Itinerary Details: 10 days/9 nights

Day 1: Sri Lanka Arrival

Arrive in 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 at the hotel.

Day 2: Colombo

After breakfast, visit Town Hall, Independence Square, and Wolvendaal Church. Later, visit the Kelaniya Temple, where Lord Buddha preached a sermon over 2000 years ago, and offer a dhana (meal) to the Buddhist Monks. According to Buddhist traditions, Monks in the temple does not prepare meals in the temple and instead rely on offerings by the villages. Per Buddhist teachings, this will invoke merit to the party offering meals. The ceremony will start by observing Pan-sil (Buddhist prayers).  Then, guests will serve freshly cooked meals (Alms) to the Buddhist Monks. After distributing gifts, enjoy a bana (sermon) based on the teachings of Lord Buddha. To conclude, the monks will tie blessed cords on the right hand of each guest. This arm band is believed to protect all individuals from evil and carry the blessings for the next seven days. Evening at leisure and overnight in Colombo.

Day 3: Colombo - Pinnewala - 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.

Day 4: Habarana - Minneriya - Habarana

After breakfast, 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.

Day 6: 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 tea plantation. Evening at leisure and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya - Yala

This morning, drive to Yala National Park, the most visited and 2nd largest park in Sri Lanka. En-route, view the famous Rawana Falls and Ella Gap. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari by jeep in Yala. There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity, and the park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and, along with Wilpattu, was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka. It is recognized for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. The number of mammals that have been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Also, the area surrounding Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations.  Overnight in Yala.

Day 8: Yala - Hikkaduwa

Today, drive to Hikkaduwa, a coastal town known for corals, surfing, and nightlife. Evening at leisure and overnight in Hikkaduwa.

Day 9: Hikkaduwa

Day at leisure and overnight in Hikkaduwa. An optional excursion can be arranged to Galle Fort.

Day 10: Departure

Day at leisure in Hikkaduwa. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

• Hotel accommodations with breakfast
• A/C vehicle and driver, per the itinerary
• Comprehensive touring with an English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the monuments
• Kandyan dance performance
• Jeep safari in Yala National Park and Minneriya National Park
• Airport transfers with assistance
• Road/interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees

Exclusions

• International Airfare
• Any items of a personal nature
• Additional meals
• Gratuities

Supplemental Information

• 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. Please Visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
• To protect your travel investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends Travel Insurance.
• Visit our FAQ page for additional information on traveling to Sri Lanka.

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