Sri Lanka and India are calling! Want to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise? Try your hand at authentic Sri Lankan cooking? See some of the world’s most incredible animals up close? Well, this is the tour to do all of that and SO. MUCH. MORE! Over the next 23 life-changing days, we’ll discover the best of the best of India’s golden triangle, experience the world-famous safari in Ranthambore and watch the sun go down on Lake Pichola with a sunset sail. And that's all before we head to the jaw-dropping country of Sri Lanka. There we will take you to the hidden gems and hotspots of this idyllic country. Picture this, you're visiting the iconic Sigiriya Rock, immersing yourself in local life with an authentic homestay and marvelling at stunning scenic landscapes on the world famous Kandy to Ella train. India and Sri Lanka are two countries full of bucket-list ticking moments and Tru-ly incredible memories. So, what's stopping you? We'll see you at the airport!
When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle. Built for backpackers by backpackers.
Salaam Baalak Trust Walk
Delhi Walking Tour
Cooking Class
Udaipur city tour
Sunrise temple trek
Explore Pushkar
Taj Mahal Entry
Lunch in a palace
Wildlife Safari
Ranthambore National Park
Sunset boat trip on Lake Pichola
Pink Palace tour in Jaipur
Jeep ride to the Fort
Visit Fatehpur Sikri, India’s abandoned city
Sigiriya Rock
Train to Ella
Little Adams Peak
Elephant Safari
Dambulla Cave Temple
Golden Buddha Temple
Local Farming Village Dinner
Temple of the Tooth
Tea Plantation
Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Nine Arch Bridge
Jungle Beach Day
ROYAL PALACE LUNCH
Are you royalty? Are we? Well It looks that way because this TruExclusive has dining like the kings and queens in a Palace. Oh yeaaa. We visit the Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890, It continues to house the members of the royal family who are held in high-esteem by the people of Baroda. A wonder in itself we take you round the palace visiting all of the old quarters before sitting down for lunch in the ballroom. WE FANCY AF. The food is unreal, the setting, unbelievable, the experience? UNBEATABLE.
TRADITIONAL MEAL WITH LOCAL VILLAGE
This isn’t just any village experience, this really is THE TRUFAM village exclusive, Our TruFamily is worldwide baby! We take you deep into Sri Lankan culture as we spend the evening with a traditional local farming village. Friends of ours, they teach us all about farm life and the local techniques used to harvest and produce ingredients used in everyday Sri Lankan life. Is there any food better than home cooked? No, no I don’t think so. Our Sri Lankan TruFam cook up a storm serving a traditional meal for us all before we jump on a quick barge to cross the river for sunset. Perfection. As the sun goes down, the bonfire soars. Is there any better time to have a beer or 7? Probably not.. Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture and Sri Lankan beer. Win Win.
Welcome to Delhi, the capital of India and where our 13 day adventure begins! Our comfortable hotel is perfectly located for us to explore both sides of this exciting city. Wander the bustling narrow streets of the old town and admire the grand colonial buildings of the new.
The hotel has a great restaurant where you can enjoy the included breakfast. Rooms are spacious with air-con and Wi-Fi.
Udaipur is known as the most romantic city in India and our heritage hotel is right in the heart of it. We’ve got all the city sights right on our doorstep and the beautiful lake is just a 10 minute walk away.
We stay in a few heritage hotels in India and you are in for a treat! Heritage hotels were once palaces, forts or hunting lodges meaning that they’re full of history, character and charm. Most of the time, they’re still run by the families who used to live there so you can expect a TRU-ly local experience and super friendly service.
To top it all off, our hotel here has a stunning rooftop restaurant and terrace. Whether you’re enjoying the included breakfast or a cheeky sunset cocktail, you will not be disappointed by the incredible views of Udaipur!
We’ll be staying on the edge of the holy town of Pushkar next. With easy reach to the town but close to the nature of the desert, our hotel is the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing! Admire the views from your cottage, go for a swim in the infinity pool and enjoy a traditional dinner at the cosy restaurant.
Pushkar is a sacred pilgrimage site which means you won’t find anywhere to buy alcohol in the city but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Relax at the hotel’s lounge with a cocktail in hand as you look up at the starlit sky. Sounds dreamy right?
