India Sri-Lanka Nepal Bhutan Tour

You are heartily welcome at the airport and then driven to your hotel for check-in. As you drive through the busy roads you get to experience the city bustling with life. The city has a great historical past as it has been the capital of many great empires. This is also evident from the various architecture marvels that you visit on days to come. You are briefed about the plan for the next day.You can then retire to take rest for the day.

Walk through crowded ancient city streets and alleys exploring the colorful and vibrant market. Visit marvelous Mughal architectures and UNESCO heritage sites as Jama Masjid, Red Fort (both built by Shahajan) and Humayan's tomb. These are Persian, Indian and European influenced monuments. Visit Raj Ghat, the burial ground of Gandhi. Drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb to visit Qutub Minar (1193 AD) which houses anti-rust Ashoka Pillars (1500 years old).Lutyens’ New Delhi provides photographic opportunities at Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara & the Birla Temple. Drive through Connaught Place, downtown of Delhi before retiring to the hotel for overnight stay.

Walk through crowded ancient city streets and alleys exploring the colorful and vibrant market. Visit marvelous Mughal architectures and UNESCO heritage sites as Jama Masjid, Red Fort (both built by Shahajan) and Humayan's tomb. These are Persian, Indian and European influenced monuments. Visit Raj Ghat, the burial ground of Gandhi. Drive past Safdarjang’s Tomb to visit Qutub Minar (1193 AD) which houses anti-rust Ashoka Pillars (1500 years old).Lutyens’ New Delhi provides photographic opportunities at Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara & the Birla Temple. Drive through Connaught Place, downtown of Delhi before retiring to the hotel for overnight stay.

You can visit Mehtab Bagh, a 500-year-old Mughal garden located opposite to Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River for the sunrise view. Alternatively, you can revisit Taj Mahal to catch a glimpse of the rising sun’s rays on the beautiful Tajmahal. Next is Fatehpur Sikri, a beautiful uninhabited city, built by Emperor Akbar in 1585 and is constructed primarily out of red sandstone. It was a temporary capital for Agra. Next, we visit Bulund Darwaza, the tallest gateway in the word. You see the beautiful white marble tomb of Shaik Salim Chishti, built in 1570. Continue driving to Jaipur for your overnight stay.

Visit Amber Fort & Palace. Drive/ride an elephant to the Fort built by Raja Mansingh, a fine example of Rajput architecture. Chambers and hallways of the Palace are exquisitely planned and craft made by hand is an attractive view. Visit walled city of Jaipur, the magnificent City Palace (a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture), Jantar Mantar’s stone observatory, ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of the Wind). The complex houses a number of museums which has an impressive collection of costumes, armory and miniature paintings.

Evening you are taken for a cultural show and dinner. The other alternatives are the cultural performance at your hotel or visit a Rajasthani family to enjoy a traditional dinner.

While you drive from Jaipur to Delhi, there are many places that will catch your eye. As you pass through many villages you can experience the life of the people here. They are primarily dependent on agriculture but with modernization urban hotspots are emerging. You find many resorts located along the highway. Midway you find famous “Behror Midway”. It has a clean and hygienic surroundings and offers a very good cuisine. After reaching Delhi if time permits you can take a tour of the local market. While touring you can also try various local cuisines especially the Mughal cuisine

Once you arrive at Colombo Airport, the Sri Lankan chauffeur guide escorts you to the hotel. Freshen up and rest at the hotel. If time permits, visit one or two major attractions of Colombo in the evening. Continue sightseeing in Colombo the next day or on the last day. Some of the major attractions include the 100-year-old clock tower, the Dutch Hospital, Galle Face Green, the bustling Pettah Bazaar, Gangarama Temple, and Arcade Independence Square. Spend the night in a hotel.

In the morning, you complete Colombo Sightseeing and head toward the next destination Habarana (Sigiriya). Admiring the scenic views, after a few hours reach Habarana. Start the Hiriwadunna Village tour. Take a short Tuk Tuk ride which takes you to the man-made reservoir called Hiriwaduuna Lake. Enjoy a Catamaran boat ride over the lake and admire the picturesque scenery of the surroundings such as green forest, marshlands, and vegetables which are organic.

Arrive at Hiriwadunna Village, and experience the traditional village life of the locals. Enjoy the simple foods prepared by the local women using homegrown crops and vegetables. They demonstrate different skills in cooking using the available fresh crops. All the process is done in front of you. Enjoy the process and organic food.

