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Tea, Sea, Safari

Discover Sri Lanka’s wonders on a 14-day tour from Colombo’s vibrant cityscape to Sigiriya’s ancient marvels, Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth, and Nuwara Eliya’s scenic tea plantations. Enjoy thrilling safaris in Yala, explore Galle’s Dutch Fort, and relax in coastal paradise, blending culture, nature, and adventure for an unforgettable experience.

Overview

From $3,559

Itinerary & Map

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Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your tour guide at the airport arrivals. Transfer to the hotel in Colombo and check-in.

During the day do a city tour of Colombo. Explore the city inside out, discovering all the attractions. Drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, Galle face green, Independence square, Dutch hospital, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah.

(Optional): Evening, Colombo walking tour. ‘The Story of Colombo.’ Colombo is a cosmopolitan city that is influenced by multiple cultures, faiths, and traditions over the years. Within the heart of Colombo lies The Fort District and Pettah, a nerve centre that drives the city’s economy. Explore the heritage hub of Colombo Fort and the open-air supermarket of Pettah, learn about its history, its people, and its evolution to the vibrant, busy, heartbeat of modern Colombo’s commerce. You will also get the chance to sample interesting culinary delights along the way and taste a local beverage to wash it all down.

Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 

After breakfast, drive to Habarana.

When passing Dambulla visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. This historic temple has five caves and 157 statues of the Lord Buddha, paintings on the ceilings and walls that emphasise the artistic talent of ancient days. The history of the caves, rock, and temple dates from the first century BC. The fascination of these caves is not only the statues but also the intricate and delicate paintings that cover the ceiling and walls, created with indigenous traditional paints. Because of the history, archaeological and artistic implications, it was declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1991.

Proceed to Habarana and check in to the hotel.

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable Sunset drink (weather permitting by the lake).

Have an early start to the day by climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Called by many names including “The Lion Rock” for its initial name of “Sinhagiri”, Sigiriya is nestled on a 660ft tall rock that will surprise you at every corner from history, architecture to nature as you climb up the old fortress Known as the 8th wonder of the world, the fortress built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa is a piece of art with an amazing view. The architectural and irrigational technologies of Sigiriya, such as the Water Gardens, still baffle engineers. The climb up steep steps of metal with railings passes a wall decorated with frescoes. 

Return to the hotel for Breakfast. 

Unforgettable Moment: On completion visit Hiriwadunna, a local village in Habarana to enjoy the way of Traditional Sri Lankan lifestyle. This unique and local experience includes a Tuk-Tuk Ride, boat ride and a delicious traditional lunch. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Return to your hotel upon completion of the day’s activities. 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Drive to Polonnaruwa and do the Polonnaruwa Ancient city tour. Polonnaruwa is another UNESCO world heritage site on the island which houses elaborately carved statues of Lord Buddha and glorious stupas touching the high skies. Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be seen in the archaeological treasures that still give an innovative idea of how the city looked in its heyday. You will find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues, and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip. 

Unforgettable Moment: Later, enjoy an exciting adventure by embarking on a safari game drive at Minneriya National Park. One of the main reasons for visiting the beautiful country of Sri Lanka was to see the Sri Lankan elephant in the wild. Minneriya National Park is one of the best national parks to spot Elephants in Sri Lanka. It is home to 200+ elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and even a handful of leopards. The Gathering around the water reservoir takes place in the dry season from July to October. Besides elephants, there is so much more to see. Peacocks, small black bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and beautifully coloured birds. 

Return to your hotel upon completion of the day’s activities.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Leave Habarana for Kandy. 

En route, visit the Spice Garden in Matale. Matale’s environment which possesses excellent conditions for growing cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, peppercorn, and other flavourful delights.

Learn about the process of growing these natural products using ecologically friendly methods. 

Continue to Kandy and check in – to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Morning, visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple, originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers for means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. 

Later, visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy. Greatly contributing towards aspects such as floriculture, butterfly and biodiversity of the island, Peradeniya botanical gardens is truly a paradise of tropical greenery, with an abundance of bamboo, lianas, and lofty trees to wander amongst. 

End the day by watching the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Be amazed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colourful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums. 

