Itinerary
- Day 1
New Delhi
You'll arrive in New Delhi around midday and meet your group with the Adventure Leader for a briefing. Start with a Hindi lesson from a local guide, then walk through Old Delhi's temples and busy spice markets while trying street food. This evening you'll visit Sis Ganj Sikh Temple before heading out to find dinner on your own.
- Start point
- New Delhi, Delhi, India (Zostel Delhi, 08:45 - 09:00)
Included Activities
- Hindi Language Lesson
- Old Delhi Tour - temples and spice markets
- Street food tasting
- Sis Ganj Sikh Temple visit
Optional Activities
- Dinner in the Old Delhi area
Landmarks Old Delhi Sis Ganj Sikh Temple 
- Day 2
New Delhi
Early risers can join optional ultimate frisbee at Lodhi Gardens, or sleep in and chat with a local about what daily life is like in Delhi. Later you'll check out Akshardham Hindu Temple. The afternoon's yours to explore independently, or you can join an optional pottery workshop at Clay Company, see Humayun's Tomb, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar.
Included Activities
- Akshardham Temple visit
Optional Activities
- Ultimate frisbee at Lodhi Gardens
- Meeting with local guide about daily life in Delhi
- Pottery workshop at Clay Company - 2000 INR
- Humayun's Tomb - 600-1200 INR
- Qutub Minar UNESCO World Heritage Site - 600-1200 INR
Landmarks Akshardham Temple Lodhi Gardens Humayun's Tomb Qutub Minar - Day 3
New Delhi to Varanasi
Catch a morning train to Varanasi, arriving early afternoon. After dropping your bags at the accommodation, you'll join the group for the main event - a Ghat boat tour with the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasawamedh Ghat. Once the ceremony ends, you can sort out dinner and then head back for some well-needed rest.
Included Activities
- Ghat boat tour
- Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasawamedh Ghat
Optional Activities
- Dinner near Dasawamedh Ghat
Landmarks Dasawamedh Ghat Ganga River 
- Day 4
Varanasi
The day starts on the water with an optional sunrise boat tour for great views and tulsi chai on the way back. Mid-morning, you can optionally visit Sarnath, the Buddhist and Hindu archaeological site where Buddha first taught. Before heading to the train station later, explore the Old Market looking for the famous Blue Lassi Shop, then board the night train to Agra.
Optional Activities
- Sunrise boat tour - 400 INR
- Sarnath Buddhist and Hindu Archaeological Site - 800-1100 INR
- Blue Lassi Shop visit in Old Market
Landmarks Sarnath Dhamek Stupa 
- Day 5
Agra
You'll arrive in Agra this morning and get settled at your accommodation. Spend the day resting or optionally join a guided tour of Agra Fort and Baby Taj to see the city's architecture. This evening either grab dinner and drinks at Salt Café with the group or take it easy before the early start tomorrow.
Optional Activities
- Agra Fort and Baby Taj tour - 1100-1400 INR
- Dinner and drinks at Salt Café
Landmarks Agra Fort Baby Taj (Choti Mahal) - Day 6
Agra to Jaipur
Rise early to catch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, one of India's most famous sites. Explore the complex as light fills in, then transfer to Jaipur. After checking in, take a bus to Nahagarh Fort for one of the best sunset viewpoints around. Join your group for dinner this evening.
Included Activities
- Taj Mahal sunrise visit
Optional Activities
- Nahagarth Fort viewpoint visit - 210 INR
- Dinner
Landmarks Taj Mahal Nahagarth Fort 
- Day 7
Jaipur
Optional early activities include a hot air balloon safari or a workshop at Govind Dev Temple about local religious practices. Wake when you want for breakfast, then optionally visit Amber Palace with its yellow and pink sandstone. Spend your afternoon at City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar observatory, shopping at Bapu Bazaar, or experiencing Rajasthani culture at Chowki Dhani. Evening's open for a food court tour or exploring Jaipur's nightlife.
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon safari
- Govind Dev Temple early morning workshop
- Amber Palace - 1550 INR
- City Palace Entrance Fee - 700 INR
- Hawa Mahal visit
- Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory
- Bapu Bazaar shopping
- Chowki Dhani Rajasthani cultural experience - 750-1200 INR (transportation extra)
- Food Court Tour - 300-450 INR
- Exploring Jaipur nightlife
Landmarks Amber Palace City Palace Hawa Mahal Jantar Mantar Bapu Bazaar Chowki Dhani - Day 8
Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Start early at the Monkey Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site with great architecture, nice landscapes, and monkeys. Spend the rest of the morning resting, checking out the Pink City, or taking a dance class. Transfer to Jaipur train station in the afternoon for your journey to Jaisalmer.
