February 11, 2025
Namaste, welcome to India!
On arrival at Mumbai international airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel, which will be your home for the next three nights.
Private arrival transfer to the hotel
Tourist visa for India
February 12, 2025
Morning at leisure.
In the afternoon, we will explore the main sights of Mumbai such as the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, the Dhobi Ghat, and Mani Bhawan. On the way back, stop at Kala Ghoda, the art district of Mumbai and later spend time at the St Thomas Cathedral. The last stop of the tour is the Victoria Terminus, now called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
In the evening, we will dine at Ziya - specialist modern Indian restaurant, with menus by the Michelin star chef Vineet Bhatia.
Breakfast & Welcome Dinner
February 13, 2025
Today wake up early in the morning to experience the incredible atmosphere of this magical city at dawn. At first light we will explore the city market and be enchanted by morning prayers. The vibrant colours, fusion of aromas and buzz of vendors chatting are the perfect snapshot of Mumbai.
Around noon, we will witness the “Dabbawalas”- the lunchbox deliverymen in Mumbai, known for their impeccable service in action. We will continue our day with a traditional lunch in a local vegetarian restaurant.
Back at the hotel and afternoon at leisure.
Evening, you have the option to boutique hop with your guide to visit some of the exclusive fashion boutiques of Mumbai since the city is the fashion capital of contemporary India. Alternatively, relax at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.
Breakfast & Lunch
February 14, 2025
Morning, we will leave the city of dreams and fly to Kannur - gateway city to Southern India.
Arrive at Kannur airport, meet with your accompanying guide and drive to Coorg - approximately 3.5 hours, nestled in the misty hills of Karnataka. Coorg enchants with its lush coffee plantations and vibrant culture, where every breath carries the aroma of adventure.
Check-in in your resort nestled amid Western Ghats’ deep valleys and majestic hills.
Today dinner will be at the hotel seafood restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
February 15, 2025
This morning, we'll explore the scenic Mercara Gold Estate with a refreshing plantation walk amidst lush coffee fields.
Afterwards, indulge in a traditional Coorgi lunch served on a charming brass thali, where you'll taste the unique flavors of Coorg cuisine, shaped by the region's rich agricultural heritage and distinct culinary identity.
Afternoon free, you can join one of the complimentary activities offered by the resort or maybe indulge in a Spa treatment (chargeable) or relax by the pool. Don't forget to visit the sunset point to wrap up your day in incredible views.
Your resort offers in-house activities such as trekking through the scenic hills of Coorg, nature walks, bird watching, yoga session.
Breakfast & Lunch
February 16, 2025
Optional: Embark on 1-hour Twitcher trek at 7.00am to spot some of the exotic birds with an expert.
Drive to Nagarhole National Park (approximately 3-hour drive) with its dense forests, serpentine streams and the river Kabini flowing right through it.
Check-in at the retreat and relax. Located on the edge of the river Kabini, the area is home to elusive tigers, leopards, elephants and over 300 species of birds.
This afternoon, we will embark on a jungle safari into the Park. The sheer abundance of wildlife will blow your mind – plenty of deer, gaurs, dholes, apart from a big herd of elephants and big cats like tigers & leopards, and one black panther that lives in the forests adjacent to the resort.
Dinner at the resort.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
February 17, 2025
This morning, we will enjoy our first exploration of the area with a private boat safari on the river Kabini. It is the perfect setting to see the animals that come to quench their thirst in the river. We can hope to see elephants, gaurs, dholes, and even the occasional big cats.
In the afternoon, we will have an option to experience a coracle ride (oval shape traditional boat) or enjoy kayaking on the Kabini river.
Meals will be served at the resort.
Full board
February 18, 2024
Enjoy an early morning guided nature walk for an hour. We will return to the lodge for a chance to freshen up before we leave for Mysore (approximately 2-hour drive) often referred to as the "City of Palaces" renowned for its rich cultural heritage, majestic palaces and vibrant markets.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Mysore Palace - still the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty that once ruled here. The palace houses a collection of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.
We will end our day with a home-hosted meal and an interaction with a local noble family. Our host - Hema Malini will take us on a culinary journey, teaching us all about Indian spices and how to use them at home. Those interested can participate in a hands-on cooking session.
Breakfast & Dinner
February 19, 2025
Today we drive to Bangalore (approx. 3 hour’s drive) to connect our flight to the temple city of Madurai.
Lunch will be provided at one of the airport hotels in Bangalore before the flight.
Arrive in Madurai and transfer to your hotel which is located in the city centre.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Breakfast & Lunch
February 20, 2025
Time to get acquainted with the city Madurai, starting with a visit to the Meenakshi Temple, an outstanding example of Dravidian temple architecture. Stroll through a labyrinth market full of local produce, flowers, incense, and aromatic herbs.
