Sri Lanka Encompassed

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  • Accommodation on twin sharing (2 persons sharing room) as per above mentioned hotels or similar on Bed & Breakfast basis
  • Arrival/departure transfer & sightseeing with private air-conditioned vehicles
  • Tours as per programme
  • Services of English speaking local guides for sightseeing as per above program
  • Entrance fees to monuments
  • Assistance at airport and hotels by our representatives
  • All presently applicable taxes
  • 24 hrs Emergency Helpline Number

Not Included:

Above mentioned costs do not include any International Air fare, airport tax, Visa fee, unspecified meals, drinks, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees, grauity tips, insurance and any other expenses of personal nature, Single room supplements and any optional additional tours or activities during free time and not mentioned above.

Day 01: Arrive in Colombo Arrive in Colombo and transfer to hotel, day at leisure. Overnight Colombo  (Meals: No Meals)

Day 02: Colombo

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Colombo including the Fort which was once a colonial stronghold, and Galle Face Green, a seaside expanse popular for informal cricket games. We will also visit the noisy oriental Pettah bazaar, Gangaramaya Temple, the Cinnamon Gardens and Independence Square. End the day with a tour of the National Museum (closed Friday). Overnight: Colombo (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 03: Colombo (Buddhist Temple & Zoological Gardens)

At Kelaniya, we explore the Raja Maha Vihara, a temple graced by Buddha on one of his three visits to Sri Lanka. The day continues with a visit to the beautiful zoological gardens at Dehiwela. Overnight: Colombo (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 04: Colombo – Dambadeniya – Anuradhapura

This morning we set off to Anuradhapura and en route, we pay a visit 13th century Dambadeniya, once a royal capital. Its principal surviving ruins are the Dalada Maligawa Temple and the Dagoba, locally revered thanks to some corporeal relics of Buddha it is said to contain. Explore Panduvas Nuwara which features a well-preserved walled citadel, Padeniya, Arankele and the rock fortress of Yapahuwa. Overnight: Anuradhapura (Meals: Breakfast)  

Day 05: Anuradhapura

Today we take in the site of Anuradhapura, the fascinating ancient city and one of Sri Lanka’s most important archaeological sites. It contains vast artificial lakes, temples and statues including the Samadhi Buddha, dagobas (solid hemispheres topped with spires), royal baths and museums. Gaze at the holy Sri Maha Bodhi tree under which Prince Siddharta attained enlightenment, and it is also the oldest historically documented tree on earth. Later, we take a trip to Mihintale. Overnight: Anuradhapura (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 06: Anuradhapura – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa- Giritale

En route to Giritale we make a stop to see the stunning Aukana Buddha statue and the impressive Dambulla cave temple, which contains beautiful images and statues of Buddha. We then explore ancient Polonnaruwa, an 11th century city of compact size. Here we discover the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara, which boasts four enormous Buddha figures. Overnight: Giritale (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 07: Giritale – Sigiriya – Kandy

Today sees you exploring the mighty Sigiriya, an elevated and mysterious 5th century fortress. The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle, it can be seen for miles. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. At Matale, we visit an exotic spice garden before arriving in Kandy for the evening. Overnight in Kandy (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 08: Kandy   

Today we see the ruined temples of Embekke, Gadaladeniya, Lankatilleke and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Back in Kandy, a scenic lakeside city, we visit the lake, bazaar, gem museum and lapidary. There’ll also be a stop made at the Ceylon Tea Museum, housed in a beautifully refurbished old building with lots of vintage tea-processing machinery. Tonight, we enjoy a tour to the Temple of the Tooth and later take in a traditional cultural dance show. Overnight: Kandy (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 09 & 10: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Departing Kandy, we head further into Sri Lanka’s hill country, surrounded by tea plantations. Situated at 1,990m, Nuwara Eliya is one of the highest towns in the region, here we take a sightseeing tour and wander through Hakgala Gardens. On day 10, we take a jeep ride to scenic Horton Plains National Park. Located on a high windswept saddle, Horton Plains offers hikers stunning panoramic views. We hike to Bakers Fall passing the Gem Pit Pool, the Chimney Pool, and the Leg of Mutton Pool before returning to Nuwara Eliya. Overnight Nuwara Eliya (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11: Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park

This morning we continue on our journey to the famous Yala National Park, stopping en route at Mahayana Buddhist rock sculptures, Buduruwagala. This evening, we enjoy a jeep safari in Yala National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve is home to many rare species including elephants, wild boar, buffalo, leopard, crocodile and diverse bird life. Overnight Yala NP (Meals: Breakfast) **Note: Yala NP is usually closed sometime between Sept – early Oct due to drought. The length of this closure varies from year to year.

