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Best of Nature

Yala National Park

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Best of Nature

15 Day Tour of Sri Lanka

Best of Nature is a nature lover’s ideal holiday experience. The tropics of Sri Lanka has many wildlife conservations, national parks, sanctuaries and jungles to explore. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and only rainforest in Sri Lanka, the majestic Sinharaja. Also, explore the wilderness of the Yala National Park and get a chance to spot the elusive leopard and rare Sri Lankan Sloth Bear alongside many other endemic and non-endemic faunae. Journey through the scenic hills of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Trek the misty Horton Plains mountain range and discover the history behind the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and climb the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress. Explore the golden beaches and turquoise blue oceans of the southern coastline and visit the old Colonial City of Galle. Finally, wander through the busy and bustling streets of Sri Lanka’s Commercial Capital, Colombo.

Highlights

  • World Class – Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
  • Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Into The Wild – Sinharaja Rain Forest, Horton Plains and Yala National Parks.
  • Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale
  • Tea Tour – Handungoda Tea Estate & Factory
  • Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture
  • Misty Mountains – Evergreen peaks and cosy little towns in Nuwara Eliya & Ella
  • On the Shores – Postcolonial City of Galle and the Galle Dutch Fort
  • Urban Adventure – Discover the commercial hub, Colombo

Itinerary

Galle - 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 Galle and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Day 02

After the breakfast at the hotel go and visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

Turtle Hatchery

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 Balapitiya and go on a lovely boat safari in Madu River.

Boat Safari in Madu River

Go on a wonderful 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 water birds natural habitats.

Thereafter return to the hotel and relax. Towards the evening go and explore the ancient Colonial city of Galle.

Old Colonial 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 cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

Upon completion return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

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

Sinharaja - 2 Nights

Day 03

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Sinharaja. En-route visit the Handungoda Tea Factory.

Handungoda 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.

Thereafter proceed to Koggala and visit the Stilt Fishermen.

Stilt Fisherman in Koggala

Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Hear the stories of how stilt fishing came to Sri Lanka, from the mouths of the fishermen who have practiced the craft for generations. Learn how the 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.

On completion proceed to Sinharaja and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Day 04

After breakfast go on bird watching hike in Sinharaja Rainforest.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Go on a jungle safari to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Experience the virgin forest with its dense evergreen type vegetation. Feel the adventure as you listen to the screeches of monkeys and see the glimpses of colorful forest birds. Feel the spine-thrilling chill as you watch a green pit viper wind itself amongst the foliage. A wonderful opportunity for those who wish to see Mother Nature at her wildest.

On completion return to the hotel.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – The Blue Magpie
Standard Option (4 Star) – Rain Forest Ecolodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Boulder Gardens

Yala - 2 Nights

Day 05

After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Yala. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs) En-route make a stop at the Hummanya Blow Hole.

Hummanya Blow Hole

Explore the wonders of the Hummanaya, which could possibly be the second largest blowhole in the world. Watch the impressive spraying fountain of sea water near the village of Kudawella that is part of Sri Lanka’s natural geology. Listen to the deep humming noise that gives the Hummanaya its name.

On completion proceed to Yala and check into the hotel.

Day 06

With a packed breakfast go on a lovely safari in the Yala National Park.

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.

Upon completion return back to the hotel.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala

Ella - 1 Night

Day 07

After the breakfast check out and proceed to Ella. En-route make a pause at Buduruwagala and Rawana Falls. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Rawana Falls

Rawana Ella:  A beautiful natural wonder associated with legend is the Rawana Ella (Ravana Falls) located near the village of Udunuwara on the Ella-Wellawaya Road. A cave (“cave of gold”) hidden behind the falls is believed to be one of several places where Rawana hid his lovely Indian Princess Sita after abducting her.

Thereafter proceed to Ella and check into the hotel. Towards the evening go and explore the city of Ella.

Marvelous 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 the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

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

Nuwara Eliya - 2 Nights

Day 08

After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Ella Railway Station to catch the Train to Nanu Oya.

Scenic Train Ride to the Hill Country

The Ella to Nanu Oya train journey takes you on a 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 Hill Country. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows.

Thereafter proceed to the city and check into the hotel and relax. Towards the evening go and explore the city of Nuwara Eliya.  (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Explore the Beautiful City

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.

Upon completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 09

With breakfast at the hotel proceed to Horton Plains on a Jeep to the entrance and go on a lovely trek.

Horton Plains National Park

Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. 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 fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archeological finds that were discovered in the area.

On completion return back 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

Kithulgala - 1 Night

Day 10

After the breakfast check out from the hotel proceed to Kithulgala. En-route make a pause and visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country. Get a guided tour through a tea estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea.

Thereafter proceed to Kithulgala and experience the waters of Kithulgala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Enjoy the thrill of adventure as you white water raft down the rapids of a 5km stretch of the Kelani River. Bounce through the turbulent white-waters with the confidence and protection offered by proper safety measures. Let your adrenaline rise as you are whirled through the foamy rapids in an experience you will never forget.

On completion check into the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – The Plantation Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Palmstone Retreat
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Palmstone Retreat

Kandy - 1 Night

Day 11

After the breakfast at the hotel check out from the hotel and proceed to Pinnwala and visit the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary

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 proceed to Kandy and check into the hotel and relax. Towards the evening go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.

Kandyan 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.

Overnight Stay

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

Dambulla - 1 Night

Day 12

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Matale and visit the 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. Thereafter proceed to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla cave Temples. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Matale Spice Tour

The Matale Spice Tour gives you a hands on experience of a Spice & Herbal Garden within the Spice capital of Sri Lanka, Matale. Here you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and their uses. The garden is enriched with herbs, spice groves, and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that heighten the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Apart from gaining knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, this unique tour also lets you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality.

Thereafter continue to Dambulla and visit Cave Temple.

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 proceed to the hotel, check in and relax.

Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a safari in the Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya National Park.

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.

On completion check into 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

Colombo - 2 Nights

Day 13

After the breakfast at the hotel, go and visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.

Rock Fortress of Sigiriya

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 tour in the Sigiriya Village.

Sigiriya Village

Hiriwaduna is a little village that retains its authentic traditions and culture. 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.

On completion check out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo and check into the hotel and relax

Day 14

After the breakfast at the hotel, go and explore the commercial City of Sri Lanka, Colombo.

Colombo

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. Enjoy the nightlife as you party till the morn.

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 1165 Per Person

When to go on this trip?

This is an All-Year-Round trip and can be taken any time of the year. Calm beaches, cool and sunny climates, lush green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are travelling to.

When to book

We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.

What add-ons are available for this trip?

Kaudulla National Park.
Udawalawe National Park.
Kitulgala Trek.
Beach Extensions.
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.

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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.