Asia Escapes · Signature Multi-Country Journey

India & Sri Lanka Golden Triangle & Culture Beach Tour 12 Days

DestinationIndia / Sri Lanka

Duration11 Nights / 12 Days

Best ForGolden Triangle • UNESCO Heritage • Hill Country • Tropical Beaches

StylePrivate Multi-Country Journey

Journey Route

Arrival in Delhi

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Delhi – Jaipur

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Jaipur & Amber Fort

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Jaipur – Abhaneri – Agra

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Agra – Delhi

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Delhi – Colombo – Dambulla – Habarana

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Habarana – Matale – Kandy

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Kandy – Kalutara

Kalutara – Colombo – Departure

Journey Highlights in Pictures

Your Journey

Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi on your international flight, where you will be welcomed by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your journey and settle into India's vibrant capital. Overnight: Delhi / Gurugram.

Day 2 – Delhi | Old & New Delhi

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Delhi with a visit to Old Delhi. Stop outside the impressive Red Fort before taking a traditional rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the old city. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, before exploring New Delhi. See the government buildings, India Gate, the Parliament area and the President's residence from the outside. Later, visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi's most important Sikh places of worship, before continuing to the magnificent Qutub Minar complex. Return to the hotel for the evening. Overnight: Delhi / Gurugram.

Day 3 – Delhi – Jaipur | 270 km / approx. 4 hours

After breakfast, leave Delhi by road for Jaipur, the famous Pink City of Rajasthan. Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur is renowned for its elegant urban planning, colourful markets, historic palaces and distinctive architecture. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, visit the beautiful Birla Mandir, a white marble Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Overnight: Jaipur.

Day 4 – Jaipur & Amber Fort

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Jaipur and its royal heritage. Travel to the magnificent Amber Fort, dramatically positioned on a hillside overlooking the surrounding landscape. The programme includes the ascent and descent arrangements specified in your tour programme. Continue to the City Palace, the former residence of Jaipur's royal family, with its courtyards, gardens, palaces and museums. Later, stop for photographs at Jal Mahal, the elegant palace appearing to float on Man Sagar Lake, and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur's iconic Palace of Winds. Return to the hotel. Overnight: Jaipur.

Day 5 – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Agra | 240 km / approx. 4 hours

After breakfast, depart for Agra, stopping at Abhaneri along the way. Here you will discover Chand Baori, one of India's most remarkable stepwells. Built in the 9th century, its extraordinary geometric design features more than 3,500 steps arranged across 13 levels. Opposite the stepwell stands the Temple of Harshat Mata, dedicated to the goddess associated with joy and happiness. Continue to Agra and visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Overnight: Agra.

Day 6 – Agra – Delhi | 200 km / approx. 4 hours

Rise early for a visit to the Taj Mahal, India's most celebrated monument and one of the world's most recognisable architectural masterpieces. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is renowned for its white marble architecture, elegant proportions and intricate pietra dura decoration. After the visit, travel back to Delhi by road and transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi / Gurugram.

Day 7 – Delhi – Colombo – Dambulla – Habarana

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Delhi to Colombo. On arrival in Sri Lanka, continue by road towards Habarana. En route, visit the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Buddhist statues, murals and rock-cut shrines. One of the highlights is the impressive reclining Buddha, carved directly into the rock. Continue to Habarana and check in to your hotel. Dinner & overnight: Habarana.

Day 8 – Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya – Habarana

Today, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Discover the archaeological remains, ancient reservoirs and impressive temples, including the famous Gal Vihara, where four magnificent Buddha images were carved directly into the granite rock. In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. The park is renowned for its wildlife and, depending on the season, opportunities to see large gatherings of wild elephants. Return to Habarana for dinner and overnight stay. Dinner & overnight: Habarana.

Day 9 – Habarana – Sigiriya – Habarana

After breakfast, travel to the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. Climb Lion Rock and discover the remains of the ancient royal complex, landscaped gardens and famous frescoes. The climb leads through the monumental lion's paws towards the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the surrounding countryside. After the visit, enjoy some free time to relax. Dinner & overnight: Habarana.

Day 10 – Habarana – Matale – Kandy | approx. 3 hours

After breakfast, travel towards Kandy, stopping in Matale to visit a traditional spice garden. Sri Lanka has long been associated with the spice trade, and the visit provides an opportunity to learn more about the herbs and spices that play such an important role in the island's cuisine and culture. Continue to Kandy, the historic hill capital and one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural centres. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the country's most revered Buddhist sites. Dinner & overnight: Kandy.

Day 11 – Kandy – Kalutara | approx. 4 hours

After breakfast, leave the hills behind and travel towards Sri Lanka's western coast. Arrive in Kalutara and check in to your beach hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax beside the Indian Ocean, enjoy the hotel's facilities or simply unwind after your cultural journey. Dinner & overnight: Kalutara.

