28 Day Inspiring India, Sri Lanka & The Maldives Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to India and the country's cosmopolitan capital, New Delhi!

On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of this dynamic city. 

Today is at your leisure with time to relax and explore on your own.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby for a full day exploration of this incredible city. 

Begin your day with a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.  Enjoy a photo stop at the imposing India Gate, drive past the Parliament buildings and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) and visit a step well in very close vicinity of India Gate “Agrasen ki Baoli”. 

Later we drive to visit Gandhi Smriti, Mahatma Gandhi spent his last 144 days in this mansion and today it is converted into a National Memorial. Proceed to Humayun’s tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and today a World Heritage Site. It was the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. 

Following our tour of New Delhi, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then later continue with a guided tour of the Old city of Shahjahanabad. Walk past the Red Fort and through the main street of Chandni Chowk visiting Jain temple from outside and to Sikh temple. We then proceed to Paranthe wali Gali, Kinari Bazar, a colourful spice market of Old city where your guide will show you the hundreds of colourful spices that are used in everyday Indian cuisine and take an opportunity to taste the local snacks at one of these shops. 

Following your tour, return to your hotel late this afternoon for an evening at leisure. 

After breakfast you will be driven to the Mughal city of Agra arriving early afternoon. 

Upon arrival, check into your hotel with time to freshen up before we head out on a guided tour of the city. 

Our first stop is the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort. This historical fort was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD from sandstone as a majestic ode to the magnificence of the Mughal empire. It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi.  

No visit is complete without a stop at the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this masterpiece in marble and one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy a guided tour of this incredible complex as the sun sets over the city, then return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

For those wishing to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, an optional guided tour is available. Please refer to the below description for more information. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and later you will be driven to Ranthambore National Park at Sawai Madhopur arriving late this afternoon. En route, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before arriving at our hotel late this afternoon located a 10 minute drive from the famous park gates. 

Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has drawn the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers offering a huge variety of wild animals including tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles.

Enjoy an included dinner this evening at the hotel and be sure to have an early night in preparation for your incredible safari experience that awaits you tomorrow! 

Wake up early today to undertake an experience you’ll never forget, a thrilling jungle safari in open top roof canters through Ranthambore National Park. Drive to the dense jungle of Ranthambore for tiger tracking and bird watching accompanied by a naturalist guide. The scrub woodlands of Ranthambore were the erstwhile hunting reserve of Maharajas of Jaipur. Today, it is a sanctuary for India’s exotic wildlife, and famous for spotting the majestic predator – the tiger. The park is also home to a large variety of other animals, including sambar deer, panthers, marsh crocodiles, jungle cats, civets, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards, as well as being a birdwatcher’s delight with more than 250 species nesting there. 

Following the visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning relaxing and enjoying the facilities of the hotel. 

After lunch, we head back to Ranthambore National Park for an afternoon safari with your naturalist guide. The afternoon gives you a different perspective on the wildlife as the sun begins to set and the nocturnal animals become more active. 

After your game drive, we return to the hotel for dinner. 

Please note: Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve opens from 1st October and closes on 30th June each year. During the months of July to September, gates 6 - 10 remain open and all wildlife drives will occur via these gates only. In cases of heavy rainfall, wildlife drives can be cancelled by the Forest Department without notice.

This morning, an additional optional game drive can be booked. Please refer to the below description for more information. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Jaipur arriving early this afternoon. On arrival we check into our Inspiring Stay, a beautifully restored early 19th Century Palace which offers a magical experience of the bygone regal era of Rajasthan to its guests.

Jaipur, one of the most enticing places in India, is nestled between mighty forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills. It is known as ‘the pink city’ as its prominent buildings are washed in this colour. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is steeped in Rajput history and is characterised by sites such as the City Palace with its astronomical Observatory, Hawa Mahal and the beautiful Amber Fort. 

In the evening, an Inspiring Taste awaits as we drive to a local house to experience the art of authentic Indian cooking.  Get yourself acquainted with Indian spices and local Rajasthani cuisine as your host will demonstrate how to cook an Indian dish.  You can also join in preparing ingredients and participate in cooking then all enjoy your efforts over dinner together. 

