Sri Lanka Coastal & India Golden Triangle (18N/19D)

(14 nights Sri Lanka + 4 nights India)

This journey is designed for travellers seeking a combination of Sri Lanka’s scenic coastline, wildlife experiences, and cultural heritage, followed by India’s iconic monuments, forts, and palaces. The itinerary balances guided exploration with leisure time, scenic drives, and comfortable overnight stays. Optional activities, cultural insights, and local dining experiences are incorporated to enhance the journey.

Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Overnight in Negombo

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet your driver and transfer to Negombo, approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Check in at a comfortable hotel or guesthouse near the lagoon. Spend the evening exploring the fishing village and the Negombo Lagoon, observing traditional fishing practices. Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight in Negombo allows for recovery from travel.

Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset / Overnight in Sigiriya

After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya, a scenic 4-hour drive through rural landscapes and villages. Stop for refreshments or photo opportunities en route. Arrive early afternoon and check in at your hotel. In the late afternoon, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring terraces, frescoes, and water gardens. Sunset views from the top offer panoramic vistas of the Cultural Triangle. Return for dinner and overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 03: Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temples / Drive to Kandy / Evening Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic / Overnight in Kandy

Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temples, 20 minutes from Sigiriya. Explore the five caves with over 150 Buddha statues and murals. After lunch, drive 2.5–3 hours to Kandy, passing tea estates and small towns. Check in at your hotel and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, witnessing evening rituals if timing allows. Evening at leisure along Kandy Lake. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 04: Morning city highlights and Peradeniya Gardens / Drive to Tangalle / Overnight in Tangalle

Morning guided tour of Kandy city highlights and Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Explore thousands of plant species, orchids, and the avenue of palms. After lunch, embark on a 5–6-hour drive to Tangalle on the southern coast. Check in at a beachside hotel or resort. Evening at leisure with sunset walks or beachside dinner. Overnight in Tangalle.

Day 05: Relaxation and swimming day in Tangalle / Overnight in Tangalle

Full day to enjoy Tangalle’s beaches. Optional activities include swimming, sunbathing, or exploring nearby fishing villages. Evening sunset walks along the shore or photography opportunities. Overnight in Tangalle.

Day 06: Transfer to Yala / Evening safari in Yala National Park / Overnight near Yala

Drive approximately 4–5 hours to Yala, stopping for refreshments and short breaks. Check in at a lodge or eco-resort near the park. Evening safari offers chances to spot leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight near Yala for convenient early morning safari access.

Day 07: Morning safari in Yala / Drive to Mirissa / Leisure evening / Overnight in Mirissa

Early morning safari for prime wildlife viewing. Return for breakfast and check out. Drive 3–4 hours to Mirissa on the south coast. Check in at a beachfront hotel or guesthouse. Evening at leisure to enjoy beachside cafés or a sunset stroll. Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 08: Whale and dolphin watching excursion / Overnight in Mirissa

Early morning boat trip to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Return for breakfast and relax at the hotel. Afternoon free for beach walks, swimming, or optional snorkeling. Evening at leisure, enjoying seafood or sunset photography. Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 09: Beach leisure day with optional water sports / Overnight in Mirissa

Full day at leisure on Mirissa Beach. Optional water sports include surfing, paddleboarding, or guided snorkeling. Enjoy local restaurants and sunset views. Evening free for exploring or relaxing by the water. Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 10: Drive to Galle / Guided exploration of Galle Fort / Overnight in Galle

Drive 1–1.5 hours to Galle. Guided tour of Galle Fort, showcasing Dutch colonial architecture, lighthouses, and boutique shops. Lunch at a café within the fort. Sunset walk along fort ramparts offers stunning views over the Indian Ocean. Overnight in Galle.

Day 11: Visit local cinnamon plantation / Leisure time / Overnight in Galle

Morning visit to a cinnamon plantation to learn about cultivation and production. Optional tasting session or cooking demonstration. Afternoon at leisure to explore Galle town, beach, or hotel amenities. Overnight in Galle.

Day 12: Drive to Bentota / River safari and turtle hatchery visit / Overnight in Bentota

After breakfast, drive 2–3 hours to Bentota. Embark on a river safari through mangroves, observing birds and local wildlife. Visit a turtle hatchery to learn about conservation and see baby turtles. Afternoon free for beach relaxation. Overnight in Bentota.

Day 13: Full beach leisure day in Bentota / Optional water sports / Overnight in Bentota

Day at leisure for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying resort amenities. Optional water sports include jet skiing, windsurfing, or a catamaran ride. Evening beach walks and local dining. Overnight in Bentota.

Day 14: Drive to Colombo / City highlights and shopping / Overnight in Colombo

Drive 2–3 hours to Colombo. Check in at a hotel and explore city highlights including Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, and Pettah Market. Optional shopping or cultural walk. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 15: Flight to India (Delhi) / Airport pickup and transfer / Overnight in Delhi

Transfer to Colombo airport for flight to Delhi. Meet your driver on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure depending on arrival timing. Evening free for a stroll or dinner in Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 16: Delhi city tour (Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb) / Overnight in Delhi

Full-day guided tour of Delhi’s historic landmarks. Explore Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. Optional rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Lunch at a local restaurant. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 17: Drive to Agra / Taj Mahal and Agra Fort exploration / Overnight in Agra

Drive 3–4 hours to Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with a local guide, learning about Mughal history and architecture. Optional sunrise photography at the Taj. Evening free for market visits or relaxation. Overnight in Agra.

Day 18: Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri / Evening leisure / Overnight in Jaipur

Drive 5–6 hours to Jaipur with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, exploring the abandoned Mughal city. Arrive in Jaipur in late afternoon. Evening free to relax at the hotel or walk around the city. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 19: Jaipur highlights (Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal) / Evening departure transfer

Morning guided tour of Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Learn about Rajput architecture and royal history. Free time for shopping or photography. Evening transfer to Jaipur airport for onward journey.