Compare Simply Sri Lanka by Intrepid Travel vs Tongue Twisting Tea Buds Sri Lanka by Panoramic Tour & Travels
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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0 | Poor
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Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
Price From | $ 620 | $ 1,710 |
Price Per Day | $ 78 | $ 155 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Luxury |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities | N/A |
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Meals Included | N/A |
10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners |
Description |
Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip. |
During this life changing tour you will enjoy your journey which will begin at the Katunayake Airport and will end at the Katunayake Airport. Experience a 11-day tour around Sri Lanka while encountering ancient heritage, culture, adventures and taste Sri Lankan street food you have never experienced before, also get a chance to involve yourself in water sport. Starting from Colombo and thereafter moving on to Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala and Bentota whereas you will be staying in star class comfortable hotels with some new experiences. |
Day 1 Negombo
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2 Dambulla
After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.
Day 3 Sigiriya - Kandy
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.
Day 4 Kandy
The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.
Day 5 Unawatuna
Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage.
Day 6 Unawatuna
Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing.
Day 7 Colombo
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.
Day 8 Colombo
Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.
Day 1: Ayubowan! (Airport-Colombo)
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Stop At: Colombo Fort, Galle Buck, Colombo Sri Lanka Have a memorable Holiday! With a warm welcome by our professional chauffeur guide and a Panoramic Tour representative we welcome you to Sri Lanka. After arriving at the Katunayake International Airport, we will accommodate you in a Hotel in Colombo. If time permits you can go on a city tour where you can visit old parliament building, world trade center, Colombo city center and enjoy walking by the Galle Face Green. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Duration: 1 hour
Day 2: Cooking Demonstration (Colombo-Sigiriya)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Main Road, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka After your breakfast proceed to Sigiriya. You can enjoy a village tour in Galewela, you will get a chance to experience TukTuk ride, bullock and catamaran ride. After an authentic Sri Lankan Lunch with a chilled beer involve yourself in a cooking demonstration, get a chance to learn and cook local rice and curry and the ancient secret recipe while cooking with the demonstrators and continue your journey towards Sigiriya. En route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla of 600 feet high and over 2000 feet in length. Thereafter check in at the hotel, relax yourself in the pool, enjoy a complimentary dinner and for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Climb Sigiriya Rock (Sigiriya)
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Main Road, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka Have your breakfast, pull out your camera, tighten your shoes lace, stuff your back pack and off for a hiking session at Sigiriya. one of the most breathtaking sights in Sri Lanka to click on some Instagram worthy pictures and thereafter off to Pidurangala rock, an enormous rock located a few kilometers North of Sigiriya. Sigiriya rock known as the 8th Wonder of the World has been formed by the lava of a wiped out spring of gushing lava, it stands at 200 meters in height, surrounded by wildernesses with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. Have your lunch and back to the hotel and if interested you can enjoy a foot massage at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel with a complimentary dinner after a hectic day.
Day 4: Cultural Dance (Sigiriya -Kandy) Stop At
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Kandy View Point, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka Today morning we travel to Kandy, a cultural land amongst hills. Check in at the hotel and have your lunch at a recommended restaurant. In the evening visit The Temple of the Tooth Relic which houses the Relic of the Tooth of Lord Buddha. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, the holy city of Kandy is associated with the history of the dissemination of Buddhism. Get a chance to shop around gem shops, batik factory and view the wood carvings. In the evening have a chance to view the Kandyan cultural dance show. Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 5: Misty Land (Kandy-Nuwara Eliya)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Stop At: Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka After breakfast take your route to Nuwara Eliya by train (subject to availability) one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, during the journey the train goes passing lush greenish tea estates, many tunnels, farming fields, villages and forests. Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. After sometime in the cultural triangle this is exactly what you need. Depending on the time go on a city tour where you will get a chance to visit the post office, Golf Club and proceed to Lake Gregory for an evening walk. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
Day 6: Safari Day (Nuwara Eliya-Yala)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Stop At: Yala National Park, Sri Lanka This morning after breakfast off to Yala. En route visit the Seetha Amman Kovil, enjoy your lunch and check in at the hotel. Thereafter off to Yala National Park which is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. By 2:30 pm proceed to Yala National Park after lunch and hop into a 4x4 and go on a safari searching for wild life habitats. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Enjoy a hoppers night out to taste one of the best Sri Lankan authentic food as per request and back to the hotel for an overnight stay after a hectic day.
Duration: 5 hours
Day 7: Day At Leisure (Yala-Bentota)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Stop At: Bentota Beach, Bentota 80500 Sri Lanka Have your breakfast and off to Bentota. Learn the ancient art of Sri Lankan pottery from experts and make your own clay pot on a traditional wheel, as a remembrance. Enjoy your lunch at Galle, the fort which was built by the Portuguese on the south western coast of Sri Lanka, you can go for a walk around Galle Fort. Witness the beautiful sunset from Galle Fort as you walk along a coastal track and outlook attractions such as shipping warehouses, churches, temples, the clock tower and lighthouse, thereafter enjoy your dinner at a famous boutique café and proceed to Bentota for an overnight stay.
Duration: 4 hours
Day 8: Beach Day Out (Bentota Stay)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Stop At: Bentota Beach, Bentota 80500 Sri Lanka Today have your breakfast and make a visit to the brief garden, which has remained open to the public for more than 40 years. Brief has numerous statues and canvases prepared by several native and external artists. Donald Friend, Russel Drysdale are two of the pretty famous Australian Artists who have done work at Brief. Thereafter enjoy your day involving yourself in water sports, where you can experience Jet ski, Wind Surfing, Water Skiing, Banana Ride, Tube Ride, Canoeing, Deep-sea Fishing and Scuba Diving. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay after a hectic day.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 9: Boat Safari Time (Bentota Stay)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Stop At: Bentota Beach, Bentota 80500 Sri Lanka Have your breakfast and off to Madu River, second largest drizzly land which is situated at Balapitiya Sri Lanka. Madu River is a lagoon similarly, it is high environmental, natural and artistic worth place of Sri Lanka. Off to Ambalangoda to visit the Mask Museum, that revival in traditional carving and mask performances of two sets of masks which are the Kolam Maduwa and the Sanni Yakuma. Enjoy your lunch and back to the hotel to spend your day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
Day 10: Little Rome (Bentota - Negombo)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis
Stop At: Negombo Beach, Negombo Sri Lanka Today have your breakfast and off to Negombo the Little Rome of Sri Lanka. Check in at the hotel and off to enjoy your lunch. If time permits go for a shopping spree in Negombo. Spend your day at leisure and Enjoy a seafood dinner and back the hotel for an overnight stay. Duration: 2 hours Meals included: • Breakfast Accommodation included: Overnight stay at 4 or 5 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis Day 11: UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN (NEGOMBO-AIRPORT) Stop At: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka Depending on your departure flight time check out of the Hotel. Don’t forget to take plenty of good memories of your unforgettable vacation home.
Duration: 30 minutes