Escape from the Urban
8 Day tour of Sri Lanka
Experience a once in a lifetime adventure as a true islander of a tropical Country. Explore the World Famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Temple of the Tooth. Breath the refreshing scent of Spices in Matale and walk in the Sandy Beaches of the South. Get a chance to explore the wilderness in Udawalawe. Visit the central hills and don’t forget to enjoy a warm cup of tea while enjoying a tea plucking session. Wander among the local crowd in the city of Galle and get the true sensation of what it feels to live in a country such diversity.
Highlights
- World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Into the Wild – Minneriya & Yala National Park.
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
Itinerary
Dambulla - 2 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 Dambulla, 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, Pinnawela has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world.
Thereafter continue to Dambulla and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 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.
Day 02
After the breakfast at the hotel visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. (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 go on a village tour in the Village of Hiriwaduna
Local Village Experience 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.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a Safari in the 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 to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Standard Option (4 Star) – Habarana Village
Trincomalee - 2 Nights
Day 03
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Trincomalee and visit Koneswaram Temple and the Fort Fedric. (Travel Time – 2 to 3 hrs).
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.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Day 04
Relax on Nilaveli Beach which is considered one of the most perfect beaches in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea. See the ancient 10th century Tamil inscription that mention that the beach was part of a land grant to the Koneswaram Temple.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Standard Option (4 Star) – Trinco Blu
Kandy - 1 Night
Day 05
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Kandy and visit, Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. (Travel Time – 5 to 6 hrs)
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is 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.
Upon completion check into the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Yala - 1 Night
Day 06
Early in the morning proceed to Yala and check into the hotel. (Travel Time – 5 to 6 hrs)
Spend the days leisurely enjoying the beach and hotel facilities.
Overnight Stay
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Wild
Hikkaduwa - 1 Night
Day 07
With packed breakfast go on a lovely safari in Yala National Park.
This amazing three hour 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 of the safari, check out and proceed to Hikkaduwa. (Travel Time – 3 hrs)
Spend the day leisurely at the hotel.
Overnight Stay
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Hikka Tranz By Cinnamon
Departure
Day 08
After the breakfast check out and proceed to Colombo, explore the Commercial City of Sri Lanka, 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.
On completion proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.
Price Starting From:
USD 655 Per Person
(Valid for September – October)
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.