Wonders of South Asia: Nepal and Sri Lanka Tour

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our representatives from Aarya Village Travel shall meet, assist and transfer you to your hotel. As you enjoy the welcome drinks, you shall be briefed about the scheduled program while the rest of the day shall be at your leisure.

After Breakfast start full day sightseeing at UNESCO Heritage sites; Sightseeing at Patan Durbar Square can be a very unique experience for visitors as they witness a distinct place for arts and architecture that is reflected on each temple, monument and palace building that were mostly built during the Malla period between the 16th to 18th centuries.
We will explore its unique Durbar Squares. In every corner & alley of Patan you can see Thangka painters, filling color to ancient Gods and Goddess on canvases, fine metal shops that offer Buddha's exotic, handmade brass sculpture at very reasonable prices. You can taste local cuisine as well in Patan's alleys.
Then onward, the tour is headed towards Swayambhunath- A Monkey Temple from where you can see the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, a tribute to Buddhism, consists of a dome at the base representing the entire world. Painted eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. A curly symbol, symbolizing the nose represents the unity of all things existing in the world. Prayer wheels surround the whole dome. The evening views of Kathmandu valley and sunset from hilltop will be a memorable experience for you.
From there, the tour is directed towards Boudhanath. This is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It is the largest stupa in Kathmandu Valley. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudha is massive and dominates the skyline in the area, it is one of the largest unique structures in the world. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos and as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa).
In the evening drive to Pashupatinath Temple, a famous, sacred Hindu Temple dedicated to lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Dating back to the 5th century. While the main temple interior is off limits to non-Hindus there is a lot to experience in the surrounding area. Legend says that whoever comes here to worship Shiva will be reborn as an animal. Pashupatinath is a considerable complex of temples, ashrams, with images and inscriptions dating back centuries.
Observe an Aarati (celebration with lights) at the Bank of Bagmati River. The "Aarati" at the banks of Bagmati River on the eastern side of the temple draws people in hordes. This evening ritual with chanting of Vedic mantras, ringing of bells, burning of incense, and lighting of oil lamps, a band singing hymns in praise of god, playing of classical instruments, keep the people spellbound throughout.

Today we drive to Bandipur for around 5-6 hours. Bandipur is a Newari Cultural Village, is rich in history, traditional architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. From here can view the beautiful chain of mountains -Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal from Tundikhel. Evening walk around admiring the vistas, chat with the friendly local people, and admire their local way of life

After short exploration at Bandipur town in the morning drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 900m from sea level. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic
After getting short refreshment at hotel, start sightseeing at
Bindhyabasini temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga sits perched atop a hill. At this temple, rituals and pujas are performed on different occasions to please goddess Bhagwati.
Devi's Fall, a waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal which has no end. It is known as Patale Chango, which means underworld waterfall
Gupteshwor cave is recognized as one of the longest caves in Nepal with a length that exceeds 2000 meters and the cave interior consists of deposition of calcium carbonate and surrounding limestone
Later we will take you for an hour boating at Phewa Lake. Visit Tala Barahi temple in the middle of Lake

After Breakfast drive to World Peace Pagoda. Enjoy beautiful views of Pokhara city, Sarangkot hills and the Himalayas from Stupa. Shanti Stupa, as it is also known, was built as a symbol of peace. It is the first World Peace Pagoda in Nepal. The pagoda is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter. The white pagoda has two tiers for tourists and religious visitors to circumambulate.
After a short excursion at Peace Pagoda, we start hiking to Kalabang. The quaint location offers an alternative to the crowded viewpoint at Sarangkot, with spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. Phewa Tall's waters stretch out disappearing into the surrounding hills. On certain seasons the horizon is blurred between the sky and the lake.
Here we will have lunch hosted by a local family and later, escorted by a local, we will visit Pumdi village. Drive to lakeside. Rest of the day free on your own.

After Breakfast drive to Lumbini, which takes around 6-7 hour drive. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha the founder of Buddhism, known as the enlightened one. If we reach Lumbini around the sunset time, we can stroll around the local market to get a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Visit Mayadevi temple which is built on the exact place where Buddha was born. Spend some time wandering around the gardens or you can meditate under a Bodhi Tree, an impressive tree covered in prayer flags beside the sacred Mayadevi pond, where Buddhas mother is said to have bathed before giving birth to Buddha.

Today our guide will hire a rickshaw for monasteries exploration. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha also known as Siddartha Gautama, revered as the founder of Buddhism. Is an enormously large area - 4.8 km (3 mi) in length and 1.6 km (1.0 mi) in width. , consisting of ancient as well as recently built temples, monasteries and museums by Buddhist organizations from various countries including - Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and Burmese, Korean, Nepal, Malaysian, Germany etc. Lumbini is one of the most sacred sites for pilgrimage pivotal to the life of Buddha.

