Dive On Excitement
20 Day Tour of Sri Lanka
What may strike you most about Sri Lanka is its amazing geographical diversity. Within a tiny area of 65,610 sq.km you could get the experience of several continents. A tour in Sri Lanka will take you through brilliant places such as Haputale, Sinharaja forest and secret Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. You can also climb the 5th century AD rock fortress in Sigiriya. Your tour will be ending up at Nilaveli beach which has been found as one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka and it has won the tourist attraction also.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
- Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
- Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
- On the Shores – Rest & Relaxation on the Southern Coastal Belt.
Itinerary
Galle - 3 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 Galle and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Day 02
Spend the days leisurely in the coasts of Galle and enjoy the coast and the facilities provided by the hotel.
Day 03
After the breakfast at the hotel go and visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
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.
Thereafter proceed to Balapitiya and go on a lovely boat safari in the Madu River. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
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 return to the hotel and relax. Towards the evening go and explore the ancient Colonial city of Galle.
Ancient Colonial City of Galle
Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics.
On 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 04
After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Sinharaja. En-route visit the Handungoda Tea Factory.
Visit the 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.
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 05
After the breakfast at the hotel explore the beauties of the nature at Sinharaja.
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 and relax.
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 06
After Breakfast proceed to Yala En-route make a stop at the 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 07
Early Morning with a packed breakfast go on a lovely safari in the Yala National Park.
This amazing full day 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.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala
Ella - 2 Nights
Day 08
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)
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.
On completion proceed to Ella and check into the hotel.
Day 09
After the breakfast and go on a hike in the Little Adam’s Peak.
This picturesque a three hour hike takes you up to Ella Rock, which is one of the highest viewpoints in the area. Watch the distant Namunukula Range and Little Adam’s Peak along the way. Get to see some stupendous early morning views of the landscape from the top of the rock. Some of the identifiable landmarks that can be seen are the Bandarawala Range, Poonagala Hills, Narangala, the Ella Gap and the Badulla train tracks.
Thereafter return to the hotel and relax. Towards the evening go and explore the city of Ella.
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 10
After the breakfast at the hotel check out from the hotel and proceed to Nuwara Eliya in a train ride.
Take a scenic train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya. See the influence of the British rule in the quaint bungalows, impressive mansions, and trimmed lawns of Nuwara Eliya. Visit the historic Gregory Lake and colorful Queen Victoria Park. Take a memory home with a postcard from the picturesque red brick post office. Learn more about tea in the Bluefield Tea Estate and factory. Get refreshed at the powerful Ramboda Falls on your way back. This is a day filled with fun activities.
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)
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 hotel and relax.
Day 11
With a packed breakfast go and explore the plains of Horton. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
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 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
Kandy - 1 Night
Day 12
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.
Ramboda Falls is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and located by the Pussellawa. Ramboda falls consists of three sections. You will get a good view of the middle section of the A5 highway, just above the bridge. This is very small in size with compared to other parts. You can get a far view of the top part from the main road, but not the complete view of the fall. You need to climb up to see the top part of the Ramboda falls and there is a pathway just before the bridge. You may find the climbing bit difficult, but you will be compensated with the great view of the top fall and the surrounding.
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.
Thereafter proceed to Kithulgala and experience the waters of Kithulgala. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Enjoy the thrill of adventure as your whitewater 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) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency
Dambulla - 1 Night
Day 14
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. 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 proceed to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla cave Temples. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 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.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a safari in the 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
Trincomalee - 4 Nights
Day 15
After the breakfast at the hotel, go and visit the 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 check out of the hotel and proceed to Polonnaruwa and explore the ancient city.
Visit the ancient city 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 Trincomalee and check into the hotel. (TravelTime: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Day 16
With a packed breakfast go on a magnificent whale watching safari in the coasts of Trincomalee.
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 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.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 17 To 18
Spend the days nice and easy experiencing the coasts of Trincomalee and the facilities provided by the hotel.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Pigeon Island Resort
Standard Option (4 Star) – Trinco Blu By Cinnamon
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jungle Beach Resort
Negombo - 1 Night
Day 19
After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Negombo and check into the hotel.
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 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
Departure
Day 20
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 1825 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.