After enjoying food, interact with the locals and try to understand their culture and lifestyle. Then, take a short walk and ride on a Jeep for Safari. Relish the Jeep Safari in the vicinity of a Hurulu Forest Reserve. This forest reserve signifies Sri Lanka’s dry evergreen forest. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna where you witness giant Elephants, peacocks, green vegetation, and other species. After completing the excursion, return to a hotel. Spend a night in a hotel.

Early in the morning, a short hike to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya was named after the Sri Lankan words for lion and mountain. The major highlights of this Fortress are ruine halls, a citadel, the Mirror Wall, and ancient Frescoes. It was built by King Kashyapa after he moved his capital to Sigiriya. The gardens and moats surround this beautiful rock fortress. The climb to the top takes an hour and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The site is historically and archaeologically significant, with a 180m column of granite rock dominating the area.

After a fabulous hike, travel to Anuradhapura for exploration. There are many attractions in Anuradhapura such as Ruwanweliseya Stupa, Thuparamaya Stupa, Abhayagiri Monastery Complex, Archaeological Museum, Jetavanaramaya Monastery, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Isurumuniya Temple, and Samadhi Buddha Statue.

One of the largest stupas in Anuradhapura is the Ruwanweliseya Stupa. The large paved courts and platforms surround this stupa. It is a very significant stupa for the Buddhists.

The Abhayagiri Monastery Complex in Anuradhapura is a stunning and impressive ruin that includes a grand-scale monastery. The main stupa, which is the second-largest on the island, was built over the footprint of Gautama Buddha. It's a significant place for a fraternity of Buddhist monks who preserve their records, traditions, and way of life. Some other attractions are Abhayagiri Stupa, Moonstone, Guard Stone, Museum, Twin Ponds, & Eth Pokuna.

Sri Maha Bodhi is an ancient tree in the Mahamevnāwa Gardens. The statues, water canals, and golden fences surround this ancient tree. This tree is associated with Gautam Buddha as its cutting was brought from Bodh Gaya where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. This is considered sacred by all Buddhists and has been preserved for many years.

Isurumuniya, a Buddhist temple features impressive architecture and sculptures depicting the artistry of the time. Originally built as a dormitory for 500 children, the structure evolved into a temple, combining elements of both a temple and a fortress. Isurumuniya is popular for its internationally acclaimed inscriptions, including The Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond, and The Royal Family.

After an excursion to some beautiful places in Anuradhapura, return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

You travel to Kandy for the exploration. Kandy is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka. It is both an administrative and religious city. The city is renowned for the Temple of Tooth Relic. Stop at Dambulla to visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also popular as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. The most well-preserved and extensive cave temple complex in Sri Lanka with five main caves. It contains numerous statues of Lord Buddha, kings, and Lord Vishnu. The temple is part of the 'Cultural Triangle,' which includes Sigiriya and Kandy. To reach the temple, you must climb the Dambulla Rock. Get spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Each of the five caves has its significance and history that provides visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's evolving culture.

After a mesmerizing cave temple visit, continue to travel to Kandy. On the way to Kandy, Visit the famous Spice and Herbal Gardens where you can study and see many different spices and herbal plants. The spicy gardens are famous in Sri Lanka. The specialty of these gardens is their high-quality organically-farmed spices. Take a short tour and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, cleaning, and packaging of 15 different spices. You can taste unique flavors and learn how to distinguish the taste of different spices. If you wish, you can also buy fresh, exotic, and delicate organic spices, traditional remedies, and natural cosmetics made by local experts.

After the Spicy Garden visit, continue the drive to Kandy. Upon reaching Kandy, take a rest and freshen up. Have lunch or light snacks. Then, head to the renowned Tooth Relic Temple or Dalada Maligawa. This is the highly admired Buddhist temple in Kandy. It houses the tooth of Buddha in a golden chamber within the royal palace complex. The ambiance of the temple is magical. Other attractions feature a museum, royal gardens, a palace, and meditation grounds. The very significant temple in Sri Lanka is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a spiritual visit to the sacred Tooth Relic temple, enjoy some time around Kandy Lake in the evening. You can also enjoy Kandy Cultural Dance Shows. 12 different types of folk and traditional dances are performed. The show time usually starts at 5:30 pm and lasts for an hour. Spend a night in a hotel.

