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For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long. Well, it's back. Discover the vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and swaying palm trees of this tropical jewel. Exploring tea plantations and rock fortresses on this 14-day tour, which is designed to please. This tour is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it's about the inspiring people you'll meet along the way.
- Duration: 14 Days
- Guaranteed Departure: Yes
- For lovers of:
- Physical rating: Light
- Accommodation standard: Budget%
- Your Guide: English speaking
- Supplier Tour ID: ASSL.C/206012
- Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Finishes: Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2: Colombo/Negombo
Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.
Day 3: Negombo/Sigiriya
Begin the day visiting the seaside and observe fisherman sorting through their haul ashore. Board a boat to glide along the Dutch canal and get a closer look at the lives of the locals. Travel to the Dambulla province and visit the cave temple before watching the sun set over the lake.
Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla.
In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake.
Day 4: Sigiriya
Guided tour of the rock fortress of Sigiriya — a World Heritage site. Meet locals and share a meal in a nearby village.
Enjoy a walking tour of a local village to learn about residents' way of life while getting a chance to try the local cuisine at a lunch prepared by the families of the community. Later, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the fifth century, this rock fortress boasts well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces with beautiful wall motifs.
In the afternoon, opt to go for a tour of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, where you can cycle through the ruins.
Day 5: Sigiriya/Kandy
Drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range and visit a spice plantation en route to Kandy. Stop for lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth.
En route to Kandy, stop at the herbal centre of spices. Students of Ayurveda will explain different uses for each herb.
Arrive to Kandy in the afternoon. Go for a stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the famed Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an included lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. In the evening, opt to attend a Kandyan Cultural Dance.
Day 6: Kandy/Digana
Enjoy a free morning in Kandy. Arrive at Tamarind Gardens for lunch before enjoying a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.
Opt to take a walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, exploring the 300 varieties of orchids of Sri Lanka or visit an Ayurvedic hospital to learn about Ayurvedic oil massage treatments. Explore the well-laid out walkways of the city and don't miss the famed Palm Avenues.
In the afternoon, arrive at Tamarind Gardens in time to enjoy a local lunch. Afterwards, embark on a guided village walk and get a peek into a day in the life of a Digana local.
Meet a local jewellery maker who handicrafts Kandyan jewellery. Explore by the sites of a dolomite mine and milk collection point before stopping at the home of a local woman who runs an incense-making cottage that employs women from the community. Listen carefully and learn to make incense by first observing the process of melting resins together with oils and creating mixtures with ash.
Return back to Tamarind Gardens and help prepare dinner. Enjoy a demonstration on baking "Village Style" bread or make a traditional Sri Lankan sweet.
Day 7: Digana/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring to Nuwara Eliya. Opt for an early wake up call to lend a hand in feeding the farm animals. In the afternoon, explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands. Gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region.
Early birds can opt for a productive start to the day and join their hosts around the farm. Get up close with the farm animals and feed the chickens and cows.
Enjoy breakfast at Tamarind Gardens and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Nuwara Eliya.
The town, also known as 'Little England', offers a lot of options for visitors. Explore the nature trails, visit the plantations, or go golfing or horseback riding.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Spend a free morning hiking in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve or strolling local markets. Later, hop on the local train and take the scenic route to Ella.
Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.
Day 9: Ella
Trek to the peak of Ella Rock and take in the views. With free time in the afternoon, opt to explore the surrounding landscape or relax in town.
Day 10: Ella/Yala National Park
Opt to hike Little Adam's Peak with a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.
Day 11: Yala National Park to Mirissa
Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then bid farewell and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach.
Day 12: Galle
Take a day trip to Galle and tour the colonial city and historic fort before returning to Mirissa.
Day 13: Mirissa
Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa. Opt to relax on the beach or take a surfing lesson.
Day 14: Mirissa
Depart at any time.
- Activities
- G Adventures for Good: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, Kandy
- Colombo orientation walk
- Fishing village walking tour (Negombo)
- Dutch canal boat ride
- Dambulla Cave Temple visit (Sigiriya)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress tour
- Village tour with local lunch
- Spice plantation visit
- Temple of the Tooth guided tour (Kandy)
- Tamarind Garden experience
- Tea factory visit
- Trek to Ella Rock
- Yala National Park safari
- Galle Fort and city tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (13 nts), homestay (1 nt)
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Private van, boat, scenic local train
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
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