India Unbound’s Top 5 Must Experience in Sri Lanka and India for 2016

 

1# Galle, Sri Lanka – Surrounded by the walls of Galle Fort, the gorgeous old city offers some great sights and leisure activities. About two hours drive from the capital Colombo, what’s so appealing about Galle is the little traffic in the old city itself, which makes it an ideal place to explore by foot. Take a walking tour and enjoy the magnificent views of the ocean from atop the fortress walls of the World Heritage Galle Fort, see the Old Post Office and visit the maritime museum. Away from the sights, the old city is home to chic heritage hotels, as well as great cafes and boutiques. Meander through the shops, take in the architecture and quaint old buildings and behold sunset from the fort walls. A must visit city this year in Sri Lanka itineraries.

2# Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur – Quite simply one of the best hotel’s we’ve stayed at, and with Trip Advisor’s Best Hotel in the World award in the bag, it’s sure to be a popular choice this year. With unsurpassed service, beauty and elegance, this grand heritage Taj hotel is reason in itself to include Jodhpur, Rajasthan in a tour of India. Read our full review of Umaid Bhawan Palace here.

 

 

3# Ahmedabad, Gujarat – It’s hard to believe this is one of India’s oft forgotten places to visit, given there’s so many great experiences and sights in Ahmedabad.  There’s the magnificent House of MG hotel – with beautiful rooms and an indoor pool to cool off in; the brightly coloured textiles the region is famous for to see; the amazing Calico Museum; the very distinct Gujarati thali meals and walking tours that cover the historic homes, mosques and local markets.  Ahmedabad makes our list of places to visit in India this year.

 

4# Jaffna, Sri Lanka – Having visited Sri Lanka’s far north recently, we found plenty of things worthy of mention. After being closed to tourists for several decades, Jaffna and the northern peninsula are now open to visitors. There’s a newly re-opened rail service from Colombo that’s comfortable and travels to the newly built Jaffna railway station. Jaffna is an ideal place to base yourself to explore the north – with several new hotel properties opening there recently. Explore Jaffna’s local market and taste the unique cuisine of this region, see the temples, churches and heritage buildings within the city. Then head out on day trips to discover beaches, Buddhist temples and drive through the low-lying rice paddies. For travellers who like to explore,  Jaffna is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka this year.

5# Village Walks in India – If you’re like us, then you like to be a bit more active when you are travelling. This year why not add a bike riding tour or village walk to your India tour or Sri Lanka itinerary. A unique way to explore – bike riding or walking tours allow you to get out and experience parts of the country most travellers don’t get to. Our village walks are also a great way to interact with local communities and take in the natural beauty of the country. Our walking and cycling programs can be as easy or as hard as you like! This view from a recent village walk we did in the foothills of the Himalayas is sure to tempt you.