In Search of Tigers and Leopards

Arrive in Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time and perhaps explore the local area, taking in the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and flavours on offer. Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner.

Today you will explore Old and New Delhi, a unique blend of traditional, colonial, and modern architecture. Embark on your Insider Experience, then, visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, one of India's largest mosques, showcasing the grandeur of Mughal India. Continue to New Delhi, designed by architect Edward Lutyens regarded as a testament to Britain’s imperial aspirations, to visit Humayun’s Tomb. Thought to have inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal, the World Heritage-listed tomb perfectly combines elements of Persian and Mughal architecture in its design. Later, visit the Gandhi Smriti Museum and learn about Mahatma Gandhi. This museum, dedicated to his life, is where he spent his final 144 days before being shot in 1948. 

Insider Experience — Rickshaw Ride 

Step aboard a traditional rickshaw for an exuberant ride through the narrow streets of Delhi’s lively bazaar. Embrace the energetic ambience and immerse yourself in local life.

Set off this morning to the station where you will board the Gatimaan Express, travelling from Delhi to Agra, a journey that takes just over an hour and a half, on India's first semi high-speed train and the fastest train in India. Enjoy simple Indian snacks as you relax in fully air-conditioned carriages and enjoy the passing scenery. Once in Agra, embark on your Insider Experience and later a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city’s most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past. 

Insider Experience – Visit the Taj Mahal

Be in awe at the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum inlaid with semi-precious stones. Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The structure took over 22 years to build and is a wonder to behold. Its awe-inspiring, glittering white marble domes almost seem to change colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun. 

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the Abhaneri Stepwell, a stunning architectural marvel known for its intricate design. This stepwell, located in the village of Abhaneri, dates back to the 9th century and features a series of steps leading down to the water, creating a captivating geometric pattern. It was once used to store water during the arid months and is a remarkable example of ancient engineering. Enjoy lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before boarding your air-conditioned coach for your comfortable journey to Ranthambore National Park. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Insider Experience — Traditional Rajasthani Lunch

In the regal surroundings of the Royal Residence of the former rulers of Bharatpur, you'll be treated to the sumptuous flavours of traditional Rajasthani cuisine for an unforgettable lunch. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the morning at leisure. Join your naturalist for an informative presentation on Ranthambore National Park and its diverse wildlife before savouring lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, embark on a guided game drive through Ranthambore National Park, home to an array of wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and the star of the show — the elusive Bengal tiger.

Insider Experience - In search of the Bengal tiger

Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide, search for the Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the best parks to view this elusive cat, so make sure to have your camera at the ready.

Start the day with an early morning game drive through Ranthambore National Park, where you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the park's Bengal tigers along with other wildlife like jackals, striped hyenas, serpent eagles and leopard.

After lunch, board your coach for a drive to the historic and picturesque city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state. The bustling modern city is one of the three cities that make up the famous Golden Triangle that includes Delhi and Agra. In 1876 the local ruler decided to paint the city in shades of pink, the traditional colour symbolising hospitality, in anticipation of a visit from the Prince of Wales. The prince, who later became King Edward VIII, named Jaipur the ‘Pink City', and the city is still affectionately called the Pink City to this day.

Today, explore Jaipur on a city tour admiring the striking architecture that harmoniously blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Hop aboard your jeeps for this morning's Insider Experience. Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch, before continuing your discovery of Jaipur, visiting incredible sites including the City Place and ththe 18th-century, UNESCO World Heritage–listed Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Drive by Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. Built from pink sandstone, the palace's gets its name from an astonishing 953 windows, cleverly designed to create a honeycombed cooling system that keeps the palace ventilated and cool during the searing summer heat.

Insider Experience - Visit Amber Fort by Jeep

Hop aboard your jeep for a thrilling ride to Amber Fort located on a hill overlooking Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Along the way, discover discover why the city's beautiful buildings are coloured in this distinctive hue. Explore Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history, and marvel at the opulent rooms elaborately decorated with rich tapestries and ornate furnishings befitting a maharaja's residence.

Journey to the charming town of Tijara in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, known for their unique pottery of exceptional quality created skilled artisans. Roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in local traditions with a hands-on pottery class, creating some unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of your own. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experience, and this evening, savour the rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine with a delicious Farewell Dinner to celebrate a memorable experience of India.

