India & Sri Lanka Travel provided by Silverhairedgappies

India & Sri Lanka

New Delhi, Shimla, Kolkata

New Delhi

Stay

The Claridges

Affordable, charming 4* hotel close to Lutyen's Delhi and Old Delhi. Decorated in a mix of classic and contemporary.

Visit

Rashtrapati Bhavan
Cathedral Church of the Redemption
Vijay Chock
Rajpath
Chandni Chock
Jami Masjid
Humayn's Tomb

Shimla

Stay

The Oberoi Cecil

Beautifully renovated with oak panelled rooms 19th century hotel that once hosted Mathatma Ghandi.

Visit

Viceroy Lodge
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
The Mall
Christ Church & The Ridge
Travel on the Toy Train

Drink

Wildflower Hall (Lord Kitchener's former residence)

Kolkata

Stay

The Elgin Fairlawn

Boutique hotel within an 18th century colonial building, recently renovated. An oasis of calm in the middle of this bustling city, set amongst the charming narrow streets where every aspect of life can be witnessed.

Visit

Numerous street markets
Mother Theresa's tomb, museum and Mother House
Boat trip on the Hooghly

Spent no longer than 48 hours in all of the above cities, hence minimalist descriptions. New Delhi and Shimla were visited either side of the Palace on Wheels (see below). Kolkata was visited prior to family wedding in Assam and followed by grand tour of Asia, starting in Myanmar, Asia.

New and Old Delhi. Scenery at Shimla. Mother Theresa's tomb & museum in Kolkata.

Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi; Mother House Chapel, Missionaries of Charity.

9 Day Tour Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Day 1 Colombo

Stay

Cinamon Grand Hotel

Central, noisy, impersonal, customary international hotel with all mod cons and comfort.

Visit

St Lucia Cathedral
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Gangaramaya Buddist Temple
The Old Fort
Dutch Hospital Shopping Centre

Eat

Ministry of Crab

Jetwing Lake Hotel, The Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Day 2 - 4 Cultural Triangle

Stay

Jetwing Lake

Perfect position from which to explore the Cultural Triangle. Ecolodge hotel built in a remote area overlooking stunning lake with mountains framing the scenery. 5 hour drive from Colombo.

Visit

Two full day visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites of

Polonnaruwa (UNESCO)
Sigiriya (UNESCO)
Minneriya National Park (safari)
Dambulla Caves

National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Day 5 / 6 Kandy

Stay

Cinamon Citadel

Relaxing hotel away from the bustle of the city centre, on the banks of the Mahaweli River.

Visit

Matale spice garden (on way to Kandy)
St Anthony's Cathedral
Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Walk by the lake, local market & British Garrison Cemetry
Peradeniya Botanic Gardens
National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka
Holy Rosary (Infant Jesus) Church

Day 7/8. Galle

Stay

Fort Bazaar

Idyllic, stylish boutique hotel in the characterful Fort area of Galle. Excellent service.

Visit

Guided tour of The Fort
Whale Watching in Mirissa
Shrine of Christ the Healer, Weligama
St Mary's Cathedral

Eat

Fort Printers

Drink

Amangalla

Day 9 Travel

Travel to Colombo Airport (3 hrs) after relaxed morning in Galle.

Fly on to Oman.

Arranged with Trailfinders

Ground Staff: Walkers Tours

Fascinating country, although difficult to traverse from one region to another. Interesting to see the mix of cultures: Buddhist, Muslim and Christian. Your driver is key to your enjoyment of this holiday.

The Old Fort, Colombo;
Cultural Triangle;
The Seminary in Kandy;
The Fort in Galle

Holy Rosary (Infant Jesus) Church, Colombo
St Antony's Cathedral, Kandy
St Mary's Cathedral, Galle

Part of a trip: Singapore, Borneo, Bali, Sri Lanka, Oman.

Group Tour - Rajastan

The Lake Palace, Jal Mahal, city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Group Travel India

7 Day Tour Rajasthan & Agra

Palace on Wheels - perfect way to travel through Rajasthan and Agra

Day 1 Delhi

Stay Palace on Wheels

With carriages decorated in traditional Rajasthani style the train provides an intrinsic ambience that matches the charm and beauty of the Indian terrain and culture. Excellent international cuisine combined with faultless service.

Visit