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Relief and Relaxation

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Relief and Relaxation

15 Day tour of Sri Lanka

Bolt away from the urbanised environment and find sanctuary in the Paradise Island. Explore the Ancient Kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and go on safaris in the Yala and Minneriya National Park. Go on an adventurous hike in the Horton Plains. Wander in the hills of Nuwara Eliya and visit the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and visit the Spice Gardens of Matale and smell the authentic scent of Spices in the Gardens. Wander in the city of Kandy and go on technical tours and watch the cultural show as the professional performers perform the great culture of Sri Lanka to you.

Highlights

  • World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Into the Wild – Minneriya , Yala & Horton Plains National Parks.
  • Little England – Cold, Scenic Peaks and Cozy Little Towns of Ella & Nuwara Eliya.
  • Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
  • On the Shores – Explore the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.
  • Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.

Itinerary

Negambo - 1 Night

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 Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 15 to 20 mins) later in the evening do a city tour in Negombo.

Negombo

Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.

On completion of the day return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo

Anuradhapura - 1 Night

Day 02

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Panduwasnuwara and visit Ancient Kingdom. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Panduwasnuwara Kingdom

Explore the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara, which was briefly the capital during the 12th century. Wander amongst the ruins of the city with its pagodas, image houses, meeting halls and the citadel. Visit the now restored former temple of the tooth relic, which lies just outside the citadel’s walls. View the palace and listen to the many legends that surround it.

Thereafter proceed to Anuradhapura and check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs) Later visit the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scattered all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. And also witness great monuments such the Ruwanwelisaya and Thuparamaya. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Heritage Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Lakeside At Nuwarawewa
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Ulagalla By Uga Escapes

Dambulla - 2 Nights

Day 03

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and visit Mihitalaya. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

The Mihintale Rock

Visit the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. See the spot where the meeting of King Devanampiyatissa and Monk Mahinda took place. View the monastic ruins at the foot of the mountain. Walk in the footsteps of Mahinda as you visit the cave where he resided. View historic stupas, Ambasthala Dagoba and the Maha Stupa. Enter the ruins of an age long past to understand its impact on the history of Sri Lanka.

Thereafter visit Avukana Buddha Statue. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Aavukana Buddha statue

This visit takes you to the majestic 40-foot rock sculpture in Avukana is one of the classical examples of Standing Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. You will be able to see the marvellous crafting of the statue in its being carved from a single rock and standing unsupported except for a single thin attachment at the back; the delicately carved folds of the robe; and the cleanly sculpted body structure. The partially collapsed structures around it point to it once having been sheltered in an image house.

Thereafter visit Sasseruwa Buddha Statue.

Sasseruwa Buddha Statue

Right after visiting the Avukana Buddha Statue, you will be able to view the Sasseruwa statue which lies a mere quarter hour away. Notice the similarities of this incomplete statue with the Avukana Buddha Statue. Listen to the interesting legends surround this statue and its half-finished state. Visit the cave monastery and the marvellous ancient image houses that lie close by.

Thereafter proceed to Dambulla and check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs) Later in the evening proceed to Dambulla and visit the Cave Temple (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

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.

On completion return to the hotel.

Day 04

After breakfast proceed to see the sites of Ancient Kingdom Polonnaruwa. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

The Ancient Kingdom 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 to go on lovely Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park and see the great Elephant gathering. (Travel Time: 3½ to 4 hrs)

Minneriya National Park

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 - 2 Nights

Day 05

After the breakfast check out from the hotel and visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

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 continue 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 to 1 ½ hrs)

Matale Spice Gardens

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: 50 to 60 mins)

Later 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.

Technical Tours

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.

Cultural Show

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.

Day 06

After breakfast, and a relaxed morning, go on a temple run tour in Kandy.

Temple Run Tour

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.

Thereafter visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

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.

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 - 2 Nights

Day 07

After the breakfast check out and visit Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. (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.

Thereafter proceed to Peradeniya Railway station to catch the train to Nanu Oya. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Scenic Train Ride

The Peradeniya to Nanuoya 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. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows.

Your chauffer will pick you up from Nanu Oya station and proceed to Nuwara Eliya and check in to the hotel and relax. Later visit a Tea Factory and get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea.

Tea Factory Visit

Learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as ‘tea pluckers’ as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets.Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 08

With packed breakfast proceed to Horton Plains and go on a lovely trek.

Horton Plains National Park

Visit the beautiful, scenic, cloud-kissed forests and grasslands of Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World’s End and the cooling sprays from Baker’s Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic faunae that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.

After the trek return to the hotel and relax. Later go on a scenic tour in Nuwara Eliya City. Later in the evening go on a scenic tour in Nuwara Eliya City.

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 colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

On completion return 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

Yala - 1 Night

Day 09

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Ella and enjoy the Marvelous of Misty Ella. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Explore the Marvels of Ella 

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 Yala and check in to the hotel and relax.  (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Oak Ray Lake
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala

Unawatuna - 4 Nights

Day 10

With a packed breakfast proceed to Yala National Park to go on a lovely jeep safari.

Yala National Park

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

After the safari return to the hotel, relax, check out and proceed to Unawatuna. En route make a pause at Rekawa and visit Turtle Hatchery.

Turtle Hatchery

Learn more about the five kinds of endangered sea turtles that visit the shores of Sri Lanka and their conservation. Do the night time turtle watch and have a chance to see turtles come to nest. Have fun volunteering for a few hours at the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery.

On completion proceed to Unawatuna and check in to the hotel.

Day 11 To 13

Enjoy the days leisurely enjoying the Beach and the hotel facilities.

One of these days go on a whale watching tour, visit Handungoda Tea factory, Stilt Fisherman’s in Ahangama and Old Colonial City of Galle.

Handunugoda Tea Factory

Visit 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.

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.

Old Colonaial City of Galle

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 cobblestones streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Cantaloupe Aqua
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cantaloupe Levels
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Lighthouse

Colombo - 1 Night

Day 14

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Balapitiya and go on a lovely boat safari in Madu River. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Madu River Boat Safari

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.

Thereafter proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs) Later go on a City and Shopping tour in Colombo City.

Colombo City Tour

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 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 15

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 1225 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.