Are you ready for the journey of a lifetime?
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of South India and Sri Lanka in unparalleled luxury. Spaces are limited, so reserve your place today and embark on a journey that promises to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
| Site Map: Select any heading to navigate directly to the information | |
|---|---|
| Vanakum and Hello | My Tips for Travel in India and Sri Lanka |
| About Basker | Note for Train Travel |
| Trip Overview | Important information |
| Is This Tour For Me? | Inclusions |
| Dates | Exclusions |
| Itinerary | Contact Basker |
| Hotels | Join my subscribers and get notification of new posts |
Vanakum and Hello!
Please contact us for pricing details as the cost of the tour is available on application.
I am thrilled to extend to you an invitation to join me on a small group private luxury tour through the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cultures of South India and Sri Lanka.
Escape the confines of typical big bus tours and embark on a small group tour with your own private transport, dedicated driver and dedicated tour leader. Throughout our journey, indulge in luxury accommodations that promise to elevate your experience.
Picture this: savouring the rich and diverse flavours of Tamil, Malayali, and Sinhalese cuisines, each bite an adventure for your taste buds. From wildlife safaris to an enchanting overnight boat ride on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, every moment promises to be filled with wonder and discovery.
But that’s not all. Immerse yourself in the world-renowned tea culture of Sri Lanka as you stroll through lush tea plantations, learning the art of tea leaf picking firsthand. And as the sun sets on our unforgettable journey, unwind and rejuvenate at the luxurious Taj Beach Resort in Bentota, a fitting finale to an extraordinary adventure.
About Basker
As your dedicated tour leader, I am committed to ensuring that every aspect of your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you arrive until the time we bid farewell, I will be by your side, ensuring that every detail is meticulously curated to exceed your expectations.
With my extensive experience and deep local knowledge, I’ll transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure filled with cherished memories. Whether it’s recommending hidden gems, facilitating immersive cultural experiences, or capturing special moments with my camera, I’ll go above and beyond to make your journey truly remarkable. Read more here.
Trip Overview
- Tamil Nadu: Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Madurai
- Kerala: Periyar-Thekaddy-Munnar Kumarakom-Alleppey-Kovalam-Kochi
- Sri Lanka: Colombo-Sigiriya-Dambulla -Polonnaruwa-Habarana-Matale-Kandy Nuwara Eliya-Ella-Yala-Galle-Luxury Resort at Bentota-Colombo-Home
| Chennai | Kerala | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram | Traditional Kathakali dance performance | Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage |
| Marina Beach etc | Munnar Tea & Spice Plantation | Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. (Tickets pre booked) |
| Fort St George | Eravikulam National Park Visit | Tea Plucking Tour |
| UNESCO Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram | Cruise along the Kerala backwaters on an a/c houseboat | Visit Matale spice garden |
| Visit to Kanchipuram Silk Township | Unique Chinese Fishing Methods | Visit a tea plantation and tea factory |
| Cruising on Lake Periyar Wildlife sanctuary | Kandy-Tour the temple of tooth relic | |
| Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Visit with Naturalist | The Trinity Culture-Dambulla rock temple, Polonnaruwa ancient city and Sigiriya Rock fortress | |
| Yala National Park jeep safari | ||
| Madu river boat ride | ||
| “Kamatha” lunch and cookery demonstration overlooking the paddy fields | ||
| Enjoy High tea at Nuwara Eliya (if time permits) |
Is This Tour For Me?
Exploring India and Sri Lanka by foot allows you to soak in the sights and marvel at the monuments, traverse through lush tea plantations, climb steps to panoramic views, and experience the thrill of on-and-off adventures, including two internal plane rides and one scenic train journey. You’ll be responsible for managing your luggage on the train journey, so packing light is essential.
A good level of fitness is required for this itinerary, as you’ll be on your feet exploring all the sights, hopping on and off various modes of transportation, and even enjoying a boat ride. Be prepared to immerse yourself fully in the experience and stay active throughout the journey.