The pink city is calling! We’re staying in another charming heritage hotel that’s right in the centre of Jaipiur, but set back from the hustle and bustle of the main roads. Built around a pretty courtyard with a pool in the middle, this is the best place in the city for us to chill and reminisce about the trip so far!
Enjoy everything that comes with a heritage hotel including the fabulous service and home cooked meals plus everything that modern hotels offer like air-con and TVs in the rooms.
One of the highlights of the trip, we’re heading to Ranthambore next and our 4 star hotel is just just 10 minutes away from the National Park. With a pool, lush gardens, an authentic restaurant and a well stocked bar, it has everything we need to relax after an early morning safari!
All rooms are air-conditioned and Wi-Fi can be found throughout the hotel so you’ll be able to upload those incredible safari pics to make everyone at home jealous!
Last and certainly not least, our hotel in Agra is a modern hotel with everything we need for our night here, and more! An infinity rooftop pool, two restaurants and our personal favourite, the Sky deck. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal and it’s only right that we stay in a hotel with views of this magnificent Wonder of the World. Head to the sky deck to take a look for yourself. This really is a pinch me moment!
Our 3-star hotel in Negombo is a nice and stylish place in a great location, a few minutes walk to Negombo beach. If hangin' by the pool is more your thanggg though, no problem as the hotel has an outdoor pool and a great sun terrace where you can lay out and start working on that tan. There's free WiFi in public areas.
The rooms are modern and have a flat-screen TV, air-con, and en-suite bathrooms.
Our hotel in Sigiriya is right next to some great restaurants and attractions - in fact, the Pidurangala Rock (the famous Sigiriya landmark) is just over a mile away so it's the perfect base for our TruTravellers.
The rooms are air-conditioned and come with free WiFi.
Next up, we head to Kandy! Our hotel has an impressive terrace, where you can have breakfast and enjoy views of the mountains and is located just a few minutes walk to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - the main reason that tourists go to Kandy!
Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Some rooms even have views of the lake or city!
Our 4-star hotel in our next stop, Ella, is perfectly situated next to Little Adam's peak and has panoramic mountain views... dreamy right!?
Rooms have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a spacious private balcony, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. There's also free WiFi in all the public areas.
Talk about being close to nature... in Udawalawe we stay somewhere a little different. We stay at a responsible luxury eco campsite! Definitely one of the most exciting ways to sleep, next to the Rakwana River, listening to the sounds of the animals! It's an amazing place to relax and spend the day too, watching the birds and wild animals is incredible!
Last but certainly not least, our hotel in Unawatuna is a modern and stylish place, which is just a 10-minute walk from the beach. It also has an outdoor pool so whether you're more of a beach goer or you prefer lounging by the pool (we know this can be the easier option if you've had a few too many the night before!), then we've got you covered! The hotel has a barbecue and sun terrace, so you can lounge and chill all day. There's Free WiFi so you can upload all your Insta pics and make everyone at home jealous of the amazing last 10 days you've had.
Each room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV.
Are you ready for the most epic 22 days of your life? Give us a WAHOOOOO! Let’s do this. We'll be exploring India and Sri Lanka! Arrive anytime today at Delhi's airport (Indira Gandhi International airport), and we’ll meet you there! We'll transfer you to our hotel for some relaxation before our first night together meeting the TruFam. Spend some time chilling in our accommodation before we head out for a welcome dinner and a few drinks to get to know each other. Delhi is a bustling, lively city with so much going on! So have a beer and let’s get out and explore!
Wake up! It’s our first morning in New Delhi, and it’s a beauty! What better way to experience Dehli than being shown around by a local first hand! We’re here to see everything, baby! We set off on a walking tour guided by the Salaam Balak Trust. One of the most trusted non-profit organisations for street children in Delhi. You’ll learn a lot today, so grab those thinking caps and put them on! We’ll visit their headquarters, learn how the organisation provides children with opportunities and care to help support those living on the streets. It’s a rewarding day and one not to be missed. Later, we'll visit some of the main sights including the famous India gate war memorial and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home to India's President. In the evening we pack our bags and head to the train station where we board the overnight train to our next destination, Udaipur!
