Glimpse of the Past
4 Day tour of Sri Lanka
Walk among the Kingdoms built by the local rulers such as the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth Relic which are considered as World Heritages by the UNESCO. Discover the secrets of the Commercial City of Sri Lanka, Colombo and visit the beautiful destinations in the Urban City. Visit the home of the Gentle Giants in Pinnawala and have a chance to visit the Spice Gardens in Matale and have a good understanding of the Spices and their uses. Have a cup of tea and a sip of some local toddy to feel the true unique taste of it.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
- Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.
Itinerary
Dambulla - 1 Night
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)
Later in the evening visit 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.
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 02
After the breakfast at the checkout and visit Sigirya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 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.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy, en route make a pause at Matale and visit a 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 ½ to 2 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 demonstration 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 in Spice Garden.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)Later go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks.
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.
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.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency
Colombo - 1 Night
Day 03
After the breakfast at the hotel visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
The 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 return to the hotel and check out and proceed to Pinnawala and visit the Pinnawla Elephant Orphanage. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 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 Colombo and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs) Towards the evening go and explore the Commercial city of Sri Lanka, Colombo
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. Enjoy the nightlife as you party till the morn.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Firway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand
Departure
Day 04
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 310 Per Person
When to go on this trip?
The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is All-Year-Round. The climate in Sri Lanka at these locations are such that you can enjoy this tour anytime.
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.
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.