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Days
14
Price from
€2,004EUR
Map of Jewels of Sri Lanka including Sri Lanka

Embark on an incredible journey around Sri Lanka, from Sigiriya to Kandy and Galle

Sri Lanka has just about everything a traveller could want - superb ancient sites, magnificent scenery, amazing wildlife, delicious cuisine, incredibly friendly and welcoming locals and lovely palm-fringed, white sandy beaches. Add to this a history touched by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and a society with a strong and devout adherence to the Buddhist faith and we find an island-nation of incredibly rich diversity with much to offer. We discover all of this and more on a comprehensive journey of what has been affectionately called, due to its shape, the 'Teardrop Isle'.

Start
Seeduwa, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Destination
Sri Lanka
Style
Peregrine
Code
PISJ
Physical rating
Trip rating
72 reviews
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Included trips to key sites and plenty of free time to discover Sri Lanka yourself, this trip is the perfect balance between guidance and space

  • Contrast the mix of incredible landscapes, as you weave through the city, relax on white sandy beaches, delve into temple caves and wander ancient sites

  • With a history touched by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and a society with a devout adherence to the Buddhist faith, this island-nation has incredible diversity

Is this trip right for you?

  • Day 2 is the longest travelling day at around 4.5 hours

  • Though its equatorial position means fairly constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.

  • If you have issues with heights, you may wish to sit out the climb of Lion Rock at Sigiriya. there are lots of rough, narrow steps and tight walkways.

  • Tourism in Sri Lanka is booming, and with it has come a huge increase in visitors to Yala National Park. Overtourism and lack of sustainable management practices have become a major concern for us in continuing to visit Yala. In order to reduce our impact on wildlife and the environment we are trialling visiting a less touristed section of Yala, known as Block 5. Should we determine that high tourist numbers at Block 5 also make it difficult to continue visiting responsibly we will change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park, where wild elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards also reside, and the nearby Elephant Transit Home

Dambulla Cave
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Negombo_Beach-Sarah_Baker.jpg
Polonnaruwa-Bernard_Gagnon.jpg
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Colombo Market

Itinerary
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Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (the country's only international airport), you'll be met and transferred to your hotel close to Negombo, which is situated north of Colombo. Your airport representative will be waiting in the arrival hall, located after passing through the customs area. Please look out for the signboard with your surname on it. A welcome meeting with your trip leader will take place at around 6 pm, so check with reception or the noticeboard for details. Although Colombo is the commercial capital and by far the largest city in Sri Lanka, it's still relatively small. You won't be staying in the capital itself, but in a place by the lagoon. If you have time, you can hire a bike here to explore the town.
Accommodation
  • The Gateway Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

After breakfast this morning, head to the fish market in Negombo. This can be quite an intense affair, but seeing the variety of fish being presented by the locals is a great experience. Afterwards, venture out in a private vehicle (approximately 4.5 hours) to the ancient city of Sigiriya. In the evening, head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, a visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to climb to the top, but well worth the effort.
Accommodation
  • Aliya Resort & Spa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock
  • Negombo - Fish market
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hrs. Start late afternoon, reaching the lion paw in around an hour and a half. On the way visit the water garden, boulder garden, Sigiriya Frescos and the mirror wall.
After the Lion Paw its a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways along the side of the rock. This part of the climb takes around 30 minutes.
Those not wanting to go to the top can rest at the lion paw until the rest of the group return.

Drive to Anuradhapura in a private vehicle after breakfast this morning (approximately 1.5 hours). The sacred city of Anuradhapura is one of the main shrines of Buddhism in the country. Take a walk through intricate monuments and amazing architecture. While here you witness the famous sacred fig tree, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Also see Isurumuniya, a beautiful Buddhist temple nearby. After your visit to this ancient city, head back to Sigiriya. Your evening is then free to do as you wish.
Accommodation
  • Aliya Resort & Spa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - Ancient site
  • Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast, journey by private vehicle out to another of the area's ancient landmarks in Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours each way). There are plenty of temples, tombs and stupas to discover, as well as the spectacular Quadrangle. Today you also sit down to enjoy high tea in Dambulla. Later in the afternoon, head back to Sigiriya where you can have an optional ayurvedic massage.
Accommodation
  • Aliya Resort & Spa (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Giritale - Polonnaruwa Site
  • Dambulla - High Tea
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Make the short drive to Dambulla Caves Temple this morning and explore this magnificent cave complex. The World Heritage-listed monastery has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and for good reason. In the afternoon, venture out in your private vehicle to Kandy (approximately 2.5 hours). You'll also visit a spice garden in Matale on the way. On arrival, check in to your hotel and head out to explore.
Accommodation
  • Ozo Kandy Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matale - Spice Garden
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

While this city is the second largest in the country and capital of the central hill regions, it's very much a peaceful and attractive place. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Garden with a botanist. These gardens are world class, and the largest botanical gardens in the country. As well as 300 species of orchids, there are a number of bird species in the park, including the Yellow Fronted Barbet, Layards Parakeet, Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot and Brown Capped Babbler. Next, pay a visit to the gem museum and lapidary in Kandy. Finally, in the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa). Located in the heart of town, this is the most important shrine in the country, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre.
Accommodation
  • Ozo Kandy Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kandy - Botanical Gardens
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Kandy - Cultural performance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say farewell to Kandy after breakfast and take the scenic train ride to Haputale (approximately 5 hours). Perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside, this town offers many a photo opportunity. On arrival, check in to your accommodation and head out to explore your surrounds. Or simply soak up the views from the pristine gardens at your resort.
Accommodation
  • Melheim Resort or Kelbourne Cottage or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
TRAIN TICKETS
Train tickets from Kandy to Haputale are in very high demand, especially over high season (December - March).While we always try our best to secure tickets, on the rare occasion that we cannot you will be provided with a private vehicle.

