Compare Essential India and Sri Lanka by Indus Travels vs India in 7 days - The Golden Triangle - Superior by Exoticca

Today make your own way to the airport to depart on your overnight flight to India. 

Enjoy in-flight meals and services. 

The capital of India is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines the ancient and the modern in its folds. Delhi can broadly be divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Delhi’s Muslim rulers notably the Mughals between 17th & 19th centuries. New Delhi on the other hand is referred to as the Imperial city when the British decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911. On arrival, you will be met transferred to the hotel for a non-alcoholic welcome drink. 

Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi

Breakfast: At hotel

Day: At leisure; perhaps pre-book a Delhi city tour.

Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi

Meals Included:   Breakfast 

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Drive to the medieval city of Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of India’s prime tourist destinations for specifically this reason, though its attractions also extend to an array of other impressive historical sights. The Taj, is in a league of its own and needless to say is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.

Afternoon: Enjoy your afternoon at leisure or perhaps book an optional tour to the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah. 

Early Evening: At leisure or perhaps book an optional show about the Taj Mahal. 

Accommodation: Overnight in Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Early Morning: Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument.  Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful rising sun’s rays. 

Breakfast:  At hotel 

Accommodation: Overnight in Agra

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Depart for Bharatpur – a birder’s paradise, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water. 

Afternoon:Upon arrival in Bharatpur; check in to the hotel. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure or book an optional visit to the Bird Sanctuary.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bharatpur

Meals Included:   Breakfast 

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Depart for the “Pink City” of Jaipur - Rajasthan’s capital, the origin of Jaipur’s nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn. Jaipur is an excellent place to enjoy unparalleled shopping and people watching.

Afternoon: Arrive in Jaipur. You may want to spend time in the oldest and busiest of markets in the walled city, Johori Bazaar, a true feast for the senses. Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws, cows, bejeweled women and men with shocking pink turbans jostle through the labyrinthine streets.  

Accommodation:Overnight in Jaipur

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel

Day: At leisure; perhaps pre-book a tour of Amber Fort. 

Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur

Meals Included:   Breakfast

Breakfast:  At hotel

Morning: Enjoy a tour of Jaipur including a visit to the City Palace built between 1729 and 1732 by the ruler, Amber Sawai Jai Singh II. The City Palace covers a large part of the total area of Jaipur; the palace complex was built as if there is a city within a city. A complex of courtyards, gardens, buildings, temples, fountains, pounds, courts, horse stable, workshops and playgrounds make up the palace grounds. Afterwards continue to the impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the astronomer to which this city owes its name. The term "Jantar Mantar" literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". It houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians and architects around the world. It is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built.

Afternoon: At leisure

Evening: Enjoy an Aarti Ceremony in Birla Mandir. “Aarti” is a very auspicious Hindu ritual in which we offer our prayers (traditional hindi song) to God. The Guru or the Master with his devotees, sing the prayers along with the lighting of small lamps. The experience, the view and the positive vibrations are so inspirational that it is difficult to put into words. End the day learning the art of Turban and Saree tying. The Turban is the crown that has been conferred upon naturally for men. It doesn’t matter whether he is a King or a simple commoner. Of all the turbans, the turbans of Jaipur, Rajasthan deserves special mention. In this part of the country, the turban is known as Paag, Safa or Pagdi. The art of wearing a turban is believed to be started by the Rajput community. The Saree, a symbol of Indian women’s attire has become an icon the world over. This simple one long piece of cloth measuring 5-9 meters in length did not lose its basic design and is still popular among contemporary Indian women as one of the best traditional and ethnic wear.

Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur

Meals Included:Breakfast

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Travel back overland to Delhi to Indira Gandhi International Airport to check in for your flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Evening: Welcome to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s seaside metropolis offers a laid-back atmosphere coupled with a mixture of crumbling colonial buildings and glinting skyscrapers. On arrival at International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation:Overnight in Colombo

Meals Included:Breakfast           

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: In the morning enjoy Colombo city and shopping tour, the throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!

