26 Oct 2026
Twin share
£5,830pp
Escorted tour
Luxury India & Sri Lanka: Taj Mahal to Tea Country – 19 Days
Delhi, Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Varanasi, then Sigiriya, Kandy and Sri Lanka's tea country, in a group of up to 12.
19 days
From £4,406
Tour overview
This 19-day small-group tour combines the great sights of northern India with the ancient cities, tea hills and temples of Sri Lanka, travelling at a relaxed pace with comfortable hotels and many experiences included. Groups have up to 12 travellers aged 15 and over, with a leader in each country. You stay eighteen nights in air-conditioned hotels, among them a family-run heritage palace in Jaipur, a lakeside resort in Dambulla and the colonial Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Seventeen breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included, from a welcome dinner in Delhi and an Awadhi cooking class in Lucknow to home-cooked meals in Sri Lanka.
In Delhi a leader-led tour of the old city visits the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara and the great Jama Masjid. In Jaipur you stay at the Narain Niwas Palace and visit Amber Fort, then travel to Agra for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Lucknow brings elegant architecture and Awadhi cuisine, and in Varanasi you watch the evening ganga aarti, take a sunrise boat on the Ganges and visit Sarnath, where the Buddha first taught.
Read more
A flight takes you to Sri Lanka, where you travel inland via the rock temple of Ridi Vihara to Dambulla. You climb Sigiriya, the Lion Rock fortress, early in the morning, and explore the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle. On the way to Kandy you stop at a spice garden in Matale, then visit the Temple of the Tooth and a village where you learn about local life.
A morning train winds up through tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya, a colonial hill station known as Little England, where you stay at the Grand Hotel. Your journey ends in Colombo, the capital, with a farewell dinner.
The physical rating is low, making this tour suitable for most travellers. It suits those who want to see the highlights of two countries in comfort, with a small group and the logistics handled throughout. The flight from Delhi to Colombo is included, and the pace is gentle throughout, with plenty of free time. Pack modest clothing for temple visits in both countries.
Trip highlights
-
A heritage palace hotel in Jaipur (Days 3–4)
-
The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort (Days 5–6)
-
Sunrise on the Ganges in Varanasi (Day 9)
-
Climbing Sigiriya's Lion Rock (Day 13)
-
Polonnaruwa by bicycle (Day 14)
-
The train to Nuwara Eliya (Day 17)
Your route
16 stops from Delhi to Colombo
- Delhi Days 1–2
- Jaipur Days 3–4
- Agra Day 5
- Lucknow Days 6–7
- Varanasi Days 8–9
- Sarnath Day 9
- Delhi Day 10
- Negombo Day 11
- Ridi Viharaya Day 12
- Dambulla Days 12–14
- Sigiriya Day 13
- Polonnaruwa Day 14
- Matale Day 15
- Kandy Days 15–16
- Nuwara Eliya Day 17
- Colombo Days 18–19
Why choose this tour
India and Sri Lanka in comfortable hotels, at a relaxed pace. Many meals and experiences included, with a small group.
Best suited to
- Travellers who value comfort
- First-time visitors to India and Sri Lanka
- Couples and solo travellers
- Food and culture lovers
Day-by-day itinerary
19 days from Delhi, India to Colombo, Sri Lanka
-
Day 1 · Delhi Arrive in Delhi
An airport welcome and dinner.
- Hotel
- The Grand Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 2 · Jama Masjid, Sheeshganj Gurudwara Old Delhi
A leader-led tour of the old city.
- Hotel
- The Grand Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 3 · Jaipur Jaipur
Travel to a heritage palace hotel.
- Hotel
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 4 · Amber Fort Jaipur
A guided visit to Amber Fort.
- Hotel
- Hotel Narain Niwas Palace or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 5 · Taj Mahal Agra
Drive to Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Hotel
- Royal Sarovar Portico or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 6 · Agra Fort, Lucknow Lucknow
Agra Fort, then Lucknow.
- Hotel
- Fortune Park BBD or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 7 · Lucknow Lucknow
A city tour and cooking class.
- Hotel
- Fortune Park BBD or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 8 · Varanasi Varanasi
The evening ganga aarti.
- Hotel
- Ramada Katesar or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 9 · Ganges, Sarnath Varanasi
A sunrise boat and Sarnath.
- Hotel
- Ramada Katesar or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 10 · Delhi Delhi
Return to Delhi.
- Hotel
- The Grand Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
-
Day 11 · Colombo, Negombo Sri Lanka
Fly to Sri Lanka.
- Hotel
- Pledge Scape Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 12 · Ridi Vihara, Dambulla Dambulla
A rock temple on the way inland.
- Hotel
- Amaya Lake or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 13 · Sigiriya Sigiriya
An early climb of Lion Rock.
- Hotel
- Amaya Lake or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 14 · Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa
Explore the ancient city by bike.
- Hotel
- Amaya Lake or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 15 · Matale, Kandy Kandy
A spice garden on the way to Kandy.
