Best of Sri Lanka & Beach - 12 days
Best of Sri Lanka & Beach - 12 days
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Best of Sri Lanka & Beach - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Bentota
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
5-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day cultural journey through Sri Lanka, exploring its rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Colombo with a guided city tour, then venture to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Discover the spiritual Dambulla Rock Temple and the spice gardens of Matale. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the city. Experience the scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England', and explore the lush tea plantations. Encounter wildlife on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka's largest herd of Asian elephants. Conclude your adventure with four days of relaxation on the palm-fringed beaches of Beruwala and Bentota, indulging in water sports or simply unwinding by the ocean. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and guided sightseeing throughout this unforgettable Sri Lankan escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo airport you will be met and transferred to your Colombo hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax at the hotel and enjoy a swim in the pool or independently explore Sri Lanka's charming capital city.
Day 2: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast
Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Drive inland from Colombo to Dambulla this morning, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Explore the incredible complex of caves at Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st Century BC, the five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha.
Next stop today is Polonnaruwa, an ancient 11th century city which was once the capital of Sri Lanka. Roam around the incredible ruins, including the famous Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. After exploring this ancient site, return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning visit Sigiriya, where you can climb to the top of the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this iconic citadel can be viewed from miles around, standing 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle. As you climb the spiral staircase to take in the incredible views from the top of the fortress, stop to see the famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, in a sheltered pocket of the rock.
Next stop today is a spice garden in Matale where you will learn about the different herbs and spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Then travel on to Kandy, where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 4: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. First stop is the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After exploring the temple, enjoy a scenic drive around Kandy Lake before visiting a local bazaar and a gem museum. Then take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills to take in views of the city. In the afternoon visit the Geragama Tea Factory, which manufactures 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. End the day watching a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance this evening.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation Name: Jetwing St Andrew's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. Spend the morning at leisure in Kandy before transferring to the railway station for a scenic train ride. Passing mile upon mile of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, see tea pickers, waterfalls and suspension bridges on your journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - locally as 'Little England'.
Day 6: Udawalawe National Park
Location: Udawalawe National Park
Accommodation Name: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today head south to Embilipitiya, your base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants in the wild. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the cheeky langur monkey and varies types of deer. Go in search of wildlife on an afternoon game drive.
Day 7: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Lakeside
Meals Included: Breakfast
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. Return to Colombo this morning with a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura en route. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems that exist in the world.
Arriving into Colombo, enjoy a guided tour of the capital. Take in the Fort area in the north of the city which is famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. See the unique Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
Day 8: Bentota and Beruwala
Location: Bentota
Accommodation Name: Occidental Eden Beruwala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Colombo - Beruwala/Bentota. After breakfast, it's a short drive south along Sri Lanka's idyllic West Coast to the popular holiday resorts of Beruwala and neighbouring Bentota.
Spend the final days of your holiday relaxing by the beach.
Day 9-11: Bentota and Beruwala
Location: Bentota
Accommodation Name: Occidental Eden Beruwala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw card, and once you set eyes on them you’ll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters and golden sands, Beruwela and Bentota offer travellers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing – the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy – a local coconut flavoured tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
Day 12: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Beruwala/Bentota - Colombo. Today your tropical island adventure comes to an end. Departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward international flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5 star & heritage hotels -
Breakfast daily
Breakfast is included every day during the tour.
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11 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Accommodation in 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties for 11 nights is included.
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Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe NP and Colombo
Guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, and Colombo are included.
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Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy Tuk Tuk ride
A scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and a Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy are included.
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Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
A jeep safari or game drive in Udawalawe National Park is included.
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Escorted by a licensed English speaking chauffeur guide
The tour is escorted by a licensed English-speaking chauffeur guide.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 12
Airport arrival and departure transfers on the first and last days of the tour are included.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles are included.
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Entrance fees to all included sites
Entrance fees to all included sites are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping - An entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at top hotels like Radisson Hotel Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside, Jetwing Lake, Radisson Hotel Kandy, Jetwing St Andrew's, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, and Occidental Eden Beruwala. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and exceptional dining options, ensuring a memorable stay throughout your Sri Lankan adventure.Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and transportation. Enjoy a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and experience a thrilling jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are also included for your convenience.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can be seen in Udawalawe National Park?
Udawalawe National Park is home to the largest herd of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka, and you may also spot leopards, sloth bears, langur monkeys, and various types of deer during a game drive.
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What is special about the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy?
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is famous for housing a relic of one of Buddha's teeth, which was smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It attracts daily pilgrims who come to pay their respects.
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What activities are available in Bentota and Beruwala?
In Bentota and Beruwala, you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, and surfing. You can also relax on the beach, indulge in a local coconut-flavored drink called Toddy, or opt for an Ayurveda treatment at a spa.
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What can visitors expect to see at Sigiriya?
Visitors to Sigiriya can climb the famous 'Lion Rock' fortress, which stands 200 meters high. Along the way, they can view the famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens and enjoy incredible views from the top of the fortress.
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What is the significance of Polonnaruwa?
Polonnaruwa is an ancient city that was once the capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th century. Visitors can explore its remarkable ruins, including the famous Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara.
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What is unique about the train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
The train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is scenic, passing through verdant tea plantations, waterfalls, and suspension bridges, offering stunning views of Sri Lanka's tea country.
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What can be experienced at the spice garden in Matale?
At the spice garden in Matale, visitors can learn about the different herbs and spices that Sri Lanka is famous for, gaining insight into their uses and significance.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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