Feast Your Eyes on the Best of Sri Lanka from Negombo
Highlights
Dambulla Cave Temple
Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Koggala Stilt Fishermen
Description
Sri Lanka has South Asia’s most captivating religious and cultural attractions, featuring elaborate art and architecture, and spectacular festivals, revealing the essence of the island’s fascinating history, and rich cultural heritage. The island gives you so much to amaze and make everlasting memories for you, your partner or your whole family.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Airport – Negomboexpand_more
Ayubowan (May you live long!). Our friendly Sri Lankan guide/driver will welcome you and then you will be transferred to the fishing village of Negombo, located near the airport so you can relax after a long flight journey. Negombo is certainly not just to relax on the beach, but this coastal city has a rich history to share with you.
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Day 2: Dambulla - Habaranaexpand_more
After the breakfast depart to the cultural triangle at the centre of the island in the morning. Visit The Dambulla Cave Temple UNESCO World Heritage site, the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka.
Stay overnight in Sigiriya/Habarana.
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Day 3: Polonnaruwa - Minneriya National Parkexpand_more
After breakfast visit Polonnaruwa, The ancient city is also rich in monasteries and Buddhist remains from this kingdom. The most interesting of all would be the ‘Gal Vihara’, meaning the rock Temple, You can also visit Archaeological Museum in Polonnaruwa, on your way back to Habarana
Afternoon prepares yourself for wildlife in jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, Minneriya National Park is home to one of the largest gatherings of Asian Elephants in the world. Although a great place for spotting elephants all year round. By late August, the awe-inspiring site of up to 300 elephants can be seen during the Gathering. Stay overnight in Habana/Sigiriya.Optional:
Make an elephant back safari into the jungle at HabaranaVisit a traditional village to experience the lifestyle
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Day 4: Sigiriya - Matale – Kandyexpand_more
Transfer to Kandy after breakfast visit one of Asia’s most spectacular cultural sites the Sigiriya Rock Fortress the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Only the fit and adventurous will be able to climb the summit, but all can enjoy the ancient ruins and wonderful sights around the base and halfway on a hike. It's home to water gardens, frescoes and ancient graffiti.
Later Transfer to Kandy, On the Way to Kandy Visit Matale Aluvihare Temple where Buddhist doctrines were first documented on Ola leaves on 1st century after passing through orally from generation to generation and visit Spice Garden at Matale to learn about species and their use in Sri Lankan cuisines.
Stay overnight in Kandy.
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Day 5: Pinnawela - Kandy - Nuwara Eliyaexpand_more
After a good breakfast at the hotel and visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandbaby Elephants born in the same location.
Visit Peradeniya Botanical garden at Peradeniya in the morning which is well-known for its collection of over 4000 species of plants, including of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Departs to Nuwara Eliya the ‘little England’ for its Victorian-era structures and the mild weather. It’s chilled out the weather and eccentric scenes of tea plantations, waterfalls and mountain ranges. Visit Tea Factory to see how the tea you drink is produced. It’s worth to visit Gregory Lake in the evening.Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya
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Day 6: Yala National Parkexpand_more
Transfer to Yala after breakfast. On the way, visit Ella & Rawana Falls reach the hotel in Yala and prepare yourself for a safari at the most visited and popular park in the country. The Yala National Park. It has a remarkable characteristic of the tropical forest bordering the sea.
Your opportunity to catch the sight of the Sri Lankan Leopard, Asian Elephant, and many other mammals and birds in their natural habitat going on a Safari and in the wild.Stay overnight in Thissa
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Day 7: Colombo City Tourexpand_more
After breakfast, depart to Colombo via Galle. And on the way, stop Koggala along the way to see the unique stilt fishermen. Stop at Galle city, UNESCO World Heritage Site where tiny back streets in the Dutch Fort. Visit the Galle Lighthouse, and enjoy a nice round tour to the Dutch fort and do some shopping while you are there.
Afternoon make a city tour in Colombo before leaving, we also recommend you to go for a City Walk which is Complementary on your Package. Colombo Has got Ayurvedic centres, Dutch Architecture of Pettah, Colonial-era remaining, Fort, Galle Face Green, and Independence Square, Old Parliament House and Beira Lake surroundings
What's Included
Both airport transfers and transportation in an air-conditioned Car / Van / Bus
English speaking driver from arrival to departure.
Parking tickets
Sri Lankan Guide fees - where necessary
Accommodation in the economy, 2 and 3-star level hotels, air-conditioned share rooms with attached toilets
Tickets for a train journey in the luxury compartment (Subject to availability of the tickets on confirmation of the tour by client)
All vehicle expenses including petrol, tolls, road tall taxes, parking fees and driver’s accommodation and meals.
What's Excluded
Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
Entrance fees to sites
Extra excursions
Early check-in and late check-out charges
Tips or Gratuity
What to bring
Rain Jacket and Umbrella
Mosquito Repellent & Sunscreen
Sandals or Jelly Flats
Sarong
Warm Weather Clothes
Bathing Suit and Quick Dry Towel
Travel Essentials
Camera, Memory Cards and Spare Batteries
Meeting Point
Katunayake Entrance, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Language
Arabic, Dutch, English, German, Italian
Activity Level
Easy