Premier Experiences
Discover authentic experiences at popular destinations and off-the-beaten-track gems
Luxury Accommodation
5-star accommodation with superior level of service
Local Knowledge
Excursions guided by Basker, an exceptionally seasoned leader with deep-rooted local insights and fluent proficiency in Tamil language.
Dates
The dates are set for 31 Oct – 22 Nov 2024 (23 Days) so please contact me here if you are interested in this tour and I will send you a pdf copy of our itinerary with all the details of all the arrangements including costs.
Itinerary
DAY 01: 31st Oct 24 (Thursday): Arrive Chennai, India
On arrival at Chennai airport, you will be met by the representative at the airport, in an Indian Traditional style and later you will be escorted to your pre-booked hotel.
Accommodation: The Residency Tower or Similar
Meals Included: No meal included
DAY 02: 01st Nov 24 (Friday): Chennai – Mahabalipuram
After breakfast, take a quick sightseeing tour of Chennai. The cosmopolitan city of Chennai is the capital city of the heritage state of Tamil Nadu and is popularly known as the Gateway to South India. Chennai offers a number of attractions visit Marina Beach, St. Mary Church and St. George Fort. Later in the afternoon drive to beautiful Mahabalipuram situated on the sea shore. Also known as Mamallapuram, the temple city of Mahabalipuram is just 60 Kms from Chennai.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 03: 02nd Nov’ 24(Saturday): Excursion to Kanchipuram
Morning after breakfast, depart for the sightseeing tour of this beautiful temple city.
Mahabalipuram is renowned for its monolithic rock cut shore temples and are considered to be the oldest temples in South India. This city is listed in the UNESCO’s list of ‘World Heritage Sites’. You will visit Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas, Ganesh Ratha, Kotikal Mandapam, Krishna’s Butter Ball and Shore temples. Then you will move ahead towards the Kanchipuram 65 Kms from Mahabalipuram for excursion. Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. This place is known for its silk sarees and silk material. Evening return to hotel in Mahabalipuraml and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 04: 03rd Nov 24 (Sunday): Mahabalipuram to Chennai and fly to Madurai
After a hearty breakfast, drive straight to Chennai airport. On arrival transfer to airport to board flight to Madurai. (AI 671 1145/1255 Hours). After check-in visit Madurai township.
Accommodation: Heritage Madurai or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 05: 04th Nov 24 (Monday): Madurai to Periyar (145 kms / 3.5 hours’ drive)
After sightseeing drive to Periyar, nestled in spice and rubber plantations.
Periyar is also known as pride of Kerala and testimony to nature’s splendour, Periyar wildlife sanctuary comes under Project Tiger and has a lot to offer in terms of wildlife. Periyar is very ideal place for watching animals in their natural habitat and is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers.
Check in to your resort. Afternoon, get ready for your trip to cardamom hills where you could have a closer look of spice plantations. Overnight stay at Periyar.
Accommodation: Hotel Hills and Hues or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 06: 05th Nov 24 (Tuesday): Thekkady to Munnar (92 Kms / 3 hours’ drive)
In the morning enjoy game viewing activities inside the park while cruising on the beautiful Lake Periyar. One can spot the elephant herds on the bank of the lake which is one of the most famous attractions of Periyar. After sightseeing drive straight to Munnar, the beautiful lush tea estate of Munnar which is situated at the confluence of three mountains. With lush tea gardens, and many amazing picturesque sites, the beautiful hill station of Munnar was once the summer capital of British government in South India. On reaching Munnar check into your hill resort and spend leisurely evening enjoying the weather and scenery around. Night stay in the resort.
Accommodation: Elephant Passage Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 07: 06th Nov 24 (Wednesday): Munnar
After breakfast, take an excursion trip to Eravikulam National park which is situated 10 kms from Munnar and is famous for its rich flora and fauna. One can enjoy watching rare species of butterflies, birds and animals here. Also visit Muttupetty Lake & Dam and Echo Point during your sightseeing trip. Spend time praising the nature and have a soul lifting experience in the beauty of Munnar hills. Dinner and night stay in the resort at Munnar. Remark: you can visit the tea farms and factory to view the process of tea making, you can also buy the fresh made tea for your family and can also learn tea making.