In the evening, we will take auto rickshaws (2 guests per auto) from the hotel to explore the temple area and make a stop at the Kothu Parotta shop for snacks. Kothu Parotta is a popular South Indian Street food dish which consist of shredded parotta - a type of Indian flatbread - stir-fried with a mixture of vegetables, eggs, and/or meat.
Breakfast, auto rickshaw ride & snacks
February 21, 2025
Morning transfer to Madurai airport for our flight to Colombo.
Say goodbye to India, and time to say 'Ayubowan' to Sri Lanka!
On arrival at Colombo international airport, we are met by our accompanying guide and transferred to a village called Thirappane, just off the sacred city of Anuradhapura and check in at the Ulagalla Resort (approx. 4 hours).
Dinner will be provided at the hotel.
Breakfast & Dinner
Visa for Sri Lanka
February 22, 2025
This morning, we will meet the hotel chef and go on a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden at the hotel. We will have the chance to pick fresh, juicy fruits and vegetables that will be used in our lunch. End your walk with a visit to the traditional healthy kitchen at the hotel, where the herbs and vegetables we selected will be transformed into delicious Sri Lankan dishes for our lunch, in an interactive cooking demonstration.
After lunch, we visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage and the first capital of Sri Lanka. We will explore the site by bicycles, the perfect way to navigate through the various highlights.
Later in the afternoon, we depart for Mihintale. It is known to be the 'cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka', and riddled with ancient shrines and cave dwellings. At the sacred grounds of the Mihintale rock, we will meet with a local monk who will introduce us to the basic form of meditation practiced by Buddhist Monks, and guide us as we indulge in a private session of meditation.
Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
February 23, 2025
Today, we will drive 1 hour to Ritigala, where we are invited to a remote village for a private demonstration of Sri Lanka's indigenous Martial Arts; Angampora. Meet the ‘Master’, the finest exponent in this ancient defense form. This technique was used to protect Buddhism and the ancient kingdoms from foreign invasions.
Following this, we will visit a local temple and present alms to a group of forest dwelling monks followed by a special blessing from the monks for a safe journey and happy life.
Hop back into the vehicle and head towards our hotel in Dambulla (approx. 1.5 hours) for a late lunch.
Later in the afternoon, we climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as 'Lion Rock".
Dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
February 24, 2025
After breakfast, we visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (approx. 1.5 hours) - a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the second great capital city of Sri Lanka, built during the 11th and 12th centuries.
After the visit, we will make our way to a rural café in Polonnaruwa for a traditional Sri Lankan lunch overlooking rice fields.
In the early afternoon after lunch, we will embark on a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, known for its large herds of Asian Elephants. Adding to the experience you might also spot flocks of birds like painted storks, pelicans, and little cormorants.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
February 25, 2025
Today, we check out after breakfast and hop into colorful tuk-tuks and take a short transfer to climb the Dambulla Cave Temple.
En route to Kandy, we visit a private spice garden. Here, you will learn about fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, and many other favorites such as cocoa and vanilla. After a tour of the garden, enjoy a delicious traditional rice and curry lunch, enriched with local spices. If you would like to, you also have an opportunity to take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration at the spice garden before lunch.
We then continue to Kandy and check-in at the Jetwing Kandy Gallery.
Later in the day, we will visit the Temple of the Tooth.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
February 26, 2025
After breakfast, we go on a walk through the small lanes and back roads of Kandy, discovering the heritage of its people who carry on the traditions of the Kandyan Kingdom. We will also have some free time for shopping.
We will then visit the Sooriyakantha Centre for Arts and Culture for lunch, established within an 18th century "Walawwa" (an ancient village chief's residence). Here we will meet with Professor Jacques Soulie, a French national who has been residing in Sri Lanka for over 40 years and a co-founder of the Centre. The Professor personally welcomes us to this establishment where he proudly takes you through the different section of the house and helps you discover a piece of Sri Lankan history.
After lunch, we visit Master Ruwan, who is a guru of the ancient Kandyan art of dancing and drumming. This experience is very engaging as our local dancing master will teach you the basics of dancing and drumming.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
February 27, 2025
This morning after breakfast, we drive to Negombo. En-route, we will visit the impressive Royal Botanical Gardens, formerly the pleasure place of the Kandyan kings along with a local resident who is a Professor in Botany.
Later we will transfer to our beachfront hotel in Negombo (approx. 3 hours) and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Tonight we will enjoy a farewell BBQ dinner on the beach.
Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner
February 28, 2025
Free day at leisure. The hotel rooms are available until noon.
You will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in time for your international departure flight.
Breakfast
Private airport transfer from hotel
