BEST OF SRI LANKA
11 Nights / 12 Days
Tour Price From Only £689pp
Board Basis: Bed and Breakfast
Based On 2 People
4* Hotels
Call to book now!
1 Night Negombo - 2 Nights Dambulla - 2 Nights Kandy - 2 Nights Nuwaraeliya -
1 Night Yala - 2 Nights Bentota - 1 Night Colombo
This offer does not include flights. Regional departures are available upon request.
This offer is subject to availability
ITINERARY:
Day 01 Airport – Negombo
Arrival Sri Lanka, you will be welcome by our Representative on Arrival and transfer to Negombo.
Negombo Beach - Negombo is a beautiful beach resort on the western coast of Sri Lanka. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the major tourist attractions of Negombo bringing locals and tourists to enjoy a memorable beach holiday
Negombo Lagoon - The Negombo Lagoon covers an area of 3164 hectares. It is situated some 40 km north of Colombo. The Lagoon is part of the much larger Muthurawajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon coastal wetland. Apart from the single narrow opening to the sea at its northern end, the water depth within the lagoon is less than 2 m
Fishing in Negombo Lagoon - Negombo is a traditional fishing town of Sri Lanka. The fishermen of the Negombo lagoon live in abject poverty in small, thatched palm houses in villages on the water’s edge. They rely on traditional knowledge of the seasons for their livelihood, using outrigger canoes carved out of tree trunks and nylon nets to bring in modest catches from September through till April.
Dutch Fort - One of the most distinct tourist attractions in Negombo is undeniably the Old Dutch Fort. This is a structure that goes back to Sri Lanka’s colonial days when the nation was once under the rule of the Portuguese and then the Dutch. The city was encircled by an earth wall. Eventually the landmass on which the Old Dutch Fort Gate was constructed was regularly washed by the sea.
St. Mary’s Church - The coastal town of Negombo is an area in Sri Lanka that is dominated heavily by the Christian Faith and one of the town’s most important structures is St. Mary’s Church. This holy building is lavish and grand in nature, standing tall amidst other structure in the town. The church consists of three main levels which are immediately apparent when approaching the structure from the front.
Day 02 Negombo – Dambulla
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Dambulla. En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Most important tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Volunteers and caretakers provide shelter and take care of orphaned, abandoned and injured elephants within the park. You can watch caretakers feed, bathe and help these gentle giants. You want walk with the herd to the nearby river to watch the elephants bathe and play around in water.
The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-1000 hrs and 1330-1400 hrs and the bathing time from 1000- 1030 hrs and 1400-1430 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by
Evening, set off to discover the 8th wonder of the world – the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Dating back to the 5th Century A.D, this astounding ‘city’ on the summit of a high outcrop was the royal citadel of King Kassapa for over 18 years. A miraculous feat of artistry and engineering, its unique features and exquisite frescoes continue to amaze all who visit it, even today.
Day 03 Dambulla
After the breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura ancient city en route visit Mihintale
Anuradhpura - The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas, soaring brick towers, ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Today several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; frequent ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that’s a sharp contrast to the ambience at Polonnaruwa. Current-day Anuradhapura is a rather pleasant albeit sprawling city. Mature trees shade the main guesthouse areas, and the main street is orderly compared to the ugly concrete agglomerations elsewhere.
Evening visit to Polonnaruwa - the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th - 13th Century contains some splendid and spectacular status. Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest shrine ruins and Tivanka has the best example of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. Rankot Vihara and Kiriwehera are well preserved large stupas, and Gal Vihare - a rock shrine, has four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining and Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. The Vata-da-ge is a unique creation of Sri Lankan artists.
Day 04 Dambulla - Kandy
Afterward proceed to Kandy, En route visit The Golden temple of Dambulla [Dambulla cave temple] & spice Garden.
Dambulla Cave Temple - is a vast isolated rock mass 500 feet high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found in the Island. In the first Cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47ft long cut out of the Rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the walls and the ceiling are the oldest here but they are over painted in the Kandy period. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of the Buddha in various postures with few statues of Gods and Kings. The ceiling is also covered with frescoes, which depict great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhalese people
Day 05 Kandy
After the breakfast engage in city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square and the Home to sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha Temple [Dalada Maligawa / Temple of the tooth relic]
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens - Peradeniya botanical garden in Sri Lanka and one of the best in the region. It dates back to the ancient kings of the country although the British changed the look of it. The British are said to have used the gardens to grow trees that could not be grown at Kew gardens. The large banyan tree, the orchid house, the suspension bridge, and the bats are some of the main attractions.