An exciting day awaits you on a full day of discovery of the beautiful “Pink City'' with your guide. Begin your sightseeing tour with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with lattice screens, domes and spires. The town around Amber Fort consists of beautiful small temples and a step well called Panna Meena. Amer was a flourishing settlement originally occupied by the Meena tribe. Explore this atmospheric ancient town as you pass numerous local shops selling traditional sweets, historic temples, havelis, and water harvesting structures amidst the natural beauty of Aravali Mountain range with your guide. Continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the fabulous Amber Fort. At the foot of the hill, you will be taken by jeep up to the main gate and tour the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for the excellence of its design and decoration

Following our visit, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the exquisite City Palace, a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, consisting of an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces. The Museum has a collection of Rajasthani costumes, armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles.  Later, visit the Royal Observatory also known as “Jantar Mantar”, a stone astronomical and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century before returning back to your beautiful Haveli for an evening of relaxation. 

An optional sound and light show at Amber Fort is available this evening. Please refer to the below description for more information. 

Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surrounds of your heritage Haveli, then we embark on a morning heritage walk in the pink city. 

Starting from the massive Tripolia Gate, make your way through the bustling lanes of Jaipur as you walk past the beautiful old temples and painted havelis. Wander through the streets as you see some of the gorgeous temples on both side of the roads dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and the many forms of Lord Krishna. Appreciate the beautiful murals on their exterior walls as you continue to the big terracotta red building called the Jaipur College. Proceed through the narrow alleys seeing a collection of textiles, utensils, wedding attires and street food vendors. Choose to stay to continue exploring on your own and do some last minute shopping, or return back to your Haveli where the afternoon is yours to relax, unwind, and take in your last day in Jaipur. 

This evening, we gather for a special dinner at a typical Jaipurian restaurant.

After breakfast, bid farewell to those guests returning to New Delhi as you continue your journey of Rajasthan. We leave the “Pink City” behind after breakfast for our drive to Udapiur arriving in the late afternoon/early evening. Along the way, we take in rural villages and modern towns that dot the Rajasthani landscape with regular stops to allow you to stretch your legs and meet the locals. 

On arrival, check into your heritage hotel nestled in the heart of the city of lakes showcasing architecture that is centred around the traditions and rich heritage that shaped Rajasthan’s history. Sit back and take in the breathtaking panoramas of the grand City Palace, Jagmandir, Monsoon Palace and Lake Pichola, lined up against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills.

Udaipur – the ‘City of Lakes’, is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world and was established around 1567 A.D. It is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied influences of the centuries.  

Enjoy a morning tour of Udaipur including a visit to the City Palace which stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single façade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens.

Return to the hotel for relaxation before we head out for an afternoon boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Following our boat cruise we will be met by a member of a Noble family that is related to the royal family of Jodhpur estate. You will be taken to the local vegetable and spice market where you will see the variety of local produce that will be used for the hands-on cooking demonstration to follow in their home. Enjoy an Inspiring Taste as you earn a variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes local to the region followed by dinner as your host gives an insight into Rajasthani history and culture.  

After breakfast, bid farewell to those guests returning to New Delhi as you continue onto the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur. 

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

This afternoon, head out to tour the iconic 'Blue City'. Start at Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph was built in 1899, followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble lattice work and fine views from the terrace.

Continue with a visit to magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's finest forts looking down protectively over the city. Owned and operated by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this majestic 5-km long fort is located 125 metres above the city which makes for an impressive and formidable structure. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvellously carved panels and latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house the trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

Today we travel to the iconic desert walled city of Jaisalmer.

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer founded by Rao Jaisal. The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Commanding Jaisalmer Fort, etched in yellow sandstone, stands with all its awesome splendour dominating the amber-hued city. The city is famous for its fort, sand dunes, and ideal for camel rides and safaris. 

Check into your hotel and relax.

This morning, enjoy an in-depth tour of Jaisalmer. 

Start at the stunning Jaisalmer Fort. Built in 1156, the fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert. Located on the top of Trikuta Hill, the ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls dazzle during early morning and at sunset. 

Continuing on to Gadsisar Lake, adorned with an arched gateway, many small shrines and temples are festooned all around the lake. 

Relax by the pool back at the hotel or keep exploring this magical city.

Today, we venture deeper into the desert, covering about 250 kilometers over approximately seven hours until we reach Gajner. Here, we're welcomed by our iconic heritage hotel, a regal retreat steeped in history. After checking in, the afternoon is ours to explore Gajner at our leisure. We can wander through its ancient temples, vibrant bazaars, and winding streets, soaking in the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan. As the day draws to a close, we retreat to the comfort of our accommodations, grateful for the experiences of the day.

We continue deeper into the desert today to Mandawa. We stop en route at Bikaner where upon arrival, we enjoy a walking sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Stroll around the local bazaars of Bikaner and visit one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Junagarh Fort, built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the open desert plains; the fort's rugged sandstone bastions, graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.

