Holy India Travels

Places to Visit  :  Delhi – Jaipur-  Abhaneri  - Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Sikandra – Delhi – Colombo – Sigiriya – Habarana – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya - Bentota – Colombo – Delhi

Duration of Tour Package  :   16 Nights | 17 Days

Day 01| Arrival at Delhi |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Delhi International airport. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02 | Delhi |–Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Old Delhi Markets

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi City. Start from old Delhi monuments.

Raj Ghat–is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and a memorial was placed here. People come here to pay homage to Father of Nation. Foreign ministers, dignitaries, Indian ministers, guests, tourists and local all come here to pay respect to the man who believed in non-violence and helped India gain its independence.

Red Fort– Red Fort which is also known as Lal Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This monument represents the grandeur of the Mughal Court, constructed during the 17th century. Lal Qila was once the residential area of the Imperial Family of India. It was the capital of the Mughal rulers until 1857. (Visit from outside)

Jama Masjid– The stunning Jama Masjid mosque is the largest in India and the final architectural magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction of the mosque began in 1644, but it wasn't completed until 1658. 

Here you will enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Chandni Chowk market. This is one of famous Old Delhi’s market. The pleasure associated with the rickshaw ride here is ultimate. The rickshaw pullers here take you on a ride through various routes, offering you a different experience all together.

Qutub Minar– Qutub Minar is one of the tallest individual towers in the world, measuring about 234 ft in height. The construction work of Qutub Minar was commissioned by the ruler of Slave Dynasty, Qutubuddin-Aibak in 1199, which was later completed by his descendant Shams-ud-din-Iltutmish.

Lotus Temple– Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower and made of marble. (Close on Monday).

Gandhi Smriti- This poignant memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is in Birla House, where he was shot dead on the grounds by a Hindu zealot on 30 January 1948, after campaigning against intercommunal violence. The house itself is where Gandhi spent his last 144 days. The exhibits include rooms preserved just as Gandhi left them, a detailed account of his life and last 24 hours, and vivid miniature dioramas depicting scenes from his life (Close on Monday).

India Gate– India Gate is situated on the Raj Path and was commissioned by Sir Edwin Lutyens for paying reverence to the Indian Soldiers, who died during the First World War. The huge walls of India Gate reveal more than 90,000 names of the soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

President’s House– Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, which is situated towards the west end of the Rajpath. It is a blend of both Mughal and European architectural styles with a copper dome and around 340 bedecked rooms.

Evening free to visit local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 03 | Delhi - Jaipur (265 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur.  “Jaipur”– The Capital of Rajasthan. It’s popularly known as ‘The Pink City’ for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. On arrival check-in at hotel.

In the evening you can excursion to “Chokhi Dhani”– Chokhi Dhani is 5* ethnic resort and located 30Kms from Jaipur city. It is one its own kind, each of the detailed work in the village tells you about the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. It could be Camel Rides, Elephant Rides, Tonga Rides, Bullock Cart Rides, Bow n Arrows, Turbans or Food. It will make you feel a King. Enjoy Rajasthani dinner with live culture dance show. Later return back to hotel (This is optional activity).  . Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04 | Jaipur |–Elephant Ride at Amber Fort

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.

Amber Fort and Palace– Amber Fort, also known as Amber Palace, is said to have played a key role in the history of Medieval India. This fort depicts true royal lifestyle of the Rajputs, who are known for their decadent, radical and volatile behaviour. The Amber Palace is a perfect fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Here enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned Elephant up to the Fort. This is one of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. These wonderful animals are painted with traditional designs and almost effortlessly transport visitors up the steep slope to the fort.

City’s Palace Complex– City Palace, a beautiful palace in the city of Jaipur, is surrounded by large walls on all sides. It also houses audience halls, pavilions and many other important buildings. The construction work of this palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the early 1730s.

Jantar Mantar– Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantars" as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement.

Hawa Mahal– (Palace of the Wind)– It is a five-storey structure that has more than 950 windows. The latticework was built for allowing women to watch everyday life of the city. Hawa Mahal is situated near the Johari Bazaar and provides a beautiful view of the entire Pink City.

Jal Mahal– Jal Mahal was built during the 18th century in the middle of Mansarovar Lake. This is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Jaipur, which was constructed using red sandstone. It is a five-storey structure built in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05 | Jaipur -  Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (235 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Agra. On the way visit to Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri.