Cultural show - Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show. The beat a dancing from "Salupliya" depicting several demons, "Thelme" vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rising and falling to the lively tempo. As many as 12 different folk and traditional dances are performed by Kandy lake club dance troop within the span of one hour (Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre features daily shows at 17.00 hrs)
Day 06 Kandy – Nuwaraeliya
We request for an early departure so please enjoy your breakfast and proceed to NuwaraEliya.
Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
Enroute Visit Ramboda Falls - Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass.
Evening city tour of Nuwaraeliya
Hakgala Botanical Gardens - is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The garden was established in 1861, under George Henry Kendrick Thwaites as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona, a commercial crop thriving at the time. Once after the Tea replaced the Cinchona, it was turned into an experimental Tea cultivation. In 1884 it transformed to a garden. Since then many sub-tropical and some temperate plants were planted in the gardens.In the folklores, it says Sri Lankan demon King Ravana after abducting Sita, kept her hidden in this area and area was offered to Sita as a pleasure garden, the place finds mention in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika. The area was named as "SitaEliya" and "Sita Amman Temple" was built on the site.
Gregory Lake - Lake Gregory is one of the significant tourist attractions in NuwaraEliya. It was built by the Governor William Gregory during 1872 – 1877 periods by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in extent. It was said to be used for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British rule. A boat yard now allows visitors to go boating and rowing.
Queen Victoria Park - The Victoria Park of NuwaraEliya said to be named to comorate the 60th Jubilee Coronation of Queen Victoria in the year 1897. Originally the park was used as the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden which is located about 04 km away from the city center. It is known that this park was established by planting an Oak tree by a German Princes who visited NuwaraEliya
Day 07 Nuwaraeliya
After breakfast day is at leisure or you can proceed to Horton Plains (Optional – Van / Jeep must be hired separately to visit Horton Plains).
Horton Plains - The highest plateau at 7000ft (2134 meters) is a National Park, visited by tourists and a large number of Sri Lanka tourist’s .The Patnas in the lower parts, rising from the Marshes and streams extends up to the tree-line. The trees, stunted by the wind and mist, covered with ‘Spagnum moss ‘ or old man’s beard, and the jungle is full of rare and endemic plants. The red flowered Rhododendrons, or the ‘Niloos’ that blooms once in 12 years, and the Butterflies, Birds, found only in the hill areas, the ‘Bear Monkey,’ large herds of Sambhur, Leopard and other animals are found in the plains.
The ‘World End’ and ‘Little World End” with sheer drops of 3000ft to the plantation below and the beautiful scenery, are not found anywhere else in the country.
Day 08 Nuwaraeliya – Yala
After breakfast at the hotel checkout and proceed to Yala.
Enroute visit Little Adam’s Peak - Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries. It will be priceless if you could visit the place in the morning when the clouds roll in. Further places like Little Adams Peak deliberates ‘How far Sri Lanka is worth and rich with beautiful natural destinations of Sri Lankan tourism’. It will feel like a neck exercise for the visitors as you have to rotate your body to seek the views outstanding for 360 degrees
Enroute The Ravana Ella (Ravana Falls) is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Sri Lanka. This popular falls has its roots connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. The Ravana Ella (Ravana Falls) has been named after the brawny daemon, Ravana. According to the epic, it is said that after kidnapping Sita, Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka had hidden her at the caves behind this waterfall. The cave came to be known as Ravana Ella cave. The place was at that time thick afforested region in the midst of wilderness. It is believed that Rama’s queen wandered around this place while she was confined. She also bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from these Ravana Falls.
Day 09 Yala – Bentota
Enjoy Morning safari at Yala national park and return back to hotel.
The Yala national park - The Yala National Park is the most famous wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka and this vast reserve is home to a multitude of fascinating wildlife as well as plant life. Deer, peacocks, wild boar, bears and herds of wild elephants are just some of the creatures that live here. Yala is also known as one of the best places to spot the ever illusive Sri Lankan leopard and is also home to an amazing array of endemic birds. Explore this amazing realm in a jeep safari escorted by experienced and knowledgeable guides and trackers and see for yourself the amazing creatures that inhabit it.