Return to your hotel upon completion of the day’s activities. 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Enjoy the most scenic train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya. The train trip to Nanu Oya not only taken by tourists but by locals themselves. This is not just a tourist attraction; it is life for the people of Sri Lanka. The lush green hills are purely breathtaking. The train takes you high into the mountains, through dense forest & vibrant green tea fields, over bridges, through tunnels, local villages and beside smiling faces. 

On arrival to Nanu Oya, you will be transferred to the hotel. 

Dinner in the main restaurant.

With packed breakfast, drive to Horton Plains in the early morning (approx.: 1.5-2 hrs) and enjoy the walk. 

(Optional): Horton Plains is an undulating 2,000m-high plateau just 28 km south of Nuwara Eliya. The grassy plains, interspersed with small patches of forest, are home to leopards, sambur, deer, bear, monkeys, and a rich array of birds, including endemic species. The most dramatic feature of the national park is `World’s End,’ where the plateau comes to an abrupt halt and drops 1000m straight down. The park, frequented by Sambar Deer and due to their large numbers, the population of the Leopard also has increased. Wild Boar, the endemic Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey, Slender Loris, Fishing cat, Otter, Barking deer, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel are just some of the other mammals found here. 

This trek is approx.: 5 hrs (depending on your fitness level & speed) 

Note: There is an always changing climate in Horton Plains due to the location & biodiversity. Hence sometimes it might be cool / windy / rainy / sunny so wear a suitable outfit for the walk. Upon completion, drive back to the hotel. 

Later today, enjoy an Unforgettable High tea at Heritance Tea Factory.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Leave Nuwara Eliya for Yala. 

En route, have a quick stop at the Ravana Falls, a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery which is in the misty mountains of Ella, Sri Lanka along the road. It is associated with the Ramayana legend and is a popular stop for its natural beauty. You can take a short break to enjoy the 3-tier cascading waterfall creating rock pools along its way down and the scenic surroundings. During the wet season, the Ravana Falls takes the form of a drooping areca flower, but its wide size is reduced dramatically during the dry season. Although it is always worth it to check this waterfall when you are Ella as it is one of the easiest accessible waterfalls in Sri Lanka. 

Later, visit the Buduruwagala Temple. It is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe, with a long streak of orange.

Continue to Yala and Check-in to the hotel. 

Morning or Evening, the choice is yours! Enjoy an exciting adventure by embarking on a safari game drive at Yala National Park. Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the area while enjoying a jeep ride through the picturesque national park. Witness elephants, birds, peacocks, and deer as well as other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot a leopard or a sloth bear during this safari too. Contact your Guide so they can assist you with the necessary arrangements.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Leave Yala for Galle. 

Check in-to the hotel. 

This evening, witness the stilt fishermen in action if the day is good for fishing.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning, depart for your Galle City tour. Galle is a historical jewel to Sri Lanka, wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions, and museums the ancient Dutch fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of tourists and reverberates through travellers’ photos and captions. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find a gourmet of fancy restaurants and coffee shops to chill and relax. The beach side is surely a bliss which will make you want to lock yourself up in this sun kissed island and indulge in the sea breeze and endless blue waters. 

Later, visit the Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn how the Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles. Return to your hotel upon completion of the day’s activities.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Spend the morning relaxing and enjoy all the amenities at the hotel. 

Late check-out from the hotel and transfer to the Airport in time to connect with your departure flight. 

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 4-star Accommodation in sustainable hotels
  • Daily Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • Transport from arrival until end of tour in an Air-Conditioned vehicle from day 01 to day 14 with the services of an English-Speaking guide throughout the tour.
  • Sightseeing with Entrance fees
  • Colombo city Tour
  • Dambulla Cave Temple 
  • Sunset Drinks – day 03
  • Sigiriya rock fortress
  • Hiriwadunna Village tour
  • Polonnaruwa Ancient City
  • One half day safari game drive at Minneriya National park
  • Spice Garden
  • Reserved Seating in Train Ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya on Day 08
  • High Tea in Nuwara Eliya – day 09
  • Temple of the Tooth relic
  • Royal Botanical Garden
  • Kandyan Cultural Show
  • Ravana Waterfall
  • Buduruwagala Temple
  • One half day safari game drive at Yala National Park
  • Galle City tour and Turtle Hatchery
  • Day use room with Late checkout until 6pm in Galle on Day 14
  • Unforgettable Moments
  • International Airfare
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips & Porterage
  • Meals not included in the itinerary.
  • Optional Tours
  • Additional Transfers (outside group dates)
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Camera or Video permits

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