Compare Northern Sri Lanka tour including Jaffna by Audley Travel vs Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group, 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 15 days | 10 days |
Price From | $ 3,607 | $ 4,275 |
Price Per Day | $ 240 | $ 428 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
The cultural triangle, neatly tended tea estates, rose-gold beaches... On a tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Sri Lanka specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Admire the cave frescos of Dambulla and clamber to the top of Sigiriya Rock’s fortress. Join pilgrims as they stroll the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Pause at a roadside fruit stall for a fresh banana. Spot elephants, bird life and, if you’re lucky, a leopard, in Yala National Park. Take a traditional mask-making class and compare your skills with those sold in the boutiques of Dutch-colonial Galle. Long stretches of coastline, Colombo’s artisanal markets, a plantation-home stay… What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go. |
Live and breathe the culture of Sri Lanka as you take a walking tour through the picturesque backstreets of Colombo, see the famous fortress of Sigiriya set upon its rocky outcrop and visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy. For something truly unique, take part in a Nuwara Eliya tea experience—an all-immersive tea leaf picking and fresh tea tasting affair, at one of the world’s most beautiful tea plantations. Voyage into the depths of the jungle on a game drive in Wilpattu National Park and keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants. Before the journey home, be sure not to miss the exquisite fragrances of the National Spice Garden in Matale and the architectural wonders of Anuradhapura—the capital city of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom that ruled for a thousand years. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.
Day 2 : Kandy
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by our representatives and transferred to Kandy for your first two nights in Sri Lanka. In the lower hill region, you're surrounded by lush hills and some amazing scenery.
Day 3 : Kandy
Visit Kandy and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Early this evening your driver will take you to a performance of the famous Kandyan dancing before visiting the famous Temple of The Sacred Tooth.
Day 4 : Sigiriya
Transfer north to Sigirya, travelling via the impressive caves in Dambulla. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the site consists of 5 temples; carved into the rock within a hill looming over Dambulla. Taking a walk up the steps to the top of the hill, you can enjoy the views of the surrounding plains before exploring these beautiful temples.Spend the night in Sigiriya, located in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle.
Day 5 : Sigiriya
Explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and nearby ancient city of Polonnaruwa today with your chauffeur-guide. Polonnaruwa is still a devout holy city so you can mix with brightly robed Buddhist monks and pilgrims dressed in white bringing beautiful floral offerings.
Day 6 : Anuradhapura
Travel onwards to Anuradhapura for the next three nights. Passing rice paddies and farm, this is a great route to spot some local wildlife.The evening is free to relax.
Day 7 : Anuradhapura
Today you will visit the ancient sites which dot the towns of Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Avoid the midday sun and wear comfortable shoes.
Day 8 : Anuradhapura
Spend the day exploring Wilpattu National Park. Travel by jeep to hopefully see wild elephants, the local birdlife amongst many other species of animals.
Day 9 : Jaffna
This morning after breakfast you will drive up to the very north of the country to Jaffna - a stunning place that has a turbulent history and strong Tamil influence - it's a really unique place to visit in Sri Lanka.
Day 10 : Jaffna
Today you will be able start your tour of the Jaffna area with your guide. You are likely to be the only tourists around so you will certainly get to see the Sri Lankan way of life.
Day 11 : Jaffna
Another day to continue your explorations of Jaffna. Today you may want to visit one of the neighbouring islands or go up to the top of the peninsula to the coast.
Day 12 : Trincomalee
Travel south east today to reach the harbour city of Trincomalee. Explore the history or relax on the beautiful beaches.
Day 13 : Trincomalee
Day at leisure to explore or just relax on the beach. In summer it's possible to take a boat trip to see whales and dolphins - this can be booked directly with the hotel.
Day 14 : Colombo
Take a domestic flight back to Colombo today. If flights connect, you may be able to fly out internationally on the same day, otherwise, stop in Colombo for one night. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring one of Colombo's markets.
Day 15 : International return flight
Travel to the international airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka. A land of historic ruins, sweeping beaches and mouth-watering food, you’ve made it to paradise. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel, the Taj Samudra, Colombo. A contemporary, luxury build situated on the seafront, it provides an idyllic ambience at sunset. Unwind and rejuvenate before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director at 19:00, for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.