Abhaneri- The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

“Fatehpur Sikri”– Constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Here one can visit Asia biggest door Buland Darwaja, Dargah of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal etc. Further drive to Agra.

“Agra”– Agra is famous in worldwide for the Taj Mahal (Monument of Love). On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. 

Day 06 | Agra - Sikandra - Delhi (200 Kms/ 4 hrs) |    |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of  Agra city.

Taj Mahal (Monument of Love)– one of the most recognisable structures in the world, attracts around four million visitors annually. This beautiful structure of white marble was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 20,000 workers to complete this monument in a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1653. ( Taj Mahal is close on Friday ).

Great Red Fort of Agra– Built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor Akbar in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years.

Itmad ud Daulah Tomb - is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, this tomb comprises cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, who were parents of Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. The tomb is primarily built in white marble with mosaic and lattice.

Further drive for Delhi, on the way visit to Sikandra – The Great Mughal emperor Akbar started building his own mausoleum, near Agra, that was to be a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, bespeaking of his religious tolerance and secular views. However, he could not complete it and died. Thus, his son Jehangir completed his tomb, popularly known as Sikandra. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 07 |Delhi – Sri Lanka (Colombo) (by flight) |    

Breakfast at hotel and take flight for Colombo (Sri Lanka).  “Colombo”– Colombo is the largest city and the commercial, industrial, cultural and defacto capital of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (which is the official capital of Sri Lanka) suburb or the parliament capital of Sri Lanka.

After wash & change at hotel start Colombo city tour, Fort, Pettah areas and drive past the 100-year-old clock tower, the old parliament and several British built, colonial buildings. Other places of interest are, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranaike memorial international conference hall (BMICH).  Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo. 

Day 08 | Colombo -  Sigiriya - Habarana (170 Kms/ 3-4 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Habarana. On the way visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress– Sigiriya is an ancient palace. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters (660 ft) high. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Further drive to Habarana. Habarana is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safaris in the nearby Habarana jungle and the Minneriya sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants. Elephant back riding is also an attraction in this small city.

On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Habarana.

Day 09| Habarana |–Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park

Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City & Minneriya National Park.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City– Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.

Minneriya National Park– Minneriya Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. Enjoy a Jeep Safari at park.  Overnight stay at hotel in Habarana. 

Day 10| Habarana |

Breakfast at hotel. Today excursion to Anuradhapura Ancient City.  Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was 1st capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata after Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries.

Further return back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Habarana.

Day 11| Habarana - Spice Garden - Kandy (94 Kms/ 2-3 hrs) |–Cultural Dance Show

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Kandy. On the way visit Spice Garden. Further drive to Kandy.

“Kandy”– Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. 

On arrival check-in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel start sightseeing tour of Kandy city.

Temple of the Tooth– Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.

Evening watch a Cultural Dance Show in temple. Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day 12| Kandy | Excursion to Pinnawala

  Breakfast at hotel. Morning excursion to Pinnawala.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage– Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village. Pinnawala is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 88 elephants. Later return back to Kandy. Overnight at hotel in Kandy.

Day 13 | Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (75 Kms/ 2 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Nuwara Eliya. On the way visit The Royal Botanical Gardens, Tea Estate, Natural Water Fall.

The Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya– It is situated about 5.5 km to the west from the city of Kandy. It is renowned for its collection of a variety of orchids. It includes more than 4000 species of plants, including of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Further drive to Nuwara Eliya. 

On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya. 

Day 14 | Nuwara Eliya - Bentota (209 Kms/ 4-5 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Bentota. “Bentota”– Bentota is a tourist attraction and a handful of world-class hotels. It is a destination for water sports. It is the hosting land for the famous Sri Lankan Jeweler Aida. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda. Bentota is famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar.

On arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free to relax at beach. Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota.

Day 15 | Bentota |

Breakfast at hotel. Day free. Overnight at hotel in Bentota.

Day 16 | Bentota |

Breakfast at hotel. Day free. Overnight at hotel in Bentota.

Day 17 | Bentota  Colombo (110 Kms/ 2-3 hrs) | Delhi ( by Flight)

Breakfast at hotel and drop at Colombo airport to board on flight to Delhi.

On arrival at Delhi airport take your next flight for onward destination.

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