14D Highlights of Sri Lanka
Price from NZD 3175 / AUD 2857 per person on twin sharing basis
Colombo – Negombo – Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa – Singiriya - Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Yala - Galle –Balapitiya - Colombo
Experience the best of Sri Lanka with a 14-day tour that kicks off in the vibrant capital city of Colombo, then takes you to Negombo, a town steeped in colonial history. Explore the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, marvel at the awe-inspiring rock fortress of Sigiriya, and soak up the cultural richness of Kandy. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Nuwara Eliya, spot exotic wildlife in Yala National Park, and unwind on the stunning beaches of Galle and Balapitiya before returning to Colombo.
Tour Highlights: Colombo City Tour, Spice Garden at Mawanalle, Royal Botanical Gardens, Nuwara Eliya Evening Tour, Yala National Park.
Day 1: Arrive Colombo / Negombo
Arrival at Colombo airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo.
Day 2: Negombo - Anuradhapura (B)
This morning drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura including the visit to the Ruwanwelimaha Seya, the great stupa of Lanka and the Jaya Sri MahaBodhiya, the sacred fig tree, one of the oldest trees in the world. Behold the serene beauty of Samadhi Buddha Statue and spend the evening riding the waters of Kala Wawa.
Day 3: Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa (B)
This Morning drive to Polonnaruwa ancient city, Commence exploring one of the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa and end the day with a boat ride in Parakrama Samudraya.
Day 4: Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya (B)
Today you will drive to Sigiriya which is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.
Day 5: Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy (B)
This morning drive to the Sacred City of Kandy en route visiting the Spice Garden in Matale. Today evening, you will have an insight into Sri Lankan cooking demonstration at a spice garden. Evening visit the Gem museum and the temple of the sacred tooth relic.
Day 6: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (B)
Today you will do a tour Kandy and visit the Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, and Arts & Crafts Centre. Also visit Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a 14th century pleasure retreat of the Pandyan kings.
Later 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.
Day 7: 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 traditional tea plucking and sipping a cup of “Ceylon Tea”.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala (B)
Transfer to train station for a scenic train trip to Ella. Ella is a beautiful sleepy mountain village with an ideal cool climate of the central highlands. On a clear day, its view extends the south coast of Sri Lanka. Ella is also a perfect base for relaxing, with lots of fantastic walks through tea plantations to temples and waterfalls. With its perfect climate, this village soothes your mind and makes your day carefree and relaxing.
Day 9: 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, and 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 10: Yala - Galle (B)
Leave for Galle and visit Galle Dutch Fort in the afternoon. This city has the most ancient and important harbor in the country.
Day 11: Galle (B)
Day at leisure
Day 12: Galle - Balapitiya - Colombo (B)
Visit Madu Ganga for a boat ride and Turtle Hatchery, proceed to Colombo
Day 13: 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. The afternoon is free.
Day 14: Colombo - Airport
Transfer to the airport for your flight.
Included: Accommodation for 13 nights, meals as per itinerary, transfers, sightseeing as indicated with English speaking driver-guide and entrances
Departs: Daily
Add-On: Beach stay close to Colombo or in Maldives