The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

From
1550
USD
Per Person
  • Tour Departs on 04 APRIL 2022
  • 19 Night / 20 Days
  • Anuradhapura/Colombo/Ella/Galle/Jaffna/Kandy/Negombo/Nuwara Eliya/Polonnaruwa/Sigiriya/Trincomalee/Yala | Kumana

The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the land like no other. Sri Lanka is not just a usual travel destination. Indeed, the continuity 2550 years’ inheritance will fonds you with a wide range of travel themes that are authentic from beginning to the very end. During your stay be under the spell of the bliss, essence, and festive, heritage, and thrill, scenic, pristine, wild and world-famous hospitality in abundance with team Wanderlust-Asia.
The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka brings you the every aspects of the country. A amazing occation those who love to explore local life and the true value of Sri Lanka.

Day 01

Arrival- Pick up |Negombo

Welcome to the wonder of Asia. In the coming few days, you will be discovering this beautiful paradise island rich in heritage, thrill, scenic, pristine and hospitality in abundance with team WanderlustAsia.
Arrival in Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka International Airport, meet with local representative of Wanderlust-Asia and continue to Negombo.
Check-in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxed at vibrant Beach Negombo

Overnight Accomadation
Goldi Sands Hotel or similar

Day 02 - Anuradhapura Sacred city

Anuradhapura

Following the breakfast leave for Anuradhapura.
The heart of Sri Lanka’s majestic civilization enriched with Buddhism, exquisite sculpture, magnificent feats of architecture and hydraulic sophistication depicted by the cluster of reservoirs and irrigation channels- all reminiscent of the grandeur of a bygone era founded in the 5th Century BC and self- sustained in the decades afterwards.
A guided tour around the age old ruins depicting the embodiment of Buddhism, history and culture; climbing a flight of 1840 steps up the Mihintalaya Rock considered the cradle of Buddhism and exploring the Eight Sacred Sites (Atamastana) Buddha.

Overnight Accomadation
Lake side at Nuwara Wewa Hotel or similar

Day 03 - Full-day game drive at Wilpattu National Park

Anuradhapura

Exploring Sri Lanka’s largest and the oldest national park. Lush vegetation, herds of deer, leopards, sea eagles, mammals and reptiles, inland lakes (Wilpattu meaning natural lakes in Sinhala) are what makes this a unique travel spot.
Did you know that, there are historically important sites scattered through the Wilpattu jungle?
This is where the founder of the birth of the Sinhala civilization is said to have arrived. He landed at Thambaanni- meaning the red terrain. The sand timed water basins said to have been used by a queen of the Yakka tribe who used to have lived here have now turned bathing spots for the wild animals. The heart of the jungle still carries the traces of this by gone era - the stone pillar of a royal palace.

Overnight Accomadation
Lakeside at Nuwara Wera Hotel or similar

Day 04 - Undiscovered Jaffna

Jaffna

Proceed to Jaffna
Enigmatic Jaffna- a land of contrast now awaits to welcome you!
You will be in the middle of a distinctive geographic location dotted with many vibrant islands having an identity of their own; surrounded by sea and lagoon; a territory of archaeological and historical splendour as well as cultural and religious diversity- all of which have stood the test of time, and of course a three decade long raging conflict.
On to a few attractions you will be exploring…
The Portuguese built Jaffna Fort- Sri Lanka’s second largest Fort; the historical landmarks that date back to 13th Century when Jaffna served as the seat of the Tamil kingdom among which is Manthri Walauwa (remnants of Royal palace complex); the ancient Port Dambakola Patunam; Nilavarai bottomless well –a natural underground water well; Delft island where wild horses roam around free; Casuarina- the great beach escape; Keeramalai fresh water spring with healing water, and much more.

Overnight Accomadation
Northgate by Jetwing Hotel or similar

Day 05 - Day at own leisure in Jaffna

Jaffna

Breakfast in Hotel
Free day at your own leisure
Today you get to spend time exploring vibrant marketplaces, getting a feel of the way of life of the northerners, their livelihoods or traditions inherited, and witnessing Hindu religious festivals, customs, rituals, processions and dance.

Overnight Accomadation
Northgate by Jetwing Hotel or similar

Day 06 - Eastern Beach

Trincomalee

Breakfast in Hotel
Transfer to Trincomalee, Famed to have the world’s 5th largest natural harbour which also served as a military base during World War II, the sites you will explore here include the iconic Portuguese build Federick Fort; the famous Koneswaran temple referred to by the European as the temple of thousand pillars majestically standing on the Swami Rock which lies above sea level and offering a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean; the Lovers Leap which is associated with the tragic tale of two lovers jumping off the cliff of the Swami Rock to profess their love and the Kanniya hot water springs.
If a relaxed beach day is what you prefer the most, Nilaveli Beach with crystal clear water is the place for you. For those of you who are adventurous type, snorkelling in Pigeon Island (only a short boat ride) or visiting the marine park to enjoy the marine life or whale watching (seasonal activity) are some of the options available.

