Tour In Search Of The Elusive Tiger And Leopard (2021)

Guide

The services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director

Meals

42 meals – 21 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 12 dinners

Others

Enjoy a colourful rickshaw ride through Old Delhi Discover the incredible Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Search for the elusive tiger on morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park See ancient Buddha images and paintings in Dambulla Cave Temple Explore the World Heritage-listed rock fortress of Sigiriya

Accommodation

21 nights in premium accommodation Three Nights, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Agra, Tajview Hotel Two Nights, Ranthambore, The Tigress Spa & Resort Two Nights, Hilton Jaipur Hotel Castle Mandawa Delhi, Pride Plaza Aerocity Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon Two Nights, Sigiriya, Aliya Resort and Spa Two Nights, Kandy, Amaya Hills Nuwara Eliya, Araliya Green Hills Hotel Two Nights, Jetwing Yala Two Nights, Heritance Ahungalla Colombo, Cinnamon Grand

Transport

Coach Rail

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Optional

Minneriya National Park (additional expense) Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park Lunuganga Estate tour (additional expense)

Flights

Internal flights included ***International flights before and after the tour are not included***

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi. On arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and taken to your hotel. The evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi

After a morning at leisure, enjoy an afternoon tour of the city. Stop at the imposing Sikh temple of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and visit its kitchen – the city’s largest – which provides free meals every day of the year. Then drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of India’s president. Stop for a photo at the India Gate war memorial, a 42-metre high ceremonial archway. Then see Humayun’s Tomb, built in the late 16th century for a Mughal Emperor. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Delhi

Explore this mesmerising city in greater depth. Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s most famous mosque, which dates to the 17th century, and the forbidding Red Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Then see the soaring Qutab Minar, a tower built in 1193 to celebrate the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom.
Day 4 Day 4: Delhi, Agra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Delhi, Agra

Today you will have a taste of rail travel in India as you board the Gatimaan Express to Agra, home of the magical Taj Mahal. On arrival, head to the enormous Agra Fort, an impressive maze of buildings constructed in 1565 under Emperor Akbar. Afterwards, it’s time to see the iconic Taj Mahal. A sight to behold, this enormous mausoleum took over 22 years to build. Its glittering white marble domes inspire awe, and almost seem to change colours throughout the day.
Day 5 Day 5: Agra, Ranthambore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Agra, Ranthambore

Your day begins with an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century as the brand new capital city of India, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned after only 14 years of rule. The deserted city has been preserved in almost the exact state it was left in 400 years ago, and provides a fascinating glimpse into life during the time of the Mughal Empire. After time to explore, continue to Bharatpur to have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, travel by train to Ranthambore, then transfer to your hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: Ranthambore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ranthambore

Many rare creatures can be seen in Ranthambore National Park, including leopards, panthers, hyenas, marsh crocodiles and sloth bears. However, the park’s star attraction is the elusive Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the only places in India where the tiger can still be found in the wild. Tonight, listen to a lecture about Ranthambore National Park by a local naturalist.
Day 7 Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur

Start your day with free time. You’ll then travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the Pink City. In 1876, the reigning Maharaja ordered the entire city to be painted pink, the colour of hospitality, to celebrate a visit by Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. The tradition has been followed by the residents of the old town, who are now obliged by law to maintain the pink colour. On arrival, check in to the Hilton Hotel in Jaipur, your home for the next two nights.
Day 8 Day 8: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jaipur

Today, head to the ancient village of Amer to visit the remarkable Amber Fort. Located high on a hillside, the fort traditionally served as the royal stronghold before Rajasthan’s capital relocated to Jaipur. The imposing exterior contrasts with its intricate interior. Many rooms have elaborately painted walls inlaid with mirrors and precious stones. This afternoon, embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of Jaipur. First, head to the grand City Palace, which is home to the current Maharaja of Jaipur, and visit Jantar Manta, the early 18th-century Astronomical Observatory, a complex featuring a number of early geometric devices for tracking locations of planets. Next, have your camera ready as you drive past the spectacular ‘Palace of the Winds’, an opulent red and pink sandstone building.
Day 9 Day 9: Jaipur, Mandawa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Jaipur, Mandawa

