Sri Lanka - Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Guaranteed Tour to Sri Lanka / Minimum 2 people

Despite its relatively small size, Sri Lanka offers everything. Beach enthusiasts head to the shores, those seeking vitality and wellness go to Ayurvedic centers. History buffs fly in to see the ancient capitals of Lanka with their palaces and temples, as well as the caves from the "Ramayana" mythology. Nature lovers will be thrilled by safaris in national parks, visits to botanical gardens, and spice plantations.

Included in the price:

• 7 nights accommodation in a hotel
• 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
• Air-conditioned transportation along the route
• Russian-speaking tour guide
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments as per the program
• All taxes and fees
• Group transfer on arrival on Monday or Sunday from 00:00 to 12:00
• Group transfer on the last day of the tour to the airport or to a hotel near the airport (if the client has booked an additional night in Colombo)

Not included in the price:

• Airfare. We will find the most convenient and cost-effective option.
• Personal expenses
• Transportation on days without planned activities
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Medical insurance

A visa for Sri Lanka is provided at the airport upon arrival in Colombo, with payment of $60 USD on the spot.

Places to visit:

• Colombo: Colonial Center, Skanda and Gangarama Temples
• Pinnawala: Elephant Orphanage
• Sigiriya/Habarana: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Batik Factory, (Anuradhapura or Minneriya optional)
• Matale: Spice Garden
• Kandy: Temple of the Tooth Relic, Gem Museum, Cultural Show, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
• Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantation and Factory, Ramboda Waterfall
• Ella: Little Adam’s Peak, Scenic Train Ride (2nd class)
• Yala: Ruhunu National Park
• Galle: Galle Fort

Program:

Day 1. Sunday or Monday. Arrival in Colombo*

Arrival at Colombo Airport, meet with the guide, and transfer to the hotel. En route, you will have a tour of Colombo – the actual capital of the island and its main commercial center.

Colombo can definitely be called a city of contrasts. It features a harmonious blend of ancient Buddhist temples and mosques, modern shopping malls and charming souvenir shops, skyscrapers of the business districts and houses of the old town, wide avenues and narrow streets, beautiful parks, and of course, the ocean.

During the tour, you will visit the Colonial Center, where the architecture of the various countries that colonized Sri Lanka at different times – Portugal, England, and the Netherlands – have contributed to the city's unique eclectic appearance. We will also focus on the city’s religious landmarks, visiting the Hindu temple dedicated to the war god Skanda and the Buddhist Gangarama temple.

As Colombo is considered the island’s commercial hub, we will allocate time for shopping and visit modern shopping centers like Odel, Arena, and House of Fashion. If time permits, we will conclude the day with a walk through the Victoria Central Park, the expansive seafront park Galle Face Green, and the Cinnamon Gardens.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Note: The hotel check-in is confirmed from 12:00 on the day of the tour's start.

Day 2. Monday or Tuesday. Colombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa (310 km – 7 hours on the road)

After breakfast, we head to Sigiriya, check into the hotel, and visit Polonnaruwa.

Pinnawala. On the way from Colombo to Kandy, we will stop at Pinnawala. Founded in 1975 on the banks of the Maha Oya River, Pinnawala is an elephant orphanage for abandoned calves and injured elephants. It is now the largest of its kind in the world, housing and caring for around 90 orphaned elephants, including 60 newborns. Here, they receive nourishment and care. The role of elephants in Sri Lankan life is invaluable – they work in timber extraction, participate in shows and religious processions. Pinnawala is a unique place where you can not only watch the elephants bathe in the river but also wash them, feed them fruits, and for the calves, milk.

Polonnaruwa – the second capital of Sri Lanka, from the 11th to 13th century AD. The main attraction of the city is the Gal Vihara Temple – the most famous temple in Sri Lanka. The four Buddha statues in various poses carved into a granite rock are called “the best sculptural group in the world.” On the left side is a meditating Buddha seated on a lion throne, next to it is a 7-meter-high seated Buddha with hands folded on his chest. This figure is believed to represent Buddha’s disciple Ananda, inclined toward his teacher and accompanying him into Nirvana. Adjacent is a statue of a reclining Buddha about 14 meters long. The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum houses a collection of jewelry, household items, ancient coins, and cult statues. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana.