After breakfast drive to Chitwan for around 4-5 hours. After checking into the hotel and getting refreshed you will be briefed about the nature programs by a naturalist guide. Then we head on for activities,
• Guided tour to Tharu village (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Walk on the bank of Rapti river.
• Sundowner.
• Tharu cultural dance performance by villagers (one hour)

Wake Up call with a cup of hot tea or coffee. After breakfast on your choice go for
• Bird watching with naturalist guide (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Canoe ride (half an hour), an opportunity to see 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the only fish eating Gharial.
• Jeep safari at National Park/Community forest (3-4 hours), you will have an opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, monkeys, leopard, sloth, and the Royal Bengal Tiger if you get lucky.
• Nature walk to see different floras and faunas in National Park (around an hour or depends on your interest)
• Slide show presentation by expert

After breakfast, the journey from Chitwan to Kathmandu takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can check into your hotel and enjoy some rest and relaxation.
In the evening, take a stroll around the Thamel area and explore the bustling streets and shops at your own pace. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and indulge in some shopping or try out the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Our representative will transfer you to the airport and you will fly to Sri Lanka.
Upon your arrival at the airport terminal, please make your way towards the arrival section, and once you have completed the immigration and customs process, please keep an eye out for your tour guide, who will be waiting for you with a signboard displaying your name.
Your tour guide will be easily recognizable and will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. They will also provide you with all the necessary information you need to get started on your journey in Negombo.
Next, your tour guide will accompany you to your transportation, which will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Negombo. As you make your way to your hotel, your guide will share some insights about the local culture and traditions of Sri Lanka, giving you a glimpse of what to expect during your stay in Negombo.
Overnight stay in Negombo

After breakfast, head to Anuradhapura, the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th Century B.C., famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the most stable and durable center of political power and urban life in South Asia during its period. Sri Maha Bodhi, a 2,200-year-old sacred Bo-Tree, is the oldest documented tree in the world, and it was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. You'll also see the famous 'Samadhi' Buddha statue, dating back to the 4th century AD, which depicts the Buddha in deep meditation.
Later, visit Mihintale, a mountain peak revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Stay overnight in Anuradhapura.
Stay overnight in Anuradhpaura

After breakfast, climb the Sigiriya "Fortress in the Sky," a 5th-century wonder built by King Kashyapa. Visit Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, to see ruins of the Royal Palace and splendid Buddha statues. Highlights include Lankatilake, Thivanka, and Thuparama shrines, Gal Vihare rock shrine, and Vata-da-ge.
Stay overnight in Habarana

In the morning, you will visit a local village to explore typical village houses and take a short walk to the lake to enjoy a catamaran ride and breathtaking views. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a local lunch with villagers and visit a farm with a farmer's treehouse. Don't miss the chance to taste a freshly cut coconut from his trees.

After lunch, visit the Dambulla cave temples, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, which dates back to the third and second centuries BC (1st century BC to 993 AD). The temple is famous for the five cave temples on a rock that was donated by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to Buddhist monks. The first three caves are older, better, and larger than the other two. All the walls and ceilings of the five caves are covered with Buddhist murals, and you can find more than 130 Buddha statues, as well as statues of gods and kings.
Stay overnight in Habarana

Visit a spice garden in Matale en route to Kandy where you can see and purchase various spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. You can also have a Sri Lankan style homemade lunch if interested. Afterward, proceed to Kandy and take a tour of the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.

In Kandy, you can drive around the lake built by the last Sinhala king in 1798 and visit the bazaar, arts and crafts center, gem museum, and lapidary. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional dances of Sri Lanka.
Stay overnight in Kandy

After breakfast, you will transfer from your hotel to Peradeniya rail station for a scenic train ride from Peradeniya to Ella. Upon arrival at Ella railway station, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Ella. The train journey is renowned for its stunning views of rolling hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. It is a popular and unique way to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. Ella is a charming hill country town with beautiful vistas, hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls.
Stay overnight in Ella

After breakfast, explore the beautiful town of Ella with its stunning scenery, including the famous Nine Arches Bridge, a popular spot for photographers and train enthusiasts. Enjoy the views of Ella Gap, a natural rock formation that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and surrounding hills.

Don't miss the opportunity to hike Little Adam's Peak, a relatively easy climb with stunning views from the summit. Take in the beautiful tea plantations and rolling hills, and be sure to have your camera ready.
Stay overnight in Ella

After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your departure flight via the southern motorway or to your preferred beach destination in Sri Lanka.
Upon your return to Kathmandu, one of our representatives will transfer you to the charming old town of Bhaktapur, known for its medieval art and architecture.
Pottery: Enjoy a leisurely guided walk at the Pottery square, where handicrafts are still made in a traditional way. Clay pots are spun and fired in the ancient ways preserving Bhaktapur's thriving trade-craft. You can indulge and fashion a clay pot and learn about this fascinating process.

Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Aarya Village Travel will transfer you to the airport for final departure to your home country.