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| Duration | Destination | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 12 days and 11 nights | Sri Lanka (Colombo, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Kandy, Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Udawalawa, Galle, Beruwela) | Sri Lanka (Colombo) |
Day 1:
Airport – Colombo
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our Airport Representative and your assigned driver guide or tour manager who will escort you throughout your stay with us. Fast Track arrival service can be arranged upon request. Online Visa can be obtained at www.eta.gov.lk
Thereafter transfer to Colombo and check-in at your overnight hotel after 1400hrs. (Approximate duration- 45 minutes) Overnight stay at the hotel.
Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 2:
Colombo – Dambulla- Habarana
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Check Out and explore the capital of Colombo – Panoramic Colombo city tour
The city of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city, is a blend of both historic value and modern vibes. Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers, and one of the first things you will notice on your tour is how diverse the city has become. The wide array of Buddhist and Hindu temples, mosques, and churches reflect the various beliefs practiced all over the island, and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern shopping arcades. Your insightful tour takes you past the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the Pettah Bazar area, the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, the Old Parliament complex, The Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park, the Independence Square.
Thereafter continue your journey to Dambulla.
(Approximate Duration 4 hours drive). Upon arrival visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
Dating back to the first Century BC, Dambulla is a vast cave complex, converted into a rock temple that is still regarded today as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. Covering the rock ceiling is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple, and surrounding you is the highest number of Buddha statues found in one single place. As you wander through the temple, notice the serenity and the exceedingly well-preserved nature of the place. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to your hotel (Approximately a 30-minute drive) and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 3:
Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya –Habarana
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and continue your journey to visit ancient Polonnaruwa sites (Approximately Duration 1.5 hours drive).
An interesting blend of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic man-made reservoir was appropriately named “Parakrama Samudra”, or “the sea of Parakrama”, due to its enormous size. Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity, and strength. Polonnaruwa also boasts ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moonstones, and royal baths. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, this whole site can also be
explored on bike and your guide will be more than happy to arrange this for you at a cost.
Before heading back to your hotel continue to Optional - visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Approximate Duration 1 hour drive).
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising up 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the fifth Century and served as a royal citadel for more than 1 8 years, something that seems more astonishing with every step you climb. Pause occasionally during your ascent to admire the mirror wall, the sigiri graffiti, the famous Sigiriya frescoes (paintings) and the great lion paws. Upon reaching the summit you’ll immediately see that it was worth the effort. Wander through the ruins and admire the courage and work it must have taken to build this palace all those years ago. Aside from the ruins, with the unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills, it will not just be the climb that takes your breath away.
Return to your hotel (Approximately Duration 30 minutes drive) and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 4:
Habarana – Matale – Kandy
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, checkout, and continue your journey to Matale and visit a Spice Garden including a cookery demonstration (Approximate Duration 1.5 hours drive).
Continue your journey to Kandy (approximately Duration 1 hour drive) and visit Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Built during the 16th Century, the Temple of the Tooth is one the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The Relic of the Tooth is kept in a two-story inner sanctum. The ‘Thevava’ or auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic takes place three times a day at pre-set times and a visit during this time is quite an experience. The resident monks demonstrate this age-old tradition as you become surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense. In July / August (this may vary) the whole city comes to life as the Kandy Esala Perehara pageant takes place in honor of the Relic.
Optional: Witness to Kandyan dance performance
Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy city. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 5:
Kandy
After breakfast In the morning, a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. (Optionally done on buggies) (Approximate duration of the excursion 2 hours)
Bandara Palipana, an experienced botanist, on a fascinating walk through the scenic Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, located in the hill capital of Kandy. Palipana has worked in the gardens, which house over 4,000 species of plants and trees, for well over 30 years. Listen as he shares stories of the garden’s history and the precious live collections gathered over the past centuries. He explains how this ancient royal pleasure garden transformed into a botanical garden in 1821 and also about the ‘Grand Circle’ where world leaders have donated and planted trees since 1875. As you stroll along under the canopy of the trees, he points out features such as the bamboo collection, Palm Avenue and the herbal plants, which are in fact his favorite. Undoubtedly the most colorful collection is the orchids, where a priceless collection of over 300 varieties bloom in all their glory.