Afternoon: In the afternoon, depart to Kandy Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

Accommodation: Overnight in Kandy

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At Hotel

Morning: This morning after breakfast transfer to, Waskaduwa, Overlooking the mass blue of the Indian Ocean, Citrus Waskaduwa embodies the true essence of luxury for your ideal beach vacation in Sri Lanka. Sun-soaked tranquility and breathtaking views, outstanding cuisine and luxury accommodation combined with the magic of Citrus, nestled on the magnificent golden-sand crescent along the west coast of Sri Lanka are just a few reasons to visit Citrus Waskaduwa. Experience Waskaduwa like never before at these five star-class resorts that owns an unspoiled, 400m long beachfront. Enjoy the beach and facilities at the hotel

Accommodation: Overnight in Waskaduwa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast:  At Hotel

Morning: Today is free for you to explore Waskaduwa on your own, or may join optional tours. 

Accommodation:Overnight in Waskaduwa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: At Hotel

Morning: Today you will be transffered back to Kalutara Airport to check in for your onward flight to USA/CANADA

Day 1: US - Night on board

Are you ready to experience the land of a thousand colors? Pack your bags and set off to your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight * to Delhi, India's vibrant capital! Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Delhi

Touch down in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Get ready to explore the city and all it has to offer you, intrepid traveler! From the cacophony of sounds to the dizzying aromas and rainbow palette of colors, Delhi is the gateway to your India adventure! Be sure to explore its historic center, filled with the relics of its past under Islamic conquerors. Spend the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you'll explore the treasures of Old Delhi such as the majestic Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and lively Chandi Chow Street, for your first taste of Indian culture. Make like a local and embark on a rickshaw ride around the Red Fort, former residence of the Imperial Family. Next, admire Raj Ghat, where the legendary Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, see a different side of the city in sparkling New Delhi, passing by the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, and the Presidential Palace. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 4: Delhi - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your Rajasthan adventure and set off to Jaipur, the so-called Pink City. It's the capital of Rajasthan known for its fusion of Hindu, Jain and Mughal culture. Enjoy your first glimpse of the Rajasthani landscape as you travel through local villages and countryside. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. You will enjoy some free time in the afternoon to get to know the city or to simply relax. Be sure to capture the evening light, where the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, complemented by the colorfully dressed Rajasthanis. You're likely to spot camel-drawn carts, characteristic of Jaipur's street scene. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. The first order of the day is a visit to the much-photographed Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, one of India's most beloved historic buildings with a fascinating past. Next up, feel like a true adventurer as you embark on an exciting Jeep transfer to the atmospheric Amber Fort; have you ever felt more like Indiana Jones? Here you can see the palace of Jag Mandir and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautiful, bright pieces of mirror, all the while imagining the glamorous lives of the Maharajas. In the afternoon, it's back to Jaipur for a city tour, including the illustrious Palace of the Maharaja, home to an informative museum that brings this era to life. Afterwards, get to know a little about India's scientific achievements at the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world. Imagine star-gazing from here! Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Breakfast at the hotel. You're getting closer to iconic Agra as you set off, once again, into the dusty landscapes of Rajasthan. Stop in the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, where time stands still, and pass through the Bulund Darwaza gateway, the highest gateway in the world and a monument of Mughal might! Arrive in Agra, Rajasthan's most romantic city, and you'll notice the contrasts between red sandstone and white marble in the city's buildings and feel its tantalising charms. Transfer to the hotel and in the afternoon visit the Agra Fort, a formidable structure which houses the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Just walking through the main gate, you'll feel like Mughal royalty! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.

Day 7: Agra - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. It's finally here, the day you tick the legendary Taj Mahal off of your bucket list! The ivory-white marble mausoleum, the brilliant domes, the fountain and that famous bench where everyone has their photo taken; today you'll experience it all for yourself! Home to the tomb of a Mughal Emperors beloved wife, both the story and the beauty of the structure itself may well leave you feeling teary-eyed and filled with a warm fuzzy feeling. Take some time to soak it all up and take the perfect photo, one you'll treasure for a lifetime. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic afternoon drive back to Delhi, where you can spend the remainder of the day reminiscing about your journey and all the wonderful, soul-stirring sights you've seen as well as the warm people who've shared their culture with you along the way. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 8: Delhi - US

Breakfast * at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to head back home, but you'll keep the colors and atmosphere of India close to your heart as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive back home and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.