Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka 6 Days, Private Tour
Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka 6 Days, Private Tour
Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka 6 Days, Private Tour
6 Days Starting in Habarana and ending in Colombo
Visiting: Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
84881
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 30
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This six-day cultural tour takes you to discover the enchanting central region of Sri Lanka. Visit ancient ruins with impressive architecture and imposing statues. Climb fifth-century fortresses and be inspired by fascinating temples and spectacular natural landscapes. Make a stop at a typical tea factory. In Kitulgala grab your gear and toss into the wild rapids for a seamless rafting challenge on white water or if hardcore adventurism is not for you, simply trek along the beaten track to admire the immaculate beauty of the wilderness.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSSigiriya: The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boast of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture.Polonnaruwa: rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs.Matale: an agricultural zone in the Central Province, it seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices.Tea Plantation: Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride in an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations, or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date.Kandy: a World Heritage Site, a charming destination in Sri Lanka which offers visitors a vibrant culture, a rich heritage and a unique sense of tradition to experience.Nuwara Eliya: has earned a reputation for itself as a blissful getaway in the hill country for tourists and locals alike for its cool refreshing climes and scenic vistas.Kitulgala: showered by two monsoons each year, the destination of 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' - marks an important landmark in many calendars as one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka.Colombo: a true city of startling contrasts, Colombo is the bustling commercial metropolis of the island. It’s a hub where colonial buildings and temples exist alongside gleaming skyscrapers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Colombo – Silver Temple – Habarana (170Km – 4Hrs)
Location: Habarana
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Elephant Lake
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport a representative and transfer from Airport to Silver Temple. Tucked away in beautiful rolling countryside, in a small village called Ridigama (Silver village) 15 km west of the Kandy - Dambulla highway, roughly equidistant between Matale and Kurunagala, hidden away behind is a small monastery cave temple of Ridi Vihara. The huge boulder that looms over the whole temple complex is home to the local wild bee population. Their nests bulge below the overhang. Savour dinner at the hotel. Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 2 : Habarana – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Habarana(120Km – 3Hrs)
Location: Habarana
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Elephant Lake
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sigiriya. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta-style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries. Evening visit to Polonnaruwa. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site, blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures, while observing the relic house which boasts beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa, or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is, however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - the sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation! Return to the hotel for dinner.Â
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 3 : Habarana – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (95Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Regency
Indulge with breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kandy. En-route visit Dambulla cave temple. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. Transfer from Dambulla to Matale. Visit a spice garden in Matale. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden, into which you will be most welcome and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours. Transfer from Matale to Kandy, visit Kandy city and evening witness the Kandy cultural show. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with the latest and world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk-in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. Savour dinner at the hotel.Â
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4 : Kandy – Peradeniya – Tea Plantation – Nuwara Eliya (80 Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze
Delight with breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. On the way visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights - the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree - of this place which overflow in grace. Next, visit a Tea Plantation. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya. Savour dinner at the hotel.Â
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5 : Nuwara Eliya – Kitulgala – Colombo (170Km – 4.5Hrs)
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH)
Wake up to a rich breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo via Kitulgala. If adventure close to Colombo is your pick, then Kitulgala is your bliss! Grab your gear and toss into the wild rapids for a seamless rafting challenge on white water, thundering downstream throwing rafters far & wide. Hop from rock to rock upstream for a mind-blowing waterfall jump that should strain your voice to the core or slide down to the darkest depths of caves haunted by millions of bats. If hardcore adventurism is not for you, then simply trek along the beaten track to admire the immaculate beauty of the wilderness. Transfer from Kitulgala to Colombo - Evening visit Colombo city. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course, horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market, an offbeat shopping experience, or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing the best fashion, jewellery & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's nightlife spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 6 : Departure Colombo (35Km – 1Hr)
Location: Colombo
One last breakfast at the hotel and transfer from Colombo to the airport for departure.
What's Included
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English-speaking chauffeur-guide
The tour is operated with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide. Other languages are available upon booking of the optional extra.
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Accommodation
5 nights' accommodation is included in the tour.
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Meals
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
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Airport Transfers
Arrival and departure private transfer from/to Bandaranaike International Airport are included.
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Private Transportation
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour is provided.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included: Silver Temple, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Matale, Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Cultural Show, Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, Tea Plantation, Kitulgala White-Water Rafting.
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Meet & Greet
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Government Taxes
All government taxes are included in the tour price.
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Operated with English-speaking chauffeur-guide other languages upon booking of the optional extra
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5 night’s accommodation
What's Not Included
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included in the tour price.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Lunches
Lunches are available at an additional cost.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Guide on Departure Day
The guide is not available for the departure day.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
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City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
, is not included. -
Visa fees
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Domestic flights and International flights
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Lunches available at an additional cost
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Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
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The guide is not available for the departure day
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Optional tours (if any)
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City tax not included payable on the spot
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Any visit not mentioned in the program
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Porterage and gratuities
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private transportation with air-conditioning throughout the tour, including arrival and departure transfers from/to Bandaranaike International Airport.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at Oak Ray Elephant Lake in Habarana, Oak Ray Regency in Kandy, Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze in Nuwara Eliya, and Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH) in Colombo, with all accommodations providing dinner and breakfast.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided throughout the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
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Is the tour guide available on the departure day?
No, the guide is not available for the departure day.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Silver Temple, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Matale, Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, a cultural show, the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, a tea plantation, and Kitulgala for white-water rafting.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Is there a meet and greet service at the airport?
Yes, there is a meet and greet service at the airport.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, private transfers from and to Bandaranaike International Airport are included.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights' accommodation at various hotels, including Oak Ray Elephant Lake in Habarana, Oak Ray Regency in Kandy, Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze in Nuwara Eliya, and Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not included are visa fees, domestic and international flights, lunches, drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise), city tax, optional tours, porterage and gratuities, personal expenditures, and travel insurance.
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Is alcohol served during the tour?
Alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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