Explore the Sri Lankan gem lapidary & Kandy city .
If you are interested in seeing some gems up close and learning about how they are locally mined, processed, and cut for sale in the marketplace, the introduction to the gem trade offers an eye-opening education in one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most fabled industries.
Start the experience with an introduction to gems on how and where they are mined. The explanation would give you a basic understanding of the characteristics and how the gems are values by professionals.
Watch how the artisan carefully cut and polish the gems, noting the best way to craft the shape of individual stones. Once the stones are polished, take a look through the lights and while you sit with a veteran artisan to discuss about the days learning and the stones that you.
Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure enjoying hotel facilities.
Day 6:
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, check in and later proceed to a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya. (Approximate Duration- 3 hours). On the way enjoy a visit to a Tea Factory and learn the process of Ceylon Tea making.
The stunning drive to Nuwara Eliya is a photographer’s paradise. Pause every now and again to admire the gushing waterfalls, the vast tea terraces, the old tea factories, and the expansive vegetable fields along the way. Upon arrival at Nuwara Eliya, you will notice the sudden drop in temperature. With log fires and blankets in the Victorian-style bungalows and the beautifully kept lawns and flower gardens, it is no wonder this part of the world has become known as ‘Little England’. Visit the Haggala Botanical Gardens, Gregory’s Lake, or the Seetha Amman Hindu Temple. Wander through the fruit and vegetable markets and strike a bargain at the ‘bale’ market. Break up the day with freshly brewed Ceylon tea and homemade strawberry jam on toast, or for those into golf, tee off at the Nuwara Elya Golf Club (payable locally).
Check in to your overnight hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 7:
Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala
This morning board the train from Nanuoya railway station in Nuwara Eliya to the hill station of Ella. This journey is considered one of the most scenic railway journeys through the highlands of Sri Lanka. As you roll past the emerald tea estates that blanket the mountains, you cannot help but indulge in the unmistakable aroma of pure Ceylon tea. This hill country train ride usually takes around three and a half hours, depending on the local railway regulations.
Note: As scenic train journeys are expected to provide a truly local experience you are likely to share the compartment with both locals and tourists. The train seats are subject to availability and tickets can be obtained only closer to the travel date on First, Second, Third or Observation Class compartments in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Department of Railways. The First-Class compartment is air conditioned while the non-air-conditioned compartments allow guests the chance to experience the cool hill country weather. Also, enjoy excellent photo opportunities. Although every effort will be made to ensure our guests are given top priority with compartment class, there is no guarantee.
(Train schedule times & train tickets are strictly subject to availability /non-AC normal compartment)
When you arrive at Ella Station, you will be met at the Ella station and driven to enjoy the view of Ella Gap and Rawana waterfalls.
Proceed to Yala. Approximate Duration- 3 hours).
Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 8:
Yala
Early morning enjoy a game drive to Yala National Park with your local ranger.
Proceed to the deep south of the island and venture out on a game drive in search of native wildlife through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national parks. The park covers an area of 151,778 hectares comprising of five blocks, one of which contains a strict nature reserve. Currently, only Block I, covering 14,100 hectares, is open to the public. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot three of Sri Lanka’s “Big Five” endangered animals on one single safari, since the S ri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, and elephant can all be found here. In fact, the park is known to have one of the highest densities of leopards in a concentrated area.
We recommend an early morning or late afternoon game drive to elevate your chances of spotting the most animals, although the mini night safaris on the outskirts -which use night-vision infrared lights – are also extremely fun. Whilst searching for the elusive leopard, herds of spotted deer, Mugger crocodiles, wild boar, wild buffaloes, langurs, and peacocks also provide brilliant photograph opportunities. Bird lovers will particularly enjoy the display of over 200 different species, including large flocks of migratory birds.
Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 9:
Yala – Udawalawe – Galle – Beruwela
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out, and continue your journey to Udawalawe and visit Elephant Transit Home for the morning feeding session (Approximate Duration- 1.5 hours).
Located in Udawalawe, in close vicinity to the famous Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 to care for orphaned elephants. These abandoned elephant calves are nurtured and rehabilitated with the ultimate hope of re-introducing them back into the wild, as soon as they are fit enough to fend for themselves. The elephant calves are fed daily with rich nutrient milk formula, making feeding time one of the best times of the day to visit. The elephant calves are allowed to graze freely during daylight hours and are constantly under the surveillance of a team of well -trained veterinarians.