Accommodation: Elephant Passage Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 08: 07th Nov 24 (Thursday): Munnar– Kumarakom (143 kms / 4½ hours’ drive)
After breakfast, head to the backwaters of Kerala and drive to Kumarakom which is known as the motherland of Kerala backwaters. Situated on the beautiful Vembanad Lake Kumarakom is a picture perfect destination with a number of delightful places and a beautiful bird sanctuary. Upon reaching check into your resort and then take a short trip to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Night stay at your resort in Kumarakom.
Accommodation: Hotel Kumarakom Lake Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 09: 08th Nov 24 (Friday): Kumarakom – Alleppey (travel by overnight houseboat)
After leisurely breakfast in your resort you may take a walk to experience the nature at its full bloom in Kumarakom. Later drive to Alleppey to embark on your private traditional Kerala backwater houseboat. This beautiful floating villa offers tastefully designed rooms, attached bathroom and toilet for the guests and a separate toilet for the crew. Keep floating on the beautiful backwaters of Kerala and enjoy the view of villages near the backwaters. After sunset the houseboat will be berthed at a point and dinner will be served by the crew. Night stay will be in your comfortable houseboat.
Accommodation: Luxury Houseboat or similar
Meals Included: All meals, Tea/Coffee on board
DAY 10: 09th Nov 24 (Saturday): Alleppey – Cochin (65 kms / 1.5 hours’ drive)
After leisurely breakfast on board, you will disembark at Alleppey port and continue drive to Cochin. After a short drive you will reach Cochin (Also called Kochi). On arrival at Cochin check into your hotel and spend leisurely day exploring the local culture and life. Overnight stay will be in Cochin.
Accommodation: Trident or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 11: 10th Nov’ 24 (Sunday): Kochi (Cochin)
After breakfast sightseeing of Kochi. Sightseeing tour in Cochin will include visit to Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets.
After sightseeing visit Kathakali Dance Show. Kathakali is one of the leading classical dance forms in India and showcases attention-grabbing dance dramas. In fact, it is an unavoidable feature of the cultural life of Kerala. Kathakali is truly an icon of the state that draws the attention of people with its bright costumes, elaborate makeup, and intricate movements of hand, face, body, and eyes. All the theatre and classical dance lovers should watch a Kathakali performance, which is indigenous to Kerala during their visit to this state.
Accommodation: Trident Kochi or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 12: 11th Nov’ 24 (Monday): Kochi to Colombo Flight UL 166 (1005 / 1115 Hrs)
After an early breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Colombo.
Upon arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be received warmly by our representative. You will then be escorted to your vehicle to begin your holiday in Sri Lanka. After check in sightseeing of Colombo City. Overnight stay at your hotel in Colombo.
Accommodation: Hotel Cinnamon Lakeside or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Remarks: Colombo sightseeing tour and walking tour will depend on availability of time.
Tentative flight info: Flight UL 166 (1005 / 1115hrs)
DAY 13: 12th Nov 24 (Tuesday): Colombo – Sigiriya / Dambulla (190 kms/5 hours drive)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit Sigiriya/ Dambulla. Your first visit will be to Sigiriya, en route Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Enroute to your destination, you can visit one of the most important tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Volunteers and caretakers provide shelter and take care of orphaned, abandoned and injured elephants within the park. You can watch caretakers feed, bathe and help these gentle giants. If you want, you can walk with the herd to the nearby river to watch the elephants bathe and play around in water.
Sigiriya/ Dambulla – Dambulla is one of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site found in Dambulla. Dambulla along with nearby Sigiriya and Habarana form a cluster of tourist area within it.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Habarana.