From Kandy, make your way to Nuwara Eliya with a stop at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, just 6 km away from Kandy. This garden is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is famous for its impressive collection of orchids, including an Orchid House and a picturesque Avenue of Palms. With over 400 plant species, including medicinal plants and over 110 endemic plants, this botanical garden is a nature lover's paradise. One of its major attractions is the massive Javan fig tree that is sure to leave you in amazement. Continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is a delightful destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its great combination of natural beauty, colonial heritage, and modern amenities. The city is popularly termed as ‘Little England’. There are several attractions but Tea plantation is the prime highlight which looks stunning as it surrounds hills and valleys. En route stop at the local tea factories and learn about the tea-making process. If you wish, get some tea as souvenir as it is one of the finest qualities. Spend a night in a hotel.

Embark on an exciting train ride to Ella after having a delicious breakfast. Board the legendary blue train for a scenic journey through Sri Lanka's gorgeous landscapes. It's an experience you won't want to miss as you pass through rolling rice fields, green tea estates, appealing villages, towering mountains, colonial-era viaducts perched above verdant forests, and cascading waterfalls. So sit back, relax, and adore the ride as you make your way to the scenic town of Ella that promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Upon reaching Ella, take a short rest at a hotel and have some light snacks. Then, proceed to Little Adams Peak for a scenic hike. Situated at an elevation of 1141 m it offers spectacular views of the surrounding Ella Valley. A popular hiking spot which takes an hour to reach is the vantage point which is perfect for picturesque views of region’s lush tea plantation and towering mountains in the backdrop. After appreciating the vistas, head to Nine Arch Bridge.

Nine Arch Bridge also renowned as ‘the Bridge in the Sky’ is a remarkable piece of architecture built during the British colonial era. It includes nine arches which is prominent for its unique design. This bridge is famous for its breathtaking surrounding lush green valley views and landscapes. Take a leisurely walk admiring its beauty. Return to a hotel to stay overnight.

Experience the majesty of Galle Fort's impressive architecture, precisely preserved in its original glory. Take a leisurely stroll along the fortifications to admire the imposing structures. Relax at one of the amiable cafes or restaurants and treat in local and international cuisine. Galle Fort is an ideal destination for all history buff, foodie, or beach lover and not to be missed.

After spending some quality time at Galle Fort, head towards Bentota. A beautiful coastal town famous for its beaches, villas, Turtle Hatchery, and water sports. Water sports includes river cruises, tubing, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, speed boating, and banana boating. Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka's countryside with a river Boat safari in Bentota's Mangrove forests. Witness exotic aquatic fauna and spot wildlife such as herons and kingfishers. Enjoy a ticklish fish spa activity along the way, making remarkable memories.

End the trip with a visit to the Kasgoda Sea Conservation Project. Witness the magic of protecting these endangered Turtle creatures in the hatchery. Here, eggs are collected, protected, and finally released into the ocean, increasing the chances of survival for the hatchlings. Don't miss this chance to be a part of an important conservation project. Nurture sea turtles including weak and disabled and release baby sea turtles back into the sea. Spend some time here and admire the beautiful sunset views. Spend a night in a hotel.

Enjoy some time at the beach or continue sightseeing in Colombo if you have missed some places in the beginning.

You engrossed in the diverse cultures of this enchanting country Sri Lanka. From breathtaking scenery to the warm hospitality of the locals, we believe your Sri Lankan adventure has undoubtedly left an everlasting impression on you. Transfer to the Colombo Airport for final departure as this Sri Lanka tours come to an end. We are confident that you will treasure these cherished memories for many years to come.

You are received at the airport in Kathmandu and taken. You have the whole day at your disposal. You can explore the busy streets, the local markets and try exquisite cuisines. This is a perfect opportunity to view the lifestyle of the common people in Kathmandu.

Exploration begins with Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square, both a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kathmandu DurbarSquare is famous among travelers and it owes this to its unique architecture and the ornate embellishments. Swayambhunath, on a green hill in the west Kathmandu, is an impressive Stupa over 2500 years old. The ill provide a majestic view of the valley. Then we head to Patan DurbarSquare where you will see many monuments, the majority of which dates back to early 16th and 18th centuries. Here you can see the expert arts and craftsmanship of the people.

Visit Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva is located on the banks of Bagmati River.The cremation of the Hindu takes place on the banks of the holy river Baghmati.Then visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist stupa over 2500 years old, has four pairs of Buddha's eyes in the four cardinal directions. They are believed to keep a vigilant eye on people and their way of life. Frequented by Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims, people walking around the Stupa and then spin the prayer wheels that have sacred chants written within. Then we head to the Bhaktapur Darbar Square, a sacred city of holy devotees Here you see a full-size figure of a Malla Emperor that is facing the Golden Gate or the Sun Dhoka, made of copper. This is a masterpiece of arts in the city. Your overnight stay is at Kathmandu

We rive to Pokhara, the most beautiful city in Nepal with many lakes and caves. When travelling you can view the beautiful and clean river flowing by the side of the hills. The entire route is scenic and mesmerizingly beautiful. Your overnight will be at Pokhara.

