19Days Experience Sri Lanka
Prices from $6359 per person on twin sharing basis
Colombo- Habarana- Kandy- Nuwara Eliya- Yala- Ahungalla- Mount Lavinia
Experience the glamour of Sri Lanka. Once you get here, you may surprisingly find that how diversified and intriguing the Sri Lanka tours can be: from timeless UNESCO sites like Temple of Tooth & Sigiriya rock fortress, a taste of the pure Ceylon tea at idyllic tea factory, the world’s most scenic journey between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, to the up-close interaction with oodles of elephants at Pinnawala, all are indispensible elements for an unforgettable Sri Lanka travel experience. Enjoy the alluring beaches, colonial-style ports, tasty food and welcoming people there.
Day 1: Colombo
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to Hotel
Day 2: Colombo (B)
Take a morning tour of Colombo visiting Fort, former British military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters, Bazaar, a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, Dutch Church of Wolfendhal and Independence Square.
Day 3: Colombo – Pinnawala – Dambulla (B)
This morning, drive for Dambulla en route visiting Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Pinnawela houses abandoned and wounded elephants. A unique experience visiting this place. Continue your drive to Dambulla.
Day 4: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Dambulla (B)
A day trip to Sigiriya, home to 5th century Fortress in the Sky, also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to this fortress. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great palace and gardens. Afternoon free
Day 5: Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Dambulla (B)
Take a day trip to Anuradhapura, from where, Sinhalese Kings ruled for over 1000 years. It is the most extensive and important of the Sri Lankan ancient cities, famous for its Temples, Reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped gardens, the ruins of which still remain to this day. Return back to the hotel.
Day 6: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya – Dambulla (B)
Take a morning tour to visit Polonnaruwa, which has some splendid and spectacular statues. Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest Image Houses and Tivanka has the best examples of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. After this visit, continue for safari in Minneriya NP.
Day 7: Dambulla – Kandy (B)
This morning drive to the Sacred City of Kandy enroutevisiting the Spice Garden in Matale.This evening, you will have an insight in Sri Lankan cooking with a cooking class with ShanthaMayadunne. Blending her 30 years of experience in the field of culinary art, ShanthaMayadunne today is a household name in Sri Lanka.
Day 8: Kandy (B)
Morning is at leisure. Afternoon commence tour visiting Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Also visit Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a 14th century pleasure retreat of Pandyan kings
Day 9: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (B)
This morning, drive to Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Rest of the day is at leisure
Day 10: Nuwara Eliya (B)
Take a morning sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya. A trip to the highlands of Sri Lanka is never complete without witnessing the age-old traditionaltea plucking and sipping a cup of “Ceylon Tea”. The areas around Nuwara Eliya also provide the main output of tea in Sri Lanka
Day 11: Nuwara Eliya– Ella – Yala (B)
Transfer to train station for a train to Ella. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel in Yala. Rest of the day is at leisure
Day 12: Yala (B)
This morning take a Safari at Yala National Park by Jeep. This is the most famous National Park where wild animals and birds could be observed. The Wild animals include Elephants in herds of varying sizes, Leopards, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Crocodiles, Peacocks, Jackal, Sloth Bear and other animals. Also take an afternoon safari in the National Park to enjoy viewing wildlife as the sun sets
Day 13: Yala (B)
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris in Yala National Park by Jeep
Day 14: Yala – Galle – Ahungalla(B)
This morning drive to Ahungalla en route visiting Galle Dutch Fort. This city has the most ancient and important harbour of the country, until the Colombo Harbour was established and identified as the ‘Tarshis’ of the Bible.
Day 15: Ahungalla (B)
Full day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the Hotel.
Day 16: Ahungalla (B)
This morning visit the Turtle Hatchery, known for its efforts to protect Sea Turtles from extinction. They have released more than 500,000 Sea Turtles to the ocean.Afternoon free
Day 17: Ahungalla (B)
Full day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the Hotel.
Day 18: Ahungalla– Mt. Lavinia(B)
This morning proceed to Mount Lavinia, on the edge of Colombo city. Afternoon is at leisure.
Day 19: Mt. Lavinia – Colombo (B)
Transfer to Colombo Airport
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.