Experience the Diverse South - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

Experience the Diverse South - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

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3 Days From

$981

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Tour Overview

Visit the top cultural and historical landmarks in central Sri Lanka with this spellbinding three-day tour. Immerse yourself in a world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities, and historic temples. Begin in Colombo and journey to Yala National Park, stopping at the Eth Athuru Sevana Elephant Orphanage and enjoying a thrilling jeep safari through the park. Conclude with a visit to the historic Galle fortress, a boat safari in Balapitiya, and stops at a lace factory, moonstone mine, and turtle hatchery, making for a rich and memorable trip ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Colombo: The busy capital of Sri Lanka, is a city of contrast by the seaside

  • Colonial buildings, Hindu and Buddhist temples, modern skyscrapers and some lakes are combined into a melting pot of cultures and people

  • Yala: This National park is a mixture of plains, forests and waterbodies and is home to wonderful mammals such as sloth bears and leopards, elephants and deer and plenty of birds

  • Take a look at the Sri Lankan wild side

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO

Location: Gamini Hall

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*

Arrive at the Colombo airport, where our representative will meet and greet you, then transfer you to the hotel in Colombo. Enjoy the rest of the time relaxing and getting ready for a memorable adventure.  

Overnight  in Colombo.

Day 2 : COLOMBO– YALA NATIONAL PARK (245km – 5 hrs)

Location: Sri Lanka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Elephant Reach Hotel, Hotel Chandrika or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early in the morning and prepare for an exhilarating day. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Colombo, and transfer you to the selected hotel in Yala National Park. Drive via Rathnapura to Udawalawe and visit the Eth Athuru Sevana Elephant Orphanage. After spending precious time with the charming giants, continue to Tissamaharama for a luscious lunch. Then, adventure into exploring the outstanding Yala National Park on an exciting three-hour jeep safari. Your spectacular day ends with a delicious dinner.

Overnight in Yala/Tissamaharama/Hambantota. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 : YALA NATIONAL PARK – GALLE – DEPART COLOMBO (245km – 5 hrs)

Location: Gamini Hall

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a tasty breakfast, check out from the hotel and head towards historical Galle. On the way, visit an emblematic lace factory in Dikwella. When you arrive in Galle, enjoy a mouthwatering lunch, right before joining an inspiring tour of the Galle fortress. Continue to Balapitiya to go out on a boat safari. On the way back to Colombo, make a stop to visit a fascinating moonstone mine and a lovely turtle hatchery. Afterwards, return to your selected hotel in Colombo for drop-off. 

Breakfast and lunch included. 

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English-speaking driver-guide.

  • Accommodation

    2 night's accommodation.

  • Accommodation Options

    Day 1 Colombo: Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*. Day 2 Yala / Tissamaharama / Hambantota: Standard Hotel Category = Elephant Reach Hotel, Hotel Chandrika or similar 4*.

  • Meals

    2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner.

  • Transport

    Transportation by A/C vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide. Airport arrival transfer Colombo airport-Colombo hotel.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    Entrance fees to Elephant Orphanage in Udawalawe, Yala National Park entrance fees, Yala Jeep safari, lace factory, Balapitiya boat ride, moonstone mine and turtle hatchery tickets.

  • Other

    Meet and greet on arrival at Colombo airport.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

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

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for driver and guide.

  • Drinks

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, etc.

  • Festival/Peak Season Surcharges

    Compulsory festival/peak season surcharges if stated separately.

  • Airport Departure Transfer

    Airport departure transfer Colombo Hotel - Colombo Airport.

  • Photography Permits

    Video camera and photography permits at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

  • Optional Tours and Activities

    Optional tours and activities.

  • Travel Insurance

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

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Clients arriving on early morning flights will have to wait until the last tour participant has arrived.

Please Note

  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice 
  • Late arrival back to Colombo on day 3. Please book ongoing travel arrangements accordingly

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Colombo:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*

Day 2 Tissamaharama:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Elephant Reach Hotel, Hotel Chandrika or similar 4*

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Colombo:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*

Day 2 Tissamaharama:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Elephant Reach Hotel, Hotel Chandrika or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Yala National Park?

    In Yala National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including sloth bears, leopards, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Eth Athuru Sevana Elephant Orphanage, a jeep safari in Yala National Park, a visit to a lace factory in Dikwella, a tour of the Galle fortress, a boat safari in Balapitiya, and visits to a moonstone mine and a turtle hatchery.

  • What meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

  • Is airport transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes an airport arrival transfer from Colombo airport to the hotel in Colombo. However, the airport departure transfer from the Colombo hotel to Colombo airport is not included.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 2 nights of accommodation. On Day 1, you will stay at the Grand Oriental Hotel or a similar 3-star hotel in Colombo. On Day 2, you will stay at the Elephant Reach Hotel, Hotel Chandrika, or a similar 4-star hotel in Yala/Tissamaharama/Hambantota.

  • What should I wear and bring for the tour?

    Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples or religious buildings. It is also advisable to bring sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent.

  • Is the tour operated in English?

    Yes, the tour is operated with an English-speaking driver-guide.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour?

    Yes, entrance fees to the Elephant Orphanage in Udawalawe, Yala National Park, lace factory, Balapitiya boat ride, moonstone mine, and turtle hatchery are included.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    YES, A friendly and professional tour leader tasked with ensuring the smooth operations of the tour, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the entire trip. His role primarily includes assisting with accommodation and transportation between locations while sharing the knowledge about social and cultural splendours of Sri Lanka.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

    Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn't run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both the air

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    yes

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    yes, it is indeed

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    The tour is guaranteed to departure even with a single person. However, in case of any cancellation, we'll inform you in advance and the full refund will be given.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

    The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA. It will cost USD $30. However, during the sometime of the year government offers FREE visa for tourists.

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Travellers are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times. > Travellers are requested to adhere to recommended hygiene procedures, such as travelling with and wearing a face mask and/or gloves when required to do so. > Keep 70% alcohol rub/hand sanitizer to use frequently.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Fairly good

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Up to 40KG per person

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Sri Lankan Rupees (you can exchange currency at the Sri Lanka airport or tour leader will assist you to exchange at the local banks)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards

Reviews of this operator

Ewhite  

Myanmar Delights, Private Tour

31-Jan-2022

Excellent guide tour, we choose superior category with a beach extension, we choose privat better to manage properly the time expend in the temples . The guide showed us the real live in markets.. just amazing . Good local restaurants ¡ really good value for money. we booked as well 1 hour bike ride through the temples.. and the ballon ( such a incredible feeling ) ...more ...less

Susana Patricio  

Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour

23-Jan-2020

It was a fantastic experience, the country, the people, their entire culture. My driver was a charming person, very friendly, fun, always available and very professional. My only complaint is in relation to the hotels, as they are of low quality, taking into account that in my reservation I had made an extra payment for better accommodation, which in fact did not happen. Everything else was incredible and I highly recommend it ...more ...less

Silvia Thoma  

The Pick of Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

16-Apr-2020

The itinerary was well designed and it was an unforgettable memory of Sri Lanka. Shall definitely visit again to experience more... Can't Wait...!!

AngelaMakowski's  

Review for Sacred Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

17-Apr-2020

Wonderful Tour. Sri Lankan hospitality was amazing and people are super sweet. Thank you so much for everything. The gifts were amazing. Thank you...

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Aitken Spence Travels requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aitken spence travels charges.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Experience the Diverse South - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available

3 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Gamini Hall, Sri Lanka

Tour operator:

Aitken Spence Travels

Tour code:

33604

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 10

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

4WD, Walking

From: $981 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 12-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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