Due to high demand we have added extra departures on January 27th and February 24th, 2019 for this trip. Please note that these departures will not be staying in Haputale on Days 7 & 8 due to the unavailability of rooms at the Melheim Resort. We will instead stay at Blackpool Hotel in Nuwara-Eliya for those days.

Venture out this morning after breakfast and walk to a nearby tea plantation and factory. In the afternoon, you'll sit down for lunch at a local planter's bungalow, before having the rest of the day free to relax.
Accommodation
  • Melheim Resort or Kelbourne Cottage or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tea Factory Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Transfer to Tissamaharama (known colloquially as Tissa). On the way there, make a stop at a beautiful small town in the highlands, Ella. Here, visit Ella Gap which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains. In the evening, head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve. Here you board a 4x4 and embark on a safari. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes. When it's all over, retire to your resort to relax and unwind.
Accommodation
  • Kithala Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
From September to mid October the Wildlife Conservation Department of Sri Lanka close Yala National Park for the development of infrastructure as well as for plant and wildlife rejuvination. Today we instead visit the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe, followed by a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.
Udawalawe is home to wild elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer and leopards.

Today you will enjoy another safari in Yala National Park. Perhaps take the chance to do some birdwatching; Yala is home to some 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Painted Stork and Crimson-fronted Barbet. If Yala is closed today, the group will visit Bundala National Park instead.
Accommodation
  • Kithala Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
From September to mid October the Wildlife Conservation Department of Sri Lanka close Yala National Park for the development of infrastructure as well as for plant and wildlife rejuvination. During this time our jeep safari will be in Bundala National Park.
Bundala National Park is home to elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and wild boar.

Take an optional visit Kataragama Temple in the morning to see the shrine that's dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo (resident god). Later we will transfer to Galle, a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka's southermost tip. Settle into your hotel, and perhaps stretch your legs with a stroll around a town considered the best preserved colonial town in Sri Lanka. At its core is a Dutch-built fort surrounded on three sides by the ocean but there's a trove of ancient mosques and churches, museums, boutiques and more. Between the months of November to April, whale watching is also a possibility in this area. If you have time in the day, pay a visit to the Handunugoda white tea plantation for a lesson in history and process.
Accommodation
  • Fairway Sunset or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kataragama - Kataragama Temple - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The morning and afternoon are yours to explore this charming town. Wander through the newer parts of Galle to experience a slightly more hectic way of life that of the fort. In the evening you will take a guided walk through town.


Accommodation
  • Fairway Sunset or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Galle - guided walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

An afternoon transfer from Galle will leave enough time for you to take a guided tour of Sri Lanka's capital city. A spicy mix of religions and cultures. Colombo is a busy and vibrant place with a laid-back ambience. After your walking tour head out for a final dinner with your group, or perhaps check out the city's nightlife. 
Accommodation
  • Ozo Colombo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Colombo - Walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay on in Colombo, we can help arrange additional accommodation for you on request. Why not soak up all that Colombo has to offer on an immersive one-day Urban Adventure tour? Visit www.urbanadventues.com for more details.


Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventure - Colombo by Tuk Tuk Urban Adventure - USD55 - USD55
  • Colombo - Eat, Eat, Repeat Urban Adventure - USD55
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private Vehicle, Safari Vehicle, Taxi, Train

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (10 nights), Spa Resort Feature Stay in Sigiriya (3 night)

Included Activities

  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock
  • Negombo - Fish market
  • Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
  • Anuradhapura - Ancient site
  • Anuradhapura - Isurumuniya Temple
  • Giritale - Polonnaruwa Site
  • Dambulla - High Tea
  • Matale - Spice Garden
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
  • Kandy - Botanical Gardens
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Kandy - Cultural performance
  • Tea Factory Visit
  • Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
  • Galle - guided walking tour
  • Colombo - Walking tour

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available to purchase and is applicable for all nights on tour.

PERAHERA FESTIVAL:
Dates for Perahera Festival are based on the lunar calendar, usually in July-August. The Festival is a 10 day period of evening processions to honour the Sacred Tooth, which is enshrined at Kandy's Temple of the Tooth. Each night features thousands of dancers and drummers, and a parade of more than 50 decorated elephants. Due to Intrepid's stance on Elephant cruelty we do not visit the Perahera and cannot purchase tickets on your behalf.

TRAIN TICKETS
Train tickets from Kandy to Haputale are in very high demand, especially over high season (December - March).While we always try our best to secure tickets, on the rare occasion that we cannot you will be provided with a private vehicle.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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