Accommodation: Hotel Habarana Village or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 14: 13th Nov’ 24 (Wednesday): Dambulla – Polonnaruwa (Excursion) (75 kms / 1.5 hour drive one side)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa – Polonnaruwa, which became the capital of Sri Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura, was to witness the Sinhalese Buddhist civilization reaching to its greater heights. The vast irrigation network with reservoirs that look like natural in-land seas provided opportunities for sustained epic scales in rice cultivation, during the reign of king Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 A.D). At this time, Sri Lanka became known as the Granary of the Orient. As if the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura (437BC-845AD), didn’t quench your thirst for other side of the world, here we are in Polonnaruwa, the second capital (846 AD-1302 AD) of Sri Lanka, which in its prime was protected by 6 km of strong encircling walls.
Strategically it commanded all the crossings over the longest & largest river of the island, River Mahaweli. Polonnaruwa’s extensive & well-preserved ruins offer a fascinating snapshot of ancient Sri Lanka, including some of the finest monuments. Enjoy Sigiriya & Dambula tour : Overnight stay at your hotel in Habarana.
Accommodation: Hotel Habarana Village or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 15: 14th Nov’24 (Thursday): Habarana – Matale – Kandy 105 kms by drive / 3 hours)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit Kandy. Enroute Matale Spice
Garden.
Matale is much more than a mere link between Dambulla and Kandy. In fact, the region offers some of the finest spices produced in the country. As a result, you will be able to stop by a spice grove in the region and learn the value of spices from those who know it by heart. Pay close attention to your guide and you will be exposed to a treasure of knowledge that goes way beyond herbal values and traditional medication.
Kandy – Lying amidst the hills, Kandy is the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. While being the second largest city in Sri Lanka it is also famous for its immense beauty and is named as one of the seven UNESCO declared World Heritage sites in the country. With its luxuriant prairie, picturesque lake, longest river of the country and misty mountains, Kandy successfully mesmerizes every visitor unsurprisingly.
City Tour: While on your city tour you will visit one of the world heritages as well as a sacred place for the Buddhists all over the world; namely the Temple of tooth Relic known to the Sri Lankans as Dalada Maligawa. In the evening you will witness a traditional cultural dance show. (Entrance fees to sites not included) . Overnight stay at your hotel in Kandy.
Accommodation: The Flame Tree Estate and Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 16: 15th Nov 24 (Friday): Kandy – Tea Plantation – Nuwara Eliya (85kms / 3hours drive)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit NuwaraEliya.
Nuwara Eliya – NuwaraEliya (City of Lights), blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of NuwaraEliya enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. It is also known as “Little England”, which was the favourite hill station of the British who tried to create NuwaraEliya into a typical English Village. If time permits, we will drive pass the old brick Post office, country house like hill club with its hunting pictures, trophies and strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, horse race course, etc., all remind you of “England”.
City tour: During the city tour in NuwaraEliya you will visit the main attractions of the town which include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. You can also visit a working tea factory where the slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world’s finest Orange Pekoe tea. Here you can also enjoy a Tea Plucking tour.
You can also add see the Eliya and Haggala Gardens. SeethaEliya is a temple which was mentioned in the famous epic Ramayana. Haggala is a temperate hill-country garden where languid low-country lotus and water lily float in their serene loveliness. (Entrance fees to sites not included). Overnight stay at your hotel in NuwaraEliya.
Accommodation: Hotel Herittance Tea Factory or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 17: 16th Nov 24 (Saturday): Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala (3 hours 15 mins train + 110 kms drive 3 hours)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. If time permits you can also visit Adams Peak (En Route)
Train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.
Ella – 127 miles from Colombo and 8 miles from Bandarawela, on the leeward side of the central mountains. The view from Ella Gap is one of the most spectacular scenic sights in Sri Lanka – the landscape falls away in a dizzy drop of 3000ft to the eastern plains. The Ella rock is famous for the cave of Ravana a legendary king of Sri Lanka ruled during the pre-historic times. The 1080 foot high waterfall few miles from the Ella Rest House is one of the most beautiful falls in the country.
