India to Sri Lanka: Backpacking 26 Day Escape

Welcome to India! Your 26-day adventure begins in the capital city of New Delhi. After check-in, we’ll kick off the ultimate Delhi tour package with an afternoon briefing and a fun, interactive Hindi language lesson to learn essential local phrases.

Highlights of the Day:

• Old Delhi Guided Walking Tour: Explore buzzing backstreets, vibrant markets, and hidden historic gems.
• Authentic Street Food: Taste famous local delicacies in the heart of the city.
• Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: End the day at this peaceful, historic Sikh temple in Delhi for a serene cultural experience.

Kick off your morning by choosing your vibe: either dive into a game of Ultimate Frisbee in the lush Lodhi Gardens, or sit down for a fascinating chat with a local resident to get the real insider scoop on life in Delhi.

Next, we’re off to the jaw-dropping Akshardham Temple, a modern architectural marvel so massive and intricately carved it will completely blow your mind. The afternoon is yours to play with!

Go flex your creative muscles at an optional pottery workshop, or check out the ancient, sky-scraping Qutub Minar.

Wake up in Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. After checking into our accommodation, the day is yours to explore the winding alleyways.

At dusk, we’ll board a private boat on the sacred Ganges River to witness the hypnotic, flame-lit Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water.

Included: Private Ganges evening boat cruise & Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Set an early alarm because we are heading back to the Ganges for a breathtaking pre-dawn boat cruise. Watching the golden sunrise over the river while locals gather on the steps for their morning prayers and spiritual bathing rituals is a core memory in the making.

Afterward, spend your afternoon wandering through Varanasi's labyrinth of colorful street markets, snacking on a refreshing treat at the legendary Blue Lassi shop, and catching a live classical Indian music and dance show. In the evening, the ultimate backpacker rite of passage awaits as we board the overnight sleeper train bound for Agra!

After rocking to sleep on the overnight train, you'll roll into Agra in the morning and head straight to the hostel to check in and freshen up.

Since train travel can take it out of you, the afternoon is beautifully low-key. You can choose to completely kick back and recharge your batteries, or head out to explore the colossal, red-sandstone walls of the historic Agra Fort and check out the delicate, jewel-box architecture of the famous "Baby Taj."

Rest up early tonight, because tomorrow morning brings the ultimate wonder of the world!

Set your alarm early because this morning is the big moment! We’re heading to the Taj Mahal just as the sun begins to rise, watching the morning light turn the white marble into soft shades of pink and gold. It’s an absolute core memory.

After filling your camera roll, we’ll hop into a private transfer and drive toward Jaipur. Once we arrive, we’ll take a relaxed orientation walk through the famous "Pink City" and end the day with a rewarding hike up to the Monkey Temple (Galta Ji) just in time to catch an epic sunset over the city.

Today is all about diving headfirst into Jaipur's absolute best. We’ll fuel up with a local street food tour around the city, tasting delicious Rajasthani bites. The rest of the day is your playground to explore the royal highlights: snapping photos of the iconic, pink-latticed Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), wandering the grand courtyards of the City Palace, and visiting the incredible Amber Fort with its stunning mirror halls.

Wrap up the night by exploring the bustling Bapu Bazaar or heading out for a fun group night on the town!

We’re spending our final hours in Jaipur checking out some seriously cool hidden spots. First, we'll head over to the vibrant, Instagram-famous Patrika Gate, before hiking up to the ancient Monkey Temple (Galta Ji) to hang out with the local residents and catch one last view of the city.

After grabbing a group dinner, it's time to experience a true classic: we're boarding a late-night sleeper train to head all the way west to the golden sands of Jaisalmer!

Waking up as the sleeper train pulls into the golden desert station of Jaisalmer, we'll head over to check into our new base at Moustache Hostel.

The day kicks off with a chance to explore Jaisalmer Fort, a massive, living sandstone fortress that looks exactly like a giant sandcastle, with winding alleys, markets, and ancient homes hidden inside.

You can also take a relaxed wander down to the beautiful, carved stone viewpoints at Gadsisar Lake. In the late afternoon, the real desert magic happens: we’re heading out into the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert for an authentic Camel Safari, followed by an open-air al fresco campfire dinner and a night spent sleeping out at a desert camp under a massive canopy of stars.

Wake up to a crisp desert sunrise and enjoy a fresh outdoor breakfast at your campsite before waving goodbye to the Thar Desert.

Today we are jumping into a private transfer and traveling east to Jodhpur, famously known as the "Blue City" because of the sea of indigo-colored houses painted to keep the buildings cool and ward off mosquitoes.

After checking into Moustache Hostel, your Tour Leader will take you on an orientation walking tour through the vibrant streets, stopping by the iconic Clock Tower and checking out the breathtaking architecture of Toorji Ka Jhalra, an ancient, intricate stepwell right in the middle of the city.