Day 12 – Kalutara – Colombo – Departure

AAfter breakfast, travel towards Colombo. Enjoy a panoramic city tour taking in some of Colombo's colonial-era architecture, the historic clock tower, Pettah Bazaar and important Hindu and Buddhist temples. Continue to the airport for your return flight or onward journey. End of the tour.

✦ Plan Your Journey

Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and hotel preferences. Our team can customise this India & Sri Lanka journey for you.

✦ Asia Escapes Insider Tips

This is a varied journey, so it is best suited to travellers who enjoy combining sightseeing with different types of experiences. The first part of the trip involves several road journeys and a busy sightseeing schedule, while the Sri Lankan section gradually becomes more relaxed. The climb to Sigiriya requires a reasonable level of fitness. There are many steps and the rock can become hot, particularly during the middle of the day, so comfortable footwear, water and an early start are recommended. India and Sri Lanka both have warm climates, although temperatures and humidity vary between regions. Lightweight clothing, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes are useful throughout the journey. When visiting temples and religious sites, shoulders and knees should generally be covered. For wildlife experiences such as the Minneriya safari, sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasonal and natural conditions. The experience is about observing wildlife in its natural environment rather than following a fixed route. The itinerary works particularly well for travellers who want to see the major cultural landmarks but also have time to slow down at the end. The final beach stay in Kalutara provides a welcome change of pace after the historical and cultural sightseeing..

Why Choose This India & Sri Lanka Golden Triangle Tour?

Two Countries, One Journey Experience India and Sri Lanka together, combining the highlights of two culturally rich and geographically diverse destinations. India's Iconic Golden Triangle Discover Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, including the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Agra Fort, Qutub Minar and the colourful streets of Jaipur. Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle Continue to Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya to discover ancient temples, archaeological treasures and the remarkable Lion Rock. Culture Meets Wildlife The journey is not limited to monuments. A safari in Minneriya National Park adds a completely different dimension, with opportunities to observe Sri Lanka's wildlife in a natural setting. From Mountains to the Ocean Travel from India's bustling cities and Rajasthan's dry landscapes to the green hills of Kandy before finishing beside the Indian Ocean in Kalutara. A Relaxing Finish After an active cultural itinerary, the beach stay provides valuable time to slow down, enjoy the coast and travel at a gentler pace. Ideal for First-Time Visitors The itinerary brings together many of the classic experiences travellers associate with India and Sri Lanka, making it a comprehensive introduction to both countries. Private, Supported Travel With accommodation, transport, guides, sightseeing and key entrance fees arranged in advance, you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than managing the logistics.

✦ Trip Highlights

Explore the contrasting character of Old and New Delhi
Experience a traditional rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
Visit the spiritual Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Discover the historic Qutub Minar
Explore Jaipur, the colourful Pink City
Visit the magnificent Amber Fort
See Jaipur's iconic Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal
Discover the extraordinary Chand Baori stepwell at Abhaneri
Visit the magnificent Agra Fort
Experience the unforgettable Taj Mahal
Explore the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka
Discover the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa
Enjoy a Minneriya National Park safari
Climb the spectacular Sigiriya Lion Rock
Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Enjoy time to relax on the beaches of Kalutara
Combine India's Golden Triangle with Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

✦ Recommended Hotels or Choose Your Own

CAT. A: 5* Standard or Similar
CAT. B: 4* or Similar

Delhi / Gurugram (02 Nights)
Cat A: Hotel LA / Quality Inn
Cat B: Radisson Dwarka / ITC Welcome Dwarka
Jaipur (02 Nights)
Cat A: Regenta Place / Park Ocean
Cat B: Royal Orchid Jaipur / Fern Ecotel
Agra (01 Night)
Cat A: Fern Howard / Regal Vista
Cat B: Clark Shiraz / Doubletree by Hilton
Delhi / Gurugram (01 Night)
Cat A: Hotel LA / Quality Inn
Cat B: Radisson Dwarka / ITC Welcome Dwarka
Habarana (03 Nights)
Cat A: Cinnamon Lodge
Cat B: Havana Villa by Cinnamon
Kandy (01 Night)
Cat A: Golden Crown
Cat B: Cinnamon Citadel
Kalutara (01 Night)
Cat A: Royal Palms
Cat B: Tangerine

✓ Services Included

6 nights in India with breakfast.
4 nights in Sri Lanka on a half-board basis.
Local guide service available in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
Airport and train-station assistance by an English-speaking representative where applicable.
Transportation and sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles.
One bottle of water per person per day during vehicle transfers.
Visit to Amber Fort with the arrangements specified in the programme.
Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka.
Entrance tickets to the monuments and attractions specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Services and rates applicable at the time of booking, as specified in the programme.

✕ Services Not Included

Tips and gratuities for porters, waiters, drivers and guides.
Camera and video fees at monuments where applicable.
Personal hotel expenses such as telephone calls, laundry and room services.
Drinks and beverages not specifically included in the meal plan.
Personal expenses.
Travel insurance.
International flights unless specifically stated in the booking.
Any services, excursions or activities not expressly mentioned under “What's Included”.