The Diwali festival is all about colour, lights, sweets and giving and to celebrate this annual event Beyond Travel are giving some sweet deals to clients with savings of up to $500 per couple.

For those wanting a private tour, our best-selling ‘Temples, Taj and Tigers’ itinerary is now from $2345 per person twin share. Book by November 29, 2019 and receive $100 per couple in Discover More Travel Vouchers to use on any additional product.

The 13-day journey departs Delhi and travels to Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra, and Ranthambore- for safaris in the Ranthambore National Park as well as the pink city of Jaipur before returning to Delhi. It includes travelling with various modes of transportation including private car and driver, plane and rail, with 12 nights four star accommodation and daily breakfast and comprehensive sightseeing with local guides.

If you prefer a small group tour, the five star Highlights of India is also on sale with $200 off per couple for 2019 tours in November and December (book by November 29, 2019) and $300 per couple for all 2020 guaranteed departures when booked by January 31, 2019.

Offering great value with prices starting from $1330 per person for this deluxe eight-day tour staying in five star properties and a jungle resort in the famous Rathambore National Park-famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers- the tour showcases the best of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as well.

There is also a great offer for solo travellers, with a 50% discount on the single supplement on a selection of 2020 departures. These small group tours are great for solo clients wanting to experience India in comfort and security with like-minded travellers. However, single rooms are limited and sell-out early so book early for the best rates and to secure a room on your preferred departure.

For more details visit www.india-and-beyond.com.au or call 1300-363-554 to speak with a destination expert.

Our tour to Sri Lanka was unbelievable!

It was made even better by our excellent guide, DJ.

He is a real asset to your company.

– Eileen, Queensland

I have just returned from my holiday to Sri Lanka.

What a wonderful time we had.

At no time did I feel unsafe.

The staff were incredibly efficient and helpful.

Please pass on my thanks to Scope Travel in Sri Lanka and our guide, Bandu, who was the very best.

Thank you to Jennifer at Beyond Travel for her help with organising my holiday.

– Judy, Queensland

8 June 2018

SRI Lanka & Beyond is offering Australian travellers set on seeing the Indian Ocean’s tear-drop island in 2018 the chance to save over $3000 per couple – or $2,500 for solo travellers – on a visit.

The new Classic Sri Lanka is a hosted 10-day itinerary visiting Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Yala National Park, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya with the price slashed by over half to $1360 per person twin share on departures from June to December booked by June 30.

Travel by private car with your own driver-cum-guide and stay in historic hotels around the island including a two-night stop at the five-star Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and an overnight break at the four-star Cinnamon Wild Yala lodge in a jungle chalet where guests can watch the local wildlife while lounging beside the swimming pool or indulge in special bush dining experiences.

“In addition there are great private dining options by the lake that borders Cinnamon Wild Yala here you can dine above the water to get a great view of the surrounding landscape or barbecue close to the water’s edge which is home to many animals including crocodiles’’ explains Sri Lanka & Beyond general manager of sales and marketing Bryce Crampton.

“The new itinerary lets guests enjoy unique accommodation at the end of the day while experiencing Dambulla’s Rock Cave Temple, the ancient city at Polonnaruwa, a jeep safari through Yala National Park to see leopards and elephants, and fire dancing in Kandy.’’

(as published in Escape Travel)

Sadly, we are finishing our journey through Sri Lanka today. We’ve now reached Colombo, the bustling capital city which is known for its diversity, architecture and its impressive religious temples. But with the our time at an end and no more worries about carrying our luggage, we are hitting the bazaar!

From action-packed to laid-back – we are now in the station of Nuwara Eliya. This is a district whose heritage harks back to the days of old England, dotted with old bungalows and red telephone boxes. It’s lush and green and most well-known for being the home of tea in Sri Lanka. Our accommodation overlooks the beautiful fields, but if you want a closer look, there is also a train journey that goes right through.

Today we are in ‘Kolourful’ Kandy. Beyond the busy local streets and markets, iIt’s a spectacular city with the emphasis really on spectacle; a place that really comes to life in the evenings with the opportunity to witness offerings at the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (this is known as “pooja”) or admire fire-walkers in a Kandyan dance demonstration.

It only seems right on a Sunday to visit Dambulla Caves, one of the most famed places of worship in the country. It’s a well-preserved cave temple complex dating back to the 1st century, and houses some of the most sacred images of Buddha. Whilst the city itself is a commercial hub – Dambulla is the food-bowl of Sri Lanka with its fertile plains; the fact it is such an important holy place is what draws people to it. This should not be missed.

There’s a rumble in the jungle! The last 24 hours have been rather exciting – hopping on a jeep safari out to Minneriya national park to see elephants. Then journeying back through thick forest in the middle of night; the rare light from a house or a shop just piercing the darkness. The tranquillity of such a remote location is very much appreciated, but we’re looking forward to some colour and splendour in our next destinations – Dambulla and Kandy!

There was no time for a sleep in this morning – heading straight to Polonnaruwa, which is an ancient royal capital city in Sri Lanka. It’s the perfect place to go wandering or bike riding, as the location is so compact and there are so many ruins to explore in the archaeological park. It’s a much-needed peaceful place to be amongst the beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues. The time out is needed as over this weekend, we’ll be going wild through jungles and national parks.

After a picturesque drive through some chaotic city streets, small towns, and past a few roadside carts, we’ve reached our destination – Sigirya Rock. It’s better known as the Lion Rock, and for sure its going to take the courage of such an animal to scale up to it! Within its vertical walls it promises the remnants of a 5th century city. Hopefully, we will see you again tomorrow as we head to Polonnaruwa.

Touchdown! Today we are in the seaside town of Negombo, famous for its 17th century Dutch fort which is now a prison. We’re staying overnight near the Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts and fresh seafood markets. It’s a short visit as tomorrow we are off to Sigiriya.