Adventurous Spirit
18 Day tour of Sri Lanka
What may strike you most about Sri Lanka is its amazing geographical diversity. Within a tiny area of 65,610 sq.km you could get the experience of several continents. Visit the lush green tea estates of the hill country. Wander around the plains of Hill Country and witness the nature of the commercial city of Sri Lanka as well. Have a truly Sri Lankan experience with a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh King Coconuts. A tour of immense charm.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
- Adrenaline Rush – Whitewater Rafting in Kitulgala.
- Into the Wild – Safaris in Yala & Minneriya National Parks.
- Little England – Cold, Scenic Peaks and Cozy Little Towns of Ella & Nuwara Eliya.
- On the Shores – Explore the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.
Itinerary
Negambo - 1 Night
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport at TBA hrs. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffeur guide from Lakpura. Evening do a city tour around 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.
On completion of the day check into the hotel and relax.
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 the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Anuradhapura. En-route visit Mihintale and climb the great black rock full of Culture and heritage. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)
Visit the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. See the spot where the meeting of King Devanampiyatissa and Monk Mahinda took place. View the monastic ruins at the foot of the mountain. Walk in the footsteps of Mahinda as you visit the cave where he resided. View historic stupas, Ambasthala Dagoba and the Maha Stupa. Enter the ruins of an age long past to understand its impact on the history of Sri Lanka.
Thereafter proceed to Anuradhapura and explore the first kingdom of Sri Lanka.
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 scatter all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.
On completion check into the hotel and relax.
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 the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
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.
Thereafter check into the hotel and relax. Towards the evening go and explore the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Thereafter proceed to Sigiriya. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 mins)
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.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 04
After the breakfast at the hotel go and visit the City of Polonnaruwa. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
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.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on an evening safari in the Minneriya National Park. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight
Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama
Pasikudha - 3 Nights
Day 05
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Pasikudha. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs) evening leisure at the beach resort.
Day 06
Spend the day leisurely enjoying the facilities provided by the hotel. (engage in activities such as Snorkeling etc)
Day 07
After the breakfast at the hotel go proceed towards the Pigeon Island.
Visit the Pigeon Island National Park consisting of the smaller pigeon island and larger pigeon island and the coral reef that encircles the larger island. See the rock pigeon that makes the island its breeding grounds. Explore the islands to see the many coral types and fauna that can be found here
On completion return to the hotel and relax by the beautiful coasts of Pasikudha.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Amethyst Resort
Standard Option (4 Star) – Amaya Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Uga Bay Pasikuda
Kandy - 2 Nights
Day 08
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Kandy. En-route make a stop in Matale and visit the Matale Spice Gardens. (Travel Time: 4 to 4 ½ hrs)
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. Take part in a traditional cooking class that shows you how to make Sri Lankan cuisine while making full use of spices. Learn to make roti or create curry powder from scratch in one of the workshops.
Thereafter proceed to kandy and check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs) Towards the evening go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.
The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 09
After the breakfast at the hotel go and visit the Temple of the 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 proceed to Pinnawala and visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat, located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the best place for an up close and personal experience with the world’s largest land mammals! Today with 70 elephants herein, Pinnawela has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world.
Thereafter proceed to Peradeniya and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.
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
Kithulgala - 2 Nights
Day 10
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Kithulgala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs) En-route Visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country. Get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea.
Ramboda Falls is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and located by the Pussellawa. Ramboda falls consists of three sections. You will get a good view of the middle section of the A5 highway, just above the bridge. This is very small in size with compared to other parts. You can get a far view of the top part from the main road, but not the complete view of the fall. You need to climb up to see the top part of the Ramboda falls and there is a pathway just before the bridge. You may find the climbing bit difficult, but you will be compensated with the great view of the top fall and the surrounding.
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.
On completion check into the hotel and relax.
Day 11
After the breakfast engage in activities provided by the hotel and enjoy the adventurous services provided by the hotel.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – The Plantation Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Palmstone Retreat
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Palmstone Retreat
Ella - 1 Night
Day 12
With an early breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Nuwara Eliya and catch the train to the beautiful city of Ella. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
The Nuwara Eliya to Ella train journey takes you on scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant greens carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Haputale. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows.
Thereafter explore the beautiful city of Ella.
Explore the city of Ella and it’s 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 check into the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Ella Gap Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort
Yala - 2 Nights
Day 13
After the breakfast at the hotel have a small trek around the city of Ella and its natural beauties. Thereafter check out from the hotel and proceed to Yala and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs) Spend the evening leisurely getting ready for the early morning safari in the next day.
Day 14
With a packed breakfast go on a full day safari in the Yala National Park.
This amazing three-hour Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala
Galle - 3 Nights
Day 15
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Galle. En-route visit the Hummanaya Blow hole. (Travel Time: 4 to 4 ½ hrs)
Explore the wonders of the Hummanaya, which could possibly be the second largest blowhole in the world. Watch the impressive spraying fountain of sea water near the village of Kudawella that is part of Sri Lanka’s natural geology. Listen to the deep humming noise that gives the Hummanaya its name.
Thereafter proceed to Galle and check into the hotel. Towards the evening go and explore the ancient city of Galle.
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.
On completion check into the hotel and relax.
Day 16
After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel visit Madu River and go on a lovely boat safari. (Travel Time: 50 to 60mins)
Go on a wonderful two-hour 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 water birds in their natural habitats.
Thereafter proceed to Kosgoda and visit the 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.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 17
With a packed breakfast go on a lovely whale watching safari in the Coasts of Mirissa.
This five-hour tour gives you an opportunity to see the biggest mammals on earth, the whales, in their natural habitat. Get a chance to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales as they swim in the waters to the south of Sri Lanka. Gain more knowledge about the whales as a species from a qualified naturalist and learn to identify them. This tour gives you a responsible whale watching experience with a minimal imprint on nature.
On completion return to the hotel and spend the day leisurely.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Sevonra Garden
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cantaloupe Levels
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Lighthouse
Departure
Day 18
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 1625 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. Discuss with our travel expert to help you decide.
Our Experts are ready to help
For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.
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.