Vivacious Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

Vivacious Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

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Vivacious Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, Galle

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

84219

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 30

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Join us and explore the best of inland Sri Lanka on this fascinating eight-day round-trip starting in Colombo City. This route covers some of Sri Lanka’s most inspiring cultural landmarks, tea plantations, national parks and colonial buildings. It is the perfect tour for lovers of history, wildlife and culture. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Yala National Park: One of the oldest and most popular national parks in Sri Lanka, this nature reserve is home to a rich and unique collection of flora and fauna, including one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. It also houses several archaeological sites, as the region was the home to several sophisticated ancient civilizations. Kandy: A beautiful city set on a plateau in Sri Lanka’s central region surrounded by mountains covered in tea plantations and a bio-diverse rainforest. This UNESCO Sacred Site is bursting with palaces and gardens and it is home to the outstanding Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Nuwara Eliya: Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this highland community has a British feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens. It is also one of the major tea producing areas in the world and the views are breathtaking. 

Highlights

  • Colombo city tour and Sri Lankan cooking session

  • Visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

  • Explore the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

  • Experience Kiriwaula Village and its traditional crafts

  • Tour a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya

  • Jeep safari in Yala National Park

  • Discover the historic fortified town of Galle

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Grand

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. There you will be met by our representative and the transportation service will then transfer you from the airport to Colombo, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up after your flight. You can then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, relax in the hotel or head out into the vibrant city of Colombo for a sneak preview of its historic streets, colourful back alleys and most famous landmarks. Visit the Pettah District, one of Colombo’s oldest regions and imagine a time when the streets were teeming with ox carts loaded up with the island’s most important exports such as rubber, tea, cinnamon, kithul treacle, rope and peacocks. Head over to Colombo’s more cosmopolitan side for stylish eateries, galleries and shops or walk to the sea front to look out over the Indian Ocean.
Overnight in Colombo.

Day 2 : Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Grand

After breakfast at the hotel, why not engage in a traditional Sri Lankan cookery session. Discover the flavours, spices and preparation techniques of this fiery, colourful cuisine. Try your hand at everything from cracking a coconut in half to frying spices and poppadums, then sit down to enjoy the meal you prepared together. In the evening, join a walking tour of Colombo, the ‘City of Everything’. This charismatic, historic and commercial capital has always been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, then take a short-cut through to one of the best and not-so-secret street food spots in the city. The bustling streets of Slave Island and Pettah will give you a true feel for Colombo life. Enter a Sri Lankan bar and taste Sri Lankan arrack and sample a selection of authentic Sri Lankan street food. Don’t forget to try a traditional Kottu Roti. When you can’t eat any more, jump aboard one of Sri Lanka’s famous tuk-tuks and enjoy the ride back to your hotel.
Overnight in Colombo.

Day 3 : Colombo – Peradeniya – Kandy (230 Km – 7Hrs)

Location: Kandy

Accommodation Name: Earls Regency

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then travel to Peradeniya to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the largest and most impressive gardens in Sri Lanka. These stunning gardens were once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty, but now all visitors are free to stroll around the 147 acres of well-tended lawns, orchids, pavilions, an octagon conservatory and a giant Javan fig tree. It really is a serene experience after the hustle and bustle of the capital city. After Peradeniya, continue on to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the golden-roofed temple that houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. In the afternoon, visit the city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Sacred City, which boasts a wealth of culture, history and religious heritage. Stroll around the lakeside city surrounded by misty hills and take in the sights and sounds of the fresh fruit and vegetable stands in Kandy market. In the evening, join a cultural show and move to the beat of traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming. 
Overnight in Kandy.

Day 4 : Kandy – Kiriwaula Village – Kandy (45 Km – 1.5Hrs)

Location: Kandy

Accommodation Name: Earls Regency

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then prepare for an authentic Sri Lankan experience at Kiriwaula Village. Hidden in the suburbs of Kadugannawa, Kiriwaula Village is seldom spoke of, but there are few villages with such an authentic cultural heritage and tradition of craftmanship as Kiriwaula. Spend the day engaging with the locals and experiencing everyday life in the village. Learn about the traditional brass industry, an artform that has been passed down from generation to generation. Then visit the last remaining traditional optician in the village and see how he crafts his own lenses by hand. Your tour of Kiriwaula will also involve a visit to the ancient Buddhist temples Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake and Ambekka which can all be reached by following a scenic footpath. All three temples were constructed during the pre-Kandyan Kingdom of Gampola in the 13th century. At the end of the tour, return to Kandy.
Overnight in Kandy.