Included Activities
- Monkey Temple visit
Optional Activities
- Rest and leisure
- Exploring the Pink City
- Indian Dance Class - 1000 INR
Landmarks Monkey Temple 
- Day 9
Jaisalmer
Arrive in Jaisalmer this morning. Head to a local hostel to rest and grab breakfast before optionally exploring the 250-foot-tall Jaisalmer Fort with structures from the mid-1600s. Check out Gadsisar Lake viewpoint if interested. Transfer by jeep into the Thar Desert for a camel trek to your campsite. You'll have dinner outside and sleep under the stars.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner al fresco at desert camp)
Included Activities
- Camel trek through Thar Desert
- Desert camping overnight with dinner
Optional Activities
- Jaisalmer Fort tour - 600 INR
- Gadsisar Lake viewpoint - 100 INR
Landmarks Jaisalmer Fort Gadsisar Lake Thar Desert 
- Day 10
Thar Desert to Jodhpur
Watch the sunrise gradually light up the desert. After preparing breakfast and packing up camp, transfer back to the city and head to Jodhpur. Check in to your hostel and drop your bags. Take a guided tour to get oriented in the Blue City, seeing landmarks like the Clock Tower and Toorji Ka Jhalra, the ancient step well. Join your group for a drink near the Stepwell this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Blue City orientation walk
- Clock Tower viewing
- Toorji Ka Jhalra ancient step well viewing
Optional Activities
- Drinks near Stepwell
Landmarks Clock Tower Toorji Ka Jhalra 
- Day 11
Jodhpur
Today's completely yours. Optionally join a cooking class to learn Indian food history and traditional cuisine, or try the Flying Fox zip line for incredible views and an adrenaline rush. Meet your group for a relaxing drink at the hostel roof this evening.
Optional Activities
- Cooking class - 2000 INR (transportation not included)
- Flying Fox zip line experience - 2099 INR
- Drinks at hostel rooftop
- Day 12
Jodhpur to Mumbai
Fly to Mumbai late morning, your last stop in India. Spend the afternoon transferring to your accommodation, arriving late enough for movie night. Later, check out views of the city from a rooftop bar this evening.
Optional Activities
- Movie night - 850-1250 INR
- Rooftop bar with city views
- Day 13
Mumbai
Optionally join a tour of Dharavi Slum this morning to learn about local life, and visit Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi, the world's largest outdoor laundry. This afternoon, join your group for a tour of Mumbai seeing the Gateway of India and Coloba District. Spend your last night in India exploring Mumbai's nightlife.
Included Activities
- Mumbai city walking tour - Gateway of India and Coloba District
Optional Activities
- Dharavi Slum tour - 1000-1200 INR
- Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi visit - 600 INR
- Exploring Mumbai nightlife
Landmarks Gateway of India Coloba District Dharavi Dhobi Ghat Malaxmi - Day 14
Mumbai to Colombo
Your Sri Lanka adventure kicks off today. Catch a flight from Mumbai to Colombo. Meet your new Adventure Leader in the Colombo hostel lobby, drop off your luggage, and get a pre-departure briefing about your upcoming itinerary. Take an evening walking tour through Colombo's old town to discover the city's history and culture.
Included Activities
- Flight from Mumbai to Colombo
- Transfer from Colombo airport to hostel
- Evening walking tour of old town Colombo
Landmarks Colombo Old Town 
- Day 15
Colombo to Dambulla
Head early to Negombo to visit the famous fish market Lellama on Negombo Beach. You'll interact with local fishermen and see the daily fish auction. Then travel to Dambulla to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dambulla Cave Temple complex, a series of caves turned into temples around 2,000 years ago. Check into your hostel for the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Negombo fish market visit
- Dambulla Cave Temple complex
Landmarks Negombo Fish Market Dambulla Cave Temple 
- Day 16
Dambulla to Sigiriya
After breakfast, head northeast to Sigiriya, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the ancient rock fortress, once home to King Kashyapa I's capital from 477-495, and take in views of the surrounding lowlands. The afternoon you can explore Sigiriya on your own or optionally visit medieval Polonnaruwa, also UNESCO listed, exploring its monuments, statues, palaces, temples and pagodas by bicycle. Return to your Dambulla guesthouse with a glass of Arrack, a traditional Sri Lankan spirit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress hike
- Glass of Arrack
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Polonnaruwa - USD 55 per person (includes transport)
Landmarks Sigiriya Rock Fortress Polonnaruwa - Day 17
Dambulla to Kandy
After breakfast, head south to the Knuckles Mountain Range, a geographical formation with unique recumbent folds and peaks like a clenched fist. Hike the scenic Manigala Trail through a cloud forest with rich flora and fauna, then settle for a packed lunch with great views. Late afternoon, travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital and second largest city. Explore the mix of ancient and modern architecture before visiting a local pub.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Packed lunch with views)
Included Activities
- Hike along Manigala Trail in Knuckles Mountain Range
Optional Activities
- Exploring Kandy's architecture and culture
- Visit to local pub
Landmarks Knuckles Mountain Range - Day 18
Kandy