Continue your journey to Galle (Approximate Duration- 2.5 hours) and explore the Fort in Tuk Tuks.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive Fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and further fortified by the Dutch, remains standing today with only a few changes and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries. Explore the Galle Fort on foot at your own pace, perhaps paying a visit to the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions, the lighthouse, and the souvenir shops along the way. Early evening is the perfect time to climb the ramparts and sip a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea, or perhaps something stronger (payable locally), as you gaze upon the setting sun.
Continue to your hotel in Beruwala (Approximate Duration- 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 10:
Beruwela
Enjoy a full day at leisure enjoying beach and hotel amenities.
Day 11:
Beruwela
Enjoy a full day at leisure enjoying beach and hotel amenities.
Day 12:
Beruwela-Airport
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport in time to connect with the international flight for departure. (Approximate Duration- 2 hours drive)
Acco mmodation on Hal f B oard basis at hotels (Br eak fast & Dinn er)
• Transportat ion by an air -c onditioned p rivate luxury vehicl e as per the ab ove it i nerary
06 Pax – Microvan with en with an English-speaking chauffeur Guide
07 to 12 Pax – Mini Coach
13 to 25 Pax – 33-Seater Medium size coach
26 to 36 Pax – 45 Seater Large size coach
37 to 45 Pax – 52-Seater Large size coach
• Group’s over 20 pa x fo r two single roo ms – 10 % r eduction on sing le suppl ement exc luding Jan to
March 202 4 & Novemb er 2 024
• Servi ces o f an Eng lish -sp ea king lo cal tour mana ger th roughout the tour
• Entrances
Dambulla Cave Temple
Polonnaruwa
Kandy Temple of the Tooth relic
Peradeniya Garden with botanist (Host is subject to availability) Train ride from Nanu oya to Ella – Subject to availability
Tea Factory visit
One half-day game drive at Yala National Park with a local ranger (Private basis) Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Tuk tuk rides in Galle
Galle Museum
• Porter ag e at the h otels & airport
• Curr ently appli cabl e gov er nment t axes
Complementary Operational Amenities
• Two bottles of chilled mineral water per person per day • Complimentary Wi-Fi in all transfer vehicles • Comfort Kit in the vehicle: Wet wipes, Toilet paper, Hand sanitizer, First aid box & mosquito repellent. • Cool box, umbrellas or raincoats available in the vehicle • Tour operator branded reserved signs for table reservations at restaurants • Daily sanitization of vehicles • Wheelchairs and/or booster seats available on request
International flights
• Fast track services at the airport for Arrival USD 70.00 per person
• Fast track services at the airport for Departure USD 85.00 per person
• Arrival & d epartur e port er age at th e ai rport
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Any other services not specified above
• Tips throughout the tour
• Cost for optional visits.
• Local flights not specified
• Meals other than those specified above
• Video /camera permits
| Day | Overnight | Itinerary highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 Stars or similarColombo |
Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo Colombo |
| 2 | 5 Stars or similarHabarana | Colombo |
| 3 | 5 Stars or similarHabarana |
Sigiriya Polonnaruwa |
| 4 | 5 Stars or similarKandy |
Habarana Matale |
| 5 | 5 Stars or similarKandy | Peradeniya |
| 6 | 5 Stars or similarNuwara Eliya | Kandy |
| 7 | 5 Stars or similarYala |
Nuwara Eliya Ella |
| 8 | 5 Stars or similarYala | |
| 9 | 5 Stars or similarBeruwela |
Yala Udawalawa Galle |
| 10 | 5 Stars or similarBeruwela | |
| 11 | 5 Stars or similarBeruwela | |
| 12 |
Beruwela Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo Colombo |
| Place | Private Tour |
|---|---|
| Colombo | Cinnamon Lakeside or similar |
| Habarana | Cinnamon Lodge or similar |
| Kandy | Cinnamon Citadel or similar |
| Nuwara Eliya | Grand Hotel or similar |
| Yala | Jetwing Yala or similar |
| Beruwela | Cinnamon Bey or similar |