Rise and shine! We’ve made it to Udaipur, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’- you’ll soon see why! The day is yours to explore, so once we make it to our new hotel you’ve got time to relax, chill, update your insta stories (you know you want to) or head out to explore the sights, they’re going to take you by surprise, trust us! Later on in the afternoon, we hop aboard a sunset cruise and set sail on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Let your eyes feast on the mesmerising scenery of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic city and take it all in! You’ll notice incredible architecture, temples, picturesque ghats and even majestic palaces. After all that sightseeing, it's time to indulge in some mouthwatering Indian cuisine. Get your taste buds tingling with a delectable traditional thali or savour the fiery flavours of street food!
It’s day two in Udaipur and we couldn't be happier about it! Get your walking shoes on the ready because today we are off on a tour of the city. We’ll dive into the rich history and architectural wonders of this beautiful place and stop off at some of the biggest hotspots in the city. First up we have the city palace so you best be ready to be dazzled by the intricate marble and granite work, adorned with colourful glass inlays, ornate engravings, and elegant towers and balconies. It really is as impressive as it sounds! We’ll then stop off by Jagdish Temple before heading to the north of this bustling city to visit one of the most astonishing gardens- Saheliyon-ki-bari. It’s been a busy day so enjoy the afternoon exploring in your own time, relax by the lake or venture into the markets for some souvenir shopping before we meet for yet another delicious dinner with the TruFam and reminisce on the incredible first few days in India!
Pack your bags, it’s time for our next adventure! Today we make our way to one of the oldest cities in India! We’ll escape to a serene getaway far from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to the tru-ly eternal spiritual high that the holy town of Pushkar offers. We’ll take it easy, chill by the pool, admire the views and make the most of this relaxing time before an early wake up call tomorrow!
Goood morning! We’re up bright and early today but it’s all for good reason. It’s time to get ready for the day and visit Savitri Mata Temple just in time for sunrise. It’s gonna be a beauty! Perched on a hilltop, we’ll get amazing views of the city below. Later on we’ll explore heavenly Pushkar lake and the popular eighth-century Brahma Temple before having a chilled afternoon. Make the most of the tranquil surroundings, take a dip in the pool, have a drink or two and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Did you ever dream of being a land full of pink? Well, it’s reality and you’ll soon find out why! Today we’re off to Jaipur where we embark on a flavour-filled adventure in India's culinary realm! We’ll meet a local family and dive straight into an Indian-style cooking lesson to master the art of spicing up our lives! You know things are about to get spicyyy! Of course we couldn’t end this experience without indulging in the delicious food we have just whipped up! Masterchef here we come! After an epic day, you have the option to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of colours, music, and dance at Rajmandir cinema, where Bollywood magic unfolds like no other! Popcorn? Check. Drama? Double check. Let the Bollywood extravaganza begin!
Wake up in the city of Jaipur and it’s an action-packed day baby! We check out the city and head to Jaipur City Palace before heading up to the fort in a 4x4. You want to see a viewpoint? Well, get ready TruFam because this is like no other! You can see the whole city! The whole of Jaipur and its wonderful pinkness! Next up we’ll visit the Hawa Mahal. One of the most amazing forms of architecture in India, it looks like an optical illusion. If that doesn’t get your brain flowing try counting how many windows there are! *Spoiler alert there’s 953?!* World-famous it’s a must-visit in India! In the evening we head out for dinner to explore more of this beautiful city.
Buckle up, we’re going on an adventure! This time we’re off to Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and a former royal hunting ground that’s now home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. We’ll have time this afternoon to explore the area, visit the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, before we enjoy a Tiger talk to learn all about the Tiger conservation in the country. Dinner is on us tonight so indulge in the delicious food and prepare yourself for the most EPIC day yet…
Wake up, it's going to be a WILD day! No seriously, it is! We get up early and jump in jeeps for a safari through the National Park. Get those binoculars out because we’re about to see a huge ton of local wildlife. Monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, deer hey we may even see a wild tiger if you’re lucky! Or unlucky? Grab the camera because with this experience you will see a side to India not often shown on TV. The wildlife is beautiful, The setting is spectacular. The experience? Unbeatable. After an epic morning, the rest of the day is free for your heart's desire, check out the local area or just relax and soak up that gorgeous sun heat.
