Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group

Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group

23 Views
10 Days From

$4495

$3956

Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group

10 Days Starting and ending in Colombo

Visiting: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SA526M19

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $4495 $3956 Operator discount: -$539 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Live and breathe the culture of Sri Lanka as you take a walking tour through the picturesque backstreets of Colombo, see the famous fortress of Sigiriya set upon its rocky outcrop and visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy. For something truly unique, take part in a Nuwara Eliya tea experience—an all-immersive tea leaf picking and fresh tea tasting affair, at one of the world’s most beautiful tea plantations. Voyage into the depths of the jungle on a game drive in Wilpattu National Park and keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants. Before the journey home, be sure not to miss the exquisite fragrances of the National Spice Garden in Matale and the architectural wonders of Anuradhapura—the capital city of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom that ruled for a thousand years.

Highlights

  • content:

    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Anuradhapura: Explore the temple complex, sprawling with a rich collection of archaeological wonders.
    • Anuradhapura: Visit the small community of Puranagama, to experience traditional village life.
    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Sigiriya Rock: Visit the beautifully landscaped Sigiryia's Royal Gardens, boasting ancient water features, terraced gardens and natural boulders.
    • Sigiriya: Climb Sigiriya Rock and admire breath-taking views over the lakes and villages below.

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • Colombo: Head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the hidden treasures this city has to offer.
    • Colombo: Take a panoramic city tour of Colombo including all the main sights and Pettah market.
    • Colombo: Explore by Tuk-Tuk old Colombo town and cruise the city streets while watching the sun lower over the Indian ocean. See the city lights come alive for an evening of buzzing activity.
    • Wilpattu National Park: Ascend deep into the lush, dense jungle on a jeep safari in search for Sri Lanka's big four. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of colourful birds.
    • Wilpattu National Park: Ascend deep into the lush, dense jungle on a jeep safari. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and an array of colourful birds.
    • Sigiriya: Visit this famous fortress set upon its prominent rocky outcrop.
    • Polonnaruwa: Your visit to the archaeological park will reveal what life in the area was like when the city was thriving, 800-years-ago.
    • Dambulla: See Raja Maha Vihara - the most impressive of Sri Lanka's Cave Temples.
    • Kandy: Enjoy a traditional dance performance in the evening.
    • Kandy: Visit the site of the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple.
    • Nuwara Eliya: Join your Local Expert to visit a tea plantation and learn how this crop is produced. You'll even have the opportunity to experience the traditional technique of tea-leaf picking, before sampling some of the freshest tea possible.

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    Nuwara Eliya: Drum making in Sri Lanka is a fascinating craft deeply rooted in the country's culture and traditions, this cultural heritage is passed down through generations. The drums are produced by skilled artisans and are not only musical instruments, but they also play a vital role in religious ceremonies, traditional performances, and cultural events throughout the country. Each drum tells a story, connecting the present with the rich history and traditions of Sri Lanka. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Cities and Communities.

  • content:

    Authentic Dining

    Colombo: Enjoy dinner and drinks with your fellow travellers.

    Nuwara Eliya:

    Nuwara Eliya: Your mouth-watering dinner features the best of Sri Lankan cuisine.

  • content:

    Insight Choice

    Anuradhapura: Explore the temple complex, sprawling with a rich collection of archaeological wonders.

    Anuradhapura: Visit the small community of Puranagama, to experience traditional village life.

    Sigiriya Rock: Visit the beautifully landscaped Sigiryia's Royal Gardens, boasting ancient water features, terraced gardens and natural boulders.

    Sigiriya: Climb Sigiriya Rock and admire breath-taking views over the lakes and villages below.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Sri Lanka

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Accommodation Name: Taj Samudra, Colombo

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Sri Lanka. A land of historic ruins, sweeping beaches and mouth-watering food, you’ve made it to paradise. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Unwind and rejuvenate before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner.

