Cultural Tour in Sri Lanka SL/003/E

Cultural Tour in Sri Lanka SL/003/E

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Cultural Tour in Sri Lanka SL/003/E

8 Days Starting and ending in Katunayake, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Independence Square, Viharamahadevi Park, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum, St. Lucia's Cathedral, Colombo, Galle, Madu Ganga, Galle Dutch Fort, Bentota, Tissamaharama, Nuwara Eliya, Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple And Golden Temple, Dambulla, Matale, Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Katunayake

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

9401

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 99

Physical rating:

Low

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Seductive beaches and tempting water sports, magnificent landscapes featuring lazy lagoons, fertile wetlands, ecologically-wondrous types of forest, imposing mountains, bounteous rivers and waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife - much of it endemic unique ecosystems, inspiring heritage sites from ancient cities to colonial forts, a vibrant culture including fine arts and crafts and grand festivals, and people of diverse ethnicity and religious persuasion, charming and hospitable.

Highlights

  • Colombo City Tour, Turtle Hatchery, Madu Ganga Boat Ride, Galle Fort, Yala National Park, Tea Factory, Temple of Tooth Relic, Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Village Trek, Polonnaruwa

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Airport To Colombo

Location: Independence Square, Viharamahadevi Park, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum, St. Lucia's Cathedral, Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon arrival, You will be greeted by our Travel Lanka Connection representative.

Transferred to the hotel.

In the evening you can have a sightseeing tour of Colombo.

Colombo City Tour
This City Tour of Colombo focuses on exploring the commercial capital of Sri Lanka-Colombo. Bustling with energy all day long, this is a city of vibrant colors and rich culture, offering fascinating insights into the national psyche of Sri Lanka. During your brief stay, you will be able to visit the old Wolfendhal Dutch Church (built-in 1749), a Hindu Temple, and the famous Gangarama Temple situated facing the Beira Lake. On your way around the city, you will also witness a plethora of shopping malls housing designer brands, beautifully landscaped gardens and colonial precincts such as the Dutch Hospital and more.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel-Colombo.

Day 2 : Colombo To Galle

Location: Galle, Madu Ganga, Galle Dutch Fort, Bentota

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mandara Resort Mirissa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the Galle and en route visit the Turtle Hatchery, Madu Ganga Boat Ride and the Galle Fort.

Turtle Hatchery
The Turtle Hatchery Project at Bentota Beach is another important attraction. Up to five endangered species of turtles have been frequenting a stretch on this undisturbed beach for a long time now. The turtles are allowed to hatch and thrive in a protected area before being set free.

After that, you can do the Madu Ganga Boat Ride.

Madu Ganga Boat Ride
This two-hour tour takes you on a boat safari through the primitive depths of the mangrove marshes in Madu River. Traverse the dark and dangerous caverns formed by the thick mangrove forests; interspersed with bright open stretches of water. Get a chance to see crocodiles, water snakes, tree snakes and wild boars in their natural habitat. Watch the cormorants; storks and much other avian life hunts for their prey in the swift flow of Madu River.


Proceed to the Galle and en route visit the Galle fort and have a walk around the Galle Fort. You may refresh in Galle and walk around the Galle Fort and experience the Portugal culture in Side the Galle fort,

Galle Fort
Galle Fort in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Check in to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel - Galle.

Day 3 : Galle To Tissamaharama

Location: Tissamaharama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Chaarya Resort & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After having breakfast at the hotel proceed to the Tissamaharama.

Check in to the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the Yala National Park.

Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.

Transfer back to the hotel .

Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel – Tissamaharama.

Day 4 : Tissamaharama To Ella To Nuwara Eliya

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Araliya Red - Nuwara Eliya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a fresh breakfast Proceed to the Nuwara Eliya where you’ll be able to see tea pluckers at work in the tea plantations. Enroute visit Ella, visit 9 Acres bridge.

you can visit the Tea Plantation and get an experience of walking among the mushy tea plants and talking to the tea pluckers.

Tea Factory
Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea with a roaring tea industry that dominates the island's central highlands. Introduced to the country by British tea planter James Taylor in 1867, tea irreversibly changed the topography and even the demography of the country.

Check in to the hotel.

In the evening, you can have a sight seeing tour of Nuwara Eliya including Victoria Park ,Pink Post office and the Nuwara Eliya Market.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel – Nuwara Eliya

Day 5 : Nuwara Eliya To Kandy

Location: Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Citadel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After having breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the Kandy.
Check in to the hotel.
In the evening you can have done the city tour of Kandy. Visit a Batik Factory, a Gem Museum and a visit to the Kandy “Tooth Relic Temple’’.

Temple of Tooth Relic
A lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids.

You can see the Cultural dance at Kandy.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel-Kandy

Day 6 : Kandy To Habarana

Location: Dambulla Royal Cave Temple And Golden Temple, Dambulla, Matale, Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Meals Included: Dinner

After that proceed to the Habarana and en-route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Spice Garden.

Dambulla Cave Temple
Located in the north-central province this UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock, Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century).

Then proceed to Kandy Enroute visit Matale, and visit a spice garden where you will witness many spices and herbs in Sri Lanka.

Spice Garden
The Island had been famous for its spices since the medieval times and is considered as one of the main reasons for the Europeans to conquer the Island and for the Arabs to trade upon from the 14th century onwards. The most interesting feature would be the opportunity you’ll get to identify the real plants of spices you are so familiar with in your day to day life. A qualified guide will do a conducted tour of the garden and a presentation of its products.

Enjoy a special head and shoulder massage at the spice garden.

Check in to the hotel – Habarana.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel- Habarana.

Day 7 : Habarana To Sigitiya To Habarana

Location: Sigiriya, Habarana, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After having a delightful breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the Sigiriya.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya 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 with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle.

Village Trek
Trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot.

After completing the visit,proceed to visit the Polonnaruwa site.
Polonnaruwa
This medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving.

After completing the visit, transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel – Habarana.

Day 8 : Habarana To Airport

Location: Katunayake

Meals Included: Breakfast

After Breakfast proceed to the airport .

Please note that you need to be at the airport before 03 hrs prior to the departure

What's Included

  • Accommodation on HB Basis

  • Meet & assistance at the Airport

  • Spanish speaking chauffeur guide

  • Transfers on private basis in A/C vehicle

  • Wheel Chair for People with a disability (On Request during the confirmation)

  • Tea Plantation/Tea Factory Visit

  • Galle Fort

  • Spice Garden Visit

  • Gem Museum Visit

  • Cultural dance at Kandy

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What's Not Included

  • Air fare and visa charges

  • Any compulsory room supplement during the tour

  • Video and Camera permits at sights

  • Meals Outside of the stated meal plan

  • Use of vehicle other than the specified itinerary

  • Expenses of personal nature

  • Any other services not specified above. Early check in & Late check out at the hotels (Check in & Check out time 14.00 to 12.00 Noon)

  • Tips of any personal nature

  • Any compulsory supplements

  • Sights mentioned as optional

  • Insurance

  • Departure PCR – US $ 40.00

Check out our Q&As

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • How does Today Voyages work?

    We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.

  • Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?

    Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.

  • What is an additional excursion or tour optional?

    Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!

  • What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?

    If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.

  • When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?

    If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.

  • What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?

    It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!

  • What happens after I book?

    The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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