Today we’re travelling to Agra! And since we’re on the way, we’ll stop off at Fatehpur Sikri. A ghost city that was built between 1571 and 1585 before being abandoned and is now known for its beautiful old structures that have been retained. Once we’ve had a wander around, we get back on the road and make our way to our TRU EXCLUSIVE, the best of the best, one of a kind, unforgettable kind of experience! We’ll have lunch at a Palace where we will join a host family for a walk through the organic gardens & the in house dairy farm. We’ll learn what's in season and the family's favourite dishes made from the freshest of ingredients. We’ll even enjoy a traditional lunch at the restaurant. It’s been jam packed so far but the day is not over just yet! We head to our final stop, Agra Fort, another UNESCO heritage site before we finally make it back and enjoy a chilled evening.
This is it, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The destination that’s been on your bucket list since you could hold a pen. We’re up early as we head to the Taj Mahal for sunrise! Make sure you’ve packed your camera, your GoPro or even a disposable camera because this moment really is once in a lifetime. Spend the morning learning about how the Taj Mahal was built and the story behind it, enter inside to see the tombs where Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife are buried. Watch the sun come up with your TruFam and take in the surroundings of by far one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. There’s no better way to experience the Taj Mahal, and it’s picture-perfect views than early morning. Is there anywhere else you’d rather be?
In the afternoon we head back to Delhi, where we kick started our unforgettable trip. We check into the hotel, grab a shower before we head out into Delhi town for one final farewell dinner! Delicious cuisine, colourful cocktails and drinks and well, the company couldn't be better.
Time to say alavida to India and Ayubowan to Sri Lanka! (That’s hello in Sinhala, the local language in Sri Lanka if you didn’t know!) We say goodbye to those joining us on just our India tour and catch an early morning flight across to our next country Sri Lanka! Arrive mid morning where we’ll transfer you straight to our hotel in Negombo. The day is free to spend as you please, enjoy a night to yourself before the second part of our epic adventure starts.. Sri Lanka uncovered!
After a relaxing 24 hours in Sri Lanka it's time to meet your new TruFam on the second part of your incredible trip. The afternoon is free so sit back and relax by the pool, grab some delicious food before meeting the group and your new travel ninja in the evening. We'll head out to explore Negombo, grab some dinner and sip a beer on two under the stars. Sri Lanka is a bucket list destination and this is only the start! Life-changing travel vibes ahead. For real.
Keeping things local, we’re heading into the heart of Sri Lanka to explore the local culture, history and heritage. We’ll take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred temple carved deep into the rock face, then up to the Golden Buddha, a giant (aptly named), majestic, golden statue on a picturesque hilltop. After a fair bit of walking (- you’re doing great btw), we’ll head to our next accommodation stop in the evening, check-in and scope the spectacular views of Sigiriya Rock. Best get eyeing up your route as we’ll be climbing the face of it in the morning. Yep! Night!
So it’s your first early start. Are you ready for this? Pack your bag and get a wiggle on, as this morning we’re heading to the top of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks - Lion Rock (known locally as Sigiriya Rock). This proper beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so we best be on our best behaviour. A giant rock formation standing nearly 700ft tall (that’s enormous, FYI), an ancient fortress, with mind-blowing views from the top; well worth the trek up. Now we know you’ve been up since the crack of dawn and you haven’t had your Weetabix yet but RELAX. We told you we’d look after you. Once we’ve scaled our way back down, it’s time for a feast back at the hotel before heading back out to explore the town. There ain’t no rest for the wicked, hun. Now, we promised you some wholesome activity and we weren’t lying. As night falls, we’re heading to a beautiful, authentic, local farming village to be spoiled rotten and have our dinner cooked by the loveliest villagers. Enjoy a mouth-watering, authentic meal around a crackling bonfire with our locals as they welcome you too, into their homes and our community. Big #blessed vibes.
