Today depart Australia for Delhi, India.
Meals included: In-Flight
Today arrive in Delhi, India. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative before being transferred to the first hotel for check in.
This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of New Delhi. First up visit Laxminarayan Temple which was dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune; and the India Gate, a 42m high war memorial which bears the names of 85,000 Indian army soldiers, who died in the campaigns of WWI.
Afterwards drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan - this palace-like building is the official residence of the President of India and an interesting blend of Mughal and western architectural styles. Next, see the Bahai Temple, or the Lotus Temple, a marvel of modern architecture, set among pools and gardens. Adherents of any faith can visit, pray, or meditate at the temple.
After the tour, join your fellow tour members for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Delhi Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated); Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan); and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Next visit the colourful shopping bazaar of Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi, where you will enjoy a ride on a rickshaw!
Following lunch (not included) you'll travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, on this approximately 281km travel day. The city is instantly recognisable for its pink-washed buildings, a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, together with Agra and Delhi, form what is known as the Golden Triangle of India's tourist circuit. On arrival check-in to the hotel for the evening, where dinner will be provided. Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to its colourful bazaars, where you can shop for Rajasthani textiles and trinkets. The beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments, and heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are all worth a look.
Overnight: Jaipur Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Begin with a morning excursion to the Royal Amber Fort. Located 11km from Jaipur, it was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort itself is a beautiful sight to behold.
In the afternoon take part in a city tour visiting the City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen. Enjoy an Indian costume tying demonstration and visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Overnight: Jaipur Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy today at leisure or alternatively choose to join an option culinary tour (not included).
Optional Activity: Culinary Delight Tour - AUD $30 per person
Learn the secrets of Indian cuisine and try your hand at cooking local dishes, with lunch included.
Overnight: Jaipur Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll depart for Agra on an approximately 237km travel day. Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty, and sacrifice. On arrival, check in to the hotel then this afternoon enjoy an afternoon city tour visiting the Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Agra Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Early risers can take the opportunity to head to the Taj Mahal and experience the monument just after sunrise (not included), then return to the hotel for breakfast. Alternatively, enjoy the morning at leisure before departing back to Delhi.
Upon arrival check into your hotel for an evening at leisure after an approximately 239km travel day.
Optional Activity: Early Morning Taj Mahal Experience - Approximately 1650 Rupees per person (payable on tour)
Overnight: Delhi Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore Delhi or take part in an optional activity. This afternoon transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Sri Lanka.
Optional Activity - Lodhi Art District & Gardens Walking Tour - AUD $40 per person
Discover India’s first art district - Lodhi Art District, created by renowned artists from across the globe. Colourful murals were painted across the walls of one of the last housing estates built by the British and the funky art shares an important message on issues such as climate and marginalised communities. Continue on foot to India Habitat Centre and admire the architecture of this unique building with its covered walkways and changing exhibits. Stroll a little further to Lodhi Gardens, one of the city's green spaces, filled with 15th-century monuments and tombs from the Lodhi Dynasty and a favourite place for politicians and Delhiites to come and relax or exercise.
Please note: Standard check out time will be 11:00, and luggage storage will be available at the hotel reception prior to transferring to the airport in the afternoon. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka this evening, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel in the nearby beach town of Negombo.
Overnight: Negombo Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast set off for Kandalama on approximately 140km travel day. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy time at leisure or take advantage of the optional tour (not included).
Optional Tour: Sigiriya Rock Fortress - AUD $65 per person
In the afternoon visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is the 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws’, overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens, to comprehend the splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, the Lion Rock is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta-style paintings found in the Ajanta caves of India. Wander into the museum downstairs for an insight into how the citadel floated above citizens and learn about the advanced ponds and irrigation that pumped water right onto its summit through an ingenious hydraulic system.
Overnight: Kandalama Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own after an approximately 68km travel day. Alternatively, you may choose to join the below optional tours (not included, both can be purchased on check-out)
Optional Tour: Polonnaruwa City Tour - AUD $70 per person
Following breakfast at the hotel, travel to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where you will join a guided city tour. The city of Polonnaruwa, a medieval capital, is considered the crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I. Walk across the scattered walls of this World Heritage Site, gazing in wonder at the stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures. The relic house - Watadage - boasts beautiful stone carvings. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park (not included).
Optional Tour: Half-Day Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park - AUD $100 per person
Experience an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, Minneriya is the place to go! Spread over 8800 hectares, it’s a sanctuary for elephants and home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, yet its spotlight remains between swaying trunks and flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off the engine. Take the opportunity to see herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world (over 300 at a time) – an absolute must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.
