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Quintessential Ceylon

Dambulla Cave Temple

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Quintessential Ceylon

8 Day tour of Sri Lanka

A week in Sri Lanka is may not seem like enough time to discover the unique beauty of this island paradise but does give you enough time to venture through some of its most beautiful locations. From the suburban, westernized, commercial capital- the city of lights, Colombo, to the cold, misty, cloud-kissed peaks of Hatton, to the golden shores and turquoise blue-green oceans and salty breezes of the south coast, this classic tour will kindle a flame that will romanticize and captivate any wanderer.

Highlights

  • World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Gentle Giants – Millennium Elephant Foundation.
  • Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
  • Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
  • Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.

Itinerary

Colombo - 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 Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Firway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand

Kandy - 1 Night

Day 02

After an early breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Kandy, en route visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Millennium Elephant Foundation

The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a family run non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. The Foundation provide and fund the care, medical treatments, food, mahout salaries, the running costs of the charity as well as having an on call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the country treating sick elephants in need. The Elephant Walk Experience is another alternative to elephant riding for tourists, which is an ethical, up close and personal experience for tourists.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Afterwards, proceed to Kandy Town and walk through streets of the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, listening to the stories of the history.

Kandy

You will jaunt through the lively streets of Kandy with their bright colors, delicious foods and deep history. Explore Kandy’s most important monuments. Try out yummy Sri Lankan street food in stalls. Enjoy watching garland makers ply their trade. Visit a beautiful Hindu Temple. Go on a short but fun three wheeler ride.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency

Ella - 1 Night

Day 03

After an early breakfast at the hotel, check out visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

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 continue to Ella and en- route visit Ramboda Falls. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ mins)

Ramboda Falls

Visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country. Get a guided tour through Mackwoods Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. Walk through the shaded avenues and colorful mazes of Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Relax and take a walk along the shores of Lake Gregory. A peaceful day filled with lots of beautiful sights.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Thereafter proceed to Ella and check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Thereafter go on a lovely city tour around Ella.

Ella

Explore the city of Ella and its 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

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Ella Gap Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort

Weligama - 4 Nights

Day 04

After an early breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Weligama. J (Travel Time: 4 to 4 ½ hrs).

Thereafter check into the hotel and relax in Weligama.

Weligama

Weligama (meaning ‘Sandy Village’) is an interesting blend of lively fishing town and beach resort. The sprawling main settlement and coastal road is somewhat scruffy and not that easy on the eye, but you’ll find the sandy beach is attractive once you’re away from the main section; there’s a couple of cove beaches west of the centre. Weligama’s benign beach break is ideal for novice surfers and many independent travelers learn to ride their first waves here. After fun in the ocean you can marvel at (and feast on) the denizens of the deep, who end their days being hacked up and sold from roadside fish stalls.

Day 05

Early in the morning proceed to Mirissa harbor and go on a Whale Watching Safari in the Seas of Mirissa. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Whale Watching in Mirissa

The Whale Watching Tour in 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.

Day 06

After breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Koggala and visit the Captivating Sight of Stilt Fisherman. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)

Stilt Fishermen in Koggala

Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Learn how stilt fishing is done in detail and marvel at the level of skill that goes into it. Get some amazing photographs of the fishermen silhouetted against the shoreline at sunset.

Thereafter visit a Turtle Hatchery in Habaraduwa. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

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 continue to Ahangama and visit Handungoda Tea Factory. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Handungoda Tea Factory

Handunugoda Tea Factory which is also known as the Virgin White Tea Factory. Learn the history of the tea that this factory produces. Get to know how the famous Virgin White Tea is plucked and processed completely untouched by human hands. Engage in a tasting session with a delicious cup of tea and scrumptious chocolate cake. Get a chance to purchase some tea leaves as a souvenir.

Day 07

After breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Galle and visit the visit the city of Galle. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 mins)

Galle City & The Galle Dutch Fort

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.

Spend the day leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Brizo Weligama
Standard Option (4 Star) – Mandara Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cape Weligama

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 720 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.

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    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.