Wonders of India and Sri Lanka with APT – Save $2,800 per couple*
PP From
$19,095
Duration
15 days
Deal Type
River Cruise, Tour
Add Business Class flights to unlock an Exclusive Package discount
⏰ Book by 31 January 2026 and receive savings of up to $2,800 per couple* on this APT tour and cruise of Sri Lanka & India!*
Begin your journey in Kolkata, where you’ll explore the city’s vibrant highlights before boarding the Ganges Voyager for an unforgettable cruise along the Lower Ganges. Discover ancient temples, remote riverside communities, and the rich cultural heritage of this life-giving river. Next, uncover the hidden gems of Sri Lanka on a luxurious 15-day adventure. Explore Colombo and Kandy, visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites, spot unique wildlife in pristine national parks, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture. Conclude your journey in the historic coastal city of Galle, where the charm of Sri Lanka’s colonial past meets stunning beaches.
Sri Lankan leopard
Included Items
23 Nights' luxury accommodation including seven nights aboard the Ganges voyager
Locally inspired dining – a total of 58 meals
Experiences in 27 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in four locations
Return airport transfers, porterage and gratuities
International flights from Kolkata to Colombo
Walk to the top of the iconic World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
morning and afternoon game drives aboard a luxury shared jeep around Yala National Park
Enjoy an e-rickshaw ride and enjoy Bengal’s unique terracotta temples
High Tea at Kathgola Palace
Tour Company
APT
Tour Location
Asia
Deal Type
River Cruise, Tour
Map
More Information
Itinerary: Days 1-7 +
DAY 1 – KOLKATA
Welcome to Kolkata, the lively ‘City of Joy’. Once the capital of colonial India, Kolkata is a thriving hub of culture and history. Be transferred to your luxury accommodation.
Stay: Two Nights, Kolkata, Taj Bengal
DAY 2 – KOLKATA
Set out on an exploration of Kolkata today during an unforgettable Signature Experience. Later, visit Kumartuli, the city’s traditional potters’ quarter. Here you can admire the potters’ incredible craftwork, spanning from clay pots to elaborate statues of gods and goddesses used for a myriad of festivals. This afternoon, enjoy another Signature Experience before dinner this evening.
Signature Experience – Heritage Tram Ride
Set out on a privately chartered heritage tram ride as you explore some of the most picturesque sights of the city.
Signature Experience – Glenburn Penthouse
Savour a delightful afternoon tea at the Glenburn Penthouse, where breathtaking city views set the perfect backdrop. Enjoy an exquisite selection of teas and an array of delectable treats while immersing yourself in the elegant ambience.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3 – KOLKATA (EMBARK SHIP)
Choose your morning sightseeing before transferring to the pier to board the Ganges Voyager, your floating home for the next seven nights. Following lunch on board, head to the Victoria Memorial and its museum, which houses the nation’s largest collection of British colonial artifacts. Later, return to your ship and enjoy a fantastic performance by Baul musicians, whose spiritual customs have been an important cultural contribution in Bengal for hundreds of years, leading to the Baul tradition’s inclusion on UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Freedom of Choice – Mallick Ghat Flower Market
Rise early this morning to set off for a stroll across Howrah Bridge to the kaleidoscopic Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which is among the largest in Asia. Explore a bustling world of spectacular colours and scents as you admire the action.
Freedom of Choice – CIMA Gallery and Sasha NGO Tour
Admire the art at CIMA (Centre for International Modern Art) before stepping in to learn about Sasha, an NGO which works with local artisans across India to keep their crafting traditions alive.