Overnight: Kandalama Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Dambulla on an approximately 85km travel day, stopping at the Rock Cave Temple. An icon of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Cave Temple houses unique drawings in five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. See beautiful cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold.
Afterwards, continue to Kandy. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour. The World Heritage site, and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings, is a centre of culture, history, and heritage. Experience the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will take in the Kandy city centre, as well as a bazaar, arts and crafts centre, and gem and lapidary museum. Get a taste of local life with a wander through the Kandy market. Afterwards, head to the hotel and enjoy a cultural show in the evening with the tour group (included).
Overnight: Kandy Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast continue to Galle on an approximately 221km travel day, where you'll enjoy a guided city tour. As you walk the streets, see how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions. Preserved for more than three centuries, the Galle Dutch Fortress still has its original ramparts and bastions. Beyond the old gate bearing the British coat of arms, you will see the Zwart Bastion, the lighthouse, and the Point Utrecht Bastion. After the tour head to the Koggala Beach area to see the famous stilt fisherman then proceed to your hotel to check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Galle/Koggala Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy the day at leisure in the Galle/Koggala area! Why not take a tuk tuk and venture to the seaside fishing and resort towns of nearby Weligama and Marissa and catch a stunning sunset along the picturesque south coast of Sri Lanka (not included).
Overnight: Galle/Koggala Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, after an early breakfast you'll check out of the hotel and transfer to Negombo airport on an approximately 125km travel day for your short flight to Male, Maldives. Upon arrival in Male, you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to the hotel by speed boat to Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort, where you will relax and unwind for the next four nights with all-inclusive dining and drinks. Located on the secluded ‘Island of White Gold’ in the North Malé Atoll, this Maldives beach resort offers an all-inclusive experience with a range of villa options to choose from, including an overwater option.
Enjoy all meals at up to 5 on-site, à la carte restaurants serving local and international cuisine, unlimited drinks at the property's 4 bars and a complimentary mini bar in your villa. Embark on a sunset or dolphin cruise, snorkel in the exclusive house reef, make use of the resort's sports equipment and facilities, participate in cocktail and cooking demonstrations and more. With so much to see and do, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Please note: A Maldives green tax of $6 USD per person per night is required to be paid upon check in for the duration of your stay and is not included in the package price.
Overnight: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Enjoy the next three days at leisure in this incredible resort - perhaps try out one of the many activities (not included) or simply relax and soak up the tropical ambience.
Located on the secluded ‘Island of White Gold’ in the North Malé Atoll, this Maldives beach resort offers an all-inclusive experience with a range of villa options to choose from, including an overwater option. Enjoy all meals at up to 5 on-site, à la carte restaurants serving local and international cuisine, unlimited drinks at the property's 4 bars and a complimentary mini bar in your villa. Embark on a sunset or dolphin cruise, snorkel in the exclusive house reef, make use of the resort's sports equipment and facilities, participate in cocktail and cooking demonstrations and more. With so much to see and do, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Please note: A Maldives green tax of $6 USD per person per night is required to be paid upon check in for the duration of your stay and is not included in the package price.A
Overnight: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today is free at your leisure to explore this beautiful island. Located on the secluded ‘Island of White Gold’ in the North Malé Atoll, this Maldives beach resort offers an all-inclusive experience with a range of villa options to choose from, including an overwater option.
Enjoy all meals at up to 5 on-site, à la carte restaurants serving local and international cuisine, unlimited drinks at the property's 4 bars and a complimentary mini bar in your villa. Embark on a sunset or dolphin cruise, snorkel in the exclusive house reef, make use of the resort's sports equipment and facilities, participate in cocktail and cooking demonstrations and more. With so much to see and do, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Please note: A Maldives green tax of $6 USD per person per night is required to be paid upon check in for the duration of your stay and is not included in the package price.
Overnight: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today is free at your leisure to explore this beautiful island. Located on the secluded ‘Island of White Gold’ in the North Malé Atoll, this Maldives beach resort offers an all-inclusive experience with a range of villa options to choose from, including an overwater option. Enjoy all meals at up to 5 on-site, à la carte restaurants serving local and international cuisine, unlimited drinks at the property's 4 bars and a complimentary mini bar in your villa. Embark on a sunset or dolphin cruise, snorkel in the exclusive house reef, make use of the resort's sports equipment and facilities, participate in cocktail and cooking demonstrations and more. With so much to see and do, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Please note: A Maldives green tax of $6 USD per person per night is required to be paid upon check in for the duration of your stay and is not included in the package price.
Overnight: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Maldives
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Male Airport for the return flight back to Australia.
Please note: Your flight may not depart until the evening and standard check out time will be 11:00. You will be welcome to make use of the resort's facilities and arrange luggage storage at reception whilst you wait for your speedboat transfer back to Male Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
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