Yala – Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna National Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park or ‘Yala East’ for the adjoining area. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometers (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.
There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. Among the largest is Lunugamvehera National Park. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbors 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.
The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations. Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulpahuwa and MagulVihara, are situated within the park. Overnight stay at your hotel in Yala.
Accommodation : Hotel JetwingYala or similar
Meals Included : Breakfast
DAY 18: 17th Nov’ 24 (Sunday): Yala
Early in the morning proceed to Yala National Park with packed breakfasts to experience the Wildlife in Sri Lanka. Rest of the time free at leisure to explore the wild.
Accommodation : Hotel JetwingYala or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 19: 18th Nov 24 (Monday): Yala – Galle (100 kms / 2 hours drive)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit Galle. If time permits, visit Turtle Farm on the way near Koggala.
Galle – Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town is Galle. It was a major port until about 100 years, but today still handles shipping and sailing boats in the natural harbour. Stroll around the lighthouse and harbour or visit the old town where you can see the traditional lace makers and wood carver sand purchase some the finest souvenirs.
The Dutch Fort – Galle – The South Coast’s major city is Galle, whose oldest landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort which is a “World Heritage Site” in which the central city is contained. But the city may be much older. Some scholars believe it to be the “Tarshish” of the Old Testament, to which King Solomon sent his merchant vessels, and to which Jonah fled from the Lord. Today, the 90-acre Galle Fort shows no evidence of the Portuguese founders. The Dutch incorporated the Portuguese northern wall in a great rampart in 1663. A second, taller wall was built inside of it. Between the two walls, a covered passage connected the central bastion with the Fort’s two half bastion’s overlooking the sea. The Dutch also installed a sophisticated drainage system, complete with brick-lined underground sewers that were flushed twice a day by the high and low tides. The original gate to the fort was by the harbour. It is still there, marked by the British Coat-of-arms on the front and the Dutch V.O.C. (Vereenigde OostIndische Compagnie) with the Coat-of-arms with a rooster crest, is on the inner side of the Fort. Overnight stay at your hotel in Galle.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 20, 21 and 22: 19th -21 Nov’24 (Tuesday): Galle – Bentota (72 kms / 1.5 hours’ drive) – 3 nights at the resort
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today we travel from Galle to Bentota Beach Resort.
Accommodation: Taj Bentota Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 23: 22 Nov 2024 Bentota to Colombo Airport
After some leisurely time, as per the flight timings you will be transferred to the Colombo airport to board your flight to onward destination.
Hotels
List of Hotels (or similar):
My Tips for Travel in India and Sri Lanka
- Pack Wisely: India and Sri Lanka have varied climates ranging from tropical to temperate, so pack clothing suitable for the regions you’ll visit. Additionally, essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Respect Local Customs and Culture: India and Sri Lanka are known for their diverse culture and traditions. Respect local customs, dress modestly, remove shoes before entering religious sites, and ask for permission before taking photographs, especially of people.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Wisely: Be cautious about street food and water quality to avoid stomach issues. Stick to bottled or boiled water and eat at reputable restaurants. Also, try local cuisine but gradually introduce spicy foods to your diet if you’re not accustomed to them.
- Stay Safe: While India is generally safe for tourists, it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places. Keep your belongings secure, be cautious of scams, and avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Health Precautions: Consult your doctor before traveling to India and Sri Lanka. Ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations recommended for the region. Carry a basic medical kit with essentials like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and any prescription medications. Health insurance is a must.
- Stay Connected: Hotels have reliable wifi for your general communication at night however this service is not available while we are traveling.
- Embrace the Chaos: India can be chaotic and overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Embrace the vibrant energy, colorful markets, and bustling streets, but also allow yourself moments of calm and relaxation.