Insider Experience - Sip tea while enjoying a Rajasthani cultural performance

Enjoy a delightful cup of tea while being treated to a Rajasthani cultural performance, offering a glimpse into the vibrant heritage of the region.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and transfer to the Delhi Airport for your included flight to the bustling coastal village of Negombo in Sri Lanka. Arrive in Negombo, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, admiring the beautifully preserved colonial architecture and pristine sandy beaches along the way. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have your Insider Experience and dine on a traditional farmer's lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense).

Insider Experience - Meet a local villager

A fascinating cultural experience awaits you today. Meet a local villager who will demonstrate the process of using traditional ingredients to make energy boosting herbal tonics.

Enhance Your Journey – Minneriya National Park Safari

Embark on a safari to discover Minneriya National Park, situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Discover the park’s breathtaking scenery and spectacular array of wildlife. See the majestic Asian elephants for which the park is famous, as well as a variety of birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Built by an ancient civilisation, the Minneriya tank is an impressive human-made water reservoir and a highlight of the park. 

Rise early for today's Insider Experience with an option to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Before indulging in a delicious buffet lunch at the Matale Spice Garden, you'll be treated to a cooking demonstration, where chefs will prepare fresh roti bread, fragrant coconut rice plus a variety of freshly cooked Sri Lankan dishes like fiery curries using spices grown in the restaurant's garden. After lunch, depart for Kandy, where you'll have free time, before enjoying a buffet dinner of international cuisine at the hotel restaurant.

Insider Experience – Sigiriya Rock Fortress 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising 200 metres above the central plains. This spectacular geological formation consists of a fortress built by King Kashyapa in the fifth century and served as the royal citadel for more than 18 years. Enjoy a refreshing coconut drink while your knowledgeable local guide provides an in-depth briefing prior to the climb. Climbing the rock is optional and requires a good level of fitness. As you ascend, take a moment to admire the imposing lion paws, mirror wall, Sigiri graffiti, and frescoes. Arrive at the summit and soak in the incredible views of the verdant plains below and mountains beyond. Afterwards, return to your hotel for free time.

If you prefer to not participate in the climb, you can enjoy a stroll among the impressive former royal gardens at the base of the rock.

Today, you may like to choose to embark on an optional excursion (at an additional cost) or enjoy free time. This afternoon, take part in a walking tour of the city of Kandy with its iconic monuments, bustling marketplace, and vibrant shopping opportunities. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Enhance Your Journey – Explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens 

Enjoy a morning's exploration of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, spread over 147 acres in the heart of Kandy and bordered by the Mahaweli River. Stroll through the gardens and admire a lush oasis showcasing a diverse collection of over 4,000 species of plants including giant bamboo, orchids and exotic trees. 

Enhance Your Journey – Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration 

Join a cooking demonstration in Kandy, where the secrets of crafting a traditional Sri Lankan family meal will be unveiled by a local Kandyan family. The meal will be carefully prepared with authentic, local ingredients. Afterwards, savour an included lunch of traditional flavours. 

Insider Experience – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural Dance Performance

Overlooking tranquil Kandy Lake, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most prominent and revered Buddhist Temple in Kandy, and is where the sacred tooth of the lord Buddha is enshrined. Stroll among the immaculately maintained gardens and be awestruck by the intricate designs that adorn the interior of the temple's walls. Afterwards, enjoy a cultural dance performance in Kandy, offering a unique insight to the area's rich cultural heritage.

This morning, travel to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya, stopping along the way at one of the many famous tea estates, the first of two Insider Experiences today. Later in the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' because it was a favourite summer retreat for the British civil servants escaping the stifling heat of the coastal lowlands, when Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon during British occupation of Sri Lanka. During the tour of Nuwara Eliya, admire cascading waterfalls, vast tea terraces and vegetable fields, and charming colonial buildings.

Insider Experience – Tea Plantation Visit and Tasting 

Enjoy a guided walk through the scenic terraced fields, where you’ll have the chance to try your hand at tea plucking alongside an experienced local tea plucker. Conclude your visit with a curated tea tasting, featuring a selection of the region’s finest Ceylon teas.

