East Explorer
21 Day Tour of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka though a renowned leisure destination for its mesmeric hill country, exquisite beaches, and fascinating cultural attraction of ancient cities and shrines is not a destination that readily comes to mind for a golfing holiday. If you look up the Sri Lanka Map you will learn to your delightful surprise that you can easily fit in three fabulous golf courses of all Asia located at three elevations.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
- Into the Wild – Kumana National Park.
- Little England – Cold, Scenic Peaks and Cozy Little Towns of Ella,Nuwara Eliya & Haputale.
- Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
- On the Shores – Explore the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka.
- Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.
Itinerary
Colombo - 1 Night
Day 01
Arrive at Colombo International Airport at TBA hrs. 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 into the hotel, Relax and unwind after your long journey. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Later in the evening go on a City and Shopping tour including the Pettah market in Commercial City of Sri Lanka.
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 of the day check into the hotel
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Fairway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand
Sigiriya - 3 Nights
Day 02
After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Sigiriya En route make a pause at Pinnawala and visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 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, Pinnawala has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world.
Thereafter continue to Sigiriya and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Later in the evening visit Dambulla Cave Temple. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
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 and relax
Day 03
After a relaxed breakfast proceed Anuradhapura and explore the ancient ruin kingdom of Anuradhapura. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
Anuradhapura Ancient Ruin Kingdom
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 scatter all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.
Thereafter return back to Sigiriya, en route make a pause at Avukana Buddha Statue and return back to the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 2 hrs)
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 marvelous 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.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 04
After breakfast at the hotel and proceed Sigiriya and visit the the rock fortress Sigiriya. (Travel Time: 30 to 50 mins)
The 5th century AD rock fortress Sigiriya, once ruled by the Sri Lankan King Kashyapa, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most historical landmarks. 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, that are a mind blowing example of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering.
On Completion do a Village tour in Sigiriya.
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.
After the village excursion proceed to Minneriya National Park and go on a lovely jeep safari. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 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 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
Trincomalee - 4 Nights
Day 05
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Trincomalee and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Spend rest of the day leisurely at the hotel.
Day 06
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to visit Koneswaram Temple and the Fort Fedric.
Visit this ancient temple praised by famous Indian poet-saints and mentioned by several famous personas around the world. See the beautiful murals describing the history of the temple. Worship at the little cave shrine that is has its start in 1580 BC, as compared to the actual temple which was developed in 400 BC. Marvel at the giant statue of King Ravana who, according to legend, worshipped this shrine.
Visit the Fort of Trincomalee originally built by the Portuguese in 1624 CE. See the stones that once formed the Koneswaram temple before the Portuguese destroyed it. Listen to the history of Fort Frederick, which was dismantled and rebuilt by the Dutch.
Later in the afternoon visit Thiriyaya Watadage.
Explore Thiriyai, or Thiriyaya as it is known now, is a village where Tamil Buddhism was practiced in ancient times. Visit the Girihadu Seya Stupa, which was built to mark the location where according to legend Buddha is gave hair relics to two traders who served him porridge as alms. See the old fortress of one of the last Vanniyar
On completion return back to the hotel and relax
Day 07
With a packed breakfast go on a lovely Whale watching safari.
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.
Visit Pigeon Island. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
Visit the Pigeon Island National Park consisting of the smaller pigeon island and larger pigeon island and the coral reef that encircles the larger island. See the rock pigeon that makes the island its breeding grounds. Explore the islands to see the many coral types and fauna that can be found here
Thereafter return to the hotel and spend the evening leisurely at Hotel.
Day 08
Spend the day leisurely enjoying the hotel facilities or beach.
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
Pasikudha - 3 Nights
Day 09
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Pasikudha. Check – in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Day 10 & 11
Spend the days leisurely enjoying the hotel facilities or beach
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Amaya Beach
Standard Option (4 Star) – Amaya Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Uga Bay Pasikuda
Arugambay - 4 Nights
Day 12
After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel check-out and proceed to Arughambay. En Route make a pause and visit Muhudu Maha Viharaya. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)
Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple situated at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka. This temple which is situated near a wide beach, has been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. Currently the ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of lord Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.
Check-in to the hotel and relax.
Day 13
Morning do Potuvil Lagoon Safari.
Early in the morning, life in the lagoon slowly wakes up as the fishermen and wildlife emerges for the day. A lot of birds are cruising the sky and perching on the mangroves to look for food. The lagoon is the home for a lot of animals. You will have the opportunity to see big crocodiles bathing in the morning sun, elephants foraging with their young calves and also the rare Monitor Lizard, which are one of the biggest in the world.
Evening do a half day safari in Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park spreads over an area of 35,664 hectares. In the west, the park is bordered by River Kumubukkan Oya; to the south is south-eastern coast that runs to Panama. A 200 hectares’ mangrove swamp called “Kumana Villu” within the Park is subject to occasional inundation with sea water. It is at this swamp that many water birds nest, during the months of May and June. Scattered in the Kumana National Park are several water pools that are favorite spots of the wildlife: Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 14 & 15
Spend the days leisurely enjoying the hotel facilities or beach.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – The Blue Wave Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kottukal Beach House
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Kottukal Beach House
Ella - 2 Nights
Day 16
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Ella En route make a pause and visit Rawana falls (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)
In the misty mountains of tropical Sri Lanka, the wide Ravana falls gushes down a height of 82 feet falling from an oval concave rock. It takes the form of a drooping areca flower during the peak season of its water flow, but its size is reduced dramatically during the dry season. Located in the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary in Ella, this waterfall is the source of many legends and secrets.
On completion check-in to the hotel and relax.
Day 17
After breakfast at the hotel go and explore the Ella City.
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 and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – 9 Arch
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort
Kandy - 2 Nights
Day 18
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Kandy En-route make a stop at Ramboda Falls and visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country and a Tea factory and get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)
Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.
Day 19
After breakfast at the hotel go and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 15 to 20mins)
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 proceed to Peradeniya and visit Royal Botanical Gardens. (Travel Time: 15 to 20mins)
Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of 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.
On completion of the visit return back to the hotel and relax.
Later, go Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.
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 of the visit 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
Negombo - 1 Night
Day 20
After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)
Evening do a city tour around 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.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo
Departure
Day 21
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 2160 Per Person
When to go on this trip?
The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from April to September. 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.