Day 3. Tuesday or Wednesday. Sigiriya – Anuradhapura/Minneriya (optional) - Sigiriya

After breakfast, you will have free time at the hotel, which you can use to explore the surroundings or opt for one of the following excursions:

Anuradhapura – an ancient city of Ceylon that was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom for 1400 years. Anuradhapura is not only an ancient capital but also a holy city. Each year, thousands of pilgrims visit its eight sacred sites: the Bo Tree and seven dagobas. In the city center stands one of the seven stupas – the Ruwanwelisaya or Mahatupa (Great Stupa), built on a foundation of golden gravel in the 2nd century BC. At its base, it has a diameter of over 80 meters. All stupas contain relics (fragments of Buddha’s physical remains) or are built on sites of significant religious or historical events.

Optional. Pre-booking. US$ 65 per person (Min 2 people, includes entrance tickets)

Minneriya – Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. The park covers more than 8800 hectares. It is highly likely to see wildlife here, including 9 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, and 78 species of butterflies. Of course, the highlight of the program is observing wild elephants by the Minneriya reservoir, where they come for fresh grass in the dry season. The park is home to over 400 elephants, the largest concentration of elephants in one place in the world.

Optional. Pre-booking. US$ 85 per person (Min 2 people, includes entrance tickets and safari)

In the afternoon, we visit the “Fortress in the Sky”:

Sigiriya. The residence for King Kassapa was built in the 5th century AD. Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, rises 370 meters high and was named for the huge stone lion that once stood at the entrance. The Upper Palace ruins remain at the top, while the Lower Palace, surrounded by walls and a water-filled moat, lies at the base. Steps carved into the rock lead to the Upper Palace. During the time of the ancient rulers, the 140-meter-long and 40-meter-high wall was covered with frescoes of apsaras – celestial dancers. The durable plant-based pigments have allowed the frescoes to partially survive, even after a millennium and a half. Since 1982, Sigiriya has been protected by UNESCO.

Batik Factory. Batik is a traditional craft in Sri Lanka. Through meticulous work by local artisans, masterpieces are created that make excellent gifts. The country has many batik factories, and we will visit one to admire the stages of creating this art.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana.

Day 4. Wednesday or Thursday. Sigiriya – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (110 km – 3.5 hours on the road)

After breakfast, we visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and then proceed to Kandy. Located 148 km from Colombo, near the town of Matale, is a cave Buddhist temple carved by humans 2,000 years ago. The rock temple of Buddha entering Nirvana is the largest cave temple in South Asia. The complex consists of several caves, many with niches covered in paintings depicting Buddhist themes, covering a total area of 2,100 square meters. There are five main caves and twenty-five rock cells with 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of kings, and 4 gods. Sometimes the temple is called the Golden Temple due to the 73 statues covered in gold.

On the way to Kandy, we have an extensive program: a visit to a wood carving workshop, a spice garden, a gem museum and factory, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and a cultural dance performance.

Spice Garden in Matale. Spices were a treasure that attracted Asian traders to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka. Later, Europeans arrived and quickly realized that taking them was easier than trading. We will visit a spice garden where the aromas of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg create previously unknown sensations, evoking blurred memories of the Age of Discovery.

Gem Museum and Factory. Marco Polo wrote that this island produces the best sapphires and topazes in the world.

Since then, nothing has changed; the jewelry industry has a very long history. Once, Sri Lanka was known as Ratna-Dweepa, meaning the Island of Gems – here, up to 85 varieties of stones are found. Sapphires, tourmalines, amethysts, and moonstones are world-renowned. Notably, the largest sapphire, over 400 carats and called the "Blue Belle of Asia," was found in a common rice field in Sri Lanka.

Kandy – the last royal capital of the Sinhalese kingdom and the current cultural capital of the island. Amidst the hilly terrain, the city center features a lake next to which stands the Buddhist shrine – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka, known for its artisans. Kandy has art and archaeological museums, as well as a center for traditional crafts.

In the evening, we will see a national dance performance. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kandy.

Day 5. Thursday or Friday. Kandy – Peradeniya – Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya (105 km – 3.5 hours on the road)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Ramboda Waterfall, and a tea plantation and factory.

Royal Botanical Gardens – the largest in Asia with 4,000 samples of southern plants. It has the world's largest collection of orchids – over 1,000 species. The famous Benjamin’s Fig tree occupies an entire meadow, and the giant Burmese bamboo can reach 40 meters in height, growing 30 centimeters in just one day. In the center of the garden is a memorial avenue with trees planted by famous guests of Sri Lanka, including Emperor Nicholas II, A.P. Chekhov, and Y.A. Gagarin.

Ramboda Waterfall. Ramboda is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. With a height of 109 meters, it ranks 11th in Sri Lanka and 729th in the world. The waterfall is situated at an altitude of 945 meters above sea level, surrounded by tropical jungle, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.

Tea Plantation and Factory. We visit a tea factory on the way to Nuwara Eliya.

