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Tour Overview
Experience the essence of Sri Lanka with our "Sri Lanka in a Nutshell" tour, offering a free upgrade to a private tour. Discover the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple with its stunning painted walls and ceilings, explore the cultural richness of Kandy with its Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Colombo, a city where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers. This tour includes 5 nights of accommodation, daily breakfasts, and airport transfers, ensuring a comfortable and enriching journey through Sri Lanka's most iconic destinations. Optional excursions and cultural experiences are available to enhance your adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Dambulla: Discover an impressive cave temple consisting of five caverns decorated with painted walls and ceilings
Kandy: This beautiful city is home to the outstanding Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens
Colombo: Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital is both a historic city packed with colonial architecture and modern metropolis with soaring skyscrapers
Visit Spice Garden in Matale and observe the therapeutic values of spices over a refreshing cup of herbal tea
Explore the Dutch-haunted streets of Galle, where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting
Enjoy a cultural show in Kandy, featuring traditional music and drumming
Take a Colombo City & Shopping Tour, including the Floating Market and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex
Itinerary
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Accommodation Name: Grand Oriental Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport & Proceed to Colombo
Overnight in Colombo
Day 2
:
COLOMBO - DAMBULLA (160 km - 3 hrs)
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sorowwa Resort & Spa/ Danawwa Resort/ Pelwehera Village or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Dambulla
Evening Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (Optional): In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.
Overnight in Dambulla
Day 3
:
DAMBULLA - KANDY (73.4 km - 2.5 hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Regency/ Oak Ray Heritage/ Oak Ray City Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Kandy
En route, visit Spice Garden in Matale (Optional): - An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden - into which you will be most welcome - and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Evening Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy (Optional): Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts center, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market.
Enjoy Cultural Show in Kandy (Optional): Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Overnight in Kandy
Day 4
:
KANDY - SOUTH WEST COAST (222 km - 6 hrs)
Location: Galle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel J Unawatuna or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at hotel proceed to South West Coast
Galle (Optional), the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!
Overnight in South West Coast
Day 5
:
SOUTH WEST COAST- COLOMBO (125 km - 2 hrs)
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Oriental Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel & morning at leisure or free for own activities
Afterwards proceed to Colombo.
Enjoy Colombo City & Shopping Tour (Optional): The throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!
Overnight in Colombo
Day 6
:
DEPARTURE COLOMBO
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast proceed to Airport for departure
Breakfast included
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English-Speaking driver/guide
ACCOMMODATION:
5 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Fairway Colombo Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Day 2 Dambulla:
Standard Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon/ Pelwehera Village or similar 4*
Day 3 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Regency/ Oak Ray Heritage/ Oak Ray City Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4 Unawatuna:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel J Unawatuna or similar 3*
Day 5 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
MEALS:
5 Breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
Arrival/ Departure transfers from and to Colombo Airport
Shared transport throughout the tour
OTHER:
Meet & Greet on day 1
What's Not Included
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals throughout the tour.
Tips and Porterage
Tips and porterage.
Flights and Insurance
Flights, travel insurance and anything else not stated in the programme.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to places of interest.
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
Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.
Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
The validity of the passport must be six months from the date of departure
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Day 2 Dambulla:
Standard Hotel Category = Sorowwa Resort & Spa/ Danawwa Resort/ Pelwehera Village or similar 4*
Day 3 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Regency/ Oak Ray Heritage/ Oak Ray City Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4 South West Coast:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel J Unawatuna or similar 3*
Day 5 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Fairway Colombo/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Day 2 Dambulla:
Standard Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon/ Pelwehera Village or similar 4*
Day 3 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Regency/ Oak Ray Heritage/ Oak Ray City Hotel or similar 3*
Day 4 Unawatuna:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel J Unawatuna or similar 3*
Day 5 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel/ Earls Red or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
The tour includes inbound and outbound airport transfers from Colombo Airport, along with a meet and greet on day 1.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights' accommodation in standard hotel categories, including Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo, Sorowwa Resort & Spa in Dambulla, Oak Ray Regency in Kandy, and Hotel J Unawatuna on the South West Coast.
Check out our Q&As
What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English-speaking driver/guide.
What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights' accommodation in standard hotel categories. Specific hotels include Grand Oriental Hotel or Earls Red in Colombo, Sorowwa Resort & Spa or Danawwa Resort in Dambulla, Oak Ray Regency or Oak Ray Heritage in Kandy, and Hotel J Unawatuna on the South West Coast.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 5 breakfasts.
What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes inbound and outbound airport transfers from Colombo Airport and a meet and greet on day 1.
What activities are optional during the tour?
Optional activities include visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden in Matale, Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, a cultural show in Kandy, and a city and shopping tour in Colombo.
What should I wear when visiting temples or religious sites 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.
Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals throughout the tour, tips and porterage, flights, travel insurance, and entrance fees to places of interest are not included in the tour package.
Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, all clients will need to log into the website www.eta.gov.lk and obtain visas prior to arrival. The government has informed that all applications will be processed within 24 hours and payment can be made online by credit card.
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
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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 )
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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...
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.
Sri Lanka in a Nutshell - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available
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Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.<br /></p><p>Evening Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy (Optional): Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts center, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. <br /></p><p>Enjoy Cultural Show in Kandy (Optional): Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.</p><p><b>Overnight in Kandy </b></p>","lat":"7.290572","lng":"80.633726"},{"title":"Day 4: KANDY - SOUTH WEST COAST (222 km - 6 hrs)","name":"Galle","description":"<p>After breakfast at hotel proceed to South West Coast </p><p>Galle (Optional), the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!<br /></p><p><b>Overnight in South West Coast</b></p>","lat":"6.032895","lng":"80.216791"},{"title":"Day 5: SOUTH WEST COAST- COLOMBO (125 km - 2 hrs)","name":"Colombo","description":"<p>Breakfast at hotel & morning at leisure or free for own activities</p><p>Afterwards proceed to Colombo.</p><p> Enjoy Colombo City & Shopping Tour (Optional): The throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Overnight in Colombo</b></p>","lat":"6.927079","lng":"79.861243"},{"title":"Day 6: DEPARTURE COLOMBO","name":"Colombo","description":"<p>After breakfast proceed to Airport for departure </p><p><b>Breakfast included</b></p>","lat":"6.927079","lng":"79.861243"}]
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