Sri Lanka – Temples, Safari & Beach

A meticulously crafted merge of meandering around ancient sites, marvelling at the country’s natural spectacles and moments of total enlightenment.

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

• Discover the charms of Sri Lanka’s largest city, Colombo • Venture into the expansive Dambulla Cave

Temple Complex • Uncover the ancient sites and historic monuments of Polonnaruwa • Watch a cookery demonstration in Matale and visit the 16th-century Temple of the

Tooth in Kandy • Visit to Sigiriya Rock and the option to climb to the top of the Fortress • Enjoy a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya and stop off at a tea factory • Venture into Yala National Park on a halfday game drive in search of wildlife • 11 nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, plus two nights on the aircraft • Return flights to Colombo, with coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Traditional Fishermen § Images © Caption if needed

Leopard

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric, temple-teeming cities of Colombo, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, pausing for steaming cups of Ceylon tea and reflecting on the past from atop ruins and fort ramparts. Sit amongst fragrant spice gardens to watch a cookery demonstration, join an expert botanist on a guided walk, and learn about the ins and outs of the country’s gem industry. There’ll be a chance to explore the capital Colombo and witness the Indian Ocean views before the tour heads, via Dambulla’s Golden Temple, to ancient Polonnaruwa, the UNESCO-listed former Sri Lankan capital. You’ll also travel to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and can choose to climb to the top if you’d like. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be able to admire the ruins and the incredible vista of the surrounding scenery. After all the adventuring, the tour slows to the pace of the swaying palm trees that fringe the shores of your beachside resort, set overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Your Hotels

Tea Picker

Available Oct, Nov 2022, Jan, Mar, May, Oct & Nov 2023 & Jan, Mar, May, Oct & Nov 2024 Fly direct (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,995 (UK connecting flights available – call us for details) Personalise your holiday

• Yala Afternoon Jeep Safari (half day) – from £79 • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (3 hrs) - from £69 • Kandyan Cultural Show (3 hrs) - from £15 Room for Sole Use from £629 Extend your holiday from £395

Four-night Beruwela extension

Please note: The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour. Visas are required by British Citizens travelling to Sri Lanka. Please see page 198. Please note: In 2022 the itinerary is one night shorter and follows a slightly different itinerary.

Occidental Eden Resort and Spa

Your accommodation includes carefully selected four-star hotels that will add to the enjoyment of your holiday. Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo (night 2), Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy (night 5-6), Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (night 7), Cinnamon Wild, Yala (nights 8-9), Occidental Eden Resort & Spa, Beruwela (nights 10-12)

India – Tigers & the Taj Mahal

Explore northern India’s greatest cities in this perfect introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating and alluring destinations.

Taj Mahal

Ranthambore Tiger Palace of the Winds

Available Sep to Nov 2022, Jan to Jun, Sep to Nov 2023 & 2024 Fly from (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £1,325 • Manchester £1,359 (UK connecting flights available – call us for details) Personalise your holiday

• Ranthambore Fort (half day) – from £27 Room for Sole Use from £288 Extend your holiday from £829

See more of India, choose from Goa, Kerala or Varanasi. See page 163 for details.

Please note: Visas are required by British Citizens travelling to India. Please see page 163. *When flying from Manchester, the itinerary content and duration remain the same but the itinerary order varies slightly.

Chand Baori Stepwell

China

Pakistan

Rajgarh

Jaipur Delhi Nepal

Agra

Ranthambore Ranthambore National Park

India

• Discover New Delhi, including the historic

Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, the India

Gate war memorial and the ruins of the

Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque • Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi • A guided tour of Agra, the ‘City of Love’ • Marvel at the incomparable Taj Mahal • See Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri • Go in search of Ranthambore’s tigers on two included safaris • Ride to Amber Fort for exceptional views • See Jaipur’s exquisite Palace of the Winds and enjoy dinner with a local family • Stay in beautiful Vanaashrya • Enjoy an Indian cookery demonstration • Eight nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation, plus one night on the aircraft • 22 meals including eight breakfasts, six lunches and eight dinners • Return flights to Delhi, with coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Uncover India’s exotic wonders on a thrilling adventure. Explore the teeming, colourful, spectacular cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur – the fabled, fascinating Golden Triangle that is home to such sights as the Red Fort, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and the Palace of the Winds. Spend two nights ‘on safari’ in Ranthambore Park, one-time hunting ground of Indian princes, and complete the holiday with a night in a luxury jungle resort.