Day 2: Explore Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Accommodation Name: Taj Samudra, Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

There’s no better way to get to know a city than to walk through its back streets and experience it like a local. In the morning, head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the city's hidden treasures. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back to 17th century and were erected mostly during Dutch and British rule. Visit Pettah Market, where locals head to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, garments and jewellery. This market place is older than the buildings around it and is an area best explored with a local. Later, board your customised tuk-tuk and head out to explore the hustle and bustle of an afternoon in Colombo's oldest neighbourhoods. Cruise the city streets as the sun descends over the Indian Ocean and the city lights spring to life around a pulse of evening activity.

Day 3: Welcome To The Jungle Relaxed Start

Location: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park

Accommodation: Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu National Park.

Accommodation Name: Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your journey to Wilpattu National Park. A unique complex of over fifty wetlands and gravel roads that trace watering holes, the perfect place to observe wildlife. On arrival, check into your luxury safari camp located on the boarder of the park, a quintessential glamping experience and a satisfying blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. In the evening, venture deep into the thick wilderness. Explore the park by jeep safari, taking the back roads in search for Sri Lanka's big four—leopards, elephants, sloth bears and deer.

Day 4: Jungle Safari

Location: Wilpattu National Park

Accommodation: Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu National Park.

Accommodation Name: Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy journeying through the jungle on your morning and afternoon safaris. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, buffalos, mongooses and turtles.

Day 5: Wilpattu To Sigiriya

Location: Wilpattu National Park, Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Aliya Resort & Spa Sigiriya.

Accommodation Name: Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning head south, making your way to Sigiriya. Stop on your journey at the Anuradhapura temple complex, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, sprawling and with a rich collection of archaeological wonders. Now a World Heritage site, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its ancient ruins with your Travel Director. Meet a practicing Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour of the Ritigala jungle’s enveloped paths. Hear the tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks that once inhabited the reserve. Begin your gradual ascent, making your way through seemingly endless paths and flights of carved stairs. This was once a place of meditation, congregation, teaching and general life for a monastic community who today devote their lives to simple living in the forest.

Day 6: Exploring Sigiriya's Ancient Kingdom

Location: Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Aliya Resort & Spa Sigiriya.

Accommodation Name: Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya

Meals Included: Breakfast

Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. Explore Sigiriya with Insight Choice. Choose to climb Sigiriya Rock.  Alternatively, visit Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. During a tuk-tuk ride, explore the ancient remains of temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself before heading back to your hotel.

Day 7: Colourful Caves And Rainforests

Location: Sigiriya, Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel, Mahaweli Reach Kandy.

Accommodation Name: Mahaweli Reach, Kandy

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you’ll visit the colourful Dambulla Caves. Also known as the Golden Temple caves, this World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Take in its mighty artwork dedicated to Gautama Buddha as you explore with your group. Later, arrive in Kandy. Surrounded by mountains, rainforest and tea plantations, this sacred city is famous for its Buddhist sites, such as the Temple of the Tooth shrine. Once here, you’ll enjoy a cultural evening of drums and a dance performance. Your accommodation for the evening is Mahaweli Reach. Located next to the mighty Mahaweli River, this traditional hotel is based in the hill capital of Sri Lanka and offers incredible culture, history and authentic dining options.

Day 8: Tea Country Hills Relaxed Start

Location: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

Accommodation Name: Grand, Nuwara Eliya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning head to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha, is located here. Later meet Rahju, a local artist, at his contemporary art gallery. Enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya. A city in Sri Lanka’s tea country hills, this pretty destination is famous for Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu shrine and Galway’s Land National Park. Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of Drum making, each drum tells a story, connecting the present with the rich history and traditions of Sri Lanka. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration. Learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef, before indulging in the fruits of your hard work.

Day 9: Exploring Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Hotel, Grand Nuwara Eliya.