Get ready to see Jodhpur from a whole new angle!

Today is your chance to try an epic optional ziplining experience with Flying Fox, where you’ll glide high over the city moats and get unrivaled, breathtaking views of the massive Mehrangarh Fort.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can spend the afternoon exploring the grand palaces inside the fort at your own pace.

In the evening, the group comes together for a major highlight: an authentic Indian Cooking Experience.

Late this morning, we are ditching the long train tracks and catching a quick domestic flight to our next epic destination: Mumbai!

Once we touch down, your Adventure Leader will whisk the group over to the accommodation to drop off bags. Then, we’ll regroup for an unmissable walking tour of this high-energy megacity. You'll get to explore iconic spots like the grand stone archway of the Gateway of India and take a scenic stroll along Marine Drive to see the twinkling city lights, famously known as the Queen’s Necklace.

As night falls, we recommend heading into the vibrant Colaba District for dinner and drinks—it's the perfect spot to find a rooftop bar, grab a cocktail, and soak in the massive Mumbai skyline view!

Morning: An eye-opening look at one of Asia’s largest slums. Far from the stereotypes, it's a bustling hive of community and multi-million dollar industries like recycling and pottery.

Afternoon: Visit the world’s largest open-air laundry. Watching thousands of dhobis hand-wash and air-dry clothes using centuries-old techniques is a mesmerizing, chaotic sight.

Evening: Bollywood Movie Night (Optional): Experience India’s electric film culture right where it was born. Catch a vibrant, larger-than-life Bollywood flick at a historic local cinema.

Today marks the start of your Sri Lanka adventure! Catch a flight from Mumbai to Colombo, then head to your hostel to meet your new Tour Leader in the lobby.

After dropping off your luggage, you'll sit down for a pre-departure briefing to map out the exciting itinerary ahead. Next, it's time to explore Sri Lanka’s buzzing capital! We'll hop on a coach and hit the vibrant streets on foot to dive into the rich history, diverse culture, and must-see landmarks of this coastal city.

This morning features a truly special stop: a visit to the Sputnik Centre for a half-day of volunteering. For over twenty years, this passionate community hub has run youth programs, language courses, and sports activities. It is a wonderful, hands-on opportunity to connect with local youth and see their community projects in action.

Afterward, the journey continues to Dambulla to explore the historic Dambulla Cave Temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage site features five spectacular caves carved into a massive rock face, filled with intricate ancient murals and over 150 Buddha statues dating back nearly 2,000 years. You will wrap up the day by checking into your hostel for a well-earned evening of relaxation.

After a fresh breakfast, we head northeast to experience one of the absolute best things to do in Sri Lanka: the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time exploring Sigiriya at your own pace or choose between two incredible optional excursions:

• Polonnaruwa Ancient City Bicycle Tour: Immerse yourself in history at another magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Renting a bike is the perfect way to explore the ruins of this ancient medieval capital. You'll pedal past incredibly preserved royal palaces, towering stone statues, sacred temples, and historic Buddhist pagodas.
• Pidurangala Rock Hike: If you're looking for an active adventure with a massive reward, hike up neighboring Pidurangala Rock. It offers the most famous postcard-perfect view overlooking Sigiriya Rock itself—an absolute must for travel photography lovers.

After a packed day of exploring Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, there is no better way to unwind than heading back to the hostel for the evening. Pour yourself a glass of arrack, a traditional Sri Lankan spirit uniquely distilled from the natural sap of fermented coconut flowers and toast to an unforgettable day of adventure with the group.

After a hearty breakfast, we journey south to conquer one of the absolute best hiking spots in Sri Lanka: the Knuckles Mountain Range. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this breathtaking mountain ecosystem gets its name from its distinct, rugged peaks that resemble a clenched fist.

We will hit the scenic Manigala Trail, trekking through a mystical cloud forest that boasts incredible biodiversity and endemic wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird species and unique lizards along the path! After navigating the lush trails, we'll settle down on a scenic ridge to enjoy a packed picnic lunch with sweeping, panoramic views of the valleys below.

Late this afternoon, we bid farewell to the misty highlands and head down to Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural hill capital and its second-largest city. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore Kandy's vibrant streets at your leisure, taking in the fascinating contrast of ancient Kandyan kingdoms and grand colonial architecture. To cap off a phenomenal day of adventure, the group will head out to a lively local pub to unwind with a few cold drinks.

After breakfast, you have the option to kick off your morning at one of the most famous cultural landmarks in Sri Lanka: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Located inside the historic royal palace complex of the former Kandyan Kingdom, this deeply revered UNESCO World Heritage site houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha himself, making it an absolute must-visit for cultural sightseeing in Kandy.

For your afternoon, you can choose to explore Kandy's bustling local markets on your own or escape the city noise at the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Located just a short distance west of Kandy, these world-renowned gardens are famous for their towering palm avenues, giant Javan fig trees, and a massive, vibrant collection of rare orchids.

