India to Sri Lanka: The Pink City & Spice Gardens image
Save 20% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-07-28
Operated by G Adventures

India to Sri Lanka: The Pink City & Spice Gardens

From
CAD 2,919
Duration
32 days
Countries
Sri Lanka, India
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Now's the time to explore India on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Embrace the the hectic pace of Delhi before balancing it out with the beaches of Goa in the first leg of this epic subcontinental journey. Then, finish it off in the southern half of Sri Lanka, a culture-loving backpacker’s dream. Here you’ll discover beautiful ruins, hike through tea plantations, and chill out on Hikkaduwa Beach. And the best part? You’ll do it all with travellers of a similar age and state of mind.

At a glance

Duration
32 days
Route
Delhi → Hikkaduwa
Countries
Sri Lanka, India
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wellness & Yoga, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

India to Sri Lanka: The Pink City & Spice Gardens image

Day by day

Panoramic view of lush green mountains under a clear blue sky in Sri Lanka.
Your journey through

Sri Lanka & India

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Tonight, wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
Day 2Relax on the morning train to Agra while…Taj Mahal
Beautiful view of the Taj Mahal with clear skies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, India.Taj Mahal
Relax on the morning train to Agra while admiring the arid terrain and small towns. On arrival, check the famous Taj Mahal world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history. Opt to visit Baby Taj and the Agra Fort, the Taj’s less famous—but no less impressive—sister monument, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Map showing Taj Mahal
Day 3Today we take a bus (always an adventure…
Today we take a bus (always an adventure itself in India) to the capital of Rajasthan — Jaipur. Clothed in sandstone pink stucco, Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is one of the most important heritage cities in India. It's home to India’s second most visited site, the Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of the Winds." Ride a cycle rickshaw to the markets and enjoy an orientation walk through the stalls. In your free time, opt to visit the City Palace, the observatory, or check out a song-and-dance Bollywood film in India's largest movie theatre.
Day 4Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort
Embark on a guided tour of Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site to check off your list. The Fort's sandstone walls are perched on a hill almost blending in with the terrain, besides perfectly reflecting in Maota Lake creating a mirage effect (and perfect photograph). Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces inside and admire the intricate details. Afterward, head back to Jaipur and spend the free afternoon exploring with your fellow travellers and see where the night takes you.
Day 5Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive…
Ride to peaceful Tordi Sāgar and dive into rural life by visiting local potters, cobblers, and markets on a guided walk through the village. If you're feeling athletic, join in on a cricket match with some local players. For lunch, get a taste of rural village life over a traditional lunch. In your free time, opt to bounce around with your new friends during a jeep safari or camel cart ride to the dunes for sunset. Head out for a hike in the hills or get a henna tattoo from local women. Tordi Sāgar is your oyster!
Day 6Travel to Pushkar
Travel to Pushkar, often called Tirth Raj or the king of pilgrim centres. Cruise through Ajmer and over Snake Mountain to Pushkar — the site of the world’s only temple to the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. After settling into your accommodation, get your bearings on an orientation walk around the colourful city with cascading architecture and capture a group photo on the lake.
Day 7Before dawn
Before dawn, climb to the hilltop Savitri Temple and catch the sun rising over the towering Thar Desert mountains. Afterward, reflect on the serenity at one of the many cafés in town, stretch and meditate during a calming yoga session, or scour the markets. Opt for an unforgettable evening by dressing in traditional Indian clothing and partake in an authentic dinner cooked by cameleers in the desert, all with live entertainment!
Day 8Continue south to Udaipur
Continue south to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. It certainly lives up to its reputation as India's most romantic city (wink, wink). With its own famous style of painting and plenty of artisans, Udaipur is a great place to stroll through. After the orientation walk, opt to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola with your fellow travellers.
Day 9Free time to explore "Venice of the East"…Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.
Day 10Free time to explore "Venice of the East"…Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School class.
Day 11Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore…
Take a local bus to Ahmedabad and explore the famous Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati. Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the riverside home that played an important role in India's freedom and learn of the sites unique history.
Day 12Rise and shine early to catch a train…In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.
In the evening, opt for a cup of tea at the famous Taj Hotel and people-watch on Chowpatty Beach or visit Crawford Market, one of South Mumbai's most famous. Sample some local specialties at one of Mumbai’s many top-notch restaurants as you go out on the town with your fellow travellers and sample the city’s famed nightlife firsthand.
Day 13Mumbai is your oyster today
Mumbai is your oyster today. Tour the impressive Elephanta caves or continue exploring the city at leisure. This evening, regroup with your CEO and fellow travelers for an overnight train to Goa.
Day 14Enjoy a free day to wind down…
Enjoy a free day to wind down in the paradise that is Goa. Relax on the beaches with your favourite drink in hand or mingle in the many beach bars. Scour the markets, and be sure to try some delicious Goan cuisine and fresh seafood. Get ready to dance the night away for your big night out as a group.
Day 15Fly to Kochi and explore this major port…
Fly to Kochi and explore this major port city of southern India by wandering through the unique neighbourhoods and exciting markets. Opt to visit Fort Kochi, learn how to toss a fishing net, or catch a traditional dance performance, known as Kathakali, telling of mythological tales.
Day 16Take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi
Take an orientation walk visiting Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter with curio shops and a synagogue more than 400-years-old. Then travel to Alleppey, a golden streak of land woven with rivers, lakes, lagoons, and canals. Enjoy an empowering lunch before checking out the island along the lagoon with a local guide and learn about the way of life here. Settle into a homestay and get to know your hosts.
Day 17Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters…
Explore the unique ecosystem of Alleppey backwaters on a morning ferry cruise. Afterward, travel down the coast by bus to the port city of Kollam. On arrival, choose to relax on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House, or peruse the nightlife.
Day 18Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance…
Visit the Kollam Harbour and experience the importance of fishing for the community. Afterward, settle into a private vehicle and see who can count the most palm trees as you cruise down the coast to tropical Varkala. Enjoy lots of free time to explore the town, get treated by local healers, or visit the Varkala Temple.
Day 19Choose your own adventure today
Choose your own adventure today, exploring Varkala solo or with your new friends. Spend time wandering the peaceful gardens of an ashram devoted to Kerala's most eminent spiritual and social reformer at the mystical Janardhana Swamy Temple. Or head to the beach and relax while watching the Arabian Sea with a drink in hand.
Day 20Return to Kochi by train
Return to Kochi by train. In the late afternoon, continue to wander the streets or opt to catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance. For your big night out as a group, immerse yourself in the exciting Kochi nightlife and reminisce about the life-changing adventures you've shared.
Day 21Fly from Kochi to the stunning island country…
Fly from Kochi to the stunning island country of Sri Lanka, landing first in Negombo. Spend the evening at the beach relaxing under a leaning palm tree and toast to the sun a goodnight.
Day 22Travel to the centre of the island…
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress or view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park.
Day 23Spend the day freely exploring more of this…
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.
Day 24Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana
Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices while helping out with dinner.
Day 25Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views…
Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.
Day 26Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women…
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.
Day 27If you want to experience morning mist flowing…
If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.
Day 28Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak…
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.
Day 29Set off towards the southern coast stopping en…Hikkaduwa
A child plays in the ocean waves at a serene tropical beach in Sri Lanka.Hikkaduwa
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day's journey oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.
Map showing Hikkaduwa
Day 30Enjoy a free day to bliss out…
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.
Day 31Another day in paradise to recover from last…
Another day in paradise to recover from last nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you've experienced over a farewell dinner.
Day 32Wow! What a trip
Wow! What a trip, right? Luckily there is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