Pokhara is the most sought after tourist destination in Nepal. An early morning sunrise tour is followed by the visit to the cave, waterfall, river gorge, temple and the coast of the lake. Most spectacular view the snow white mount Machapuchare’s reflection in the Fewa Lake. Pokhara is famous for natural caves over 5000 years old. David Fall, a natural wonder where water flows into the earth and can be seen in part from Gupteshwar – the Cave of Hidden God. Enjoy paragliding at Sarankot and the stunning scenery of sunrise above the Himalayas. You can also go for boating. Overnight is at Pokhara.

A 6 hours’ scenic drive (200 Km) or a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu. Visit the local markets nearby like the Asan and the Thamel. Asan is a traditional, market and inhabited square in central Kathmandu. It is known for getting every item that is required for the Nepali cuisine. It is a colorful market and finds various spices here. You may buy souvenirs at Thamel. It has been a centre of Tourism Industry in Nepal. The local market caters food, fresh vegetables/fruits, pastries, trekking gear, walking gear, music, DVDs, handicrafts, woolens, and clothes. For foodies, the restaurants serve both traditional and continental cuisine.

Bhutan is a beautiful country of diverse landscape and culture. You are received at the Paro airport and taken to the hotel. Later visit Ta dzong, the National Museum ancient arts and artefacts, weaponries. Then visit Rinpung Dzong which overlooks beautiful Paro valley. An Evening stroll around town’s main street gives you an opportunity to see the market there and see the lifestyle of the people there. Overnight at Paro.

Note: If you arrive at the afternoon in Paro, the sightseeing continues the following day.

Through Paro Valley see the junction of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom. On the way to the Paro-Thimphu highway, visit the 16^th-century old Tachogang Lhakhang temple. The temple means the hill of the excellent horse. You need to cross an old bridge to visit the temple. From the bridge, enjoy the scenic views of the villages.
After the visit, head towards Thimphu. Visit National Library for priceless Buddhist manuscripts (includes ancient manuscripts), books on Himalayan culture and religion. Visit Zorig Chusum, an Arts & Crafts or Painting School, Bhutan Postal Museum, Takin Zoo. Folk and Heritage museum displays livelihood and tools of Bhutanese farmers in the medieval period. Visit fortress/monastery, the throne room of King, the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Visit King’s Memorial Chorten, Great Buddha Dordenma, and Thimphu Dzong. Handicrafts Emporium offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s fine arts. You can purchase paintings, masks, ceramics, slate, textiles, thangka and wood carvings, jewellry.

Take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (5 hr hike), also known as Tiger’s Nest. Visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong on the way back. It has a historic importance as the Bhutanese army fought and repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Last but not the least, you can visit the Kyichu Lhakhang which is amongst one of the oldest and sacred temples of the Kingdom, depicting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at Paro.

We drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,100m to get an amazing view of the Himalayas and the highest peak in Bhutan, Gangkarpuensum(7,497m). Other peaks that can be seen are Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang .Visit Wangdue Dzong located on the hill overlooks the confluence of two rivers. Bamboo work, slate &stone carving are famous and provides a glimpse on the livelihood of the people.
Visit the temple of a divine madman, the temple of fertility.A walk through the pastoral beautiful villages and view the lifestyle of local people. Explore Wangdi located on the bank of the river in the evening.

Visit Punakha Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638 and situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. It was a capital of Bhutan until 1955. Then, head towards the Bhutan's oldest Punakha Suspension Bridge. The thrilling walk on the bridge and the surrounding views from the bridge is phenomenal. You then drive back to spend rest of the day in Paro. En route you can see the village houses made of pounded mud with stone foundations. The gardens have fruit bearing plants like oranges and papaya among the organic vegetables. This is a model rice growing village in western Bhutan.

Finally, you depart from Paro. Along with you are the wonderful memories that you will carry for your life. Enriched with the knowledge of the people’s art, culture and tradition and their hospitality you will definitely want to come back to these lands again. We thank for giving us this opportunity to serve and we will be there if next time if you ever decide to return to again enjoy the beauty and calmness and tranquility of these places.