Overnight Accomadation
Anilana Nilaveli Beach Resort or similar

Day 07 - Leisure at NIlaveli Beach

Trincomalee

Relax day at Nilaveli Beach

Overnight Accomadation
Anilana Nilaveli Beach Resort or similar

Day 08 - Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital

Polonnaruwa

Leave for the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa is a grandeur unsurpassed. An interesting mix of Buddhism, ancient craftsmanship, arts, architecture and South Indian Hindu culture spread across around 122 hectares - an experience that would forever be etched in the traveller’s mind.
Ready to find out what you would explore in this 11th & 12th Century medieval capital during your travel journey?
Within this walled citadel you would find the significant monuments best preserved to date such as the flora stone pillared pavilion called Nissanka Latha Mandapaya; the Royal Citadel and the ponds; the impressive Vatadage relic house; Tuparamaya image house; the circular relic house; the golden pinnacled stupa- Rankoth Vehera; the extravagant moonstones; guard stones and sculpture; Kirivehera dagoba; the glorious Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya with breathtaking rock sculptures;
Evening leave for Dambulla and check-in

Overnight Accomadation
Paradise Resort or similar

Day 09 - Must see Lion rock and Cave Temple

Dambulla  |Sigiriya

Breakfast at the hotel.
Following breakfast proceed to Sigiriya rock fortress. Imagine you in the middle of a massive 200-meter rock fortress of 5th Century AD… A royal palace built on a colossal rock using the most sophisticated technology; having unique frescoes dating back to over thousand years - a place that has intrigued many archeologists and historians, let alone the tourists, all over the world.

The remains of the citadel on a massive rock, the unique Lion Gate, the mirror wall, moats, ponds and archeological ruins of Sigiriya rock makes it the Eighth Wonder of the World. Well, you have to see it to believe it!
Following the climb head down to Dambulla, this expedition will take you through historical and scenic beauty of Dambulla.
First to the world famous Dambulla rock temple. A vast isolated rock mass, on a gentle slope. As you climb, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding. An ancient King on exile is said to have taken refuge here. Inside the cave you find a large collection of Buddha statues and the roof which is a beautiful canvas of Buddhist paintings –some 2000 years old.

Overnight Accomadation
Paradise Resort or similar

Day 10 - Historical Kandy

Kandy

Following Breakfast, transfer to Kandy.
Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic- a supreme place of Buddhist worship. A place that gets illuminated with all the glamour during Perahera time.
The first on the agenda is a visit to the majestic Tooth Relic Shrine (Dalada Maligawa) which has preserved its ancient splendor –adorned with Kandyan architecture and spectacular interior. On your way there you will walk past the beautiful Kandy Lake. A walk around the place you will witness the traditional drumming during morning, noon and evening, learn the ritual and honors accorded to the Relic, the history, custodians of this iconic heritage.
Once the city tour is done, check into your hotel and get freshened up before you head back to the Kandy town to finally enjoy a cultural performance show – get a taste of the aesthetic heritage of our Kandyan Kingdom.

Overnight Accomadation
Amaya Hills Hotel or similar

Day 11 - Highlands through the Tea

Nuwara Eliya

Following breakfast, you will be heading further up the misty mountains to Nuwara Eliya. You are in the Land of Ceylon Tea so this part of the country shouldn’t be missed.
View of the drive to Nuwara Eliya
The picturesque Nuwara Eliya – also known the world over as ‘little England’ has wonderful tea estates. Get into the car and get ready to explore these heavenly highlands! The tour will take you on a scenic drive through acres of lush tea estates; here you will see tea pickers, mostly females clad in sarees, carefully picking the tender two leaves and a bud which are essential to making fine tea. You will have the opportunity to visit a tea factory to witness the process of making your cuppa. May we also remind you not forget to indulge in the pleasure in fine Ceylon Tea- Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, or silver Tips whatever your choice is;

Overnight Accomadation
Araliya Green Hills Hotel or similar

Day 12 - Scenic Train to Ella

Ella

Get on board the train from Nuwara Eliya to enjoy a very scenic train journey through the very heart of the Tea plantation. You will be booked with 2nd class reserved seats to enjoy the view. Once you arrive to Ella and transfer to the hotel for enjoy the essence of rich nature.