Insider Experience – High Tea at The Grand Hotel 

Indulge in traditional high tea-style lunch at The Grand Hotel, a timeless property nestled amid lush surrounds. Indulge in culinary delights including fresh sandwiches, artisanal pastries accompanied by freshly brewed, local Ceylon tea.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, proceed to Nazareth Chapel of the Good Shepherd Convent in Bandarawela, a small market town situated 1,300 metres above sea level in an area known for its pleasant, dry climate, providing a cool respite from the sultry heat of the coastal lowlands. In 1961, the nuns of the Good Shepherd Convent commissioned a new chapel for their convent in Bandarawela. The chapel was designed by internationally renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, often referred to as the leader of the Tropical Modernist movement and among the most influential Asian architects of his generation.

Board the train at Bandarawela Railway Station for your Insider Experience train journey to Demodara. Arrive in Demodara and transfer to your hotel in Yala, stopping enroute in Ella for lunch. This evening, enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Insider Experience – Scenic Train Journey Through Tea-Covered Highlands

Take an enchanting train ride through the tea-covered highlands from Bandarawela Railway Station to Demodara, a journey considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka. Enjoy stunning highland vistas of emerald tea plantations as the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea fills the air. 

Enjoy a light early-riser breakfast at the hotel, before embarking on a game drive at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national parks, in search of native wildlife. Be on the look out for Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear and elephant – three of Sri Lanka's 'Top Five' wildlife. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a full buffet breakfast, before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. Another opportunity to look for wildlife is available in the afternoon on an optional game drive (additional expense).

Insider Experience - Listen to a Resort Naturalist

One of the experienced resort naturalists will share their knowledge and secrets in tracking the abundant, but often reclusive, wildlife found across the national park.

Enhance your journey - Afternoon Game Drive

An afternoon game drive offers another opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of Yala National Park and an additional chance to spot wildlife.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, before continuing your journey to Udawalawe, where your Insider Experience awaits. As you drive to Galle, witness the incredible sight of Koggala fisherman, perched on slender poles driven into the shallow seabed, practicing a unique and traditional method of fishing passed down through generations. In Galle, check in to your hotel and enjoying free time, before a delightful dinner in the magnificent grounds of historic Yara Galle Fort.

Insider Experience - Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to learn about the rehabilitation of displaced baby elephants. Discover how these young elephants are nurtured and prepared for reintroduction into the wild once they’re strong enough to survive on their own.

After breakfast, choose from two optional excursions (additional expense). Alternatively, savour some free time this morning to enjoy as you please. Later, visit splendid Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city within the fortress is renowned for its atmospheric cobbled streets and well-preserved colonial architecture. Enjoy a visit to the fascinating Maritime Museum, where centuries of seafaring history come to life, followed by a stop at the iconic Galle Lighthouse. The tour concludes at Galle Cricket Club, where you'll enjoy a sundowner during sunset.

Enhance Your Journey – Una-Eco Tour

Embark on a captivating e-bike tour that showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Unawatuna. Start with a visit to a traditional coir factory to see how coir products are made from coconut husks. Afterwards, continue on your e-bike to Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya, a tranquil Buddhist temple. Enjoy a refreshing coconut drink as you admire the stunning ancient rock carvings. The final stop is at a handloom factory, where you'll witness skilled artisans weaving intricate textiles using traditional techniques past down through generations.

Enhance Your Journey – Cinnamon Experience at Villa Mayurana   

Visit Villa Mayurana, a beautiful property set among a cinnamon plantation with magnificent views of Lake Koggala and the sea beyond. You'll be welcomed with refreshing cinnamon-infused towel, before embarking on a guided tour of the estate. Learn the time-honoured techniques of cultivating and harvesting cinnamon to create the spice powder and aromatic bark used in cooking.

After breakfast, depart for Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. Step aboard a tuk tuk, a motorised rickshaw, for a fun sightseeing tour of the city, visiting sights including Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Old Parliament complex, and the lively Pettah Market area. Return to your hotel for a rest before gathering for this evening's Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Special Farewell Dinner

Celebrate your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka with a special Farewell Dinner alongside your fellow travellers. Enjoy a tantalising dishes that capture the flavours and memories of your adventure.

Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.