Negombo – Anuradhapura – Habarana – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala – Bentota – Colombo
Sri Lanka encompassed fabulous scenery, wildlife, culture and history with awesome 4 star hotels throughout and plenty of meals too!
Experience the best of Sri Lanka. Colourful Colombo, ancient cities, Buddhist temples, colonial relics, spice and flower gardens, tea plantations, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery in the National Parks, topped off with some blissful beach time at the end too…
Day 1 | Tuesday, 19 October 2024: Arrive at Colombo – Negombo (10 Kms / 30 Mins)
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of` the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting for you. Meet in the airport lobby for our group transfer to our hotel.
The town of Negombo is situated on the shore of a lagoon. It has been an important trading port for both the Dutch and the Portuguese in the years past. It is a beautiful seaside resort on the western part of the island of Sri Lanka. The best part is that it is just a short drive from Colombo and offers an amazing coastline lined with palms to its visitors. The natural beauty of the beach is truly breath-taking; besides it is not as busy as crowded as the capital.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
Stay overnight in hotel.
Day 2 | Wednesday, 20 October 2024: Negombo – Anuradhapura (170 Kms / 3.5 Hrs)
Breakfast is at the hotel. Later, travel by surface to Anuradhapura.
Enroute, enjoy the game drive at Wilpattu National Park.
Wilpattu Sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1938, Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. The dry zone jungle is thickly grown. Wilpattu National Park is home for many villus, or natural lakes which dot the landscape in the Wilpattu National Park, except for two, these lakes contain rainwater, thus are important for resident and migratory waterbirds. There are approximately 30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park which include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Lankan Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Buffalo, Sambar and Mongoose.
Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, transfer to the hotel & check-in.
Rest of the day at leisure
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Thursday, 21 October 2024: Anuradhapura – Habarana (60 Kms / 1 Hrs)
Breakfast is at hotel.
Morning, enjoy the cycling tour of the ancient Anuradhapura Archeological Sites.
Anuradhapura was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Ceylon. It is the home of two world heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sampling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. The Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect ”bubble shape” that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. ”Samadhi” Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of ”Samadhi” or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings.
Later, travel by surface to Habarana. Upon arrival in Habarana, transfer to hotel.
Later, enjoy 4×4 Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, 8889 hectares in extent and known for its large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake. Wild elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, Sambhur, crocodiles, jackals, 9 kinds of amphibians, 25 kinds of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties of butterflies are recorded to be inhabitants.
Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 4 | Friday, 22 October 2024: Habarana
| Sigiriya Rock Fortress |
Early morning at sunrise, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ”Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ”Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
- Excursion Duration: Time Depends on how fast you climb the visit takes anything from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hrs.
- Attire or carry along: Light cool clothing, a cap, and sunscreen, and a camera. It is advised to carry a bottle of water in a backpack.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, proceed to take part in Cooking Class and enjoy an Authentic Sri Lanka Lunch.
Indulge in typical Sri Lanka cooking lessons that promise an authentic experience as well as a delicious meal. There is a wide menu to choose from in keeping the mood and the moment. Get hand-on experience with an experienced and knowledgeable instructor and master finer points that help preserve the nutritive values and authentic taste, making it not only enjoyable meal but also a wholesome one.
Enjoy the Village Tour.
The Hiriwadunna Village Tour is your journey into the environment of a typical Sri Lankan village. The tour starts off with a ride on a farm truck along a dirt track and through rice paddies down to the picturesque Hiriwadunna Lake. The adventure continues with a traditional Catamaran Ride on the lake with its large variety of dry zone bird life and views of the surrounding forest, marshland and vegetable plots of local farmers. The tours end with a Tuk-Tuk ride up to the main road from the gravel roadsides of the lake.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 5 | Saturday, 23 October 2024: Habarana – Matale – Kandy (100 Kms/ 3 Hrs)
After breakfast
| Dambulla Cave Temple |
, visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and dates back to 1st century BC. Originally it was the refuge of King Walagamba, and the caves were later converted into a rock temple. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, the ceilings of the caves are painted with complex patterns of religious images. The caves are considered to be the finest storehouse of Sinhala art and sculptures consists of an imposing 15-metre-long reclining Buddha, 150 statues of the Buddhist order, statues of Kings and Hindu deities etc.
