Wonders of the East
7 Day tour of Sri Lanka
This is the trip for those who would appreciate a vacation in a coastal area enjoying the sea breeze and the warmth of the sun. Cut through the country passing historical locations enriched in both culture and heritage. Walk through the ruins in Polonnaruwa and explore the world famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Experience a touch of wilderness in Minneriya spend time among elephants bred in the Wild. Spend your vacation along with a mix of Wildlife, Heritage and a beach stay.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Into the Wild – Minneriya National Park.
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- On the Shores – Explore the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka.
- Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.
Itinerary
Sigiriya - 2 Nights
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 Dambulla, en route make a pause at Pinnawala and visit Elephant 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! Today with 70 elephants herein, Pinnawela has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world.
Thereafter continue to Dambulla and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Later in the evening visit Dambula 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 fig urines 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 return to the hotel and relax.
Day 02
After the breakfast at the hotel visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. (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 a local village in Sigriya and get an authentic experience in Sri Lankan Village Life.
Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your tastebuds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a Safari in the Minneriya National Park. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
This 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
Trincomalee - 3 Nights
Day 03
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Polonnarwa and visit Ancient Kingdom. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
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 Trincomalee and visit Koneswaram Temple. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hours)
Visit this ancient temple praised by famous Indian poet-saints and mentioned by several famous personas around the world. See the beautiful murals describing the history of the temple. Worship at the little cave shrine that is has its start in 1580 BC, as compared to the actual temple which was developed in 400 BC. Marvel at the giant statue of King Ravana who, according to legend, worshipped this shrine.
On completion proceed to the hotel and check in.
Day 04 To 05
Spend the days leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities.
One of these days explore Trincomalee.
Visit the holy lands of Trincomalee or Thirukonamalai; named after the hill where the famous Hindu Temple stands. Relax on the clean white beaches of Nilaveli, surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Engage in the many water sports that are available in the area. Wander through the sanctuary of Pigeon Island; watching the many species of birds. Get a taste of history, culture and architecture by doing tours of the Dutch Fort Frederick and the ancient temple Thirukoneswaram. Let go of all your stress in the natural hot springs of Kanniya.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Pigeon Island Resort
Standard Option (4 Star) – Trinco Blu By Cinnamon
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jungle Beach Resort
Colombo - 1 Night
06
After a relaxed morning and breakfast proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 5 ½ to 6 hours)
Welcome to Colombo, The City of Lights. Party at the coolest and most entertaining nightclubs in Sri Lanka. Drink and dance on Colombo’s beaches, at the big weekend parties with their colorful cocktails and thumping music. Try your luck at the casinos of Colombo. Get some delicious food at the delightful boutique restaurants that stay open till late. The night has never been brighter or better until Colombo.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Fairway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand
Departure
Day 07
Experience the colorful 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 airport after spending a memorable time in this island. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 mins.)
Price Starting From:
USD 675 Per Person
When to go on this trip?
The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from April to September. 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.
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.