14 Days Sri Lanka Overland
Price from NZD 3399 / AUD 3059 per person on twin sharing basis
Colombo – Galle - Yala – Nuwara Eliya – Kandy – Sigiriya – Trincomalee - Anuradhapura - Negombo
Discover authentic, diverse and compact Sri Lanka. A 2500-year history with preserved ancient cities and monuments, World Heritage Sites, a rich culture, amazing natural landscape, inland lakes, gardens of fresh Spices, mist-laden mountains producing word famous ‘Ceylon Tea’, cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers, wildlife sanctuaries and vast stretches of expansive golden beaches.
Tour Highlights: Galle Dutch Fort, Yala National Park, Kandy Evening Tour, Haggala Botanical Gardens, Ancient Ruins of Polonnaruwa
Day 1: Colombo
Arrival at Colombo airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Colombo (B)
This morning you will tour Colombo visiting Cinnamon Gardens, the Fort and Sea Street, the goldsmith’s quarters in the Pettah area, the Bazaar area and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dates back to 1749. Also you will visit the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square. The afternoon is free
Day 3: Colombo - Galle (B)
Leave for Galle, Afternoon visit the Galle Dutch Fort. This city has the most ancient and important harbour in the country. Overnight stay in Galle.
Day 4: Galle - Yala (B)
Leave for Yala driving inland via Ratnapura. Arrive at Yala National Park, famous for sightings of elephants, leopard and bear and check into the hotel.
Day 5: Yala – Nuwara Eliya (B)
After a morning jeep safari in Yala NP, drive to Nuwara Eliya, famous for its tea estates. Stop in Ella to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern plains and visit the Haggala Botanical Gardens. Stop at a tea plantation and factory to see the processing of fresh tea. Evening tour of Nuwara Eliya.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya (B)
Early morning visit to Horton Plains for a spectacular view of the tropical vegetation. Trek to visit Bakers Falls and ‘World End' – sheer drop over 1000 meters. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya - Kandy (B)
Depart Nuwara Eliya and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a 14th-century pleasure retreat of the Pandyan kings. Drive onward to Kandy. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Kandy and visit Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Day 8: Kandy - Dambulla - Sigiriya (B)
Leave for Dambulla and enroute visit a spice garden in Matale. Visit the historic Cave Temple in Dambulla before continuing to Sigiriya. Afternoon free
Day 9: Sigiriya (B)
Morning visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, iconic site of Sri Lanka. Afternoon free.
Day 10: Sigiriya - Habarana-Polonnaruwa - Trincomalee (B)
Depart Sigiriya to visit the ancient ruins of 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.
Day 11:Trincomalee (B)
Visit Fort Fredrik, Konneswaram Hindu Temple and see the well-known ‘lovers leap' on this morning’s tour.
Day 12: Trincomalee - Anuradhapura (B)
Leave for the historic ancient capital of Anuradhapura. You will visit key historical locations in this ancient city, 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.
Day 13: Anuradhapura - Negombo (B)
Drive to Negombo and the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14: Negombo
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Included: Accommodation for 13 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, transfers, sightseeing as indicated with English speaking driver-guide and entrances
Departs: Daily
Add-on: Beach stays close to Colombo or in Maldives