Day 2: Explore Colombo
There’s no better way to get to know a city than to walk through its back streets and experience it like a local. In the morning, head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the city's hidden treasures. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back from 17th century and were erected mostly during Dutch and British rule. Visit Pettah Market, where locals head to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, garments and jewellery. This market place is older than the buildings around it and an area best explored with a local. Later, board your customised tuk-tuk and head out to explore the hustle and bustle of an afternoon in Colombo's oldest neighbourhoods. Cruise the city streets as the sun descends over the Indian Ocean and the city lights spring to life around a pulse of evening activity.
Day 3: Welcome to the Jungle Relaxed Start
After breakfast, begin your journey to Wilpattu National Park. A unique complex of over fifty wetlands and gravel roads that trace watering holes, the perfect place to observe wildlife. On arrival, check into your luxury safari camp located on the boarder of the park, a quintessential glamping experience and a satisfying blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. In the evening, venture deep into the thick wilderness. Explore the park by jeep safari, taking the back roads in search for Sri Lanka's big four—leopards, elephants, sloth bears and deer.
Day 4: Jungle Safari
Enjoy journeying through the jungle on your morning and afternoon safaris. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, buffalos, mongooese and turtles.
Day 5: Wilpattu to Sigiriya
In the morning head south, making your way to Sigiriya. Stop on your journey at the Anuradhapura temple complex, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, sprawling and with a rich collection of archaeological wonders. Now a World Heritage site, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its ancient ruins with your Travel Director. Meet a practicing Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour of the Ritigala jungle’s enveloped paths. Hear the tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks that once inhabited the reserve. Begin your gradual ascent, making your way through seemingly endless paths and flights of carved stairs. This was once a place of meditation, congregation, teaching and general life for a monastic community who today devote their lives to simple living in the forest.
Day 6: Exploring Sigiriya's Ancient Kingdom
Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. Explore Sigiriya with Insight Choice. Choose to climb Sigiriya Rock. Alternatively, visit Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. During a tuk-tuk ride, explore the ancient remains of temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself before heading back to your hotel.
Day 7: Colourful Caves and Rainforests
Today you’ll visit the colourful Dambulla Caves. Also known as the Golden Temple caves, this World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Take in its mighty artwork dedicated to Gautama Buddha as you explore with your group. S Stop at Tamarind Gardens for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This local farm has been working to supply community members with access to clean water, nutritional food, and supports the village towards a sustainable future. Later, arrive in Kandy. Surrounded by mountains, rainforest and tea plantations, this sacred city if famous for its Buddhist sites, such as the Temple of the Tooth shrine. Once here you’ll enjoy a cultural evening of drums and a dance performance. Your accommodation for the evening is, Mahaweli Reach. Located next to the mighty Mahaweli River, this traditional hotel is based in the hill capital of Sri Lanka and offers incredible culture, history and authentic dining options.
Day 8: Tea Country Hills Relaxed Start
In the morning head to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha is located here.Later meet Rahju, a local artist, at his contemporary art gallery. Enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya. A city in Sri Lanka’s tea country hills, this pretty destination is famous for Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu shrine and Galway’s Land National Park. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration. Learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef, before indulging in the fruits of your hard work.
Day 9: Exploring Nuwara Eliya
Rise early this morning for an excursion to Horton Plains for a trek to World's End, where a stunning escarpment that plunges 880 metres down to the jungle floor. World’s End is situated in one of the most popular National Parks in Sri Lanka and is the only one where you can are able walk freely as there are no elephants. Stand in awe and capture incredible views of the expansive plateau, before mist and cloud obscure the scene. In the afternoon, learn everything there is to know about Ceylon tea during a visit to a tea plantation and garden. Walk through the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session hosted by an expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over a Celebration Dinner at your hotel.
Day 10: Goodbye Colombo
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, as your journey comes to an end. You’ll be driven back to Colombo airport for your onward flight. A stop will be made in Colombo for those extending their stay.