Overnight Accomadation
EKHO Ella Hotel or similar

Day 13 - Adventure Heaven

Ella

Following breakfast – explore the Ella
First visit the Ella Rock also known as Little Adam’s peak, which is named after its big brother, the Holy Mountain Adam’s Peak – because of their similar shape. The beginning of the path goes through beautiful green tea plantations, it is an easy path to hike and the scenery is to die for!
Following the climb head back to the Ella town for some refreshments and in the afternoon head to the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge one of the highlights of Ella.
It’ll be about a walk of half an hour through a jungle before you reach this amazing masterpiece hidden in the middle of greenery. This has been known to be a MUST DO in Srilanka for all adventurous or pretty much every traveler!

Overnight Accomadation
EKHO Ella Hotel or similar

Day 14 - Game drive at Yala

Yala | Kumana

After the breakfast leave for Yala.
Continue to Yala,one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srilanka and Srilanka’s biggest national park!
This is a tour that is bound to bring ample fun and photo delights. Yala National Park’s incredible wild life has made this vast area of forest, grassland and lagoons a world famous safari park.
We know that the safari ride in this wildlife kingdom is what you look forward to the most. An unexpected “elephant on the road!” moment , the mating dance of a peacock, a wild buffalo trying to defend itself from an intruder, the deer and the leopards -Nature tourism and adventure- you are going to have it all there.
Yala is a heaven of Birds too. Thousands of water birds that have migrated to the Yala lagoons as well as the residing forest birds makes Yala a bird lover’s paradise.
You can go on an afternoon game drive upon arrival to capture the best of Yala!

Overnight Accomadation
EKHO Safari Hotel or similar

Day 15 - Wild to Beach

Galle

Following breakfast proceed to Galle
Spend time in a beautiful fortified city, down south. Galle-a UNESCO Heritage site. Discovering the old and the new. Discovering people amidst a wonderful mix of architecture and culture. Taking a stroll down the old town with interesting street names would be like a walk down memory lane, reminiscing Ceylon in the Colonial days. Impatient to find out what you will explore here? Here you go!
Streets at the Dutch Galle Fort
Portuguese constructed and Dutch fortified majestic Galle Fort and the landmarks within the premises such as the Galle National Museum depicting history and the life of the Galle inhabitants; the Fort Library - the treasure trove of rare books; Galle maritime Museum, heritage houses in the narrow alleys and the mix bag of boutiques and shops in every nook and corner selling antiques, souvenirs, jewelry, arts and crafts; eateries and art galleries.
This excursion will have you walking quite a bit. Still you would have plenty to see a second time around too.

Overnight Accomadation
Citrus Hotel or similar

Day 16 | 17 & 18 - Beach Stay

Galle

Relax days at the southern beach

Overnight Accomadation
Citrus Hotel or similar

Day 19 - Commercial Capital

Colombo

Following breakfast, leave for Colombo and enjoy a city tour.
Bet you are going to love the diversity of this destination. Full of fun and frolic.
Colombo; Sri Lanka’s commercial capital brings varying options be it leisure, dining, shopping or accommodation; marked with diverse colonial and cultural influences from Dutch and British colonial style architecture to Islamic mosques, Anglican and Catholic churches.
Some of the landmarks you tour will include - the President’s House and Chatham Street Clock Tower, Old Dutch Hospital now converted to a shopping and dining complex, Galle Face Green, the colorful Pettah shopping bazar, the Gangaramaya Temple housing Buddhist artefacts from all over the world,
National Museum depicting Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural heritage, the Independence Memorial Hall designed in the typical style of a medieval Kandyan audience hall, the Independence Museum and the iconic Town Hall Building.

Overnight Accomadation
Pegasus Reef Hotel or similar

Day 20 - Departure

Colombo

After the breakfast transfer to the airport accordilngly your flight details.

THINGS TO DO

  • Best of the Sri Lankan attractions in one tour
  • Relax at vibrant Negombo beach
  • Anuradhapura ruins
  • Game drive at Wilpattu
  • Undiscovered Jaffna
  • Marble Beach Trinco
  • Polonnaruwa ancient Capital
  • Must see Lion rock Sigiriya
  • Cave Temples in Dambulla
  • Historical Kandy and its Traditional Dance
  • Misty highlands through the Tea
  • Scenic Train ride to Ella
  • Famous nine arch bridge and Ella adventure spots
  • Yala National Park
  • Explore UNESCO heritage in Galle
  • Stay clam in Southern Beach
  • Capital Colombo

INCLUSIONS

  • A personalized welcome at the Colombo international airport
  • The service of an English-speaking guide on tour
  • All transfers in an air-conditioned superior grade Vehicle with spaces in the vehicle (Accordingly post COVID 19 regulations)
  • 4*Star accommodation as mentioned
  • Daily dinner and breakfast
  • Guided excursions and activities with entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • All applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS

  • Air fares and Visa fees
  • Travelers insurance
  • Meals not specified
  • Detours and optional excursions
  • Camera and video charges if applicable
  • Tips, porterage and expenses of any personal nature
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