Trident Agra

Sheraton New Delhi, Delhi night 2

A beautiful hotel in central Delhi with a spacious restaurant and lounge bar. There’s an outdoor pool and gym. All rooms are well appointed with a TV, coffee-maker, mini-bar and fridge. Trident, Agra night 3

Close to the Taj Mahal and laid out around its pool and landscaped gardens. The hotel has a bar and two restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre. Each room has air conditioning, a TV, mini-bar, and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Day One – Overnight flight to India Fly from the UK to Delhi. Day Two – Included Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque visit Upon arrival this morning, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel where you’ll spend your first night. Later, after an included lunch and time to freshen up, join your tour manager on a guided tour to visit the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower that rises from them. Return to the hotel for dinner. Day Three – Included Delhi city tour and travel to Agra Today enjoy a guided tour, which will introduce you to the vibrant Old City. Drive by the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque and Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site close to the Yamuna River, and enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride through old Chandni Chowk. You’ll also take in the grandeur of New Delhi, built by the British Raj to reflect the glories of the Empire. Highlights will include the historic India Gate war memorial and the vast boulevard of the Rajpath. Later, journey to Agra, the fabled ‘City of Love’ and site of the exquisite, incomparable Taj Mahal. After a visit to the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of majestic Agra Fort you’ll make your first visit to the ‘Taj’, a monument to undying love, seen in all its glory at sunset. Day Four – Included excursions to the Taj Mahal, Abhaneri, and travel to Ranthambore Awaken early to pay a sunrise visit to view the Taj from across the Yamuna River, and after breakfast, journey on to the ancient village of Abhaneri, home to Chand Baori, an astonishing example of a stepwell – extraordinary constructions unique to India and used to draw water from the ground. Lunch is taken in the sumptuous surroundings of the Umaid Lake Palace, a heritage hotel and ‘organic retreat’ that grows produce for the hotel’s fine restaurant, before you journey on to beautiful Ranthambore National Park, home to conservation programme Project Tiger, for a two-night stay. Once the hunting ground of Indian princes, Ranthambore is covered with thorn trees, scrub and grasslands, and dotted with beautiful ponds, streams and lakes – a perfect habitat for the famed, endangered Tigers of Ranthambore and other species. This evening, enjoy a ‘tiger talk’ from a local naturalist. Day Five – Included guided wildlife safaris Undoubted highlights of the holiday will be today’s two canter (open-air vehicle) safaris in the Park, taken in the company of a knowledgeable naturalist guide. With luck you may also see the tigers and other species. Day Six – From Ranthambore to Jaipur Rest and relax this morning, or join the optional excursion to the ancient Ranthambore Fort, which sits atop the 600-metre-high hill range, and offers stupendous views of the park below (there is a gradual, 273-step climb to the fort). This afternoon, after lunch at the hotel, you’ll bid farewell to Ranthambore and will make the journey to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur for a twonight stay. Day Seven – Included Amber Fort and Jaipur sightseeing After breakfast, visit former Rajput capital Amber and its vast 6th-century hill-top fort, climbing by jeep to visit the Royal Halls and to take in the magnificent views from the ramparts. After an included lunch, tour Jaipur, including the City Palace complex with its museums and ancient astronomical observatory, and drive by the 18th-century Palace of the Winds, with its innumerable windows and screened balconies. A special dinner is taken at the Nokha House, hosted in traditional Rajasthani style by the Rathore family. Day Eight – From Jaipur to Vanaashrya Bid farewell to Jaipur and journey across the desert plain into the Aravali Hills to the jungle resort of Vanaashyra, calling en route at the ruins of 17thcentury Bhangarh fort. This afternoon, enjoy a camel-cart ride and cookery demonstration before spending the night in an air-conditioned cottage – another unforgettable highlight of your visit to this amazing corner of the world. Day Nine – Included Heritage Transport Museum visit Head back towards Delhi, calling en route at the fascinating Heritage Transport Museum, with its impressive collections covering the development of India’s road, rail and air travel industries, as well as transport-related toys and memorabilia. Spend a last night close to the capital. Day 10 – Fly back to the UK This morning, depart for the airport and your return flight, arriving late this afternoon, after a wonderful ‘introduction to India’.

Shahpura House

Sawai Vilas, Ranthambore nights 4-5

This brand new hotel boasts extensive grounds to enjoy the area’s wildlife to its full extent, with a large pool, steam room, spa, fitness centre, a restaurant and bar. All rooms are air conditioned and have a private outdoor seating and a sun deck plus tea/coffee-making facilities. Shahpura House, Jaipur nights 6-7

A gem in downtown Jaipur, this heritage hotel has beautiful gardens, restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool and gift shop. Each room has air conditioning, a mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities and a safe.

