Tour In Search Of Tigers & Leopards (2020)

Transport

Airport transfers and tipping

Meals

43 meals – 22 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 14 dinners

Accommodation

22 nights in premium accommodation Three Nights, Delhi, Maidens Hotel Agra, The Trident Hotel Two Nights, Ranthambore Kothi Three Nights, Jaipur, Hilton Hotel Patan Mahal Palace Hotel Delhi, Pride Plaza Aerocity Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon Three Nights, Sigiriya, Aliya Resort & Spa Two Nights, Kandy, Amaya Hills Nuwara Eliya, Araliya Green Hills Hotel Two Nights, Jetwing Yala Two Nights, Heritance Ahungalla

Others

Flights from India to Sri Lanka

Guide

The services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort in India and Travelmarvel Tour Director in Sri Lanka

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred into the heart of India’s bustling capital, home to around 25 million people. Here, you will spend three incredible nights.
Day 2 Day 2: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Delhi

The first full day in Delhi is yours to settle in and explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the famous shopping area of Chandni Chowk, one of the city’s oldest and busiest markets, filled with food carts, sweet shops and spice stalls. This evening, savour a Welcome Dinner where you will enjoy the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 3 Day 3: Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Delhi

This morning you will explore Delhi, stating with a trip to Jama Masjid, a 17th-Century mosque. Afterwards, move on to New Delhi, where you’ll see Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar – India’s tallest stone tower. Other highlights include the triumphal India Gate, the Parliament Building and Rashtrapati Bhawan, the home of India’s president.
Day 4 Day 4: Delhi, Agra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Delhi, Agra

Today you will have your first taste of rail travel in India as you board the Gatimaan Express to Agra, home to the truly magical Taj Mahal. On arrival, head to the enormous Agra Fort, an impressive maze of buildings constructed in 1565 under Emperor Akbar. Afterwards, enjoy an Insider Experience before transferring to your hotel in Agra.
Day 5 Day 5: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, 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 when local water supplies ran dry. 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. Continue to Bharatpur, then travel by train to Sawai Madhopur.
Day 6 Day 6: Ranthambore National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is home to many rare creatures including leopards, panthers, hyenas, marsh crocodiles and sloth bears. The park’s most popular resident and its star attraction is the elusive Bengal tiger. It is one of the only places in India where the incredible tiger can still be found in the wild. To increase your chances of seeing all of the magnificent animals at the park, you will embark on a second game drive in the afternoon.
Day 7 Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur

This morning is free to spend at leisure. After lunch, 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.
Day 8 Day 8: Jaipur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jaipur

First, head to the grand City Palace, which is home to the current Maharaja of Jaipur. The ornate building was completed in 1728, and is now surrounded by high walls and fine gardens. Visit the early 18th-century Astronomical Observatory, a splendid complex featuring a number of early geometric devices for tracking locations of planets. Next, it’s off to the spectacular Palace of the Winds, an opulent red and pink sandstone building created for royal ladies to overlook the city without being seen. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure.
Day 9 Day 9: Jaipur, Amber Fort
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Jaipur, Amber Fort

After ascending to Amber Fort by Jeep, you are free to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Bask in the incredible views of the fortifications on the surrounding mountains. The imposing exterior of the Amber Fort contrasts with its intricate and detailed interior. Many of the rooms have elaborately painted walls inlaid with decadent mirrors and precious stones. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 10 Day 10: Jaipur, Patan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Jaipur, Patan

Travel to the town of Patan after breakfast. Built around 1790, shortly after the battle of Badal-Mahal, the Patan Mahal Palace has been lovingly turned into a heritage hotel. As befitting visitors to a palace, you’ll receive a royal welcome when you reach the grounds and be decorated with flowers. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Patan town, a wonderful opportunity to see life in an unspoilt rural Indian town. There is then the opportunity to continue to Badal Mahal, an 800-year old palace, where you can admire the stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Day 11 Day 11: Patan, Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Patan, Delhi

Today you will transfer to Delhi, arriving in the evening.
Day 12 Day 12: Delhi, Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Delhi, Negombo

Fly from Delhi to Negombo in Sri Lanka where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel overlooking a lagoon.
Day 13 Day 13: Negombo, Sigiriya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: 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.
Day 14 Day 14: Sigiriya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sigiriya

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 and learn more about the cultural significance behind the iconic rock mass.
Day 15 Day 15: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: 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 993. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures, including beautiful Buddha statues, impressive stupas and intricately carved Hindu sculptures. 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 at Minneriya National Park.
Day 16 Day 16: Sigiriya, Kandy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Sigiriya, Kandy

This morning travel from Sigiriya to the historic city of Kandy, the last capital from the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. Here you’ll depart on a guided tour of Kandy’s major sights, learning more about its intriguing history and culture. See the World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics – the tooth of Buddha. Later this evening, experience the energy of a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance.
Day 17 Day 17: Kandy, Peradeniya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kandy, Peradeniya

Today you will visit the exquisite 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. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You might choose to set out on an optional trip to the sustainable farm at Tamarind Garden in the Digana country side.
Day 18 Day 18: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

En route to Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea plantation and learn about tea making while you sample some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea. This afternoon, tour Nuwara Eliya.
Day 19 Day 19: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park

After breakfast transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station for a scenic rail to Ella. Later, travel to Yala where you’ll check-in to your hotel.
Day 20 Day 20: Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: 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.
Day 21 Day 21: Galle, Ahungalla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Galle, Ahungalla

Travel to Galle, a fortified port city 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 beachside hotel in Ahungalla.
Day 22 Day 22: Ahungalla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Ahungalla

Relax at your beachfront hotel or choose to tour Lunuganga Estate. One of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architects, Geoffrey Bawa, spent over 40 years transforming an abandoned cinnamon plantation into what is now a beautifully landscaped estate surrounded by idyllic gardens.
Day 23 Day 23: Colombo, Depart Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Colombo, Depart Negombo

After a morning at leisure, venture to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, home to diverse races, religions and cultures. Go on a guided tour of the city and see many of its major sights. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at Lagoon Seafood Restaurant before being transferred to the airport for your evening flight home.

+20

23 days tour

In Search Of Tigers & Leopards (2020)

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip In Search Of Tigers & Leopards (2020)

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Day 3: Delhi

Day 4: Delhi, Agra

Day 5: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore

Day 6: Ranthambore National Park

Day 7: Ranthambore, Jaipur

Day 8: Jaipur

Day 9: Jaipur, Amber Fort

Day 10: Jaipur, Patan

Day 11: Patan, Delhi

Day 12: Delhi, Negombo

Day 13: Negombo, Sigiriya

Day 14: Sigiriya

Day 15: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Day 16: Sigiriya, Kandy

Day 17: Kandy, Peradeniya

Day 18: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Day 19: Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park

Day 20: Yala National Park

Day 21: Galle, Ahungalla

Day 22: Ahungalla

Day 23: Colombo, Depart Negombo

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