Stay: Seven Nights, Ganges Voyager
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4 – KOLKATA, BANDEL & KALNA
Set out on a morning walking tour featuring some of Kolkata’s best-preserved colonial buildings including the Writer’s Building, General Post Office, High Court and Raj Bhawan (Governer’s House). Take a tour of St John’s Church, which was built in 1756, and features the tombs of several British generals who died in that year’s Siege of Kolkata. After lunch on board, your ship will begin its journey upstream along the Hooghly River on the Lower Ganges. Later today, visit the 19th-century Hooghly Imambara, a prayer hall and famous pilgrimage centre in West Bengal. Admire the massive Victorian clock, between the twin towers, the makers of which also built London’s iconic Big Ben. Return to your ship and sail on to Kalna.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5 – KALNA & MATIARI
After breakfast, it’s time to explore magnificent Kalna, known as the City of Temples. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through town to visit some of Bengal’s most distinct terracotta temples, including the Rajbari royal palace complex. You’ll also see the eye-catching Shiva temples. Later, stroll through the local market en route back to your ship. Relax on board as you sail to the village of Matiari.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6 – MATIARI, KHUSHBAGH
Begin the day with a morning walk through Matiari, where you’ll have the opportunity to peruse beautiful cooking and household items crafted from recycled copper and brass. Visit the small home factories that have been operating for generations and watch the masterful craftspeople at work. Afterwards, continue cruising upstream near to the village of Plassey, the site of the Battle of Plassey. Learn how the British East India Company recorded a victory here in 1757, helping establish the company rule in Bengal and much of India. Sail on to the peaceful garden and cemetery of Khushbagh, and take a stroll passing by local farmers’ fields to the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daula.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7 – KHUSHBAGH, BARABAGAR & MURSHIDBAD
This morning you’ll cruise to the sleepy village of Baranagar where you’ll experience rural Indian life with a relaxing walk, admiring local sights including the beautiful terracotta Char Bangla Temples. Back on board, spend the afternoon at leisure as you glide along the beautiful Lower Ganges. As you approach Murshidabad, you’ll notice the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront. Take a tour of the impressive palace, which features more than 1000 doors, some of which were faked to deter thieves. After a Signature Experience, ride a toto (electric rickshaw) to the 18th-century Katra Mosque and learn about the Mohammedan rulers.
Signature Experience – High Tea at Kathgola Palace
Delight in a delectable Indian high tea in the grounds of the four-storeyed Kathgola Palace. An awe-inspiring historical building, delight in the architecture and enchanting gardens of this property.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Itinerary: Days 8-15 +
DAY 8 – MURSHIDBAD & MAYAPUR
Enjoy a restful morning as life unfolds along the river before a visit to the village of Mayapur. Here you’ll learn about the Hari Krishna community and culture in a meeting with some of the movement’s dedicated followers. You’ll also view the final stages of construction for the enormous Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, the world headquarters of ISKCON.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 9 – MAYAPUR, CHANDANNAGAR & KOLKATA
Begin the day with a tranquil cruise to Chandannagar, which was established as a French colony in 1673. Stroll along the lively promenade as you marvel at the French architecture, then visit the 17th-century Sacred Heart Church and the Dupleix Museum, which is housed in the home of former French Governor Joseph François Dupleix. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Ganges and soak in your final night on board.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 10 – DISEMBARK KOLKAKA
After breakfast, disembark and transfer directly to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your international flight to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Stay: Two Nights, Hilton Colombo
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 11 – COLOMBO
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Number 11, the Geoffrey Bawa Residence, an architectural marvel which houses a private art and artefact collection of the late architect. Enjoy your Signature Experience while dining at the serene Gallery Cafe restaurant for lunch, which was the former office of Bawa. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure.
Later, set out on a walking tour through Colombo’s bustling heritage region. Stroll through the streets and hear the stories of many iconic buildings, before hopping in a tuk tuk to the lively Pettah Market. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner at the Ceylon Curry Club where you will feast on a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes prepared with a Western twist.
Signature Experience – Geoffrey Bawa Residence
Meet with an expert for a talk on the architect Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most influential Asian architects of his generation and learn about his influence throughout Sri Lanka. His works include the Parliament Building of Sri Lanka, The Kandalama Hotel and Ruhuna University Campus.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12 – COLOMBO, WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Set out on the road to the wildlife-rich Wilpattu National Park. On arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on an exciting game drive. Spotted deer, barking deer, wild boars and buffaloes freely roam here, while you may be fortunate enough to spot Sri Lankan sloth bears or the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Birders are also in for a treat, with owls, eagles, storks, ibises, Asian openbills and kingfishers among the incredible range of birdlife in the park. Following your safari, be transferred to your luxury boutique hotel. Savour dinner before retiring to your pool villa featuring panoramic views of the lush surrounds.