Late this afternoon, we trade the cultural capital for pure adrenaline as we head into the lush rainforests of Kitulgala, the ultimate hub for adventure sports in Sri Lanka. Get ready for an action-packed white-water rafting adventure down the scenic Kelani River! You'll paddle through thrilling Class II and III rapids surrounded by dense jungle canopies. After conquering the river, we'll head to our eco-stay to dry off, relax, and swap stories over dinner while soaking in the peaceful jungle

After an early breakfast, we head to Nanu Oya station to board the legendary train to Ella, globally famous as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Enjoy front-row seats to rolling emerald tea plantations, dramatic waterfalls, and misty mountain villages as the train winds through the highlands.

Once we arrive in the charming mountain town of Ella, it’s a quick walk to our hostel to drop off bags and soak up the town's laid-back backpacker vibe.

Late this afternoon, we’ll hike up Little Adam’s Peak. This easy, scenic trail cuts through lush tea fields and leads to a stunning summit offering spectacular, panoramic views across the famous Ella Gap—the perfect way to close out the day.

Fuel up with an early packed breakfast for an epic trek along the famous Pekoe Trail. Starting at Makulella Temple, we’ll hike through eucalyptus forests and jungle paths to the summit of Ella Rock for jaw-dropping views over the Ella Gap.

Next, we’ll descend into the Ella Forest Reserve to visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a spectacular colonial-era railway viaduct hidden in the jungle. Our trek wraps up past lush tea estates at the unique Demodara Railway Loop.

Spend your evening relaxing and exploring Ella's energetic main strip at your leisure, which is packed with quirky shops, cozy pubs, and great restaurants.

Start your morning diving into local flavors with a hands-on Sri Lankan cooking class. You'll learn the secrets behind blending spices and preparing iconic traditional curries before sitting down to enjoy your delicious, self-made feast.

The afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy Ella at your own pace. You can choose from exciting optional activities, like a relaxing yoga session, catching panoramic views from a local café, or soaring over the valley on the adrenaline-pumping Flying Ravana Zipline.

After breakfast, we travel to Udawalawe, stopping en route at the ancient Buduruwagala Temple. Hidden in a peaceful forest, this 10th-century site features seven spectacular rock-carved Buddhist figures, including the island's tallest standing Buddha statue.

Later, we arrive at our jungle campsite on the edge of Udawalawe National Park for an unforgettable glamping experience. As one of the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka, keep your eyes peeled for herds, crocodiles, and exotic birds as you settle into your safari tent for a night under the stars.

Sri Lanka is world-famous for its incredible tea production, so this morning we head southwest to visit the unique Handunugoda Tea Estate. On this guided plantation tour, you'll learn the secrets of the tea-making process from field to cup, and explore the historic factory and museum. Best of all, you'll sample a freshly brewed cup of their legendary, artisanal white tea at the end of the experience.

From the estate, we take a scenic 30-minute drive along the stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna, one of Sri Lanka's ultimate world-class beach destinations. Check into your accommodation and spend the rest of the day relaxing on pristine golden sands or swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.

Today is all about sun, sand, and catching waves at one of the top beach destinations on the island! Spend your morning soaking up the tropical sun on the beach before hitting the water for a thrilling Sri Lanka surf lesson. Whether you are a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, local expert instructors will have you riding the south coast's famous breaks in no time.

Note: Surfing in Sri Lanka's south coast peaks between December and April. Surf sessions are subject to ocean conditions; if waves are unsafe, a full refund is provided.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local culture with an optional traditional Sri Lankan mask painting workshop. You'll discover the fascinating history and folklore behind these vibrant, hand-carved wooden masks, historically used in dramatic rituals and believed to carry protective and healing powers, while painting your very own custom souvenir to take home.

Kick off your morning with an immersive cultural experience at the bustling Galle Fish Market. Located on the edge of southern Sri Lanka’s most vibrant historic city, this lively local market is the perfect spot to watch the daily fish auction and watch local fishermen bring in their morning catch.

After exploring the market, a short transfer takes us to the legendary Galle Fort, a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today, the beautifully preserved fort ramparts, historic lighthouse, and centuries-old clock tower share space with trendy boutiques, chic cafés, and cozy guesthouses. We’ll explore the cobblestone streets on foot before gathering on the stone ramparts to watch a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset. Afterward, we'll head back to the beach town of Unawatuna for a relaxed evening.

Today marks the final day of your Sri Lanka group tour. We’ll travel back to the capital city of Colombo for your onward journey home.

En route, we’ll stop at a local temple to meet a Buddhist priest and participate in a traditional Pooja (blessing ritual) for safe travels, the perfect spiritual finale to your Sri Lankan adventure.

Departure Note: Please book flights out of Colombo (CMB) for the late afternoon or evening to allow for travel time from the south coast.