Start with a visit to The Temple of Tooth, the nation's most sacred temple housed in the former royal palace and containing Buddha's tooth relic. Spend your afternoon exploring independently or optionally visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, about 5.5km west of Kandy, with its famous orchid collection. Late afternoon, visit Kandy Lake for a golden hour experience. Enjoy your evening exploring Kandy before heading to your hostel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sunset visit to Kandy Lake
Optional Activities
- Visit to The Temple of Tooth - entrance fee not specified
- Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - USD 30 per person (includes transport)
Landmarks Temple of Tooth Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya Kandy Lake - Day 19
Kandy to Kurunegala
After breakfast, depart to Kurunegala to visit The Sputnik Centre, a community organization running language courses, community programs, and table tennis classes for over two decades with inspirational volunteers. You'll see local efforts to engage youth. Transfer back to Kandy for some downtime with your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- The Sputnik Centre visit
Landmarks The Sputnik Centre - Day 20
Kandy to Ella
Say goodbye to Kandy and head to Ella. In the morning, travel about 2 hours south for white water rafting through the Kitulgala rainforest, followed by a hearty Sri Lankan lunch. Travel to Hatton and board the afternoon train to Ella, considered one of the world's most beautiful train routes. You'll journey through tea plantations, forests, and villages in the central hills. Spend your evening exploring Ella's shops, pubs, and restaurants.
- Meals
- Lunch (Hearty Sri Lankan lunch)
Included Activities
- White water rafting through Kitulgala rainforest
- Train from Hatton to Ella
Optional Activities
- Exploring Ella's shops, pubs and restaurants
Landmarks Kitulgala Rainforest 
- Day 21
Ella
Rise early for a 4-hour round hike to Ella Rock at sunrise. Though the start's early, you'll get rewarded with views of rolling mountain landscapes and valleys glowing gold as the sun rises. After the hike, take a short drive to Ravana Falls to enjoy cascading waters and rock pools. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Ella independently or join optional activities like a Sri Lankan cooking class or yoga lesson.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ella Rock hike at sunrise
- Ravana Falls visit
- Cooking class
Optional Activities
- Yoga lesson - USD 25 per person
- Exploring Ella on your own
Landmarks Ella Rock Ravana Falls - Day 22
Ella to Udawalawe
Experience your second scenic sunrise hiking to Little Adams Peak, a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic views and an adrenaline rush from its 1,192-metre sheer drop. Return to freshen up, then head to Udawalawe but not before visiting Buduruvagala Ancient Temple, a 10th century Buddhist complex in a tranquil forest with seven statues carved into a rock face. Check into your campsite and take a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park to spot wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and birdlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Little Adams Peak sunrise hike
- Buduruvagala Ancient Temple visit
- Jeep safari into Udawalawe National Park
Landmarks Little Adams Peak Buduruvagala Ancient Temple Udawalawe National Park 
- Day 23
Udawalawe to Unawatuna
After breakfast, head about 2 hours southwest to the Handunugoda Tea Estate to learn about tea-making from field to cup. Visit the historic tea factory and museum, then have a freshly made cup of tea. Travel 30 minutes along the stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna, one of the world's best beach destinations. Spend your evening exploring this vibrant surfing town before relaxing at your hostel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Handunugoda Tea Estate tour
Optional Activities
- Exploring Unawatuna
Landmarks Handunugoda Tea Estate Unawatuna Beach - Day 24
Unawatuna
Enjoy a day of sun, sand, sea and surfing. Relax on the beach and take a surfing lesson. The afternoon offers the option to try traditional mask painting, a Sri Lankan craft believed to have healing and protective powers once created.
Included Activities
- Surf lesson
Optional Activities
- Traditional mask painting - USD 38 per person (includes activity and transport)
Landmarks Unawatuna Beach - Day 25
Unawatuna to Galle
Begin with a tuk-tuk ride to Galle, Sri Lanka's busiest southern city. Explore Galle Fort City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century showing the interaction between architectural styles and South Asian traditions. The well-preserved fort ramparts include a lighthouse, clock tower, houses, churches and other buildings, now hosting chic restaurants, villas and boutiques. Walk through the city and enjoy the sunset on the fort's ramparts before returning to Unawatuna.
Included Activities
- Tuk-tuk ride to Galle
- Galle Fort City exploration
Landmarks Galle Fort 
- Day 26
Unawatuna to Colombo
This marks your final day. Begin your journey back to Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, where you'll say goodbye to your new friends. On the way, stop at a temple to meet a Buddhist priest and participate in a pooja, a blessing ritual, before your journey ends.
- End point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Drop Inn Hostel Colombo, 14:45 - 15:00)
Included Activities
- Temple visit to meet Buddhist priest
- Pooja (blessing ritual)