Later, travel by surface to Kandy.
Kandy is the last capital of Sri Lanka. It is amongst a hilly terrain and center of the city houses the most charming Kandy Lake. City lies at an elevation of 465 meters above the sea level. Kandy was last home for Kandyan Kings of yore in 19th century and fountain for all music, arts, crafts and culture in the country.
Upon arrival in Kandy, check-in at the hotel.
Evening, enjoy Cultural Dance Show. The Cultural Dance Show is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance & Cultural Heritage Show that is a must see for any visitor who visits the historic city of Kandy. It is the first Cultural Dance Show of its kind to be established in Sri Lanka.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 6 | Sunday, 24 October 2024: Kandy
Breakfast is at the hotel.
| Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy |
Later, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, and is consequently considered one of Sri Lanka’s most holy shrines. Although you may not view the actual tooth itself, the casket within which it is said to be is displayed twice a day.
- Excursion Duration: approx. 01 hour
- Light Colored clothing with sleeves and trousers or skirts below the knee length are recommended.
- Since this is a religious site – the foot ware should be removed before entering the temple premises. You can wear socks if you wish to.
Later, enjoy the city tour in Kandy including Kandy upper Lake viewpoint, lake round and Local market.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 7 | Monday, 25 October 2024: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (80 Kms / 02 Hrs)
Breakfast is at the hotel. Later, travel by surface to Nuwara Eliya. Enroute visit Ramboda Falls.
Nuwara Eliya -The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
| Tea Plucking Session |
Later, visit to tea plantation and tea factory.
Visit to Tea plantation and Tea factory where one the best tea in the world is produced. You will be explained all about the process of processing tea and also gain first-hand experience. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea which begins its journey as raw green leaves in the hills and ends up as a final golden-brown graded product which we all but know too well. Also, take part in Tea plucking season.
Enjoy tea tasting session.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 8 | Tuesday, 26 October 2024: Nuwara Eliya
| World’s End View Point |
After early breakfast, travel by surface to Horton Plains and Trek through Horton plains including Water fall visit (Approximately 14 Kms / 04 to 5 Hrs).
At 6500ft above sea level lies Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau. Nature lovers will revel in this wide, Patna-grass covered plain, the haunt of many wild, yet harmless, animals and the home of many species of birds. Bridle paths will take you to the precipice known as World’s End – a sheer drop of 1,050 meters. Waterfalls are seen and heard everywhere in this hill country.
Later, enjoy a visit to Gregory Lake and Victoria Park.
Lake Gregory is a reservoir in heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya. Lake Gregory was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. It was supposedly created for the purpose of providing electricity. However, the lake was mainly used for leisure and recreation after it was built.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 9 | Wednesday, 27 October 2024: Hatton – Ella (By Train)
Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning, enjoy the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.
| Scenic Train Ride to Ella on Nine Arches Bridge |
Board a local train for a journey through the hill country. A ride by local train to Ella is one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the world! You journey through dark tunnels on winding tracks, the famous Ceylon Tea. The rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls.
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is in the east of Colombo and situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres (3,415 ft.) above sea level. The area has a rich biodiversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than surrounding lowlands, due to its elevation. The Ella Gap allows views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka.
Visit the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adams Peak.
Nine Arches Bridge is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides. Popular rumors suggest that when construction work commenced on the bridge, the Great War began between the empires of Europe and the steel assigned for this site was reallocated to Britain’s War related projects at the battlefront. As a result, the work came to a standstill, leading the locals build the bridge with stone bricks and cement, but without steel.
Little Adams Peak is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands in the Ratnapura District and Nuwara Eliya district of the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province lying about 40 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura and 32 km southwest of the city of Hatton. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby. The region along the mountain is a wildlife reserve, housing many species varying from elephants to leopards, and including many endemic species.
Upon arrival in Ella, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 10 | Thursday, 28 October 2024: Ella – Yala (130 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Breakfast is at the hotel. Later, travel by surface to Yala. Upon arrival in Yala, transfer to hotel.
| Yala National Park |
In the afternoon, enjoy Jeep Safari in Yala National Park.