Vanaashrya

Vanaashrya, Rajgarh night 8

Set in the foothills of Aravali ranges, around a lake, the cottage accommodation provides air conditioning, bathroom and private terrace. You’ll also find a restaurant, Bar, an outdoor pool and a spa. Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi Airport night 9

Located in close proximity to Delhi International Airport, this comfortable hotel offers spacious rooms with modern facilities. The hotel also has a large outdoor pool, spa and five dining options.

Diwali

Special Departures

Celebrate Diwali — India’s Festival of Lights – 7 Nov 2023 & 29 Oct 2024 from £1,799

Experience one of the major festivals of Hinduism, which includes millions of lights shining on temples, housetops, outside doors and windows, and other buildings. Enjoy Holi — India’s Festival of Colour & Love – 28 Feb 2023 from £1,775

Associated with Krishna, this Hindu festival celebrates the beginning of spring as well as the triumph of good over evil. Join in the fun spirit as coloured powder is thrown!

India’s Golden Triangle, Shimla & Amritsar’s Golden Temple

Embark on an enrapturing journey through the cities of the Golden Triangle, stopping by some of the country’s most holy sites and sojourning in the shadows of the Himalayas.

Ranthambore National Park

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla Taj Mahal

Available Jan to May & Sep to Nov 2023 Fly from (flight upgrades available). Prices from

• Heathrow £2,075 (UK connecting flights available – call us for details) Personalise your holiday

• Ranthambore Fort (half day) – from £27 • Jaipur’s Bazaar and street food (half day) – from £40 • Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal – £51 Room for Sole Use from £779

Please note: Visas are required by British Citizens travelling to India. Please see page 198.

Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Pragpur

Amritsar

Shimla Solan

India

Jaipur Delhi

Agra Dohlpur Nepal

Ranthambore

Ranthambore National Park

• Discover the historical delights of Delhi and explore the city on a rickshaw • Witness the special Palki ceremony at

Amritsar’s Golden Temple • Meander around the pretty cobblestone lanes of the ‘Heritage Village’ of Pragpur • Explore the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and Kangra Fort in Dharamshala • Explore Shimla, in the foothills of the

Himalayas, a former British summer retreat • Travel by ‘Toy Train’ from Shimla along a scenic journey to Solan • Visit Jaipur’s City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the ‘Palace of the Winds’ • Join an optional walking tour through the atmospheric bazaars of Jaipur at night • Search for Ranthambore’s tigers on two safaris in the surrounding jungles • Sail across the calm waters of the

Chambal River by boat • Partake in an optional tour to see the

Ranthambore Fort, with its panoramic vista • Watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal from the gardens of Mehtab Bagh plus enjoy a fully guided visit to the monument of love • 13 nights’ carefully chosen dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation with six lunches and 16 dinners plus two nights on the aircraft • Return flights from the UK to Delhi, with coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Your Hotels

Red Fort, Agra

An all-embracing snapshot of India, starting in the capital of Delhi, best explored by rickshaw, and concluding in Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. Time spent in sacred temples and observing local ceremonies in Amritsar, Pragpur and Agra ensure enlightenment and excursions to a host of historical landmarks in Shimla and Dharamshala leave no stone unturned. A stay within the heart of Ranthambore National Park sees you venture into the wilderness on safaris, searching for the elusive Bengal tiger alongside an expert naturalist.

