BOOK NOW at www.imaginative-traveller.com or CALL 0845 287 0769SRI LANKA91ItineraryDay 1 / Negombo There are no activities planned for today, so arrive at any time. We stay in this small fishing town an hour from the busy capital, Colombo, to avoid the traffic snarls. Stroll the beachfront , explore the fish market and meet the friendly locals. Day 2-4 / Ancient Sites We get up close to elephants at Pinnawela orphanage, then explore Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. The following day, we see the oldest authenticated tree in the world, the sacred bodhi of Anuradhapura, wander the ancient temple surrounds and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Next day, we ride bikes around the ancient, intricately carved capital of Polonnaruwa. There is also an optional wildlife safari in the afternoon. Day 5-6 / Dambula - Kandy We stop at the Dambulla cave temples, which contain well-preserved Buddhist paintings and statues, and a natural spring claiming to have healing powers. We then head into the lush hill region, visiting the fascinating Matale spice garden. Arriving in Kandy, we visit the Temple of the Tooth and explore this pretty Sinhalese and colonial town, and its beautiful surrounds. Day 7-9 / Nuwara Eliya - World's End - Ela We arrive in Britsh colonial Nuwara Eliya and spend the night in a charming century-old Heritage Bungalow. We visit wildlife-rich Horton Plains Nature Reserve and trek to see the epic panorama at World's End. The following day we enjoy a nature walk, then catch a train through beautiful forest to Ella. Day 10-11 / Unawatuna - Gale A scenic drive takes us to the beach town of Unawatuna. There is time for a swim in the afternoon and the following day is free. Chill out on the beach or explore nearby Galle. Day 12 / Colombo We arrive in Colombo at lunchtime and have the rest of the day free to explore this chaotic city. Why not enjoy a final meal with your new friends this evening? Day 13 / Colombo Our trip ends today around breakfast time. If you wish to stay on in Colombo, you should pre-book your accommodation before commencing your travels. Highlights of Sri Lanka 13 days Journey to the heart of the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'Explore this fascinating tear-drop isle of extraordinary beauty - ride and walk around ancient temples, sacred trees and quaint towns, amid rolling hills, chilled-out beaches and friendly people. Never will you have seen so many elephants in the one place! Visit an orphanage for elephants whose parents have been killed. They also breed elephants to return them to the wild.Trip InfoDeparture DatesGroup size: Maximum 16.Grade: Culture Moderate.Transport: Bus, On foot.Accommodation: hotels/guesthouses.Meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch.Start Day: Sunday End Day: FridayTour code: GIHSStart FinishStart Finish201109-Jan 21-Jan06-Feb 18-Feb06-Mar 18-Mar03-Apr 15-Apr01-May 13-May29-May 10-Jun26-Jun 08-Jul24-Jul 05-Aug21-Aug 02-Sep18-Sep 30-Sep16-Oct 28-Oct13-Nov 25-Nov11-Dec 23-Dec201208-Jan 20-Jan05-Feb 17-Feb04-Mar 16-Mar01-Apr 13-Apr29-Apr 11-May27-May 08-Jun

For detailed departures, itineraries and prices please visit our website92INDIAItineraryIndia Encompassed 24 days The ULTIMATE Indian journey!This all-encompassing journey gives you the best of the sub-continent's north and south. Humming, hectic cities, pilgrims on the Ganges in holy Varanasi, colourful, ornate temples and palaces in Rajasthan, remote traditional villages, peaceful southern backwaters, exotic wildlife sanctuaries and stunning, Indian Ocean beaches - this trip's got the lot.Trip InfoDeparture DatesDay 1-2 / Delhi No activities are planned for Day 1, so arrive at any time and start exploring this magnificient city. After visiting Chandni Chowk, the city's oldest market, and Connaught Place, the city's commercial hub, we board an overnight train to Varanasi. Day 3-5 / Varanasi Varanasi is India's oldest and holiest city. On an early morning boat ride, we watch daily life along the Ganges River, as people pray, wash and cremate their dead. On Day 5 we board an overnight train to Agra. Day 6 / Agra - Taj Mahal We stand in awe of this amazing 17th century marble mausoleum and learn about the incredible love story behind it all. There's also the option to visit Agra Fort with our local guide. Day 7 / Tordi Garh Tordi is small and friendly and sees few tourists. We stay in a section of the local, 16th century palace and explore the nearby temples and forts. Day 8-9 / Jaipur We visit the impressively ornate Amber Fort, the City Palace and the old observatory, before admiring the beautiful facade of the Palace of the Winds and exploring the labyrinthine backstreets and bazaars. Day 10 / Nimaj Bagh We travel by local bus to Nimaj Bagh, where we wander the village and its beautiful orchard, and discover a traditional lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Day 11 / Jodhpur We travel by jeep to the beautiful 'blue city', Jodhpur. The city is dominated by the imposing Meherangarh Fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge overlooking the surrounds. We explore the walled old town and stroll through the bubbling Sadar Market. Day 12-13 / Udaipur We travel to stunning, romantic Udaipur, the 'Venice of the East', built on the islands and shores of serene Lake Pichola. Discover the Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, before catching an overnight sleeper train to Delhi. Day 14-16 / Kochi - Vaikom We fly to historic Kochi (Cochin), via Mumbai. From our base at Fort Cochin, we visit the remains of St Francis Church - the oldest in India - and the Mattancherry Jewish Synagogue, before exploring Vaikom and the narrow, surrounding waterways. Day 17 / Kerala Backwater Cruise - Alepey Board a kettavallum (traditional rice barge) and drift along the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Sit back, relax and absorb the renowned tranquility of the region. Day 18-19 / Periyar National Park Wildlife Sanctuary Periyar is one of India's most popular wildlife reserves, home to buffalo, wild boar, sambar deer, monkey, elephant and blackbuck. Take an early morning safari cruise, and in the afternoon walk the jungle with a local guide. Day 20-22 / Varkala Time to chill out, as we head to the magnificent clifftop hideaway of Varkala: bask on unspolit beaches, eat at great cafes, watch traditional Kathakali dances and have your weariness massaged away at a renowned Ayurvedic centre. Day 23-24 / Kochi After breakfast, we take the day train back to Kochi. The afternoon is free to explore the various shopping options. Our trip ends the following morning.Group size: Maximum 16.Grade: Culture Moderate / Wildlife Easy.Transport: Bus, Jeep, Local bus, On foot, Plane, Riverboat, Sleeper train, Taxi.Accommodation: 2 nights historic hotel, 19 nights hotels/guesthouses, 2 nights overnight train.Start Day: Tuesday End Day: ThursdayTour code: GIIEStart FinishStart Finish201111-Jan 03-Feb08-Feb 03-Mar08-Mar 31-Mar05-Apr 28-Apr03-May 26-May31-May 23-Jun12-Jul 04-Aug09-Aug 01-Sep20-Sep 13-Oct18-Oct 10-Nov15-Nov 08-Dec13-Dec 05-Jan201210-Jan 02-Feb07-Feb 01-Mar06-Mar 29-Mar03-Apr 26-Apr01-May 24-May29-May 21-Jun26-Jun 19-JulTOP SELLER