Day 5 : Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (80 Km – 3Hrs)

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation Name: Heritance Tea Factory

Today, breakfast is followed by a visit to a tea plantation and the town of Nuwara Eliya. In Sri Lanka, tea and tourism are two words that can’t be separated. The lush, green and misty hills dotted with waterfalls and the brightly coloured saris of the tea pickers is a sight that simply can’t be missed. We will take a tour of a tea factory where the prestigious Ceylon tea is produced. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhale the heavenly scent of freshly-picked tea leaves and end the tour in style with a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon tea. In the afternoon, continue on to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’ due to its British feel, colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens. Hike through the red-brick buildings and into the greenery of the hillside for breathtaking views of Sri Lanka’s hill country or hire a bike and go for a gentle ride along the banks of Lake Gregory.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6 : Nuwaraeliya – Yala – Tissamaharama (395 Km – 9Hrs)

Location: Tissamaharama

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Wild

Start the day with an energising breakfast before heading to Yala National Park for a jeep safari. Covering an area of 1,259 km2, this vast grassland is not just one of the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka, but it is also the land where ancient civilisations reigned centuries ago. Remnants of civilisations such as the Indo-Aryans can be witnessed here, as well as ancient tanks that indicate that a well-developed agricultural system was present in this region in the past. In terms of wildlife, Yala is home to endangered animals such as the Sri Lankan sloth bear and the Sri Lankan elephant, as well as spotted deer, jackals and an extensive bird population. It is also one of the best places to spot the Sri Lankan leopard in its natural habitat. Being the largest cat in Sri Lanka, leopards fearlessly prowl the jungle and open areas of Yala, even in the daytime. At the end of the jeep safari, continue on to Tissamaharama for the night.
Overnight in Tissamaharama.

Day 7 : Tissamaharama – Galle (150 Km – 3.5Hrs)

Location: Galle

Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lighthouse

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the fortified town and World Heritage site of Galle. Once a vital trading post between the east and west, Galle was the essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Later, the city was inhabited by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British, leaving behind a combination of colonial buildings, an old fortified quarter and narrow streets which are now bursting with cool cafes and tiny bohemian boutiques. Today, we will take you on a city tour of this fabulous southern capital. Walk the Dutch-style streets with colonial verandas and see how European architecture blends with South Asian tradition. Visit the fort and see the original bastions and ramparts which have been well preserved for over three centuries. Observe the fort’s old gate which carries the British coat of arms and then visit the lighthouse which stands next to Point Utrecht Bastion. There will also be time for a shopping from the vast array of souvenirs on offer. 
Overnight in Galle.

Day 8 : Galle – Colombo Airport ( 155 Km – 2.5Hrs)

Location: Colombo

After breakfast, prepare for your departure and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your onward or return flight. Although this is the last day of your journey through some of the most fascinating locations in Sri Lanka, we hope that your memories and photographs of this remarkable, colourful island nation will last a lifetime (It is recommended to reach the airport at least 3 hours before the departure flight time, the recommended departure flight in the afternoon or evening).

What's Included

  • Operated with English-speaking drive/wildlife guide on a shared basis

  • 7 nights' accommodation

    The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation.

  • 7 Breakfasts

  • Shared transport throughout the tour

  • Arrival and departure airport transfer

  • Tuk-Tuk on day 2

  • Jeep safari in Yala National Park on day 6

  • Entrance fees included

    Entrance fees for various attractions such as Colombo city tour, Sri Lankan cooking session, Peradeniya botanical garden, Temple of Tooth and Kandy visit including cultural show, Kiriwaula Village Excursion, Tea plantation, and Yala National Park jeep safari are included.

  • Meet and Greet on day 1

  • 7 nights´ accommodation

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What's Not Included

  • Expenditures of a personal nature

    Personal expenses, drinks, and meals not explicitly stated in the programme are not included.

  • Lunch throughout the tour

  • Gratuities for drive and guide

  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

    Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including mineral water, are not included.

  • Video camera permits at Elephant Orphanage

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is not included.

  • International flights

  • Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme

  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water etc

  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with shared transport throughout the tour, including airport transfers, a tuk-tuk ride in Colombo, and a jeep safari in Yala National Park, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey across Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at renowned hotels such as Cinnamon Grand in Colombo, Earls Regency in Kandy, Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya, and Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle, ensuring a relaxing and luxurious experience throughout your journey in Sri Lanka.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of guide will accompany us during the tour?

    The tour is operated with an English-speaking driver/wildlife guide on a shared basis.

  • Is transportation included throughout the tour?

    Yes, shared transport is provided throughout the tour, including arrival and departure airport transfers.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a traditional Sri Lankan cookery session, a tuk-tuk ride in Colombo, a jeep safari in Yala National Park, and visits to several cultural and historical sites such as the Temple of the Tooth and Kiriwaula Village.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees are included for several attractions such as the Colombo city tour, Sri Lankan cooking session, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Temple of Tooth, Kiriwaula Village Excursion, and Yala National Park.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts.

  • What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation at various hotels, including Cinnamon Grand in Colombo, Earls Regency in Kandy, Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya, Cinnamon Wild in Tissamaharama, and Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle.

  • What wildlife can we expect to see during the jeep safari in Yala National Park?

    During the jeep safari in Yala National Park, you can expect to see endangered animals such as the Sri Lankan sloth bear, Sri Lankan elephant, spotted deer, jackals, and possibly the Sri Lankan leopard.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    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.

  • 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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