In Search of Tigers and Leopards

On arrival in Delhi, India's capital, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Today you will explore Old and New Delhi, India’s vibrant metropolis blends medieval, colonial and modern architecture. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, India’s largest before setting out on a rickshaw ride. Continue to New Delhi to visit Humayun’s Tomb. Thought to have inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal, the World Heritage-listed tomb perfectly combines elements of Persian and Mughal architecture in its design. Explore the wide leafy avenues and later discover Gandhi Smriti and learn about Mahatma Gandhi. This museum, dedicated to his life, is where he spent his final 144 days before being shot in 1948.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Set off this morning to the station where you will board the Gatimaan Express, travelling from Delhi to Agra, a journey that takes just over an hour and a half, on India's first semi high-speed train and the fastest train in India. Enjoy simple Indian snacks as you relax in fully air-conditioned carriages and enjoy the passing scenery. Once in Agra, embark on your Insider Experience and later a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city’s most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past.

Accommodation
Agra, Hotel Clarks Shiraz

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the abandoned ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage-site for a guided tour. This town to the west of Agra was once known as the City of Victory. Built in the 16th-century, Fatehpur Sikri is home to several impressive monuments and temples. Remarkably, this deserted city remains almost exactly as it was more than 400 years ago, providing an insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. Enjoy your Insider Experience lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace Bharatpur before boarding the Shatabdi Express train for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as you travel in air-conditioned comfort, taking in the scenery. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Ranthambore, The Sher Garh

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Today, search for the elusive Bengal tiger on guided morning and afternoon game drives through Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is also home to many more unique animals including leopards, sloth bears and striped hyenas. Enjoy an evening talk by a local naturalist about the park and its diverse wildlife.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Spend the morning at your leisure. After lunch, depart by coach to the picturesque and historic city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. In 1876 the local ruler decided to paint the city in shades of pink in anticipation of a visit from the Prince of Wales. The prince (who later became King Edward VIII) named Jaipur the ‘Pink City.’ After a declaration by the Queen of Jaipur that she too had a fondness of this colour, a law was passed that all future buildings were to be pink.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Jaipur, Clarks Amer

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Today, spend the day on your Insider Experiences. Drink in the striking architecture blending Hindu and Islamic styles and visit such incredible sites including the City Place, and the World Heritage – listed 18th-century Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Drive by Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. Completed in 1799, it's one of India's most recognizable buildings.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Mumbai, set on India’s west coast beside the Arabian Sea. You’ll be transferred to your hotel before observing a cooking demonstration, introducing you to the rich and vibrant food culture of the city.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Mumbai, Trident Nariman Point

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Rise early for your Insider Experience. Return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at your leisure before taking an afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai icons including the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, a 19th-century World Heritage listed railway station and admire the colours of Mahalaxmi Dhobhi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry. Enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

After breakfast, say goodbye to your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and transfer to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for your included flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experiences at the hotel. 

Accommodation
Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

Early risers may want to visit the fish market to watch the boats returning with their catch and the vendors bargaining for the best selection (additional cost). After breakfast travel to Dambulla where you will have some time at leisure. Later, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience before a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Habarana Village by Cinnamon

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have your Insider Experience and dine on a traditional farmer's lunch before returning to the hotel. This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense).

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

Set off early for your Insider Experience. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. Enjoy breakfast back at the hotel before departing for Kandy. Tonight, enjoy an included international buffet dinner at the hotel’s main restaurant.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Kandy, Thilanka Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

This morning, you may like to choose from the following excursions (at an additional cost). Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens originally created in the 14th Century as a pleasure garden for the Queens. Home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants, these are the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Or perhaps, join a cookery demonstration with a local family and discover how they use traditional herbs and spices to create delicious meals before indulging in authentic Sri Lankan fare for lunch. This afternoon, take part in a walking tour of the city of Kandy with its iconic monuments, bustling marketplace, and vibrant shopping opportunities. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

This morning, journey onwards to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit one of the many famous tea estates for your Insider Experience. Your lunch is another Insider Experience. This afternoon, take in a guided tour of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' as it was favoured by the British civil servants as a summer retreat and is home to several colonial buildings. Admire stunning waterfalls, vast tea terraces and expansive vegetable fields along the way.

Accommodation
Nuwara Eliya, Araliya Green Hills

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

This morning, embark on your Insider Experience. Afterwards, journey to Ella for lunch. Return to Nuwara Eliya, stopping enroute to visit to Nazareth Chapel of the good shepherd convent in Bandarawela, commissioned in 1961 by the nuns of the Good Shepherd.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park. Enjoy lunch on arrival then board a jeep and venture out on an afternoon safari in one of the country’s oldest and largest national parks. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants and sloth bears. Its star attraction, however, is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Tonight, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Accommodation
Jetwing Yala

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

This morning, you may choose an optional early morning Yala game drive safari (additional expense). Afterwards, journey to Udawalawa then embark on your Insider Experience. This afternoon transfer to Galle and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Raddisson Blu Resort Galle

• Breakfast

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

This morning explore the Dutch Fort of Galle on foot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with its atmospheric paved streets and colonial heritage. Visit the Maritime Museum, see the lighthouse and the crumbling bastions along the way. This afternoon, you may choose to partake in a mask carving and painting experience at the hotel or a cooking demonstration in Galle (both at additional expense).

• Breakfast

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

After breakfast, depart for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Take a tuk tuk tour of the city and see many of its sights including the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Pettah bazaar area, the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, and the Old Parliament complex. Head back to your hotel and relax before your Insider Experience tonight.

Accommodation
Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka

Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to the Bandaranaike International airport for your onward flight.

• Breakfast

Location
Negombo , Sri Lanka