In Search of Tigers & Leopards

On arrival in Delhi, India's capital, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner. Stay Two Nights: Crowe Plaza New Delhi Okhla (D)

Today you will explore Old and New Delhi, India's vibrant metropolis blends medieval, colonial and modern architecture. . Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, India's largest before setting out on a rickshaw ride. Continue to New Delhi to visit Humayun's Tomb. Thought to have inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal, the World Heritage-listed tomb perfectly combines elements of Persian and Mughal architecture in its design. You will also explore the wide leafy avenues, stop at Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Gandhi, admire India Gate and the 13th-century Qutab Minar, a World Heritage-listed monument and the world's tallest brick minaret. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi's lively Chadni Chowk bazaar.

Transfer to the station where you'll board the Gatimaan Express to Agra. Once in Agra, embark on a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city's most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past. Continue to the iconic Taj Mahal. The structure took over 22 years to build and is a wonder to behold. Its glittering white marble domes inspire awe, and almost seem to change colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun. Stay: Agra, Hotel Clarks Shiraz (B/D)

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the abandoned ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage-site for a guided tour. This town to the west of Agra was once known as the City of Victory. Built in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri is home to a number of impressive monuments and temples. Enjoy lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace Bharatpur before boarding the Shatabdi Express train for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Dinner is at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Ranthambore, Ranthambore Regency (B/L/D)

Today, search for the elusive Bengal tiger on guided morning and afternoon game drives through Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is also home to many more unique animals including leopards, sloth bears and striped hyenas. Enjoy an evening talk by a local naturalist about the park and its diverse wildlife. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: With an expert guide, go in search of the Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the best parks to view this elusive cat, so make sure to have your camera at the ready.

Spend the morning at your leisure. After lunch, depart by coach to the picturesque and historic city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Stay Two Nights: Jaipur, Clarks Amer (B/L/D)

This morning is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Jaipur. Begin with a guided tour of Amber Fort. The striking architecture is a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its exterior contrasts with the interior with many of the rooms elaborately painted with decadent mirrors and precious stones. Enjoy time at your leisure for lunch before jumping right back into your sightseeing. Visit sites including the City Palace and the World Heritage –listed 18th-century Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory, and drive by Jaipur's most distinctive landmark, the ‘Palace of the Winds'. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Explore the ‘Pink City” of Jaipur and discover why its beautiful buildings are coloured in this distinctive hue. Spend the morning touring through the Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history.

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Mumbai, set on India's west coast beside the Arabian Sea. You'll be transferred to your hotel before observing a cooking demonstration, introducing you to the rich and vibrant food culture of the city. Stay: Two Night Stay, Mumbai, Trident Nariman Point (B/D)

Rise early for a Mumbai by dawn walking tour under the beautiful morning light. Visit the fishing docks of Colaba, see the colonial architecture of DN Road, experience the bustling environment of Crawford Market, explore the fascinating neighbourhoods of Byculla and Dadar, and admire the colours of Mahalaxmi Dhobhi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at your leisure before taking an afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai icons including the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, a 19th-century World Heritage listed railway station and Mani Bhavan, Gandhi's former home and now a museum. Enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Discover Mumbai by foot as the city comes to life in the sun's early rays on a dawn walking tour.

After breakfast, say goodbye to your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and transfer to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for your included flight to Negombo, Sri Lanka.

On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Stay: Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon (B)

Today, venture to the World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple. Home to over 150 incredible Buddha paintings and statues, Dambulla is the largest and most well-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Explore the five sanctuaries, each containing ornate statues and ancient art relating to the life of Buddha. Later this afternoon, arrive at Aliya Resort and Spa, your home for the next two nights. Tonight, savour a special Sri Lankan Welcome Dinner. Stay Two Nights: Sigiriya, Aliya Resort and Spa (B/D)

Insider Experience: Relax overlooking Sigiriya Rock Fortress at Aliya Resort and Spa.

Following breakfast, head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa for a tour of its ancient city. Once a prosperous religious centre, it was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Explore the fascinating ruins and discover a world of archaeological treasures. Have lunch in Polonnaruwa before returning to the hotel.

This afternoon, you may wish to embark on a safari to see the herds of elephants in Minneriya National Park (additional expense). (B/L)

This morning, visit the World Heritage-listed ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Rising 200 metres above the central plains, this spectacular geological formation was once home to an ancient civilisation. If you're feeling active, climb the open staircases to the top of Sigiriya and take in the impressive views at its summit. Alternatively, visit the Sigiriya Museum. Take a guided tour of the area before departing for Kandy enjoying a lunch enroute.

Later today, you will arrive in the historic city of Kandy. Depart on a guided tour of Kandy's major sights, including the World Heritage-listed Temple of the Tooth. Later, experience a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance featuring lively drummers and energetic dancers performing music and dance developed in the courts of the local kings. Stay Two Nights: Kandy, Amaya Hills (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Stay for two nights at the peaceful Amaya Hills. Situated in the hilltops of Kandy, the hotel looks out to the green mountains of Hanthana.

Today, you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Home to over 4,000 species of exotic flora and fauna, the gardens are renowned for their collection of beautiful orchids. You may choose to spend the rest of the day in Kandy exploring at your leisure or simply return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation. (B/L)

This morning, journey onwards to the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit one of the many famous tea plantations and factories. Here, learn all about the traditions behind tea making while you sample some of the world's finest Ceylon tea.

This afternoon, take in a tour of Nuwara Eliya often referred to as “Little England” as it was favoured by the British civil servants as a summer retreat and is home to several colonial buildlings. Stay: Nuwara Eliya, Jetwing St. Andrews (B/L)

This morning, head to Nanu Oya to board a train for the scenic journey to Ella (subject to availability). As you travel, take in the beautiful hill country. Later, continue to Yala where you'll check in to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Jetwing Yala (B/D)

Insider Experience: Take an enchanting train ride through tea plantations and picturesque hill country to Ella. Nestled amid splendid vegetation, enjoy both style and privacy at Jetwing Yala.

Board a Jeep and venture out on a morning safari in Yala National Park. The park is home to over 32 species of mammals including elephants and sloth bears. Its star attraction, however, is the spectacular Sri Lankan leopard. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, or head out on an optional afternoon safari for a chance to see more of the park's wonderful wildlife (additional expense). (B/L)

Set off early for your Insider Experience. Journey to Galle, stopping en route for lunch. A fortified city, Galle is steeped in history. Here you'll depart on a walking tour and see many of its major landmarks. Journey through the Dutch-influenced streets of the World Heritage-listed old town, observing the unique architecture and admiring the fort's historic gate and iconic lighthouse. Continue to your beach-side hotel in Kosgoda. Stay Two Nights: Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort (B/L)

Insider Experience: A morning visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where displaced baby elephants are cared for and rehabilitated.

The day is free for you to enjoy at your relaxing beach-front hotel. You may like to join an optional tour to the Lunuganga Estate, the country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa (additional expense). (B)

After breakfast, depart for the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. Take a guided tour of the city and see many of its sights including bustling Pettah bazaar, Valukarama Temple and Parliament. You will also get to explore the city further on an exhilirating tuk tuk ride. Stay: Colombo, Cinnamon Grand Colombo (B/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at The Lagoon, a seafood restaurant.

Your holiday comes to an end this morning with a transfer to the Bandaranaike International airport for your onward flight. (B)