- Hotel
- Thilanka Kandy Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 16 · Ambagasthenna Kandy
A village visit and lunch.
- Hotel
- Thilanka Kandy Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 17 · Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
A train through tea country.
- Hotel
- Grand Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 18 · Colombo Colombo
Travel to the capital for a farewell dinner.
- Hotel
- The Kingsbury Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 19 · Colombo Tour ends
The tour ends after breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Delhi (2 nights) The Grand Hotel or similar
- Jaipur (2 nights) Hotel Narain Niwas Palace or similar
- Agra (1 night) Royal Sarovar Portico or similar
- Lucknow (2 nights) Fortune Park BBD or similar
- Varanasi (2 nights) Ramada Katesar or similar
- Delhi (1 night) The Grand Hotel or similar
- Negombo (1 night) Pledge Scape Hotel or similar
- Dambulla (3 nights) Amaya Lake or similar
- Kandy (2 nights) Thilanka Kandy Hotel or similar
- Nuwara Eliya (1 night) Grand Hotel or similar
- Colombo (1 night) The Kingsbury Hotel or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 18 nights in air-conditioned hotels
- Meals 17 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Flights within India and to Sri Lanka, private transport and a train
- Old Delhi tour, Amber Fort, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
- Lucknow tour and Awadhi cooking class
- Varanasi ceremonies, sunrise boat ride and Sarnath
- Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa by bike and the Temple of the Tooth
- Leaders in India and Sri Lanka
Not included
- International flights
- Visas for India and Sri Lanka
- Meals not included 1 breakfast, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a beach holiday
- You prefer independent travel
- You want a budget trip
- You want international flights included — they are not
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 2–10 and 12–19 · Lunch: Days 9, 12–14, 16 and 18 · Dinner: Days 1, 3, 6–7, 10–11 and 18
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £4,406 per person, twin share, tour only. 78 upcoming departures.
29 Oct 2026
Twin share
£4,406pp
02 Nov 2026
Twin share
£5,495pp
09 Nov 2026
Twin share
£5,630pp
16 Nov 2026
Twin share
£4,586pp
03 Dec 2026
Twin share
£5,095pp
10 Dec 2026
Twin share
£5,530pp
28 Dec 2026
Twin share
£5,095pp
31 Dec 2026
Twin share
£5,560pp
07 Jan 2027
Twin share
£5,395pp
14 Jan 2027
Twin share
£5,090pp
21 Jan 2027
Twin share
£4,975pp
01 Feb 2027
Twin share
£5,395pp
04 Feb 2027
Twin share
£5,360pp
08 Feb 2027
Twin share
£5,530pp
11 Feb 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
18 Feb 2027
Twin share
£5,390pp
25 Feb 2027
Twin share
£5,395pp
08 Mar 2027
Twin share
£5,295pp
11 Mar 2027
Twin share
£5,360pp
25 Mar 2027
Twin share
£5,190pp
05 Apr 2027
Twin share
£4,995pp
08 Apr 2027
Twin share
£4,975pp
09 Sept 2027
Twin share
£4,975pp
16 Sept 2027
Twin share
£4,975pp
30 Sept 2027
Twin share
£4,975pp
07 Oct 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
14 Oct 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
21 Oct 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
25 Oct 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
28 Oct 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
01 Nov 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
04 Nov 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
08 Nov 2027
Twin share
£5,375pp
11 Nov 2027
Twin share
£5,375pp
15 Nov 2027
Twin share
£5,375pp
18 Nov 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
25 Nov 2027
Twin share
£4,825pp
02 Dec 2027
Twin share
£5,275pp
16 Dec 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
20 Dec 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
27 Dec 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
30 Dec 2027
Twin share
£5,125pp
06 Jan 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
13 Jan 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
20 Jan 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
27 Jan 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
31 Jan 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
03 Feb 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
07 Feb 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
10 Feb 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
14 Feb 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
17 Feb 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
24 Feb 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
02 Mar 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
06 Mar 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
09 Mar 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
18 Mar 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
23 Mar 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
03 Apr 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
06 Apr 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
07 Sept 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
14 Sept 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
28 Sept 2028
Twin share
£5,225pp
05 Oct 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
12 Oct 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
19 Oct 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
23 Oct 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
26 Oct 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
30 Oct 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
02 Nov 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
06 Nov 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
09 Nov 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
13 Nov 2028
Twin share
£5,645pp
16 Nov 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
30 Nov 2028
Twin share
£5,540pp
14 Dec 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
18 Dec 2028
Twin share
£5,380pp
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
What are the hotels like?
Air-conditioned hotels throughout, including a heritage palace in Jaipur and the colonial Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Is the flight to Sri Lanka included?
Yes, the flight from Delhi to Colombo is included.
Is there much walking?
The physical rating is low, with an early climb up Sigiriya and an easy bike ride.
Do I need visas?
UK visitors need an e-visa for India and an electronic travel authorisation for Sri Lanka.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 15.
How many people travel together?
Up to 12 travellers, with a leader in each country.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary