Sri Lanka in a Nutshell
from £735

Sri Lanka in a Nutshell

holiday package
Created: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Ref ID: 17191789
Total price from £3,457
Created: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Itinerary
Tours

Explore Sri Lanka with this fascinating six-day round-trip starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main historic, cultural and natural attractions of this magical island. Discover a world of lush  landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities, historic temples and ancient citadels. Breathe in the fragrances of Sri Lanka at herb and spice gardens.  Enjoy the lush green tea plantations spreaded through the hill county.

TOUR 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.

Day 1: ARRIVAL COLOMBO

Upon arrival at Colombo Airport our representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transfer to your hotel. Settle in your room before spending the rest of this first day at leisure.

Overnight  in Colombo

Day 2: COLOMBO – DAMBULLA (160 km – 3 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Dambulla and check in to your hotel.

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 km – 2.5 hrs)

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 – UNAWATUNA (222 km – 6 hrs)

After breakfast at hotel proceed to South West Coast. 

Visit 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 Unawatuna

Day 5: UNAWATUNA – COLOMBO (125 km – 2 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel and 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

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure flight.

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.

Total price from £3,457

Members price from £1,470

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This idea includes
Destinations 4
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
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
Excluded
  • Optional tours
  • Entrance fees to places of interest
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals throughout the tour.
  • Tips and porterage
  • Flights, travel insurance and anything else not stated in the programme
Accommodation

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*

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