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Advent Ceylon

Sandy Beaches

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Advent Ceylon

13 Day tour of Sri Lanka

Advent Ceylon is a near fortnight tour of the Peal of the Indian Ocean. Experience a dose of culture, heritage, wildlife, adventure, and everything in between as you begin your journey from the marvelous ruins and magnificent monuments of ancient Ceylon, uncovering and learning the deep history that dates back several centuries. Your adventure will take you to the highest, cold, misty peaks and the sleepy little villages and towns that live freely and peacefully between the evergreen hills. Conquer the wilderness of some of Sri Lanka’s most famous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and finally relax free and easy on the golden shores with turquoise blue-green oceans along the southern coastal belt of the island. This is a tour of immense charm.

Highlights

  • World Class – Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
  • Into the Wild – Sinharaja Rain Forest & Udawalawa National Park
  • Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale
  • Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture
  • Misty Mountains – Evergreen peaks and cosy little towns in Nuwara Eliya & Ella
  • On the Shores – Southern Coast; the Postcolonial City of Galle and the Galle Dutch Fort
  • Urban Adventure – Discover the commercial hub, Colombo

Itinerary

Negambo - 1 Night

Day 01

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura Travels. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins) Later go a city tour around Negombo

Negombo

Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo

Anuradhapura - 1 Night

Day 02

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Anuradhapura En route make a pause at Panduwasnuwara and explore the ancient kingdom.

Panduwasnuwara Kingdom

Explore the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara, which was briefly the capital during the 12th century. Wander amongst the ruins of the city with its pagodas, image houses, meeting halls and the citadel. Visit the now restored former temple of the tooth relic, which lies just outside the citadel’s walls. View the palace and listen to the many legends that surround it.

Thereafter proceed to Anuradhapura and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs.) Later in the evening go and explore the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura.

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scattered all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. And also witness great monuments such the Ruwanwelisaya and Thuparamaya. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.

On completion, return to the hotel.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Heritage Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Lakeside At Nuwarawewa
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Ulagalla By Uga Escapes

Dambulla - 2 Nights

Day 03

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Dambulla.En route make a pause at avukana Buddha statue. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs.)

Aavukana Buddha statue

This visit takes you to the majestic 40-foot rock sculpture in Avukana is one of the classical examples of Standing Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. You will be able to see the marvellous crafting of the statue in its being carved from a single rock and standing unsupported except for a single thin attachment at the back; the delicately carved folds of the robe; and the cleanly sculpted body structure. The partially collapsed structures around it point to it once having been sheltered in an image house.

Thereafter visit Sasseruwa Buddha Statue.

Sasseruwa Buddha Statue

Right after visiting the Avukana Buddha Statue, you will be able to view the Sasseruwa statue which lies a mere quarter hour away. Notice the similarities of this incomplete statue with the Avukana Buddha Statue. Listen to the interesting legends surround this statue and its half-finished state. Visit the cave monastery and the marvellous ancient image houses that lie close by.

Thereafter continue to Dambulla and visit Cave Temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

On completion proceed to the hotel and check-in.

Day 04

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya and climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. (Travel Time: 30 to 40mins)

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Thereafter proceed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Polonnaruwa

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

On completion return back to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama

Kandy - 1 Night

Day 05

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Kandy. En route make a pause at Matale and visit Spice Garden and do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Matale Spice Tour

The Matale Spice Tour gives you a hands-on experience of a Spice & Herbal Garden within the Spice capital of Sri Lanka, Matale. Here you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and their uses. The garden is enriched with herbs, spice groves, and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that heighten the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Apart from gaining knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, this unique tour also lets you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Later in the evening Go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. And visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Thereafter watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music.

Kandy Cultural Show

Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives you an opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s traditions. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get mesmerized by fire dances, sword dances, and watch the talented Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming, primal beat of the drums.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency

Nuwara Eliya - 1 Night

Day 06

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Nuwara Eliya.  En-route make a stop at the Ramboda Falls and see the majestic force of Ramboda Falls and get Get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Tea Factory Visit

Tea Factory to learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as ‘tea pluckers’ as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets.Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.

Thereafter continue to Nuwara Eliya and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2hrs) Later in the evening go and explore the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya.