Day One – Fly to India Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi. Day Two – Arrive in Delhi and day at leisure This morning, you’ll arrive in the Indian capital of Delhi, meet your friendly tour manager, and be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Day Three – Included morning tour of Old Delhi and a visit to Qutub Minar Set off on an included morning sightseeing tour of Delhi and enjoy a rickshaw ride. You’ll then travel to the India Gate War Memorial and visit the Qutub Minar, the highest tower in India. Day Four – Included train journey to Amritsar and Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple Transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station, the largest station in India. The tour will then switch the road for rails as you embark on a scenic journey to Amritsar. A post-dinner activity involves a drive to the breathtaking Golden Temple to watch the Palki ceremony. Day Five – Included Golden Temple tour and visit to Jallianwala Bagh and the Indo-Pakistani border Today, you’ll get to see the Golden Temple again. The next stop is the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic memorial park of national importance. This evening, you’ll make the short journey out to the Indo-Pakistani border crossing at Wagah. Here, every day as the sun sets, a military practice referred to as the ‘Beating Retreat’ border ceremony takes place. Day Six – Included journey to Pragpur and a ‘Heritage Walk’ around Pragpur village Embrace a more relaxed morning and breakfast that will be followed by a drive to the small, pretty village of Pragpur. You can then venture on a ‘Heritage Walk’ through the medieval, elevated hamlet. Day Seven – Included Dharamshala excursion Head off on an excursion to the city of Dharamshala. On the outskirts of Dharamshala, you’ll find the Kangra Fort, the largest fort in the Himalayas and thought to be the oldest in India. Day Eight – Included journey to Shimla and day at leisure Drive to Shimla, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. Given Shimla’s hillside location, this is the perfect place to stretch your legs, and maybe explore the area on a gentle hike. Day Nine – Included tour of Shimla Embark on your day of sightseeing in Shimla. The first landmark of interest is the famous Tara Devi Temple – a holy Hindu temple constructed within the Himalayan peaks in the 18th century. Day 10 – Included ‘Toy Train’ ride to Solan, lunch at the local restaurant, drive to Chandigarh and flight to Jaipur Transfer to the Shimla Railway Station to board the ‘Toy Train’ to Solan. Sit back and soak up the scenery as you journey along the narrow-gauge route. Day 11 – Included tour of Jaipur and visit to local market or optional walking tour Kick-start the day of sightseeing around the ‘Pink City’ with breakfast and then visit the former Rajput capital, Amber. After lunch, you’ll head off to the City Palace, a red-hued intricate complex of temples. Tonight, join an optional walking tour into the labyrinth of Jaipur’s atmospheric antique bazaars and shops. Day 12 – Morning at leisure and included drive to Ranthambore Breakfast will be more relaxed today before you start the drive to Ranthambore – one of the largest and most famous national parks in Northern India. Day 13 – Included morning and afternoon jungle safaris Accompanied by a local, expert naturalist, you’ll go on two jungle safaris in an open-air vehicle. Day 14 – Optional tour to Ranthambore Fort, drive to Dholpur and short cooking demonstration Partake in the optional excursion to Ranthambhore Fort. After an early lunch, you’ll be driven to Dholpur. Day 15 – Included boat ride along the Chambal River, transfer to Agra and visit to Mehtab Bagh The tour will take to the waters of the Chambal River before travelling to Mehtab Bagh in Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Day 16 – Included visit to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunset Venture on an excursion to the majestic Agra Fort. In the evening, travel to the Taj Mahal at sunset and watch as this monument of love is dappled in different casts of colours. Day 17 – Optional sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, drive to Delhi, and fly back to the UK Join an optional excursion to view the Taj Mahal at dawn. In the late afternoon, drive to Delhi for a final and celebratory dinner Day 18 – Arrive back in the UK You’ll arrive back in the UK this morning after a once-in-a-lifetime Indian adventure.

Oberoi Cecil

Sheraton New Delhi, Delhi nights 2-3

A peaceful escape in the heart of Delhi. Tasteful guestrooms have tea/coffee-makers, TVs, and Wi-Fi. An on-site gym, spa and expansive outdoor pool are additional facilities. Welcomehotel by ITC, Amritsar nights 4-5

Vintage architecture, a colonnaded exterior and lush grounds make for a sublime setting and stay. This hotel, housed within a mansion dating back to the 1900s, offers sophisticated guestrooms with mini-bars, TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Welcomehotel by ITC

Judge’s Court, Pragpur nights 6-7

This 300-year-old heritage hotel is set within the verdant medieval hamlet of Pragpur, backed by the Himalayas. Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla nights 8-9

Dating back to 1884, this colonial-era hotel has been an institution since the days of the Raj. Guestrooms have a sumptuous feel and feature marble bathrooms, Burmese teak floors and period trinkets, along with mini-bars, TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

Sawai Vilas

ITC Rajputana, Jaipur nights 10-11

With a city-centre location, this opulent, red-bricked property is structured around an outdoor swimming pool and interspersed with courtyards and trickling fountains. Sawai Vilas, Ranthambore nights 12-13

Encircled by jungle landscapes, this retreat of 60 villas is the perfect place to discover the area’s wildlife to its full extent. Raj Niwas Palace, Dholpur night 14

A grandiose heritage hotel fringed by landscaped gardens with roaming peacocks and built from red sandstone. ITC Mughal, Agra nights 15-16

Modern in design but surrounded by a Mughal-style garden scattered with fruit trees, walkways and channels of water, this hotel is near the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Guestrooms come with tea/coffee-making facilities, TVs, and Wi-Fi.