Trail Around Paradise
7 Day tour of Sri Lanka
How wonderful it must be to spend a week among diverse locations with features of several continents within one destination. An experience of culture, heritage, nature, wildlife and adventure awaits. Visit the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa and the Kingdom in the Hills, Kandy; enriched with culture and heritage, and go on a wild life safari in the adventurous wilderness of Minneriya where the Gentle Giants of Sri Lanka roam free amidst an abundance of other animals. Walk among the authentic scents of the spices in Matale. Feel the warmth of the sun against your skin as you relax next to the turquoise oceans on the southern coasts of Bentota.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- Into the Wild – Minneriya National Park.
- On the Shores – Explore the Southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Itinerary
Dambulla - 2 Nights
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, en route make a pause at Pinnawala and visit Pinnawala Elaphant Orphanage. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 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!
Afterwards, continue to Dambulla and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Thereafter visit the 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.
Day 02
After Breakfast at the Hotel, visit to see the Polonnaruwa ancient Kingdom. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 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 exciting Jeep Safari. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
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.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star)- Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique)- Heritance Kandalama
Kandy - 2 Nights
Day 03
After breakfast at the hotel and proceed Sigiriya and visit the the rock fortress Sigiriya. (Travel Time: 30 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.
Thereafter check out from the hotel and proceed to Kandy. En-route, make a pause at Matale and visit a Spice Garden. (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.
Thereafter, proceed to Kandy, check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Later, go on technical tours and Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.
Go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks.
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.
Day 04
After breakfast at the hotel, go on a temple tour of Kandy. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Get amazed by the wood crafting masterpiece that is the Embekke Temple. Wander through the historic and beautiful Gadaladeniya Temple and view its wonderful paintings and sculptures. Visit the Lankatilaka temple that was quite architecturally advanced for its time. See awe-striking sight of the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, the inside walls of which are covered in painstakingly restored paintings. Visit the internationally famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic with its palatial cream and gold interiors.
Thereafter proceed to Pearadeniya and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Royal Botanical Gardens, 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.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star)- Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique)- Earl’s Regency
Bentota - 2 Nights
Day 05
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Bentota. En-route make a stop at Kosgoda and visit to the Turtle hatchery. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
Sea Turtle Hatchery and Conservation
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 the hotel, check in and relax. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Walk down one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka; embraced by the warmth of the sun, the softness of the sand and the cool sea breeze. Feel the romance of the beautiful ocean at sunset. Relax in one of the luxury hotels that cluster on the beach. Watch the turtles come to nest from the sea. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing and more.
Day 06
After a relaxed morning and breakfast proceed to Balapitiya and go on a lovely boat safari in Madu River.. (Travel Time: 30 to 45 mins)
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 waterbirds in their natural habitats.
Galle Fort Guided Walking Tour
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 return back 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
Departure
Day 07
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 600 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?
- Ella Rock Hike.
- Handugoda Tea Factory.
- Madu River Boat Safari.
- Water Sports in Bentota.
- Galle City Cycling Tour.
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.