Explore the beautiful city

The highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas, and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase an inexpensive and colourful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

On completion return back to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Summer Hill Breeze
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing St.Andrews
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Tea Factory

Udawalawa - 2 Nights

Day 07

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Ella and go on a lovely city tour in Ella. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Witness the Marvellous of Ella

Explore the city of Ella and its most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka.

Thereafter continue your journey to Udawalawe and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Day 08

With packed breakfast proceed to Udawalwe National Park to go on a lovely jeep safari.

Udawalwe National Park

Enjoy a safari which would give you a chance to explore the amazing Udawalawe National Park. Travel through the marshes, forests and grasslands of the park that was created as a sanctuary for wildlife in the 1970s. See the water birds and Sri Lankan elephants for which the park is famed. Catch glimpses of the other mammals and birds, as well as the reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

Thereafter return to the Hotel and Relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Centauria Wild
Standard Option (4 Star) – Centauria Wild
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Grand Udawalawe Safari

Bentota - 3 Nights

Day 09

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Sinharaja and visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve.  (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Go on a jungle safari to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Experience the virgin forest with its dense evergreen type vegetation. Feel the adventure as you listen to the screeches of monkeys and see the glimpses of colourful forest birds. Feel the spine-thrilling chill as you watch a green pit viper wind itself amongst the foliage. A wonderful opportunity for those who wish to see Mother Nature at her wildest.

On completion proceed to Bentota and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Day 10

Enjoy the day leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities.

Day 11

After breakfast proceed to Galle and visit Galle Fort. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Galle Fort

Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics

Thereafter proceed to Kosgoda and visit Sea Turtle Hatchery. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

Thereafter proceed to Balapitiya and go on a lovely boat safari in the Madu River. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins.)

Madu River

Go on a wonderful boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Earl’s Reef
Standard Option (4 Star) – The Surf
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Bey

Colombo - 1 Night

Day 12

After breakfast at the hotel go and explore the Commercial City of Sri Lanka

Colombo City Tour

Experience the colourful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.

On completion proceed to the hotel and check-in.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Fairway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand

Departure

Day 13

After breakfast at the hotel on your final day, proceed to the Colombo International Airport (CMB) and get ready for your departure after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Price Starting From:

USD 1070 Per Person

When to go on this trip?

The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from December to May. Calm south coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are traveling to.

When to book

We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.

What add-ons are available for this trip?

We can arrange for just about any add-on’s on this trip. Have a chat with one of our Tour Consultants to help you decide.

Our Experts are ready to help

For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.

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    Hotel Timing

    Standard Check in time : 1400 hrs.
    Standard Check out time : 1200 hrs.
    The above may differ from hotel to hotel. Speak to your travel expert for more details.
    We are able to arrange early check-in and late check-outs depending on the hotels you choose. However, you may be subject to additional charges.

    Booking Process

    After deciding on which trip you want to go, send us an inquiry with the requested details. If you want to further customize this trip, our travel experts would be glad to help perfect the tour itinerary for you. Once all planning is final, the next step is starting the booking process. We request for a 20% deposit to confirm the booking. On receipt of the deposit, our team will start booking your hotels and the vehicles that were agreed upon. The balance 80% payment can be made 30 to 45 days prior to the date of arrival. For cancellation and refund policies please take a look at the terms & conditions.

    Price

    The price quoted is valid till April 2018. Will be subject to seasonal supplements. Speak to your travel expert to learn more details.

    Packing Essentials

    When packing for Sri Lanka, you only need to remember that this is a tropical country. Sunny weather & warm water. Hence, packing thin cotton clothing is essential. However, if your stay includes places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella, we recommend that you pack a few sweaters just in case. You must not forget the following:

    • Effective mosquito repellent.
    • A good sunscreen.
    • (Ladies) Tampons – Nearly impossible to find outside Colombo.
    • Universal power adapter.

    Travel Insurance

    We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.

    VISA

    Visa can be obtained online via www.eta.gov.lk. You can obtain Visa on arrival as well, however, this option is not available for some countries. Do read more on this topic here.

    Travel Information

    Sri Lanka is a developing nation. Yet, there are many things you must look out for during your travel. For example; when visiting religious sites, it is important that you dress to cover. All key information you need to know before traveling is right here.