Misty mountains and tea plantations surround Nuwara Eliya at an altitude reaching 2,000 meters above sea level. This is the "heart" of Sri Lankan tea production, growing one of the best teas in the world. Large plantations involve growing tea bushes, harvesting tea leaves, and processing them. After harvesting, tea leaves go through five stages: drying, rolling, fermenting, firing, and sifting before being packaged for sale.

Nuwara Eliya is known as "Little England" of Sri Lanka, set against the backdrop of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations. The town was founded by explorer Samuel Baker in 1846. Many buildings, such as Queen’s Cottage, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, and the post office, retain elements of the colonial era. Among the city’s attractions are a golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boat rides on Gregory Lake.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6. Friday or Saturday. Nuwara Eliya – Ella (3 to 4-hour train journey)

Breakfast at the hotel. One way to experience the landscapes of Sri Lanka’s mountainous region is to take a three-hour train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The route winds through mountain passes amidst jungles and tea plantations, offering breathtaking views.

Ella. About 250 km from Colombo, Ella is a charming mountain town or village that is always bustling with life. It is home to sites mentioned in the legendary Hindu epic “Ramayana,” including the cave of the island’s ruler Ravana and the waterfall bearing his name.

During the day, visitors can explore the mountains and enjoy panoramic views, while in the evening, they gather in local restaurants to share their experiences. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Ella.

Day 7. Saturday or Sunday. Ella – Kataragama – Yala (105 km – 2.5 hours on the road)

Breakfast at the hotel. Our morning will start with a visit to Little Adam's Peak. We will also witness panoramic views of Ravana Falls.

Little Adam's Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka to enjoy the mountain landscapes. The ascent is relatively easy and rewards hikers with impressive panoramic views. As you climb through lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and rice fields, you can fully enjoy the stunning mountain vistas.

The hike itself is very pleasant. Winding in a zigzag fashion, the trail leads through lush plantations and tropical vegetation to the summit, offering beautiful views.

We will return to the hotel for breakfast and then head to Yala via Tissamaharama.

Kataragama. According to legend, when Skanda, the god of war and the son of Shiva and Parvati, descended from Mount Kailash, he decided to go wherever his trident would fall. The trident landed on a hill near Kataragama. This place is now sacred to Hindus and houses Sri Lanka's main Hindu shrine dedicated to Skanda or Murugan. The deity later married a local girl named Valli and lived happily with her. It seems the family of Shiva has a knack for choosing beautiful places to reside. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.

Day 8. Sunday or Monday. Yala – Galle (185 km – 3.5 hours on the road) – Coastal hotel / Colombo

After an early breakfast, we will visit Yala National Park and then head to the southern beaches via Galle.

Yala National Park (Ruhuna). Elephants, spotted deer, sambars, crocodiles, mongooses, wild boars, buffaloes, and other animals await visitors. Here you can spot about 30 leopards, who roam freely. The park has seven bungalows and several camping sites where nature enthusiasts can observe over 130 bird species.

Galle. Once, this ancient city was a trade hub from where ships of King Solomon transported sandalwood, gemstones, and ivory. Today, it is a tourism center with Hindu and Buddhist temples and St. Mary's Cathedral built by Catholic Jesuits. The Dutch fort in the bay on Sri Lanka's southwest coast was initially built by the Portuguese in 1588, and then fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards. Interestingly, they still own some properties within the fort. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(Hotel accommodation is not included).

The tour concludes, and you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.

Price per person in a DBL room:

• SGL Room: €1699 / for departures from 27.10.2024 to 27.04.2025 (inclusive) - €1929. During peak season (20.12.2024 – 10.01.2025) - €2079.
• Extra Bed: €1179 / for departures from 27.10.2024 to 27.04.2025 (inclusive) - €1409. During peak season (20.12.2024 – 10.01.2025) - €1559.

Additional night in Colombo (optional, price on request).

Mandatory surcharges:

• Christmas Dinner on 24.12: €120 per person.
• New Year's Dinner on 31.12: €120 per person.

Suggested hotels:

• Colombo: Fairway Colombo or similar.
• Sigiriya/Habarana: Habarana Village, Hotel Sigiriya or similar.
• Kandy: Cinnamon Citadel, Radisson Kandy or similar.
• Nuwara Eliya: Araliya Green Hills, Araliya Red or similar.
• Ella: Heaven Edge, Flower Garden or similar.
• Yala: Chaarya, Tamarind Tree or similar.

The company reserves the right to change hotels according to their standards if the specified hotels are fully booked. Standard hotel check-in time is 13:00, and check-out time is 12:00. Transfer times are indicative and may vary depending on traffic conditions.