Best of Sri Lanka Tour with Wildlife Safari & Visit Beaches of Sri Lanka

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Best Of Sri Lanka

Duration

11 Night / 12 Days

Destinations

Negombo – Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – South Beach – Colombo

Tour Overview

Day 1

Airport – Negombo

Meet & assist on arrival by our representatives at the airport, and thereafter you will be transferred to a hotel in Negombo or Near Airport Lagoon Face Resort

Check in at leisure

Early Afternoon proceed on Negombo city tour, ending the day with a boat ride in the lagoon.

Negombo City & Fishing Village

Dubbed Sri Lanka’s ‘Little Rome’, this beach town located just a few kilometers away from the Bandaranaike International Airport is full of surprises for wanderlust. Negombo is a perfect choice to spend a few days in the company of the sun and sand. The diverse array of restaurants, pubs, and accommodation choices this metropolis offers is a perfect reflection of this beach town’s exultant vibe. It is also a historically interesting location owing to the strains of Dutch-influenced architecture that remain intact in the town’s landscape, not to mention the

ancient Dutch Fort as well as several churches constructed during the Dutch Colonial era that are thronged by pilgrims daily. Among other amazing sightseeing options are the breathtaking sunsets, the bustling fish market, as well as handmade catamarans used by local fishermen that set sail in the evenings. Boat rides are also available to explore the Dutch canals, mangrove forests, or the nearby marshlands of Muthurajawela

Day 2

Negombo – Dambulla / Sigiriya 11 Jan 2022

Breakfast, Check-out transfers to Dambulla/ Sigiriya

Visit Sigiriya Lion Rock

The marvellous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa, whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and, within it, a heavenly abode. Rising over the dry plains of the Dambulla district, the tough climb up this flat-topped monadnock ends with the most scenic bird’s-eye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages below. The skeletal layout of the ancient city within the fortress marvels its observers with the grandeur and complexity of 5th century urban-planning of Sri Lanka. On the way to the top, one can observe the famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. The smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors, inspired by the vibrant frescoes.

Evening at Leisure

Day 3

Dambulla / Sigiriya

Breakfast In Hotel

Minneriya Wild Elephant Safari

Minneriya, located in the backwoods of the North Central Province, is home to the famous Minneriya National Park that shelters some of the greatest wildlife treasures of this paradise isle. The park, nourished by an ancient man-made tank, provides shelter for troops of toque monkeys, sambar deer, as well as leopards, elephants, and bird flocks, including little cormorants and painted storks, to name a few. It is also renowned for the ‘Sixth Greatest Wildlife Spectacle of the World’ – the amazing phenomenon of the ‘Minneriya Elephant gathering’ that occurs annually during August – September. The best time to visit the park is during June –
September, the low water levels of the tank expose grass in the tank bed, which attracts herds of grazing animals.

While returning to the hotel, visit Native Treatment Spa (Ayurveda) (Treatment included in price) at the following location: Athreya Ayurvedic Spa. The treatment would relax your body after a long flight and journey

• 45 Minute full-body massage with 15-minute herbal steam treatment

Full-body massage is a key part of Ayurvedic therapy. However, combining skilled knowledge of the body with knowledge of oils, music, and bodywork techniques has resulted in a profound art for balancing the body and mind through the medium of oil massage for the entire body known as Abhyanga at leisure

Day 4

Dambulla / Sigiriya – Kandy

Breakfast In Hotel
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Located in the Matale district, Dambulla is part of the cultural triangle and is home to the world-famous Dambulla Cave Temples. The cave temples complex that lies atop a massive hill on the edge of the town is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country and is renowned for its unique mural paintings and sculptures. If you are not a history buff, fret not, because there is more to Dambulla. . .You can choose to visit the Minneriya National Park and head out for a safari ride to enjoy the sights of the many elephant herds that inhabit the sanctuary, or increase the adventure quotient with a hike up the mystical mountains of Ritigala or a hot air balloon ride (available between November and May).
Thereafter, proceed to Kandy, enjoy a sightseeing tour in Kandy

Most often referred to as the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy offers a diverse variety of experiences to its visitors, ranging from history, culture, and simple scenic beauty, coupled with a touch of urbanity.

It was the last Sinhalese Kingdom that fell under British rule in 1815. The journey to this mellow, weathered city can be quite enjoyable, particularly by train, owing to the scenic delights that lie alongside. The city’s colonial architecture has been preserved well even in the backdrop of rapid urbanization. Close to the city’s center is the prime landmark – Sri Dalada Maligawa that houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Apart from the ancient monuments of the Kandyan era, the delightful jumble of antique shops and the bustling market in the city also make for interesting places to visit.