After breakfast, drive to Mandawa, to view its forts and havelis. Later, jump aboard a camel-drawn cart for a fun and fascinating view of the countryside. Tonight, there is a Farewell Dinner at your hotel, the imposing Castle Mandawa.
Day 10 Day 10: Mandawa, Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Mandawa, Delhi

Today you will transfer to Delhi, arriving at your hotel in late afternoon. Tonight is free to relax.
Day 11 Day 11: Delhi, Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Delhi, Negombo

Today, depart Delhi and fly to Negombo, the gateway to Sri Lanka. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 12 Day 12: Negombo, Sigiriya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Negombo, Sigiriya

Today, 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. Later this afternoon, arrive at Aliya Resort and Spa, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, enjoy a special Sri Lankan Welcome Dinner.
Day 13 Day 13: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Today after 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 AD993. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have lunch in Polonnaruwa 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).
Day 14 Day 14: Sigiriya, Kandy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sigiriya, Kandy

This morning, visit the World Heritage-listed ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you’re feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum. Take a guided tour of the area before departing for Kandy. En route enjoy lunch at a local spice garden. Later today, you will arrive in the historic city of Kandy. Here, depart on a guided tour of Kandy’s major sights, such as the World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth. Later, experience a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance before continuing to your hotel.
Day 15 Day 15: Kandy, Peradeniya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Kandy, Peradeniya

Today you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Home to over 4,000 species of exotic flora and fauna, the gardens are renowned for their collection of beautiful orchids. You may choose to spend the rest of the day in Kandy exploring at your leisure or simply return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.
Day 16 Day 16: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

This morning, journey onwards to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit one of the many famous tea plantations and factories. Here, learn all about the traditions behind the tea making while you sample some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea. This afternoon, take in a tour of Nuwara Eliya.
Day 17 Day 17: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park

This morning, head to Nanu Oya to board a unique train for the journey to Ella (subject to availability). As you travel, take in the lush, green hill country. Later, continue to Yala where you’ll check in to your hotel.
Day 18 Day 18: Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Yala National Park

Board a Jeep and venture out on a morning safari in Yala National Park. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants, crocodiles and sloth bears. Its star attraction, however, is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, or head out on an optional afternoon safari for a chance to see more of the park’s wonderful wildlife (additional expense).
Day 19 Day 19: Galle, Ahungalla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Galle, Ahungalla

Journey to Galle, stopping en route for lunch. A fortified city, Galle is steeped in history. Here you’ll depart on a tour and see many of its major landmarks. Admire the Dutch-colonial architecture and marvel at the ancient mosques, churches and grand mansions of this World Heritage-listed city. Continue to your beach-side hotel in Ahungalla.
Day 20 Day 20: Ahungalla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Ahungalla

The day is free for you to enjoy at your relaxing beach-front hotel. You may like to join an optional tour to the Lunuganga Estate (additional expense).
Day 21 Day 21: Ahungalla, Colombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Ahungalla, Colombo

After breakfast, depart for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Take a guided tour of the city and see many of its sights. You will also get to explore the city further on a tuk tuk ride.
Day 22 Day 22: Colombo, Depart Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Colombo, Depart Negombo

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

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22 days tour

In Search Of The Elusive Tiger And Leopard (2021)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip In Search Of The Elusive Tiger And Leopard (2021)

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Day 3: Delhi

Day 4: Delhi, Agra

Day 5: Agra, Ranthambore

Day 6: Ranthambore

Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur

Day 8: Jaipur

Day 9: Jaipur, Mandawa

Day 10: Mandawa, Delhi

Day 11: Delhi, Negombo

Day 12: Negombo, Sigiriya

Day 13: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Day 14: Sigiriya, Kandy

Day 15: Kandy, Peradeniya

Day 16: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Day 17: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park

Day 18: Yala National Park

Day 19: Galle, Ahungalla

Day 20: Ahungalla

Day 21: Ahungalla, Colombo

Day 22: Colombo, Depart Negombo

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