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Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort

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Fully Guided Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Negombo
 Trip Finishes
Colombo
15 Day Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Sri Lanka
Trip Style
Culture
Accommodation
Premium
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Easy / Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AILP

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 15 Day Discover Sri Lanka - In Comfort. Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a natural paradise with a landscape of verdant mountains, rainforests, paddy fields, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping gorges. From ancient Buddhist temples, the fortress of Sigiriya, the towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the hill country, the wildlife of Yala National Park (which has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world), to the idyllic palm-fringed beaches of the south coast, this small island offers incredible variety, made...read more extra special by its laid back atmosphere and hospitable people.

Itinerary

The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and we transfer to our hotel approximately 30 minutes away. Those not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, your Leader will advise the time and location. Stay: Arie Lagoon (or similar).

We depart after breakfast and for approximately 4 hours' drive through lush green countryside (a mix of coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations) through Kurunegala to Dambulla. Here we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, well-preserved paintings and statues of Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC. After lunch, we continue to Sigiriya where we stay for the night. From our hotel we can see Lion Rock rising up from the plains. Stay: Aliya Resort & Spa (or similar) (B).

This morning we drive to the foot of the Lion Rock at Sigiriya. The imposing 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, rises 600 feet from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside and giving far-reaching views. Used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top goes via a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall.

Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are extensive remains of the King's Summer Palace. During the afternoon, there is a chance to enjoy an optional game drive in either Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park or the Hurulu Eco Park to see elephants in their natural habitat (which location depends on the elephant herd movements). For those who would prefer not to join the game drive, you can relax by the hotel pool. Stay: Aliya Resort & Spa (or similar) (B).

This morning we have a short drive to Giritale. The island's early inhabitants solved the dual problem of heat and lack of water in this dry area by constructing large tanks to act as reservoirs and cool the warm breeze. Nowadays they provide an important habitat for bird life, particularly from August to April. Today we hop on local bikes and enjoy a leisurely cycle through small villages and lakes.

As an alternative to cycling, you can hire a tuk tuk locally for approximately 4,000 rupees and follow the group on their trail. Along the way, we should see plenty of bird life including Egrets, Brahmany kites, Kingfishers and Bulbuls. Breaking up the journey, we stop for lunch in a traditional village before returning to our hotel in Giritale by late afternoon. Stay: Deer Park Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

After breakfast, we take a short drive to the 10th century capital of Sri Lanka; Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. Here there are many Buddhist relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further away from incursions from Southern India. The ruins are therefore younger and better preserved than those at Anuradhapura. We visit many of the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures.

This afternoon, we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. Stopping on the way at a spice garden near Matale where we can learn about the various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines. This is a long but fascinating day as we arrive at Kandy early evening. Stay: Grand Kandyan Hotel (or similar) (B).

Kandy is located by a small lake and we spend two full days in and around the town. On the first day, we will visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are literally hundreds of worshipers who visit the temple each day and in August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place. After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction.

Another highlight is the vast Peradeniya Botanical Garden with species of orchid that are endemic to Sri Lanka. Your second full day in Kandy is free to explore this wonderful town or take it slow starting the day relaxing by the hotel pool. The surrounding hills are wonderful, offering fantastic views of the town below and there are many handicraft stores and antique shops in which to browse. On either evening, you will have the option to attend a traditional performance of dancing and fire eating. Stay: Grand Kandyan Hotel (or similar) (B).

Leaving Kandy early, we have a spectacular drive through the countryside on the way to Kitulgala. Here we have the opportunity of going on a walk through the jungle or local villages followed by an optional white water rafting excursion. The rafting is a supplement cost and requires minimum 4 people (see the Optional Excursions section of the trip notes), the activity lasts maximum of 1. 5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade 3 rapids) depending on your preference. Those of us who do not wish to go rafting will be able to freshen up and relax by the water until the rafters return in time for lunch.

Afterwards we will drive to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Stay: St Andrew's Hotel (or similar) (B).

This morning we will have free time to explore the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya was a popular hill station during the British era and is situated in the cool highland air at 1890m. Known locally as 'Little England' it is dotted with British style houses and parks and features a golf club and a racecourse! Following lunch, we will visit a nearby tea plantation and factory to learn about the process of tea production in this region. Stay: St Andrew's Hotel (or similar) (B).

We have an early start this morning and take a 30km drive south to Horton Plains, a large plateau over 2,000m high, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and the best way to explore is on foot. We take a guided walk through the rolling grasslands where we hope to see such animals as the Sambur and Purple Faced monkey.

We also visit 'World's End', which is one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains. From Horton Plains, we catch a train from the highest railway station in the country and within an hour and a half we drop from 1889m to 1097m. The train travels through the cloud forest into the tea plantations, with breath-taking views of the lush valley below. We get off at Ella, a town that has recently flourished, where you'll find some shops and restaurants to wander around. Stay: Morning Dew (or similar) (B).

Today we continue on to Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the entire southern part of the island is in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the Indian Ocean is visible. Heading south out of the hills we travel to Tissamaharama on the plains; this is our base for visiting Sri Lanka's best known national park, Yala. The park is popular for elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile and Wild boar.

At 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lanka's national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also become better known for leopard. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopard per square kilometre in the world. (Please note that the sanctuary may be closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the welfare of the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area close by, usually Udawalawe National Park). Stay: Chaarya Resort (or similar) (B).

Today we leave for the coast, with its beautiful palm fringed bays. Stopping on the way, walking to a nearby farm house where you'll be offered tea in a coconut shell along with a local snack. We will mix with real Sri Lankan life and take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games, returning to our bus in tractors used by the farmers.

Continuing on to your beach resort, in the afternoon we arrive at our coastal hotel in Dickwella where you can relax for the rest of the day. Please note, the sea is often quite rough in southern Sri Lanka with rip currents and under tows present. Be careful when entering the water and follow local safety guidelines. Stay: Dickwella Resort (or similar) (B).

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also optional activities during the day including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation. Usually whale watching season is from November but you may be lucky with some earlier sightings from October. Stay: Dickwella Resort (or similar) (B).

We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set amongst beautiful gardens.

This afternoon, we continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our city hotel in the late afternoon. Stay: Ramada Hotel (or similar) (B).

The adventure ends today and you begin your return journey home. Those on the group flights will take a transfer to the airport this morning. If you are not travelling on the group flight, please ensure you provide your flight details at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to secure your airport transfer. If you'd like a bit more time to explore Sri Lanka or even hop across to the Maldives, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Enjoy upgraded comfort hotel stays
  • The magnificent cave temples at Dambulla
  • Climb the rock fortress at Sigiriya for breathtaking views
  • Cycle through rice paddy fields and local villages
  • Search for leopards in Yala National Park
  • Relax on golden sand beaches

  • 14 nights comfortable hotels
  • Travel by private air conditioned bus and one train journey
  • Cycling and walking activities
  • Game Drive in Yala/Udawalawe National Park
  • Some long journeys by private bus
  • All breakfasts and one lunch
  • All transport including one train journey
  • Activities as listed in the itinerary
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

From classic small group tours & family adventures, to walking holidays, cycling trips and self-guided tours. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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