18 Days Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Price from NZD 4611 / AUD 4150 per person on twin sharing basis
Colombo – Negombo – Wilpattu – Anuradhapura – Jaffna – Habarana – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Yala – Galle – Colombo
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 Minneriya, discover the unspoiled beaches and temples of Jaffna, all are indispensable elements for an unforgettable Sri Lanka travel experience. Enjoy the alluring beaches, colonial-style ports, tasty food and welcoming people there.
Tour Highlights: Wilpattu National Park, Lion Rock, Nallur Kovil Temple, Ancient Capital of Anuradhapura, Yala National Park.
Day 01: Colombo – Negombo
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your hotel.
Day 02: Negombo (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 to explore the fishing village and the market in Negambo.
Day 03: Negombo – Wilpattu – Anuradhapura (B)
Morning drive to Anuradhapura, en-route visit Wilpattu National Park for a jeep safari. Wilapattu is the home of Sri Lankan Leopard, you may also spot Sloth bear on the safari. The park is also known for the ancient ruins which were discovered inside showing historical evidence that Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu lived in Wilpattu over 2,000 years ago. Continue your drive to Anuradhapura.
Day 04: Anuradhapura – Jaffna (B)
This morning you will explore the ruins of ancient Anuradhapura kingdom 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.
Afternoon drive to Jaffna.
Day 05: Jaffna (B)
Full day city tour of Jaffna visiting Jaffna Fort, the Nallur Kovil Temple, Jaffna Library and Jaffna Museum. Also, explore Keerimalai pond and Dambakola Patuna Port
Day 06: Jaffna (B)
Today board the short boat ride to Nagadeepa island to visit the Nagadeepa temple. Later visit the point Pedro and explore the village and beach area. Return back to the hotel.
Day 07: Jaffna – Habarana(B)
Morning travel to Habarana and the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 08: Habarana (B)
Today visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to see the ruins of this ancient capital. Afternoon you will enjoy a jeep ride at Minneriya National Park, famous for massive herds of elephants.
Day 09: Habarana (B)
Today morning visit the Sigiriya rock fortress, a taste of the pure Ceylon tea in the idyllic tea factory. The afternoon is at leisure or option to cycle around the village.
Day 10: Habarana– Kandy (B)
Travel to Kandy and en-route visit a spice garden. Afternoon you will enjoy a city tour of Kandy with a cultural dance show.
Day 11: 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.
Day 12: 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”. The areas around Nuwara Eliya also provide the main output of tea in Sri Lanka
Day 13: Nuwara Eliya – Yala (B)
Transfer to train station for a train to Ella. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel in Yala.
Day 14: Yala (B)
This morning, take a Safari at Yala National Park by Jeep. 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 15: Yala – Galle (B)
Today you will drive to Galle and in afternoon visit the Galle Dutch Fort. Galle has the most ancient and important harbour of the country until Colombo Harbour was established and identified as the ‘Tarshis’ of the Bible.
Day 16: Galle (B)
Full day is at leisure
Day 17: Galle – Colombo (B)
Drive to Colombo and enjoy visiting Cinnamon Gardens, the Fort and Sea Street, the goldsmith’s quarters in the Pettah area, the Bazaar area, Dutch Church of Wolfendhal and Independence Square.
Day 18: Colombo (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight.
Included: Accommodation for 17 nights, meals as per itinerary, transfers, sightseeing as indicated with English speaking driver-guide and entrances
Departs: Daily