Accommodation Name: Grand, Nuwara Eliya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise early this morning for an excursion to Horton Plains for a trek to World's End, where a stunning escarpment plunges 880 metres down to the jungle floor. World’s End is situated in one of the most popular National Parks in Sri Lanka and is the only one where you are able to walk freely as there are no elephants. Stand in awe and capture incredible views of the expansive plateau, before mist and cloud obscure the scene. In the afternoon, learn everything there is to know about Ceylon tea during a visit to a tea plantation and garden. Walk through the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session hosted by an expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over dinner at your hotel.

Day 10: Goodbye Colombo

Location: Nuwara Eliya, Colombo

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, as your journey comes to an end. You’ll be driven back to Colombo airport for your onward flight, please schedule flights after 20:00. A stop will be made in Colombo for those extending their stay.

What's Included

  • Meals

    6 Dinners (D), 9 Breakfasts (B), and 2 Lunches (L) are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation at various hotels and resorts including Taj Samudra in Colombo, Mahoora Safari Camp in Wilpattu National Park, Aliya Resort & Spa in Sigiriya, Mahaweli Reach in Kandy, and Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours of Anuradhapura temple complex, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa archaeological park, Dambulla Caves, and Sacred Tooth Relic Temple.

  • Activities

    Jeep safaris in Wilpattu National Park, tuk-tuk rides in Colombo and Polonnaruwa, a guided walking tour through Ritigala Jungle, and a visit to a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Traditional dance performance in Kandy, drum making experience in Nuwara Eliya, and a cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine.

  • Transportation

    Transfers from Colombo airport to the hotel and back, as well as transportation between destinations during the tour.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Sri Lanka are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into Sri Lanka are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy seamless transportation with pick-up from the airport, leisurely walking tours, tuk-tuk rides, jeep safaris, and comfortable transfers between destinations.

Accommodation

Stay in luxurious accommodations including the Taj Samudra in Colombo, Mahoora Safari Camp in Wilpattu National Park, Aliya Resort & Spa in Sigiriya, Mahaweli Reach in Kandy, and the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Dining Summary

  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)

Insight Experiences

  • Sigiriya: Meet a practising Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour through Ritigala Jungle and hear tales of the forest dwelling monks, a monastic community, who once inhabited the monastic reserve, devoting their lives to living simply in the forest.
  • Kandy: Visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery, enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park?

    During the jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, you can expect to see leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, buffalos, mongooses, and turtles.

  • What activities are included in the tour of Colombo?

    In Colombo, you will enjoy a leisurely walking tour with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, visit Pettah Market, and explore the city streets by tuk-tuk as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Anuradhapura temple complex?

    During the visit to the Anuradhapura temple complex, you will explore its ancient ruins with your Travel Director and learn about its rich collection of archaeological wonders. You will also meet a practicing Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour of the Ritigala jungle.

  • What are the options for exploring Sigiriya?

    In Sigiriya, you have the option to climb Sigiriya Rock or visit the Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Additionally, you will visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa and explore its ancient remains of temples and tombs by tuk-tuk.

  • What is special about the Dambulla Caves?

    The Dambulla Caves, also known as the Golden Temple caves, are a World Heritage Site and the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. They feature mighty artwork dedicated to Gautama Buddha.

  • What unique experience is offered in Kandy?

    In Kandy, you will visit the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, enjoy a cultural evening of drums and a dance performance, and meet Rahju, a local artist, at his contemporary art gallery for a private viewing of his paintings and a discussion over a cup of tea.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Nuwara Eliya?

    In Nuwara Eliya, you will participate in a drum-making experience, learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef, and visit a tea plantation to learn about Ceylon tea production and enjoy a tasting session.

  • What is the significance of the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy?

    The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy is significant because it houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha, and is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy.

  • What is the highlight of the excursion to Horton Plains in Nuwara Eliya?

    The highlight of the excursion to Horton Plains in Nuwara Eliya is the trek to World's End, where you can witness a stunning escarpment that plunges 880 meters down to the jungle floor, offering incredible views of the expansive plateau.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

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

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Operator discount: -$555

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Operator discount: -$539

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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