After lunch proceed to Bentota
Enroute visit city of Galle - Today’s town has grown greatly and spreads into the surroundings but the Fort is the slow beating heart of Galle‘s history. The walled city has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the Colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British and in our present times is proclaimed as an Archaeological Reserve and has been identified as a living World Heritage Site. The etymology of the name Galle is explained as probably an altered form of the Sinhalese word “gala”: a cattle fold or posting-place from which the Portuguese named it Point-de-Galle. The simpler and more popular theory is found in the similarity of the Sinhalese word: gala, for rock, which the Portuguese duplicated by adopting the Latin word: Gallus, for rooster. They thus designed the coat-of-arms of the city as that of a rooster standing upon a rocky perch.
Bentota and its breathtaking sandy beach pretty much transforms your dreams and visions of a tropical paradise into an everyday reality. Located close to the Southern tip of the Island of Sri Lanka and only about 200 km from the Equator, this secluded crescent shaped beach is the perfect place to sit back, relax and forget about all the hustle and bustle of your other life that’s a million miles away. This small sandy tropical beach boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best and most stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Day 10 Bentota
After breakfast proceed to visit Kosgoda turtle farm & Madu river boat ride.
Kosgoda is famous for its sea turtle conservation project operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1988 to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction. Since then it has released about 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild. The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs (mostly green turtles) can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year. The hatchery buries the eggs in sand, and when they hatch around 50 days later the baby turtles are released into the sea at night. Only about one in 1,000 turtles survive to maturity. Kosgoda turtle hatchery also has tanks for injured or disabled turtles, including albino turtles that would not survive in the wild.
Madu River Safari – Balapitya- Madu River, known in ancient text as Weliganga (Sandy River) is located in the coastal town of Balapitiya and is considered the last remaining tract of pristine mangrove forest in Sri Lanka after Bentota. A virgin habitat constituting a coastal wetland mangrove ecosystem and the fact that it's bio-locked, meaning that it's protected from outside influence to its native aquatic plant & animals. It has a high ecological and biological significance, also on record for being home to over 300 plant species from 95 families and 250 plus vertebrate families. The main reason for the existence of Madu River is the tides of the area.
Day 11 Bentota - Colombo
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Colombo. Evening proceed on Colombo city tour.
The National Museum of Colombo - Closed Fridays and all public holidays. 09:00-17:00. Also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, it is the largest museum in Colombo. Among its exhibits, it contains regalia of the 17th century Kandyan Kings.
Wolvendaal Church - Another relic of the Dutch period is this stone church on Wolvendaal Street, built in 1749. Worth looking at are the tombstones set into the floor, which were moved from a church within the Fort in 1813.The dates on the tombs of several Dutch governors, whose bones were reinterred here, reveal how risky life could have been for the Dutch conquerors: even during peacetime, the death toll from disease was high and many died after only a short stay in Colombo. Open during usual church hours.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple - Located amidst the calm waters of the Beira Lake, the Gangaramaya Temple complex is a vibrant venue located in the heart of the Business District. The complex consists of the Main Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the “SeemaMalaka” which is an assembly hall for monks and also a vocational training institute. The temple is over 120 years old while now it has been converted to an institution of International significance.
The Dutch Period Museum - Closed Fridays and all public holidays. 09:00-17:00. Historical museums documenting Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Houses Dutch-inspired artifacts.
Nightlife - Colombo has a buzzing scene, with chill-out bars, casinos if you want to try your hand at roulette or baccarat, or cool clubs where you can party until dawn. (E.g. Bellagio Casino)
Day 12 Departure
After breakfast checkout from hotel and you will be transferred to Colombo International Airport to connect your flight back home.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation on Breakfast basis.
- All transfers & sightseeing in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Service of English speaking chauffeur guide
- Breakfast starts from Day 02.
- En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- City tour of Anuradhpura
- City Tour of Polonnaruwa
- Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
- Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Kandy City Tour
- Nuwaraeliya City Tour
- Bentota City Tour
- Colombo City Tour
- During Tours 02 Bottles (500 ml) of mineral water per person per day