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most renowned national park and is famous for Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile and Wild Boar. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the world’s highest concentration of leopards per square kilometer. This park is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and freshwater lagoons. The areas popular with leopard are rock strewn hillocks with dense shrub in which the animals hide.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B, D)
Day 11 | Friday, 29 October 2024: Yala – Bentota (200 Kms/ 3 Hrs)
Breakfast is at hotel. Later, travel by surface to Bentota. Enroute, visit Galle Fort.
The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. The fort is a living monument, inhabited by a bustling community, within the great ramparts, massive bastions and pepper pot towers. The once sleepy Galle Fort is now a dynamic area with a distinctively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day by the beach at leisure.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 12 | Saturday, 30 October 2024: Bentota
Breakfast is at hotel.
Enjoy rest of the day by the beach at leisure.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 13 | Sunday, 31 October 2024: Bentota
Breakfast is at hotel.
Enjoy the day by the beach at leisure.
Stay overnight in hotel. (Meals: B)
Day 14 | Monday, 01 November 2024: Bentota – Colombo (145 Kms / 2.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, travel by surface to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s capital up to recent times, Colombo is a fascinating city with a cozy mixture of the past and present. It is still the commercial centre of the country. The original trading settlers – the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankan.
Later, enjoy Colombo City Tour including Pettah Market.
Enjoy a walk along the promenade of the Galle Face Green overlooking the Indian Ocean. Continue past the Dutch Hospital complex dating back to the Dutch colonial era, now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct. Experience hustle and bustle of the commercial area of the Fort.
Drive past the noisy bazaar area of Pettah or Pitakotuwa as the locals call it. Visit the Fort Railway station opened in 1917 and to-date functions as the central station for Colombo.
| The Temple of Gangaramaya |
Later, visit The Temple of Gangaramaya. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in all of Sri Lanka. The temple is built on an island that is connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge. The temple’s architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings and is situated not far from the placid waters of Beira Lake on a plot of land that was originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land.
Drive past Slave Island, Beira Lake in the heart of the city, Viharamahadevi Park, the Town hall and Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo residential area. Conclude your tour at the Independence Square, a monument built at the location where the ceremony marking the end of British rule in Ceylon took place on 4th February 1948.
Later, proceed to Pegasus Reef hotel for wash & change followed by dinner.
After dinner, transfer to Colombo International Airport to board your flight for onward destination. (Meals: B, D)
Prices are subject to currency fluctuation and availability, hotels and itinerary may change due to circumstances outside our control. All accommodation is based on twin share same sex single supplement is available at additional cost
Pricing: AUD$3850 per person twin share, single supplement additional $1200 subject to availability
Hotels:
| Days | Nights | City | Hotel Accommodation | |
| Day 01 – 02 | 1 | Negombo | Goldi Sands | |
| Day 02 – 03 | 1 | Anuradhapura | Heritage Hotel | |
| Day 03 – 05 | 2 | Habarana | Habarana Village by Cinnamon | |
| Day 05 – 07 | 2 | Kandy | Amaya Hills | |
| Day 07 – 09 | 2 | Nuwara Eliya | Araliya Red | |
| Day 09 – 10 | 1 | Ella | Oak Ray Ella Gap | |
| Day 10 – 11 | 1 | Yala | EKHO Safari | |
| Day 11 – 14 | 3 | Bentota | Centara Ceysands | |
| Day 14 | – | Colombo | Day Use at Pegasus Reef |
Inclusions: –
- 13 nights’ accommodation on double / twin sharing basis as per above mentioned hotels or similar;
- Bed and Breakfast basis except Yala National Park, Anuradhapura and Habarana where dinner is also included.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary;
- Wash & Change Room at Pegasus Reef with Dinner in Colombo;
- Daily sightseeing, excursions and entrance fee as per the program;
- Services of English-speaking National Guide throughout the travel program in Sri Lanka;
- Services of Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the program;
- Packaged water bottles, Hand Sanitizers, Wet and Dry tissues in the vehicle throughout the trip;
- Travel Sapphire Representative for assistance upon arrival and departure at the Airport;
- All currently applicable taxes.
Exclusions: –
- Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, etc.
- Meals other than those specified above.
- Any Insurance.
- Any other services not mentioned in the above inclusions.