Stay: Two Nights, Anuradhapura, Uga Ulagalla
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 13 – ANURADHAPURA
Today is set aside for an exploration of the World Heritage-listed ancient city of Anuradhapura. Visit the imposing dome-shaped stupas of Ruwanweliseya – believed to have been completed in 140BC – and Jethawanaramaya – one of the tallest structures of the ancient world. Next, admire the Samadhi Buddha Statue and see the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree often considered the world’s oldest human-planted tree. Later, return to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure. This evening, enjoy your Signature Experience.
Signature Experience — Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration
Join your resort’s head chef for a talk on spices and a cooking demonstration. Learn about the authentic flavours and delectable regional dishes for which Sri Lanka is known. Then, delight in a sumptuous range of Sri Lankan curries and condiments for dinner.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 14 – ANURADHAPURA, POLONNARUWA & KANDALAMA
After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka renowned for its fascinating blend of archaeological monuments and offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history. One of its most notable features is the massive, man-made reservoir known as Parakrama Samudra (The Sea of Parakrama), named for its vast size.
Visit the famous Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple), home to four magnificent Buddha statues carved into the rock, each radiating peace, serenity, and strength. As you explore further, you’ll encounter the ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moonstones, and royal baths, all of which reflect the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval era. Then, savour a delicious lunch at EKHO Lake House, Polonnaruwa. After lunch, continue your journey to Kandalama. Check in to the hotel and unwind, taking in the tranquil surroundings. This evening, enjoy your Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Cave Dinner at Heritance Kandalama
Experience a one-of-a-kind meal at Heritance Kandalama with a signature Cave Dinner. Enjoy a memorable meal inside a captivating natural cave, historically used by ancient fishermen as a shelter. The perfect blend of history and nature awaits, offering an intimate and extraordinary setting for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Stay: Two Nights, Kandalama, Heritance Kandalama
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 15 – KANDALAMA, SIGIRIYA, MINNERIVA
Kandalama, Sigiriya, Minneriya, Kandalama
Begin your day with a visit to the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking views as you ascend the 200-meter high rock boulder. Built by King Kassyapa I in the fifth century, Sigiriya served as a royal citadel for over 18 years. Upon reaching the top, explore the ruins of the royal palace, marvel at the astonishing feat of construction and soak in 360-degree panoramic views of the jungle and hills. Next, enjoy an international buffet lunch at Cinnamon Lodge. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive at Minneriya National Park. This sanctuary, located in the North Central Province, is renowned for its population of Sri Lankan elephants. The park is also home to the endemic Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque monkeys.
The highlight of Minneriya is the impressive Minneriya Tank, an ancient reservoir that draws wildlife, especially during the dry season between June and September. During this period, the reservoir attracts large herds of elephants, making it the site of the famous “Gathering,” where up to 300 elephants converge to drink and bathe—a truly unforgettable sight. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure before dinner. Finish your day with a delightful dinner at the hotel.
Signature Experience – Sigiriya Rock Fortress
After breakfast, walk to the top of the iconic World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Stop to admire the colourful frescoes, ascend through the impressive Lion’s Paw and stroll among the atmospheric ruins of this former citadel as the sun rises, offering spectacular views.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ship Information - Ganges Voyager +
See India in a whole new way as you soak in the diverse wonders of the Lower Ganges aboard your spectacular floating retreat.
In the elegant East India Dining Room, your Executive Chef oversees an expert team using fresh local produce to cater for delicious dining experiences.
Wine and local beer are included with all lunches and dinners, while daily cocktails, tea and coffee are included on board throughout your entire cruise.
Embodying the grace of the British colonial era, all suites are spacious and boast a private Panoramic Balcony.
With highly trained and experienced staff on board, you’ll be treated with the highest levels of personalised service for which APT is renowned.
With the boutique Ganges Voyager accommodating just 56 guests, you’re assured a gracious and personalised experience on board.
The Sun Deck’s Governor’s Lounge and outdoor Observation Deck offer panoramic views, while the Voyager Spa and Fitness Centre are sure to impress.
Booking Terms & Conditions
Advertised price based on 25 October 2026 departure, price is per person twin share. Pricing is correct as of 08 January 2026, includes offer discount and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions. Single supplement may also apply. Offer valid for bookings made by 31 January 2026.
This 11 day Trafalgar Best of Sri Lanka tour will take you to Colombo, Kandy and Galle as you experience the magnificent countryside and historic cities.
Sri Lankan leopard
