Walk Amidst Culture
8 Day tour of Sri Lanka
Experience a once in a lifetime adventure as a true islander of a tropical Country. Explore the World Famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth. Breath the refreshing scent of Spices in Matale and walk in the Sandy Beaches of the South. Get a chance to explore the wilderness in Udawalawe. Visit the central hills and don’t forget to enjoy a warm cup of tea while enjoying a tea plucking session. Wander among the local crowd in the city of Galle and get the true sensation of what it feels to live in a country such diversity.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Into the Wild – Minneriya & Udawalawa National Park.
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
- Little England – Cold, Scenic Peaks and Cozy Little Towns of Ella & Nuwara Eliya.
- Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
Itinerary
Dambulla - 2 Nights
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffeur 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 Elephant Orphanage. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 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 into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 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.
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 go on a village tour in the Village of Hiriwaduna
Local Village Experience in Sigiriya
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 taste buds with a home-cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a Safari in the Minneriya National Park. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 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.
On completion return 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 03
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Kandy, en route make a pause at Matale, 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
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 continue to Kandy and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)Later that evening goes on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. And visit Temple of the Tooth.
Go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. And watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.
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.
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.
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 04
After an early breakfast at the hotel reach to Train Station To catch the train to Nuwara Eliya.
Reach the Train Station in Peradeniya by 8:30 am to catch the train to Nuwara Eliya. Kandy to Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya. (Travel Time: 3 hrs)
Your chauffeur will pick you up from Nanu Oya station and take you on a lovely city tour in Nuwara Eliya.
Visit 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.
Thereafter visit a Tea Factory and a guided tour through Mackwoods Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea.
Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.
On completion proceed 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 - 1 Night
Day 05
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Ella, en route make a visit to Sita Amman Kovil. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Explore the village of Seetha Eliya; where the demon king Ravana is believed to have imprisoned the kidnapped Seetha, wife of Lord Rama. Worship at the historic Seetha Amman Temple where three ancient idols were discovered. Listen to the legends of the region and see the ancient ruins and evidence that point towards the Ramayana having happened.
Explore Ella’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.
On completion proceed to Udawalawe and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hours)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Centauria Wild
Standard Option (4 Star) – Centauria Wild
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Grand Udawalawe Safari
Hikkaduwa - 2 Nights
Day 06
Early in the morning proceed to Udawalawe National Park and go on a lovely jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.
Enjoy a three-hour 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, relax, check out and proceed to Hikkaduwa, en route make a pause at Galle and visit Old Colonial City. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hours)
Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.
On completion return to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
Day 07
Spend the day leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities.
Later go on a lovely boat safari in Madu River and visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatcery.
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.
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.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Coral Rock By Bansei
Standard Option (4 Star) – Coral Sands Hotel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Hikka Tranz By Cinnamon
Departure
Day 08
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 680 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.
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.