Sri Lankan Experience: Dec 21st to 29th' 2024
In this incredible adventure on the island paradise of Sri Lanka, there are lots in store that amazes and fascinates. Set adrift in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this tropical land offers fascinating ancient history in incredible natural settings, making its sites ideal for inquiring minds to explore. From the bustle of Colombo, through the culture circuit of Dambulla, Kandy and Sigiriya, the tea gardens and hills of Nuwara Eliya, whale watching and exploring the pristine beaches of Mirissa, Weligama and Hikkaduwa its a journey of many experiences.
Essential Info
Cost: Rs 57500/-
Country: Sri Lanka
Start: Negombo
End: Negombo
Start Date: 21st Dec’ 2024
End Date: 29th Dec’ 2024
Duration: 9 Days
Group Size : Min 5 / Max 10
Theme: Culture, Adventure
Highlights
– Explore the ancient sites of Sigiriya & Dambulla
– Go on a whale and dolphin watching tour off the coast of Marissa
– Watch a Kandyan dance and visit the tooth relic temple in Kandy
– Enjoy the beautiful drives through the hills of Nuwara Eliya
– Take a scenic train journey through hills and tea plantations
– Savor some of Sri Lanka’s deliciously fiery cuisine
– Experience cosmopolitan and vibrant Colombo
– Meander through the labyrinth of ancient streets in the fort town of Galle
– Laze on the beautiful beaches of the south coast
Day 1: Dec 21st – Negombo
Welcome to Negombo, Sri Lanka. There are no activities planned today so you’re free to arrive at any time. Although Colombo is the commercial capital, and by far the largest city in Sri Lanka, it’s still relatively small. You won’t be staying in the capital itself but in a place by the beach. There are plenty of beach bars, pubs, and restaurants available close by. Time permitting we visit the Negombo fish market and witnessing the bartering in the market and the variety of fish being presented by the locals is a great experience. Overnight at Negombo.
Day 2: Dec 22nd – Negombo to Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Habarana ( 160 kms / 5 hrs )
After breakfast, we leave for Dambulla to explore the famous Golden Rock cave temple which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognised as a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47-foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. Later we leave for Sigiriya. Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya – a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. Built by King Kassapa the fortress was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The lion rock (A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) is a citadel of unusual beauty, rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit. See the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10-foot high Mirror Wall. After the climb, head for Habarana, a silent peaceful village with fine accommodation options which are located facing green topographies of the village. Check in at your hotel on arrival, and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight at Habarana.
Day 3: Dec 23rd – Habarana to Kandy ( 100 kms / 3.5 hrs )
After Breakfast head to Kandy. En route you will visit a spice garden in Matale. Kandy, the beautiful hill country capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for the Temple of the Tooth which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha. The Kandy Lake built in 1807 and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, are some of the key jewels of the town that elevate its magnificence. Evening free to explore Kandy town, the markets and restaurants. Overnight at Kandy.
Day 4: Dec 24th – Kandy
After Breakfast visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site and the most important temple in Sri Lanka. After lunch explore the lake area and later enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display. Overnight at Kandy.
Day 5: Dec 25th – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya ( 90 kms / 3 hrs )
After breakfast we drive from Kandy to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. This old British hill station in the heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm. Built entirely during the 19th century, its quirky architecture reflects what you’d normally expect to find in an English country village, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Once known as ‘Little England’ by British colonialists, it’s a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses, and tea plantations. Evening explore the lake and town. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya.
Day 6: Dec 26th – Nuwara Eliya to Mirissa ( 230 kms / 6 hrs )
After breakfast drive to Mirissa through the beautiful hill town of Bandarawale. Those who are feeling more adventurous can take a very scenic local train journey through the hills and tea gardens for a short stretch. Reach Mirissa by late afternoon/evening and enjoy an evening of beach splendor in Mirissa. The beach itself is a long curve of sand with lovely clear waters for swimming – a great spot to watch the sunset. Overnight in Mirissa.
Day 7: Dec 27th – Mirissa & Weligama
Today is a free day to explore Mirissa & Weligama beaches. The beaches of Mirissa and Weligama are some the best stretches of beaches on the south coast. They also have also many tours and activities like whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, surfing etc. You could join one of the tours or you could hire a bicycle/scooter and explore around. Overnight at Mirissa.
Day 8: Dec 28th – Mirissa to Colombo via Galle ( 170 kms / 3.5 hrs )
After breakfast, we leave for Colombo. On the way, we visit Galle old town and 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. After lunch we head for Colombo and reach by evening. Evening free to explore Colombo on your own. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 9: Dec 29th – Departure
After breakfast transfer to airport. End of tour.
Trip Info
Negombo
Colombo
Kandy
Sigiriya
Dumballa
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Mirissa
Hikkaduwa
Galle
INCLUDED
– 1 night stay each in Colombo, Negombo, Habana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Hikkaduwa and 2 nights at Mirissa ( Double Sharing )
– Breakfast on all days ( 8 Breakfast )
– All transportation and transfers during tour in Suv / Mini Van
– Local train ticket from Nuwara Eliya to Ella / Bandarawalle
– Airport transfers
– Service charges
– Taxes
EXCLUDED
– Flight Charges ( Your city to Colombo and back )
– Visa
– Whale or Dolphin watching tour, Snorkeling
– Entry tickets and camera charges
– Dinner & Lunch
– Other than mentioned
Day 1: December 21st – Negombo
Hotel : Summer Side Residence / Villa Cylon or similar
Included Activities : Market & Fish market walk
Included Transport : Airport pickup
Meal : None
Day 2: December 22nd – Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Habarana
Hotel : New Peacock Resort / SA Village Hotel or similar
Included Activities :Sigiriya & Dambulla visit, Spice garden visit
Included Transport :Full day tour
Included Entry tickets : None
Meal :Breakfast
Distance :152 kms | 4 hours | By car or van
Day 3: December 23rd – Habarana to Kandy
Hotel : Sevana City Hotel / 256 Townhouse rest or similar
Included Activities :Kandian dance, Botanical Gardens, Temple of tooth relic, Market and Town walk
Included Transport :Full day tour
Included Entry tickets :None
Meal :Breakfast
Distance :100 kms | 3 hours | By car or van
Day 4: December 24th- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Hotel : Mint Bungalow / Nuwara Eliya Homestay or similar
Included Activities :Ramboda Falls, Tea garden visit, Nuwara Eliya Market and Lake walk
Included Transport :Full day tour
Included Entry tickets :None
Meal :Breakfast
Distance :80 kms | 3 hours | By car or van
Day 5: December 25th – Nuwara Eliya to Mirissa
Hotel : Opal Resort / Surf Bay Resort or similar
Optional Activities : Local train ride through mountains, Wildlife Safari
Included Transport :Full day tour
Included Entry tickets :None
Meal :Breakfast
Distance :80 kms | 3 hours | By car or van
Day 6: December 26th – Mirissa & Weligama
Hotel : Opal Resort / Surf Bay Resort or similar
Included Activities : Mirissa and Weligama beach visit
Optional Activities : Whale watching tour, Cycling, Surfing
Included Transport :Mirissa to Weligama and back
Included Entry tickets :None
Meal :Breakfast
Day 7: December 27th- Mirissa to Hikkaduwa via Galle
Hotel : Star Holiday Resort / Citadel Guesthouse or similar
Included Activities : Galle, Unuwatuna and Hikkaduwa visit, Galle Fort walk
Included Transport :Full day tour
Included Entry tickets :None
Meal :Breakfast
Distance : 120 kms | 5 hours | By car or van
Day 8: December 28th- Hikkaduwa to Colombo
Hotel : Amali Residence / Palm Nest or similar
Included Activities : Bentota visit
Included Transport: Hikkaduwa to Colombo
Included Entry tickets :None
Meal :Breakfast
Distance : 85 kms | 2 hours | By car or van
Day 9: December 29th – Departure
Included Transport : Drop to airport
Meal :Breakfast
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For our regular guests)
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For 2 to 4 person booking together )
- Rs 3500/- Discount ( For 5 or more people booking together )
- Stay will be in Standard category hotels and Bed n Breakfast places with good reviews on double/twin sharing basis.
- Sri Lankan, Indian and Western food is available at most places.
- Breakfast ( Included ) will be western and/or Sri Lankan breakfast at most places.
- Private car/van for Airport transfers
- Private car/van for all travel and sightseeing
- Sri Lankan visa can be made online ( Your passport must be at least 6 months valid from the date of entering Sri Lanka )
For this trip
This tour is for travelers who want to experience some of the best destinations Sri Lanka has to offer. We have tried to create a good mix of culture, hills and coastal destinations on this tour with enough time for optional activities like a local train ride through the mountains, whale watching and surfing for the adventurous ones.
For all our trips
Our small group tours also allow enough time for yourself ( mostly in the evenings ) and the group leaders will assist you too if you need to do your own thing.
Stay and the food is a big part of the travel and we make sure you are made comfortable and therefore we choose some of the best-reviewed places to stay and eat.
We try to incorporate more local experiences on our tours with the help of our experienced tour leader and local guides to make your experience even more memorable.
Our tours are not standard sightseeing package tours, it’s more experience-oriented so as to give a real travel value to the guests.
Who are we?
Exotic Expeditions is an experiential based travel company founded in 2010. We are based out of Bangalore and Mumbai and we create uniquely designed tours that have high travel value. We include activities, local interactions, and offbeat destinations so that the guests go back with experiences to remember for a long time.
What are all included in our tours?
A comprehensive list of inclusions and exclusions is mentioned on the respective trip page, but across all our trips, we have these in common: exclusive private transfers, breakfast on most days, good accommodation, unique experiences,
expert guides and an experienced trip leader who’s there to assist you around the clock.
Are flights & visas included in your costs?
No.We don’t include flights and visa costs in our prices unless specified. We, however, will help you with booking flights and getting the visa done.
What is the typical group size?
We believe that a small group is can enjoy the journey better and have closer interactions with the group members, therefore, we restrict our group size to a maximum of 15. Group size typically between 5 and 15. Our travelers are
friendly, open-minded, well traveled and we have a good gender mix on our tours.
Who can join this trip?
Anyone above 18 years of age can join our trips. Participants below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an elder.
Which cities do travelers come from?
Our travelers come from all over India. Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Calcutta are represented the most.
What are the payment options?
You can make payments through credit and debit cards, net-banking, cash or cheque. Installment options are also available.
Can solo travelers join one of the tours?
Yes. On most of our tours, we have a high turnout of solo travelers seeking a different travel experience. Many of them even end up becoming friends after the tour.
How safe is it to travel with you?
Your safety is our number one priority and we design our travel journeys keeping this in mind.
- You can contact us at contact@exoticexpeditions.org / exoticexpeditions@gmail.com
- Call / WhatsApp us at 9986450370
- Bookings can be done by online bank transfer/cash/ cheque or credit/debit card
- Installment options are also available
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