Day 5

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella

Breakfast in Hotel / Proceed on uphill 2500 meters above sea level to Nuwara Eliya soon after lunch via Visit Tea Factory & plantation

Nuwara Eliya

Dubbed the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’, Nuwara Eliya is located in the thick, misty hills of this paradise isle, 180 km away from Colombo. The summer resort of Sri Lanka, it is one of the few areas where the colonial atmosphere is preserved, still resembling a British countryside complete with rose gardens, hedges, and red-roofed bungalows. Although the town center has receded from its old-world charm, the lush tea plantations, the racecourse, the English country house–styled Hill Club, and the beautifully kept golf course instantly rush its visitors back to the colonial times. Touring locations include: the lovely Queen Victoria Park and the Gregory Lake, the legendary Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Galway Land Bird Sanctuary, the misty landscapes of Horton Plains, as well as several tea factories where one can obtain an up-close perspective on how your cuppa originates. It is also ideal for hiking or biking. April marks the Nuwara Eliya ‘season’

Stop at Ella “The Valley” (Short journey by Train 3 stations no reservation made) Continue to Ella
– Bandarawela Main Station – Ella Mail Station

Day 6

Ella - Yala

Ella, which literally translates into ‘waterfall ’, is a name fit for this little town located in a hilly nook, owing to its stunning vistas richly adorned with cascades that trickle down its rugged terrain. Located some 225km away from Colombo, Ella offers some of the most scenic sights available in Sri Lanka. It is perfect for those who enjoy nature and outdoor fun, as it offers ample opportunities for trekking expeditions. The unparalleled beauty of the vistas in Ella includes the Ella Gap, where one can enjoy the sights of the grand stone bridge that stands tall with nine archways. The walk leading to the Ella Gap falls through a railway and is definitely a factor that would add to the excitement of the little trek. The spectacular bird’s-eye views available at the crests of the mini-
Adam’s Peak (OPTIONAL VISIT) and Bambaragala (OPTIONAL VISIT) are visits that should not be missed!

Day 7

YALA - GALLE – SOUTH BEACH

Breakfast, at Leisure, Morning Safari in Yala

Yala – its magnificent sights of majestic elephant herds, fine-feathered peacocks, great black bears, and agile leopards that steal away into the shadows of the thick foliage are unparalleled in any of the national parks in the country. Apart from the rare sightings of varied animal species, which include herds of elephants and leopards, the visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach in the beautiful setting of unspoilt beaches, as the Southern park border lies along the South-eastern coastal line. The ancient monastic settlement, Sithulpawwa, located amidst the thick verdure of the park, also makes for an interesting place to visit. The best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season (March to April).

Return for breakfast, to hotel, check out transfer to South Beach

Visit Galle Fort: On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour in Galle. Discover the history of the Portuguese

Located in the Southern province, the city of Galle is a living time capsule. Home to the largest occupied Fort in Asia, its quaint beauty extends beyond its golden beaches and cerulean waters. The main attraction of Galle no doubt, is its ancient Fort, which instantaneously takes the visitors back to the Dutch Colonial era. One can bask in the picturesque views and the rich history while walking through the narrow, cobbled streets, relish a meal from one of the interesting restaurants within the Fort, or enjoy the cool sea breeze beneath the landmark lighthouse. Other fabulous options available during your stay in this ‘city of romance’ are a hiking/camping trip at the Kanneliya forest reserve, a boat ride in the Koggala lagoon, or a visit to one of the artificial turtle hatcheries along the coastal line of the city.

Overnight Stay; 4 Star hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast + Extra Meals Lunch/Dinner & Drinks at Client's Own Expense)

Day 8,9 & 10

SOUTH BEACH

Breakfast in Hotel / full day at leisure on the beach. You can opt for various optional activities.

Option 01 – Madu Ganga boat Safari + Fish Massage ecology.
In the Southern region of Sri Lanka lies the Galle district. Balpitiya is a little town in the district and would be quite unimportant, except for the location of a river. The Madu River is very rich in biodiversity. It passes through the wet zone of Sri Lanka, opening up into the large Madu Lagoon on its way to the Indian Ocean. The Madu River Safari is a popular activity that has to be on the ‘to-do’ list of any respectable Sri Lankan holiday goer. This unforgettable activity lasts for over two hours and gives a visitor a chance to travel the secretive passages through the mangrove forests and see the They set up several artificial cage ponds in the natural river where the doctor fish are grown. You can get into the floating stage from your boat and sit and put your legs in to the pond. Hundreds of fish come and gently nibble the dead skin of your legs. They provide fish food also. Once you feed them, hundreds of them come and fight for it.

Option 02 – Turtle Hatchery Kosgoda (per Person 10 USD – minimum 2 Pax)

Both local and international volunteers battling it out for ''Sea Turtles' Sake'' is a common sight at Kosgoda. This vibrant tourist destination, sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation, was later recognized by the Wildlife Protection Society, which studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project that operates on a formidable scale today. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole of flipper & shell enthusiasts!

Day 11

- SOUTH BEACH – COLOMBO

Breakfast in Hotel / Check-out transfer to Colombo

Colombo is the largest city and former administrative capital of Sri Lanka, and is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and remnants of a bygone colonial era. Due to its large harbor and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However, it was only made the Capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. The main city is home to a majority of Sri Lanka’s corporate offices, restaurants, and entertainment venues. On this tour, you will visit many of the historical, religious and commercial sites of Colombo, including the historic and bustling Fort and Pettah, the elite residential Cinnamon Gardens, the Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park and much more.

IF Required:
Short journey from Mt Lavinia Beach to Colombo City by Sea Train (3 stations) No reservation made

Day 12

Colombo – Airport

Breakfast in Hotel / Departure on time to airport on time for flight

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Contact Details

Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

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