in history and culture and tour some amazing World Heritage sites. Add to this a jungle safari to see the famed tigers of India, and the memories will last a lifetime.
We will explore a 1000 year old fort at Ranthambore in southeast Rajasthan and the enchanting Taj Mahal in Agra - built by the great Emperor Akbar, and learn about their fascinating history.
With over 200 species of birds, many species of animals including the marsh water crocodiles, the Ranthambore National Park is a haven for wildlife. The park is home to the national animal of India - the tiger, and the jungle safari will give us a unique opportunity to see the magnificent beast in its natural environment.
Please see the itinerary for day-by-day details of this tour.
AdventureHoneymoon
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, The Golden Tr
New Delhi, Jaipur, The Golden Triangle, Agra, Ranthambore National Park
This tremendous 14-day trip takes you through the immense area of Rajasthan to explore its great past. Discover the great times of the maharajas of the area and travel back in time, discovering its magnitude of strengths and impressive forts. You will visit important cities, the desert and the illustrious Taj Mahal. This trip combines contrasts and cultural riches with all the magic of Rajasthan.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mandawa
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mandawa, Rajasthan, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore Dambulla Rock Temple, discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and visit iconic Sigiriya Rock. Sip on refreshing Ceylon tea and see Sri Lanka's famous wildlife on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park before heading to the idyllic beaches of Bentota for some sun, sea and relaxation.
Beach
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara
Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Kalutara
Spend eight days discovering the cultural wonders of northern India, starting and ending in Delhi. From the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi to the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, this tour is packed with iconic sights and rich history. Stay in heritage properties in Karauli or Dholpur, and explore Jaipur’s ornate palaces and the striking Amber Fort. Highlights include rickshaw rides, Mughal architecture, and the vibrant Pink City. With plenty of free time and optional experiences like hot-air ballooning and street food tours, this trip offers a colourful, well-rounded introduction to India’s Golden Triangle.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur
New Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover a land of mysticism and proud tradition on this nine-day Premium adventure through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. This country has a story tell and an experienced local leader will help you uncover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage as you wind through forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred mountains. Discover the compelling history of Thimphu, hike the valleys of Punakha, learn about black-necked cranes in Phobjikha and climb to the legendary Tiger’s Nest in Paro. A journey through the astonishing beauty of the people, landscape and culture of Bhutan will leave your happiness levels off the scale.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha
Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
We recently concluded a two-week trip travelling throughout Sri Lanka using World Expeditions. With our input on sites to see, hikes to take, places of interest to visit, accommodations etc., the World Expeditions team provided an excellent and customized itinerary for our comprehensive private journey to Sri Lanka. The entire team was highly responsible and provided professional input up to the moment we departed for the trip. Upon arrival we were greeted by our guide and driver who provided dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence all throughout the trip, consistently going above and beyond his responsibilities as a travel guide ensuring we would experience the "real” Sri Lanka. He consistently anticipated our needs to ensure that our questions or concerns were addressed and resolved. Being very intuitive, in addition to the hikes, temples and ancient cities visited in our itinerary, he also further customized our trip to include additional activities he knew we would both enjoy as wildlife and photo enthusiasts. Overall, this was an incredible experience and very satisfied that we used World Expeditions to organize this trip.
Bicycle toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Negombo, Colombo, Ella, Udawalaw
Negombo, Colombo, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Galle, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya