One Month Grand India & Sri Lanka Heritage Tour by Travel Astu
Tour Overview
Embark on the definitive South Asia tour package with Travel Astu, your premier authority in bespoke, cross-border expeditions. This 30-day "Grand Odyssey" by Astu is a masterfully curated India and Sri Lanka combined itinerary that bridges the spiritual heights of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Himalayan charm of Shimla with the royal palaces of Rajasthan, the tropical Kerala backwaters, and the emerald landscapes of Sri Lanka. Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has designed this comprehensive 30-day travel program to ensure international travelers experience the best places to visit in India and Sri Lanka in a single, seamless journey.
Your luxury South Asia vacation with Astu Travel is defined by elite logistics, including domestic flights across India and an international flight from Cochin to Colombo. In India, you will experience the UNESCO Shimla-Kalka Toy Train and Executive Class rail travel, while in Sri Lanka, you will enjoy the scenic Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train journey. To ensure a world-class experience, we provide government-approved licensed guides and expert English-speaking chauffeurs fluent in English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Italian, Tamil, and Hindi. A soulful highlight of our cultural heritage tours is an intimate evening at the Family Table India in Delhi, featuring a private cooking demonstration and Hindu family dinner. From tiger safaris in Ranthambore and leopard spotting in Yala National Park to the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Astu ensures every detail of your 30-day India and Sri Lanka expedition is executed with 24/7 guest support and absolute precision.
Day by day itinerary
Arrive Delhi. Travel Astu diver and company representative will be there at the airport with paging board/name placard and TravelAstu logo to receive you and then transfer you to hotel.
In Hotel, our representative will handover you all the travel documents like your printed itinerary, flights tickets, train tickets and all other hard copy documents and he will also explain you about day by day trip.
After relaxed breakfast, afternoon visit old Delhi Chandni Chawk and Spice Market area by paddle Rickshaw ride. Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli Stepwell, Raj Ghat (Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) or Gandhi Museum, Lotus Bahai Temple, Drive passed to India Gate, President House, New Parliament House.
Evening Experience: An immersive Cooking demostration with a local Hindu family. Learn the secrets of Indian spices and enjoy a shared dinner with family.
Night in Delhi.
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight time, we will transfer you to Delhi airport for Amritsar. As per flight time, our driver will be there at the Amritsar airport with a paging board / placard of your name along with the logo of TravelAstu. He will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.
Check-in and relax in the hotel. In the evening, the Palki Ceremony of Harminder Shahib and local market visit.
Back to the hotel and night stay.
Full day tour of Amritsar with guide.
Visit: Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), Jallianwala Bagh. After the Amritsar tour, drive to Wagah Border to attend the lowering of the flags ceremony. After the “Beating the Retreat” ceremony, back to the hotel. Night in Amritsar.
After breakfast, drive to Chandigarh (around 4hrs 15 min)
Visit - The Rock Garden & Sukna Lake
Night in Chandigarh.
Drive to Shimla (3 hrs 15 min). Reach Shimla, hotel check-in and relax a little.
Visit - The Ridge, Kali Bari Temple and enjoy the local market of Mall road. Night in Shimla.
Shimla to Kalka by TOY TRAIN: A must-try ride for holidaymakers of all ages, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train passes through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges to cover some 60 miles. Built in 1903, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you back in time with a display of awe-inspiring landscapes.
Enjoy this amazing experience and then another train to Delhi in first class AC or Executive class.
Travel in The Himalayan Queen (first class) train (52456) departs at 10:40 am from Shimla and reaches Kalka at 4:10 pm. In this case we will book KLK SHATABDI train with an executive class which departs at 5:45 Pm and will reach Delhi at 09:50 PM
(Toy train tickets and KLK SHATABDI train tickets included) Night in Delhi.
After breakfast, drive to Agra. Hotel check-in and relax.
Visit Agra Fort, Baby Taj, Mehtab Garden (To see Taj Mahal with river Yamuna view from Taj View point)
Night in Agra.
5:30 AM, Be ready for sunrise visit tour of Tajmahal. After Taj, back to hotel and have relax breakfast.
Check-out and then drive to Ranthambore. Resort check-in and relax.
Evening visit to Ranthambore Fort and Ganesh Temple with driver.
Night in Ranthambore.
Safari in Ranthambore national park. (Included - Morning and Afternoon Safari along with park entry fee and naturalist guide)
Your all three meals are included in the resort. Night in Ranthambore.
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. En-route visit Galta Ji – Best place to see human friendly monkeys, Peacocks, Neel Gae (Blue Bull), and other wild animals and also beautiful Sarovars (natural water Swimming pools).
If you will interested, we will also take you to Laxmi Narayan Birla Temple to attend Aarti ceremony. Night in Jaipur.
Full day tour of Jaipur with guide. Visit - Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal.
Night in Jaipur.
Jaipur to Udaipur by morning flight. Reach Udaipur, check into hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
(Flight ticket included)
Night in Udaipur.
Udaipur tour with guide: Visit City Palace, Enjoy boat cruise ride in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir Temple, Shaheliyon Ki Bari, Gardens of Maids.
Night in Udaipur.
Fly Udaipur to Goa (via Mumbai) (Flight tickets included).
Reach Goa and relax in the beach.
Night in Goa.
Relax in Goa.
Night in Goa.
Relax in Goa. Or if you like, we will give you Goa sightseeing tour.
Fly Goa to Kochi (21:15 – 22:35) (Flight tickets included).
Evening transfer to airport for flight to Kochi.
Night in Kochi.
After breakfast, tour of Fort Kochi. Visit - Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis CSI Church, Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi etc.
Kochi to Alleppey by drive (2 hrs drive). Check-in resort and relax.
Night in Alleppey.
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to backwaters houseboat.
Today you will enjoy the highlight of Kerala - Kerala Backwaters Houseboat. You’re all three meals included in the houseboat.
Night in the houseboat.
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Periyar National Park. Do park activities with boating in Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve to spot wildlife, including herds of wild elephants.
Experience traditional Kerala arts with a Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts show at a local theatre in Thekkady.
Night in Thekkady.
After breakfast, check-out and visit spice plantation or Ayurvedic garden in Kumily to learn about local cardamom, cinnamon, and coffee. If you like, we will also take you for local market where you can do shopping of souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. Then drive to Cochin. Hotel check-in and relax. Night in Cochin.
Breakfast at hotel. As per your morning flight time, we will transfer you to Kochi international airport for flight to Sri Lanka.
Afternoon: Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Meet and greet by your private chauffeur guide. Transfer hotel. Check-in. Enjoy a city tour including the Lotus Tower for panoramic views and the red-and-white Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Pettah Red Mosque).
Evening: A sunset stroll at Galle Face Green, followed by a welcome dinner at the famous Ministry of Crab. Overnight: Colombo.
Morning: Drive to Dambulla (approx. 4 hours). Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO site featuring five caves filled with 150+ Buddha statues and ancient murals.
Afternoon: Check-in to your resort. Experience an authentic Sri Lankan Village Lunch in Habarana, followed by a traditional bullock cart ride.
Evening: Relax by the pool with views of the jungle.
Overnight: Sigiriya/Dambulla.
Morning: Early morning climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) to avoid the heat. Explore the water gardens, the Mirror Wall, and the summit ruins.
Afternoon: Choose between a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or a Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to witness "The Gathering" of wild elephants.
Evening: Optional hike up Pidurangala Rock for a stunning sunset view of Sigiriya.
Overnight: Sigiriya/Dambulla.
Morning: Depart for Kandy. En route, visit a Matale Spice Garden to learn about Ceylon cinnamon and cocoa.
Afternoon: Reach Kandy, the last royal capital. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) during the evening "Pooja" ceremony.
Evening: Watch a vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance.
Overnight: Kandy.
Morning: Explore the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, famous for its orchid house and giant Javan fig tree.
Afternoon: Drive to Nuwara Eliya ("Little England"). The drive is breathtaking, passing through emerald-green tea estates. Visit a Tea Factory & Plantation to see the "bean to cup" process.
Evening: A walk around Gregory Lake and the colonial-era Post Office.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya.
Morning: Board the legendary Blue Train from Nanu Oya to Ella. This is the highlight for most travelers—ensure you book "Observation Class" or 2nd Class for the best photos.
Afternoon: Arrive in Ella, a cozy mountain town. Check into a hotel with a balcony view of the Ella Gap.
Evening: Visit Cafe Chill, the most popular hub in Ella for travelers.Overnight: Ella.
Morning: Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for an easy trek with rewarding views. Then, walk to the Nine Arch Bridge to time your visit with the passing train for the perfect photo.
Afternoon: Cool off at Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in the country.
Evening: Free time to explore Ella’s local markets.Overnight: Ella.
Morning: Drive toward the South Coast (approx. 3.5 hours). Stop at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe to see baby elephants being fed.
Afternoon: Arrive in Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort city. Check into a boutique villa within the Fort walls.
Evening: Sunset walk along the Galle Fort Ramparts and visit the iconic Lighthouse.
Overnight: Galle.
Morning: Relax on the golden sands of Unawatuna or Mirissa Beach. Optional: Stilt Fishing photo op at Koggala.
Afternoon: Visit a Sea Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda to learn about conservation and release hatchlings into the ocean.
Evening: Farewell seafood dinner on the beach.
Overnight: Galle or Bentota.
Morning: Leisurely breakfast. Drive back to Colombo (approx. 2 hours via the Southern Expressway).
Afternoon: Final souvenir shopping at Laksala or Odel.
Evening: Transfer to the airport. Back to home with incredible memories of one month tour of India and Sri Lanka.
Trip Highlights
- The Travel Astu Multi-Country Standard: Benefit from a dedicated 24/7 Guest Relation Manager, premium private AC vehicles, and personalized airport greetings across two nations.
- Global Language Expertise: Explore history with professional, licensed guides available in English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Italian, Tamil, and Hindi.
- The Family Table India Evening: Join a local Hindu family in Delhi for an authentic cooking masterclass and dinner—a true highlight of Indian hospitality.
- Double Wildlife Adventure: Experience high-octane safaris in Ranthambore National Park (India) and Yala National Park (Sri Lanka) with expert naturalists.
- Nostalgic Rail Journeys: Ride the world-famous UNESCO Toy Train to Shimla and the breathtaking high-altitude train through Sri Lanka’s tea country.
- Imperial & Island Heritage: Visit the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, and the Amber Fort in India, followed by the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the Galle Fort in Sri Lanka.
- Coastal & Tropical Bliss: Transition from the beaches of Goa and Kerala’s backwaters to the golden sands of Bentota and Mirissa in Sri Lanka.
- All-Inclusive Logistics: Enjoy peace of mind with all domestic and international flights, all monument entrance fees for both countries, and pre-paid safaris included in your Astu package.
Your Questions about this tour (FAQs)
Not at all. Travel Astu (also known as Astu) makes the transition seamless. We include your international flight from Cochin to Colombo in the package. Our team drops you at the airport in India, and a professional Astu Travel representative will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate in Sri Lanka with a personalized paging board. You won't have to worry about a thing.
Since this 30-day South Asia itinerary covers everything from the chilly Himalayan mountains in Shimla to the tropical beaches of Goa and Sri Lanka, we recommend "layering." Pack light cottons for the plains, a warm jacket for the mountains, and modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) for the sacred Kandy Temple of the Tooth and the temples of Amritsar and Varanasi.
To ensure the best local expertise, Travel Astu Pvt Ltd provides dedicated regional experts. You will have a professional private driver for the North India heritage tour, another for the South India backwaters, and a specialized English-speaking chauffeur-guide for the entire Sri Lanka leg. This ensures you always have a driver who knows the local roads and hidden gems perfectly.
This is a major highlight of our luxury South Asia vacation! In India, you’ll head into Ranthambore National Park in a 20-seater Canter for a social and exciting tiger search or we can also book 4x4 jeep for you (Kindly tell us in advance). In Sri Lanka, you’ll have a private 4x4 Jeep Safari in Yala National Park, which is world-famous for leopard sightings. Astu handles all permits and entry fees for both.
Mostly less spicy. Also please tell your food preferences in advance so same we can update our drivers, guides, local family, and hotel restaurant to prepare for you.
Whether it’s the Hindu family dinner in Delhi or the spicy curries of Kandy, our guides help you navigate the menu. You can always request "mild" heat. Because Astu Travel provides personalized service, we inform our hotels and the Family Table India hosts about your allergies or dietary needs (like vegan or gluten-free) well in advance.
Yes, you will need a visa for both India and Sri Lanka. Most international travelers can apply for an e-Visa for India and an ETA for Sri Lanka online. Your dedicated Astu Guest Relation Manager can provide the necessary hotel addresses and itinerary details you’ll need for your applications.
We know long drives can be tiring. To keep this a luxury India and Sri Lanka expedition, we have replaced long road journeys with five flights and several iconic train rides. While there are some beautiful scenic drives, we’ve balanced the itinerary so you spend more time exploring monuments and beaches than sitting in traffic.
Your health is our priority. Travel Astu provides two bottles of sealed mineral water per person every day in the vehicle. For the Varanasi street food tour, our guides take you only to highly-vetted, hygienic stalls. We recommend sticking to bottled water and freshly cooked food throughout the trip.
Yes! You don't need to pack 30 days' worth of clothes. All the premium hotels selected by Astu offer professional laundry services. We recommend doing your laundry during "multi-night stays" like in Jaipur, Udaipur, or Kandy so your clothes are ready before you move to the next city.
This is a professional yet warm cultural exchange in Delhi. You are invited to a local Hindu family's home for a Traditional Indian dinner. You’ll participate in a cooking session to learn about Indian spices and share stories about daily life in India. Explore guest memories on the Family Table India Facebook Page.
Travel Astu (also known as Astu) specializes in complex, multi-country logistics. By managing both the Indian and Sri Lankan legs of your journey, we ensure a seamless transition between countries, including flight bookings, visa assistance, and a consistent 24/7 support system across two different cultures.
Yes. By incorporating four domestic flights and one international flight, Astu eliminates long, exhausting road drives. We use premium AC vehicles and select hotels with modern amenities to ensure the highest level of comfort throughout the month-long journey.
Every guest is assigned a dedicated Astu Guest Relation Manager available via WhatsApp and Phone 24/7. Whether you are in the mountains of Shimla or on the beaches of Galle, our team is always just one message away.
