Itinerary Details: New Dates Coming Soon!

Day 1: Colombo Arrival

Welcome to Colombo, Sri Lanka!  After exiting customs formalities, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Sri Lanka, the island nation home to more than 20 million people, is a strategic naval link between West and Southeast Asia. The nation famously exports tea, coffee, and coconuts and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant mix of modernity and colonial ruins. Because of its natural harbor and positioning along East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders from 2,000 years ago. Overnight in Colombo. Hotel: Cinnamon Grand

Day 2: Colombo

In the morning, visit the Kelaniya Temple where Lord Buddha preached a sermon over 2000 years ago. Later, visit Town Hall, Independence Square, and Wolvendaal Church. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 3: Colombo - Pinnawala - Habarana

This morning, drive to Pinnawala, a renowned government run orphanage that houses retired, abused or orphaned elephants. Pinnawala is reputed as the largest elephant refuge in the world, with one of the most successful captive breeding programs for Asian elephants. Later, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the water gardens, the frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall, the Lion Platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Arrive in Habarana and overnight. Hotel: Chaaya Village

Day 4: Habarana - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Habarana

After breakfast, visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. The monuments of this medieval city are well preserved and reveal the glory of Sri Lanka’s past. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari to Minneriya National Park in a 4x4 jeep. Minneriya is another of Sri Lanka’s national parks where elephants and other wildlife can be observed. Return to your hotel and overnight in Habarana.

Day 5: Habarana - Kandy

After breakfast, drive to Kandy.  Situated beside a lake in the hills just below the center of Sri Lanka, Kandy is considered Sri Lanka’s cultural center. En-route visit Dambulla Cave temple: the name Dambulla derives from Damba - Rock and Ulla - Fountain. One sees the incessant drip of water from the fountain within the main image house. Also, visit the spice garden in Matale. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandayan dance performance. Evening at leisure and overnight in Kandy. Hotel: Cinnamon Citadel

Day 6: Kandy

After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, believed to be one of the most beautiful gardens in South Asia. The gardens include more than 300 varieties of spices, orchids, and medicinal plants. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Kandy, including the famed Temple of the Tooth. Evening at leisure and overnight in Kandy.

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, drive to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations interspersed with tumbling waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit the Ramboda Waterfalls and a traditional tea plantation. Evening at leisure and overnight in Nuwara Eliya. Hotel: Grand Hotel

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Hikkaduwa

Today, drive to Hikkaduwa, a coastal town known for corals, surfing, and nightlife. Afternoon at leisure and overnight in Hikkaduwa.  Hotel: Chaaya Tranz

Day 9: Hikkaduwa

In the morning, enjoy a tour of Galle Fort. The Galle Fort, also known as the Ramparts of Galle and the Dutch Fort, was built by the Portuguese in 1558, fortified by the Dutch in 1649, and came under British control in 1796. The fort layout resembles a small town and residents still live inside the walls, including Sinhalese, Dutch, Germans, Portuguese, English, and Muslim Moors. Return to Hikkaduwa and afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

Day 10: Departure

Today, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!

Inclusions

• 9 nights of superior hotel accommodations
• Daily breakfast
• Festive farewell dinner
• A/C vehicle with driver per the itinerary
• Comprehensive touring with an English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the monuments
• Kandyan dance performance
• Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
• Airport transfers
• Road taxes and fuel surcharges

Exclusions

• International Airfare
• Any items of a personal nature
• Gratuities
• Additional meals
• Visa and Passport fees

Supplemental Information

• To maintain an intimate cultural experience, this tour is limited to 24 guests.
• U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. U.S. citizens will require an approval notice from Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization System, passport, onward/ return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The Electronic Travel Authorization System is for tourists, short term business travelers and transit passengers and is available online. Sri Lankan regulations define transit passengers as foreigners who expect to enter Sri Lanka and remain for a period not exceeding 10 days while waiting for onward travel. U.S. citizens are also eligible to apply for five-year multiple entry tourist or business visas. 
• To protect your travel investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends Travel Insurance.
• Visit our FAQ page for more information about visiting Sri Lanka.

We understand that our clients deserve options when it comes to air travel. Many want to use mileage programs, choose the airline and/or upgrade class of service. Some also extend their travels before or after the tour, visiting India, Nepal, or Bhutan. For this reason, the international airfare is not included.

Sri Lanka Group Tour Map