Sri Lanka
4* Classic Sri Lanka Experience
From Original price was: R22,499.R13,939Current price is: R13,939.
Per Person Sharing
Valid
1 September 2024 - 31 October 2024
Travel outside of these dates may be subject to supplements and increases
This coastal haven offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. As the tour unfolds, discover the captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that defines Sri Lanka. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the ancient splendors of Sigiriya and the tranquil allure of Kandy, culminating in the sun-kissed beaches of Bentota, this journey promises a tapestry of experiences that echo the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s diverse heritage.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is a stunningly beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, with an interior of dense tropical jungles framed by sandy golden beaches. The teardrop-shaped island is made up of a mountainous landscape with more than a hundred picturesque waterfalls and innumerable hiking trails
Inclusions
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer and intercity transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- 6 Nights’ Accommodation at selected hotels in a double room sharing
- Meals: as mentioned
- Local English-speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Highlights include: Visit the Minneriya National Park, sitting aside an ancient rainwater reservoir, attracting hundreds of thirsty elephants, and other wildlife
Climb Sigiriya, the marvelous rock fortress of Sigiriya - a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka
Wander through Polonnaruwa – A ‘World Heritage Site’
Explore the Matale spice gardens, the best on the island
Take in a unique experience at the Geragama, the oldest tea plantations in Sri Lanka
Relax on the Beaches of Bentota
Exclusions
- Return economy class flights from Johannesburg to Colombo, Sri Lanka (Ask us we can arrange this for you!)
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- Travel insurance (Highly recommended!)
- All items of a personal nature
- Anything not mentioned
Tour details:
Day 1 Arrival at Colombo Airport. Meet and transfer to your hotel
Day 2 Travel to Dambulla. Afternoon tour to the Minneriya National Park
Day 3 Full day tour to famous Rock of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Day 4 After breakfast travel to Kandy with a stop at a spice Garden
Day 5 Visit the oldest tea plantation in Sri Lanka. Travel to Bentota
Day 6 Bentota: free day to enjoy the beach
Day 7 Services end with transfer to the Airport for onward flight
Day to Day Itinerary:
Arrival in Sri Lanka - Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Arrival at Colombo Airport. You are met by our driver/guide and airport staff and offer assistance.
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and a major port. It is a fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan that accommodates skyscrapers, sandy beaches and a collage of markets and gardens, brings together the many facets of this island nation. If you are on a tight schedule, you would definitely appreciate the many opportunities Colombo offers for fine dining and shopping, not to mention the overarching beauty of the city’s rapidly developing landscape; a perfect combination of well-preserved colonial architecture and urbanity. You will be amazed by the many cultural and historical wonders located within locales such as Fort and Cinnamon Gardens. The bustling market streets of Pettaha also make up for an interesting place of visit.
Day 2
Colombo - Dambulla - Minneriya (B)
After breakfast, travel to Dambulla and check-in at your hotel
Once refreshed, you are taken to Minneriya for an afternoon safari game drive
Minneriya National park- located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997. Located in the center of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it's easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visit the park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time, it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards.
Return to your hotel in Dambulla for overnight
Day 3
Visit Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa (B)
After breakfast, travel to Sigiriya for a climb up the Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya -The marvelous 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 the 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.
Onwards to Polonnaruwa including a city tour in Polonnaruwa ancient city.
Polonnaruwa – A ‘World Heritage Site’, Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. A great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the periods of kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla. The monuments here are better preserved than at Anuradhapura - the previous capital. Parakrama statue, royal palaces, audience halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri Vehera, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka & Thivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here.
Overnight stay at hotel in Dambulla.
Day 4
Dambulla - Matale - Kandy (B)
After breakfast travel to Kandy via Spice garden.
Spice garden-Since time immemorial, this emerald isle has remained popular for its exotic spices, the world over. To those who are interested in these rich elements that stirred the interests of many nations, the spice gardens located in Kandy, Matale and Mawanella offer wonderful opportunities to view these spices up-close. The gardens are not only delightful spots for a stroll amidst the fragrant greenery but also offer interesting perspectives into the local spices, as the visitors are educated on the diverse variety of spices available in the country as well as on how they are grown and processed.
After the tour, continue to Kandy.
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 up for interesting places of visit.
In the evening visit Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in the evening and witness a cultural dance show around 5.00 pm. Arrive and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at your hotel in Kandy.
Day 5
Kandy - Bentota (B)
After breakfast visit Geragama Tea Factory.
Sri Lanka is well known for its tea. Giragama is one of the premium and the oldest tea plantations in Sri Lanka, located close to Kandy. After enjoying a cup of high grown processed tea, you will set out to explore the plantation to conclude your tour with the tea estate experience.
Your journey continues southwards for your beach stay.
Bentota is located close to the capital Colombo, and therefore an ideal holiday destination to unwind and to let your hair down. Bentota is endowed with wide and scenic unspoiled Golden Mile beaches lined with luscious green palm trees on one side and Blue Ocean on the other.
The remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota
Day 6
Bentota (B)
Breakfast at your hotel
A day free to enjoy the pleasures of the beach or an optional visit (extra cost) to the Turtle Hatchery or Gale City
Day 7
Colombo departure (B)
Check-out of your hotel and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure
On arrival check-in for your onward flight
Terms and Conditions
Why we like it
Breath-taking natural beauty and ancient culture make Sri Lanka the undiscovered gem of the Indian Ocean.
![igo-travel-sri-lanka](https://www.igotravel.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/igo-travel-sri-lanka-scaled.jpg)
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