Who fancies a spy of our royalty? Today we’re getting another taste of the rich history of Sri Lanka as we travel to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, located in the Royal Palace complex. Note the significance of the royal temple, which bears great ancient political power and the famous relic which is believed to hold the governance of the country. Finally, we’ll catch the most incredible peachy sunset of Kandy Lake, with a few beers from our hotel on the mountainside.
Phones, cameras packed and tissues at the ready as today’s journey is sure to bring a tear to your eye- it's a real looker. 10/10 would ‘Gram. Starting the day driving through the beautiful town of Nuwara Elia to spend the early bird morning at a local tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the tea brewing process, from leaf to cup. It’s an early start, so get that caffeine in. We’ll then spend some time at a local family-run cooking school, where we’ll be taught how to cook some of Sri Lanka’s best dishes. Belly full, heart full. Perfect, it’s time to have your breath taken away... the moment you've all been waiting for. It’s time to board ‘the most scenic train journey’ - and they weren’t lying when they named her that. She is a LOOKER. We’ll board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to the chilled town of Ella. Keep an eye out for cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and another glimpse at the locals.
Don’t stress - you won’t need to rush out the door at the crack of dawn today so enjoy a lie in and rest up because you're going to need it! Today we're heading on a hike to one of the best views in Ella. Enjoy a lush climb up Little Adams Peak, for a stunning view of Ella Gap - picture this, beautiful waterfalls, stunning backdrops and unreal vibes, sounds like a perfect spot right? We’ll have a hearty lunch in Ella town, before stopping off at Nine Arch Bridge, where we’ll walk the tracks (not the plank) and watch the train pass through.
Rise and shine! Today we visit to the neighbouring waterfalls ahead of a day at Udawalawe National Park - if you're feeling brave you can even take a dip weather permitting. Now that's an incredible way to start the day right? But wait, there's more, the bucket list moments don't stop there because our next activity is a Safari! This isn’t the trip of a lifetime for nothing. Scope out Elephants, Monkeys, Buffalos, Flamingos, to mention just a few. After that incredible experience we’ll check into our glamping tents for the evening, with some more wholesome activities and some questionable behaviour will commence. Don’t forget to look up as the stars are pretty spectacular.
After a jam packed day of waterfalls and animals yesterday today it's only right that today we through in a bit of history too! Today we explore The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort which is one of the oldest living forts in the world. There's so much to discover here with a blend of modern and historic sites so get ready to explore the day away. In the afternoon we will head back to the hotel, to chill, maybe play some games and process the tour so far with the Trufam!
This morning is all yours! So do as you please, graze, laze, take it as you like. Once we're all up and ready, we start our last adventure of the trip. We’re walking through the jungle to the stunning golden sands of the beach on the other side. Soak up some Vitamin D, have a swim in the sea and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the shore. What a life! Once you’re all sun-kissed, we’ll head back to the hotel for our farewell dinner. We hope you’ve still got those tissues, you're going to need them, trust us. It’s not a TruTravels trip without a big last night out, so we’re going big BIG. Delicious cuisine, colourful cocktails and drinks and well, the company couldn't be better.
The day we've all been dreading is finally here... it’s time to say goodbye and what a ride it's been. The most incredible 23 days filled with adventure, unforgettable memories and the best company we could ever wish for. Never a good bye but a see you later. As alwats, we’re here to help plan the next steps of your adventure, whether it’s onwards, homebound or back to bed for a week of catching up on those early starts. We’ve loved having you and can’t wait to hear what’s next. Big love!
Where does the trip start & Finish?
The trip starts in New Delhi and ends in Unawatuna.
How do I get back to the start destination and is this included in the price?
No it is not included but we can assist you with booking it all. If you want to get back to Colombo you can take a taxi which takes around 2-3 hours.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You need to fly into New Delhi international airport (DEL).
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
The closest airport to the end destination is Colombo international airport. (CMB)
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation on this trip is twin share and you will stay in hotels.
On day 2 the accommodation will be a comfortable, airconditioned overnight train where you will be sharing with a maximum of 5 other people.
What is the currency?
The currency for India is Indian Rupees and for Sri Lankan is Sri Lanka Rupee.
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Maldives | 8 days