- Enjoy the Diversity: India and Sri Lanka offer a wide range of experiences, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches, majestic mountains, and ancient landmarks. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich history, spirituality, and natural beauty, and cherish the memories you’ll create during your journey.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling travel experience in India and Sri Lanka. Read more of my travel tips here.
Note for Train Travel
Train ride in the hill country is frequently hailed as the most scenic train ride in all of Asia by the travelers. Therefore, we have included it as a part of your itinerary. We have to inform you the following to avoid any unnecessary disappointment:
- Since it is a public transport kindly be aware of sudden cancelations or delays which are beyond our control.
- In addition, train booking system is as traditional as our train system. Although our staff are vigilant and try their best to secure bookings, we cannot guarantee the exact seats on the exact category as it may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
- As the train system is fully public, you will travel together mostly with locals and some foreign travelers. You may or may not be seated together with your own group as the seat allocations may change, depending on the seat category availability.
Important information
- Room for early check in and late check-out is subject to availability and at the discretion of the tour.
- For International airport, the check in time is 03 hrs before the flight departure.
- Optional excursions and additional services can be provided for which we will charge additionally
- Visits to wildlife parks are at client’s own risk, and fully controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka.
- Safari vehicles available are very basic (ex. no air-conditioning) with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours)
- All visitors must wear decent clothing to cover the body appropriately when visiting religious places. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. This rule is strictly adhered to at all religious sites. Visitors should remove hats, caps, shoes and slippers when entering buildings and sites with religious monuments. Most of these places have a secure facility at the entrance for visitors to leave behind shoes and slippers for a small fee.
- Please be informed that we have not blocked any accommodation for this tour. Once I receive your acceptance on the package, then we shall go ahead and process the reservation in the hotels.
- Hotels are specially selected and keeping in view high tourist demand to India and Sri Lanka, our priority is to provide hotels mentioned in the package. However, we retain the right to provide you similar category of hotels where rooms are not available in any of the quoted hotel/s, you will be informed well in advance.
- Economy class airfares and are subject to change without prior notice and may vary at the time of ticket issuance.
Inclusions
- 22 nights’ luxury premium accommodations with daily buffet breakfast
- All accommodation selected, share twin/double rooms.
- All lunches and dinners in one night air conditioned luxury houseboat.
- Other meals as stated on the itinerary
- Domestic flight – Chennai to Madurai
- International flight – Cochin-Colombo
- Scenic Train Journey from Nuwara Eliya (Tickets to be prebooked)
- All monument entrances fees
- Services of local English speaking guides in each city during sightseeing only, not during free time & fee days.
- All transfers, sightseeing and walking tours, excursions, en-route sightseeing and inter-city drives will be by private air-conditioned vehicle.
- All activities listed on the “Highlights” for Chennai, Kerala and Sri Lanka
- Road toll / Interstate taxes, parking fee, fuel charges and driver’s allowance etc.
- Staff assistance at all airports and railway stations for transfers to/from hotel.
- All applicable Govt. of India tax and service tax
Exclusions
- Some Dinners and Lunches (refer as above).
- Some other activities (elephant riding, martial art show etc) are not included in the costs
- International flight (from Auckland) & visa fee, airport taxes.
- Taxi, auto vehicle, and rickshaw rides
- Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, fax services, beverages (even during meals).
- Camera and video charges wherever its applicable.
- Any additional expenses incurred due to any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances/reasons including weather conditions, natural hazard, cancellation or delay of flight/train, political closure, strikes, riots, technical failures, theft or damage to personal property, medical reasons or/and any other condition and situations which is unavoidable and beyond our control.
- Tips / gratuities to guides / drivers or at the restaurants.
- Insurances of any kind relating to trip (delay or cancellation), baggage (lost or damaged) and medical (medication, consultation or hospitalisation) and travel.
- Extra meals, other than specified in the itinerary.
- Beverage including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (except at Maldives)
- Porterage & tipping
- All services which are not mentioned in the “Trip Inclusions”.
Unused services will not be refunded
Contact Basker
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