Traveller reviews

Bhutan was exceptional, and our time in Sikkim and Darjeeling was mind-expanding.
In a word - Bhutan. Go to Bhutan. Our trip to Bhutan was fantastic. The people, the scenery, the guide, and our group were all great. Bhutan was the highlight of the trip for everyone in our group. Staring in Kolkata, and winding our way through Sikkim and Darjeeling, gave us a…
It was a fabulous mix of hectic rowdy India and calm magical Bhutan. Thankfully, Bhutan came the second week, as it would have been hard to switch from its orderly spaciousness to the crowded clamour of India.

Discover Sri Lanka

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of Ella's lush mountains and foliage under a serene twilight sky.
Captivating view of Mandaramnuwara in Sri Lanka with lush hills and distant misty mountains.
Breathtaking view of lush hills with clear blue skies, perfect for travel and nature enthusiasts.
Breathtaking aerial view of lush green hills and valleys in Ella, Sri Lanka under a clear blue sky.
A misty morning view of lush green tea plantations in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 20% off AHDS260728 · ends 2026-07-28 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
14 Jul 202614 Aug 2026CAD 3,649unknownBook my trip
21 Jul 202621 Aug 2026CAD 3,649unknownBook my trip
28 Jul 202628 Aug 2026CAD 2,919AvailableBook my trip
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