Discovering Serendib
16 Day Tour of Sri Lanka
The call of the hills, the shores and the wilderness beckons you to answer the island mother of Sri Lanka. Visit the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress and the last Sri Lankan Kingdom, Kandy. Witness the ancient monuments which withstood the test of time and are now deemed ancient architectural wonders. Embark on Wildlife Safaris in the wilderness of Yala and Minneriya national parks, and get the chance to spot the elusive leopards and sloth bears. Walk through the old Colonial city of Galle and visit the Galle Dutch Fort to learn of its story and culture. Finally, roam the streets of Sri Lanka’s commercial hub and capital, Colombo and uncover the many secrets buried beneath its skyline.
Highlights
- World Class – Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphnage
- Into the Wild – Minneriya, Horton Plains & Yala National Parks
- Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Garden in Matale
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture
- Misty Mountains – Evergreen peaks and cosy little towns in Nuwara Eliya & Ella
- Grandeur Scapes – Lipton’s Seat, Adisham Bungalow and St. Andrew’s Church of Haputale
- On the Shores – Postcolonial City of Galle and the Galle Dutch Fort
- Urban Adventure – Discover the commercial hub, 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 car and proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo
Sigiriya - 2 Nights
Day 02
After breakfast check out from hotel and proceed to Pinnawala. (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 proceed to Dambulla and visit the cave temple. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ 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.
On completion proceed to Sigiriya and check in to the hotel.
Day 03
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit Ancient Kingdom. (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 and go on a lovely Jeep Safari in 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 back 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 04
After the breakfast check out from the hotel and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (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 Kandy, en-roiute 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. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
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 let’s 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 Kandy and check into the hotel. (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
Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives you an opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s traditions. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get mesmerized by fire dances, sword dances, and watch the talented Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming, primal beat of the drums.
Upon completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 05
After breakfast at the hotel go on Temple Run tour in Kandy. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
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. Visit the internationally famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic with its palatial cream and gold interiors.
Thereafter proceed to Peradeniya and visit Royal Botanical Garden.
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.
On completion return back 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 06
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and Reach Peradeniya Railway Station to catch the Train to Nanu Oya. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Scenic Train Ride to the Hill Country
The Kandy 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 transfer back to your vehicle and continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins) Later visit a Tea Factory get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of Tea and a sightseen tour in Nuwara Eliya City.
Tea Factory to 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.
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.
Day 07
With packed breakfast proceed to the Horton Plains and go on a lovely trek in the National Park. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
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 archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.
Upon 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
Ella - 1 Night
Day 08
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Haputale and explore the City. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Explore the most famous landmarks of Haputale. Visit Lipton’s seat, one of the most famed observation points in Sri Lanka, which gives views of the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Eastern Provinces. Roam over the grounds of Adisham Bungalow, a beautiful Tudor mansion built in the early 1900s. View the neo-gothic architecture of St Andrews church, walk through its graveyard which is the resting place of many British tea planters, and much more. This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the calming beauty of Haputale and its sights.
Thereafter proceed to Ella and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Times: 50 to 60 mins)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Ella Gap Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort
Yala - 1 Night
Day 09
Early in the morning Explore Misty 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 return to the hotel relax, check out and proceed to Yala and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala
Galle - 5 Nights
Day 10
Early in the morning proceed to Yala National Park to go on lovely Jeep Safari.
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 Rekawa and visit Turtle Hatchery. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
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 return to the hotel and relax.
Day 11 to 14
Spend the days leisurely at the hotel enjoying the beach and hotel facilities.One of these day’s visit Stilt Fisherman in Koggala and Old Colonial City of Galle.
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.
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) – Sevonra Garden
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cantaloupe Levels
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Lighthouse
Colombo - 1 Night
Day 15
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Balapitiya to go on a lovely Boat Safari in Madu River. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
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 proceed to Colombo and go on City and Shopping tour in Colombo City. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
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 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 16
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 1335 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?
Sinharaja Rain Forest.
Water Sports in Bentota.
Kitulgala Hike.
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.
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.