India & Sri Lanka Uncovered

Are you ready for the most epic 23 days of your life? Give us a WAHOOOOO! Let’s do this. Arrive anytime today at Delhi's airport (Indira Gandhi International airport), and we’ll meet you there! Look out for your Travel Ninja, no they won’t be dressed head to toe in karate gear, but I promise you they’ll be looking pretty fresh! A tour guide but with superhuman powers of adventure. Spend some time chilling in our accommodation before we head out for a welcome dinner and a few drinks to get to know your new TruFam who you’ll be spending the next 23 days with. Delhi is a bustling, lively city with so much going on! So have a beer and let’s get out and explore!

NEW DELHI CITY TOUR
Wake up! It’s our first morning in New Delhi, and it’s a beauty! What better way to experience Dehli than being shown around by a local first hand! We’re here to see everything, baby! We set off on a walking tour guided by the Salaam Balak Trust. One of the most trusted non-profit organisations for street children in Delhi. You’ll learn a lot today, so grab those thinking caps and put them on! We’ll visit their headquarters, learn how the organisation provides children with opportunities and care to help support those living on the streets. It’s a rewarding day and one not to be missed. Later, we'll visit some of the main sights including the famous India gate war memorial and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home to India's President. In the evening we pack our bags and head to the train station where we board the overnight train to our next destination, Udaipur!

UDAIPUR SUNSET CRUISE
Rise and shine! We’ve made it to Udaipur, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’- you’ll soon see why! The day is yours to explore, so once we make it to our new hotel you’ve got time to relax, chill, update your insta stories (you know you want to) or head out to explore the sights, they’re going to take you by surprise, trust us! Later on in the afternoon, we hop aboard a sunset cruise and set sail on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Let your eyes feast on the mesmerising scenery of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic city and take it all in! You’ll notice incredible architecture, temples, picturesque ghats and even majestic palaces. After all that sightseeing, it's time to indulge in some mouthwatering Indian cuisine. Get your taste buds tingling with a delectable traditional thali or savour the fiery flavours of street food!

EXPLORING UDAIPUR CITY!
It’s day two in Udaipur and we couldn't be happier about it! Get your walking shoes on the ready because today we are off on a tour of the city. We’ll dive into the rich history and architectural wonders of this beautiful place and stop off at some of the biggest hotspots in the city. First up we have the city palace so you best be ready to be dazzled by the intricate marble and granite work, adorned with colourful glass inlays, ornate engravings, and elegant towers and balconies. It really is as impressive as it sounds! We’ll then stop off by Jagdish Temple before heading to the north of this bustling city to visit one of the most astonishing gardens- Saheliyon-ki-bari. It’s been a busy day so enjoy the afternoon exploring in your own time, relax by the lake or venture into the markets for some souvenir shopping before we meet for yet another delicious dinner with the TruFam and remenish on the incredible first few days in India!

PUSHKAR & CHILL
Pack your bags, it’s time for our next adventure! Today we make our way to one of the oldest cities in India! We’ll escape to a serene getaway far from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to the tru-ly eternal spiritual high that the holy town of Pushkar offers. We’ll take it easy, chill by the pool, admire the views and make the most of this relaxing time before an early wake up call tomorrow!

SUNRISE TEMPLES & UNREAL VIEWS
Goood morning! We’re up bright and early today but it’s all for good reason. It’s time to get ready for the day and visit Savitri Mata Temple just in time for sunrise. It’s gonna be a beauty! Perched on a hilltop, we’ll get amazing views of the city below. Later on we’ll explore heavenly Pushkar lake and the popular eighth-century Brahma Temple before having a chilled afternoon. Make the most of the tranquil surroundings, take a dip in the pool, have a drink or two and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

COOKING CLASS & DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY!
Did you ever dream of being a land full of pink? Well, it’s reality and you’ll soon find out why! Today we’re off to Jaipur where we embark on a flavour-filled adventure in India's culinary realm! We’ll meet a local family and dive straight into an Indian-style cooking lesson to master the art of spicing up our lives! You know things are about to get spicyyy! Of course we couldn’t end this experience without indulging in the delicious food we have just whipped up! Masterchef here we come! After an epic day, you have the option to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of colours, music, and dance at Rajmandir cinema, where Bollywood magic unfolds like no other! Popcorn? Check. Drama? Double check. Let the Bollywood extravaganza begin!

EXPLORING JAIPUR & THE PINK PALACE
Wake up in the city of Jaipur and it’s an action-packed day baby! We check out the city and head to Jaipur City Palace before heading up to the fort in a 4x4. You want to see a viewpoint? Well, get ready TruFam because this is like no other! You can see the whole city! The whole of Jaipur and its wonderful pinkness! Next up we’ll visit the Hawa Mahal. One of the most amazing forms of architecture in India, it looks like an optical illusion. If that doesn’t get your brain flowing try counting how many windows there are! *Spoiler alert there’s 953?!* World-famous it’s a must-visit in India! In the evening we head out for dinner to explore more of this beautiful city.

Travel to Ranthambore
Buckle up, we’re going on an adventure! This time we’re off to Ranthambore National Park, a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and a former royal hunting ground that’s now home to tigers, leopards and marsh crocodiles. On our way to Ranthambore, we will join a host family for a walk through the organic gardens, and meet some cows in the family's dairy farm, it'll be a bit like come dine with me - minus the scoring of course! We’ll learn what's in season and try out the family's favourite dishes made from the freshest of ingredients. We’ll have time this afternoon to explore the pool, top up our tan and relax with a beer or two! Dinner is on us tonight so indulge in the delicious food (try the Gulab jamun) and prepare yourself for the most EPIC day yet - get your binoculars out!

WILDLIFE SAFARI
Wake up, it's going to be a WILD day! No seriously, it is! We get up early and jump in jeeps for a safari through the National Park. Get those binoculars out because we’re about to see a huge ton of local wildlife. Monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, deers hey we may even see a wild tiger if you’re lucky! Or unlucky? Grab the camera because with this experience you will see a side to India not often shown on TV. The wildlife is beautiful, The setting is spectacular. The experience? Unbeatable. After an epic morning, the rest of the day is free for your heart's desire, check out the local area or just relax and soak up that gorgeous sun heat.

Travel to Agra
Today we’re travelling to Agra! And since we’re on the way, we’ll stop off at Fatehpur Sikri. A ghost city that was built between 1571 and 1585 before being abandoned and is now known for its beautiful old structures that have been retained. It’s been jam packed so far but the day is not over just yet! There are some amazing bars in Agra so we will hit up one of those and practise our Bollywood moves once more!

TAJ MAHAL - A WONDER OF THE WORLD!
This is it, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The destination that’s been on your bucket list since you could hold a pen. We’re up early as we head to the Taj Mahal for sunrise! Make sure you’ve packed your camera, your GoPro or even a disposable camera because this moment really is once in a lifetime. Spend the morning learning about how the Taj Mahal was built and the story behind it, enter inside to see the tombs where Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife are buried. Watch the sun come up with your TruFam and take in the surroundings of by far one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. There’s no better way to experience the Taj Mahal, and it’s picture-perfect views than early morning. Is there anywhere else you’d rather be?

In the afternoon we head back to Delhi, where we kick started our unforgettable trip. C’mon, it’s not a TruTravels trip without a big last night out, so we’re going big BIG. We check into the hotel, grab a shower before we head out into Delhi town for one final farewell dinner! Delicious cuisine, colourful cocktails and drinks and well, the company couldn't be better.

NEXT STOP SRI LANKA!
Time to say alavida to India and Ayubowan to Sri Lanka! (That’s hello in Sinhala, the local language in Sri Lanka if you didn’t know!) We say goodbye to those joining us on just our India tour and catch an early morning flight across to our next country Sri Lanka! Arrive mid morning where we’ll transfer you straight to our hotel in Negombo. The day is free to spend as you please, enjoy a night to yourself before the second part of our epic adventure starts.. Sri Lanka uncovered!

MEETING THE TRUFAM IN SRI LANKA

After a relaxing 24 hours in Sri Lanka it's time to meet your new TruFam on the second part of your incredible trip. The afternoon is free so sit back and relax by the pool, grab some delicious food before meeting the group and your new travel ninja in the evening. We'll head out to explore Negombo, grab some dinner and sip a beer on two under the stars. Sri Lanka is a bucket list destination and this is only the start! Life-changing travel vibes ahead. For real.

TIME FOR TEMPLES
Keeping things local, we’re heading into the heart of Sri Lanka to explore the local culture, history and heritage. We’ll take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred temple carved deep into the rock face, then up to the Golden Buddha, a giant (aptly named), majestic, golden statue on a picturesque hilltop. After a fair bit of walking (- you’re doing great btw), we’ll head to our next accommodation stop in the evening, check-in and scope the spectacular views of Sigiriya Rock. Best get eyeing up your route as we’ll be climbing the face of it in the morning. Yep! Night!

CLIMB SIGIRIYA ROCK
So it’s your first early start. Are you ready for this? Pack your bag and get a wiggle on, as this morning we’re heading to the top of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks - Lion Rock (known locally as Sigiriya Rock). This proper beauty is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so we best be on our best behaviour. A giant rock formation standing nearly 700ft tall (that’s enormous, FYI), an ancient fortress, with mind-blowing views from the top; well worth the trek up. Now we know you’ve been up since the crack of dawn and you haven’t had your Weetabix yet but RELAX. We told you we’d look after you. Once we’ve scaled our way back down, it’s time for a feast back at the hotel before heading back out to explore the town. There ain’t no rest for the wicked, hun. Now, we promised you some wholesome activity and we weren’t lying. As night falls, we’re heading to a beautiful, authentic, local farming village to be spoiled rotten and have our dinner cooked by the loveliest villagers. Enjoy a mouth-watering, authentic meal around a crackling bonfire with our locals as they welcome you too, into their homes and our community. Big #blessed vibes.

DAY 17 TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH & KANDY VIEW POINT
Who fancies a spy of our royalty? Today we’re getting another taste of the rich history of Sri Lanka as we travel to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, located in the Royal Palace complex. Note the significance of the royal temple, which bears great ancient political power and the famous relic which is believed to hold the governance of the country. Finally, we’ll catch the peachy sunset of Kandy Lake, with a few beers (FINALLY) from our hotel on the mountainside.

TEA PLANTATION, COOKING CLASS & TRAIN JOURNEY
First things first, let’s just double-check that you have your phone charged, cameras packed and tissues at the ready as today’s journey is sure to bring a tear to your eye. We’re talking, Lion King sobs, like when Mufasa dies. Today’s journey is a real looker. 10/10 would ‘Gram. So we’re driving through the beautiful town of Nuwara Elia to spend the early bird morning at a local tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the tea brewing process, from leaf to cup. It’s an early start, so get that caffeine in. We’ll then spend some time at a local family-run cooking school, where we’ll be taught how to cook some of Sri Lanka’s best dishes. Belly full, heart full. Perfect, it’s time to have your breath taken away. It’s time to board ‘the most scenic train journey’ - and they weren’t lying when they named her that. She is a LOOKER. We’ll board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to the chilled town of Ella. Keep an eye out for cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and another glimpse at the locals.

LITTLE ADAMS PEAK & NINE ARCH BRIDGE
Don’t stress - you won’t need to rush out the door at the crack of dawn today, BUT we are going to work for it on a hike to one of the best views in Ella. Enjoy a lush climb up Little Adams Peak, for a stunning view of Ella Gap - a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning backdrops. We’ll have a hearty lunch in Ella town, before stopping off at Nine Arch Bridge, where we’ll walk the tracks (not the plank) and watch the train pass through.

WATERFALLS, SAFARI & GLAMPING
Another scorcher of a day, as per. So we’re starting things off with a visit to the neighbouring waterfalls ahead of a day at Udawalawe National Park - if you're feeling brave you can even take a dip weather permitting. Now that’s how to start a day. Don’t forget your undies. You’re an adult now and you’ve only got yourself to blame if you end up wandering the park commando. The bucket list moments don't stop there because our next activity is a Safari! This isn’t the trip of a lifetime for nothing. Scope out Elephants, Monkeys, Buffalos, Flamingos, to mention just a few. After that incredible experience we’ll check into our glamping tents for the evening, with some more wholesome activities and some questionable behaviour will commence. Don’t forget to look up as the stars are pretty spectacular.

DUTCH FORT WALK
After a jam packed day of waterfalls and animals yesterday today it's only right that today we through in a bit of history too! The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest living forts in the world. There's so much to discover here with a blend of modern and historic sites so get ready to explore the day away. In the afternoon we will head back to the hotel, to chill, maybe play some cards and process the tour so far with the Trufam!

JUNGLE BEACH DAY
You’ve done so good, so wake when you like today. Graze, laze, take it as you like. Then once the team is awake and refreshed, we’re walking through the jungle to the stunning golden sands of the beach on the other side. Soak up some Vitamin D, have a swim in the sea and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the shore. What a life! Once you’re all sun-kissed, we’ll head back to the hotel for our farewell dinner. We hope you’ve still got those tissues. It’s been magic.

CHILLED CHECK OUT
So you’ve extended your family, it’s Tru. We’ll be over to kiss your Nan on Christmas Day, but for now, it’s time to say goodbye. What a ride. We’re here to help plan the next steps of your adventure, whether it’s onwards, homebound or back to bed for a week of catching up on those early starts. We’ve loved having you and can’t wait to hear what’s next. Big love!