Following our visit, we continue onto Mandawa. Known for its forts and havelis, Mandawa is a cultural reminder of a bygone era. Later this afternoon, explore the beautiful havelis, painted predominantly in vibrant colours with beautiful paintings that adorn their walls in this semi-desert region.

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart towards New Delhi arriving late this afternoon. 

On arrival, check in to your hotel conveniently located near the airport. Take some time to relax and freshen up and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Today you have at your leisure.

Approximately 4 hours prior to your flight to Sri Lanka, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport (DEL) in time for your included flight.

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation on the outskirts of Colombo.

After breakfast, we will head south towards the historical, seaside city of Galle where you will be treated to a guided tour. 

This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.

From Galle, continue following the coast to Sri Lanka’s most famous animal viewing location; Yala National Park.

After checking into your hotel, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!

Please note: sections of Yala National Park close due to conservation efforts each year between September and October. The closure dates are advised by the Sri Lankan government 1-2 months prior and differ each year. As Yala National Park is made up of multiple sections, if one section is closed due to conservation works we will visit one of the open sections.

Return to your hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.

Leave Yala behind us and continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows.

Stop en route at Ella where you will board Sri Lanka’s most iconic train journey through the beautiful scenes of the tea country. Pass by various waterfalls, sweeping hills, cloud covered peaks and, at each stop, feel free to mingle with the locals.

On arrival into Nunaoya Station, you will be transferred to your hotel before dinner.

Go slow today. If you are feeling adventurous, you can book onto the additional excursion to Horton Plains National Park where you can undertake various walks to suit your ability.

Lunch will be at your leisure.

This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at the Grand Hotel.

This evening, enjoy dinner before retiring to your hotel.

Depart Nuwara for Kandy.

En route, visit a Tea Plantation and Factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.

Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.

Some time this afternoon, your guide will take you into the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century A.D, the sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for its ruler and always enshrined in great splendour.

This evening you will be treated to a traditional Sri Lankan Cultural performance.

Today, head north into the region dominated by Sri Lanka’s history - Sigiriya.

En route to Sigiriya, stop at a local spice garden. Sri Lanka has a very proud history of its spices, which have unique flavours, colours and aromas. During the 1500s, Portuguese, Dutch and British took these local spices to the world and thus, Sri Lanka became famous for such spices as cinnamon, black pepper, clove, cumin, cardamom, turmeric and ginger. These spices are continually used in homes throughout the world today.

Be taken on a guided tour of Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It's truly a masterpiece worth experiencing.

This afternoon, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

After breakfast, leave on bicycles (or walking) through Augandawa Village, visit the local temple and evoke blessings from the priest. Visit a villager’s house and enjoy a warm herbal drink (with Sri Lankan short eats) or a king coconut. Ride through the village passing paddy fields and Chena cultivations.

From here, get your chef’s hat ready as you will be taking part in a cooking demonstration of Sri

Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields or the garden.

In the afternoon, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital city of Sri Lanka (1017-1235 AD). Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 after the fall of Anuradhapura.

Return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure prior to dinner.

In the morning, we'll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion's Rock) - an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477-498 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a global attraction due to its unique architecture.

Please note: since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, based on the elephant locations.

Spend this afternoon at your leisure.

Today marks the end of your time in Sri Lanka as you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Malé.

On arrival into Velana International Airport (MLE), you will be met and transferred by speedboat to your accommodation in Kaafu Atoll. 

Welcome to Paradise! A visit to the Maldives is truly a dream come true. This stunning tropical nation lies within the Indian Ocean and is composed of 26 colourful coral atolls composed of hundreds of idyllic islands. The Maldives is world famous for its beautiful beaches, sapphire blue lagoons and extensive coral reefs. 

Upon arrival you will be welcomed and then transferred to your hotel by speed boat. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape.

Your all inclusive package includes:

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily - snacks & cakes are available outside main mealtimes
• Tea, coffee, iced tea, cordials & water are available from 7.30am to midnight
• Whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks, selected cocktails & mocktails beverages are served until midnight (no alcoholic beverages for guests under 18 years of age). Additional cost may apply during excursions
• - meals and drinks are included until midday on the date of departure

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer.

Our hotel offers some phenomenal snorkelling opportunities, where you can explore the shallow oases at the island's edge. You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities, such as catamaran sailing where you can experience the thrill of riding the winds and speeding through the crystal waters. Canoeing may also appeal to those who seek tranquillity while they enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Windsurfing is also an activity available to the more adventurous. There really is no end to the adventures you may seek as you explore the wonderful Maldives - jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving may also be on your list.

Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka and The Maldives.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by speed boat to Malé Airport in time for your departure flight.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.