Day 12: Yala NP – Kalutara
This morning, we set off for sightseeing at Bundala National Park – a bird sanctuary and explore 17th century Galle Fort and stroll down its narrow streets filled with churches and colonial buildings. Continue to Kalutara, an ideal tropical beach location with its sparkling blue seas and lush fringe of palm trees, all bathed in warm golden sunshine. Overnight Kalutara (Meals: Breakfast) 

Day 13 & 14: Kalutara

Beach time in Kalutara with two days at leisure on Sri Lanka’s tropical palm-fringed coast – soak up the sun, splash in the ocean or join an optional excursion to Ratnapura, home of Sri Lanka’s famous gem trade. There are around 200 gem pits in Ratnapura and many lapidaries where the mined stones are dressed, cut and polished (you’ll tour some pits, a lapidary and the museum). Overnight in Kalutara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 15:  Departure Kalutara – Colombo

Transfer to airport for your onward journey.

 

Negombo, Camelot Beach Hotel • 3 Star – Camelot is located on the golden belt of Sri Lanka’s west coast and a perfect choice to relax and unwind. With the Indian ocean glistening in the horizon, basking in the sun has never been so inviting and the hotel boasts an Ayurvedic spa for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Anuradhapura, Hotel Alakamanda •3 Star – Hotel Alakamanda is a beautiful boutique hotel nestled among lush greenery, surrounded by picturesque ancient ruins. Comprising of 14 rooms designed in contemporary style, all feature balcony overlooking the surroundings or patio leading into the lush gardens, and all offer free WiFi, air-conditioning, kitchen, safe, LCD TVs with satellite channels.

Habanara, Habanara Village by Cinnamon • 4 Star – Where serenity meets the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environment and simplicity of village life. Clusters of homely chalets characteristic of the local architecture are dotted across the lush gardens. Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel.

Kandy, Hotel Topaz • 3 Star – Situated on the highest point of Sri Lanka’s hill capital, Hotel Topaz is an enchanting Kandy city hotel that offers luxury and seclusion in the regal city of Kandy. Nestled on top of Anniewatte Mountain the hotel boasts breath-taking views and a warm and friendly ambience.

Nuwara Eliya, The Golden Ridge • 3 Star Set amongst the scenic landscapes of tea plantation, 1.2 miles from Nuwara Eliya city, every room at the Golden Ridge Hotel enjoys picturesque views. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free WiFi is available.

Tissamaharama, Oak Ray Wild Yala • 4 Star – A premier among Yala hotels, Oak Ray Wild Yala is situated at Tissamaharama, in close proximity to the Yala wildlife sanctuary. The hotel consists of 44 Superior Deluxe Rooms with modern amenities. The hotel features an outdoor pool and an elegant restaurant and bar overlooking the surrounding gardens.

Bentota, The Palms •4 Star – Situated on  Beruwala beach, The Palms enjoys a privileged position where every room overlooks the sea! A warm, welcoming atmosphere with exceptional service, the hotel offer the facilities of an excellent four-star hotel. All rooms feature a balcony, cable TV, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar (surcharge).

Sri Lanka Encompassed (Private) 14 Nights / 15 Days Prices per person (2 sharing) Prices per person Single Room
May 2023 £2225 £3005
June 2023 £2225 £3005
July 2023 £2225 £3005
August 2023 £2225 £3005
September 2023 £2225 £3005
October 2023 £2225 £3005
November 2023 £2225 £3005
December 2023 £2225 £3005

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    At a Glance

    Sri Lanka Encompassed

    Guided Tours or Private Journey · 15 Days / 14 Nights from £2225 pp

    • Starts: Colombo       Ends: Colombo         
    • Departs: Any day
    • Hotel Rating:  3/4 star & Heritage hotels
    • Tour Guide: Yes – guided by local tour guide
    • Meals: Breakfast: 13, Dinner: 1
    • Visiting: Colombo, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park & Mirissa
    • Countries: Sri Lanka

    Highlights

    Encounter Sri Lanka’s fascinating cultural heritage, explore its diverse wildlife, track down the elusive tigers, enjoy its pristine sandy beaches and water sports, discover its wonderful Tea Estates and learn the art of tea making.

    Other itineraries you might be interested in…

    Sri Lanka Discovery 

    Classic Sri Lanka 

    Sri Lanka at a Glance

    Contact us

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