Private Touring programme
Departs Daily
Combining Sri Lanka’s fascinating culture and surreal beauty this private holiday is the perfect choice if you are looking for a mix of cultural discovery, wildlife encounters, and relaxing time on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. See the famous cultural triangle where highlights include magnificent Buddha statues striking former royal palaces and the famous Sigiriya rock fortress. Continue to the picturesque Hill Country famous for its verdant hills covered with tea plantations and spot wild elephant during a jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park. Option to conclude this memorable holiday with a relaxing stay in your island resort in the Maldives.
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
Day 1: Colombo
Upon arrival meet greet assist and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Colombo – Dambulla – Sigiriya (B)
Drive to Sigiriya. Stop en route to visit the Cave Temples of Dambulla a city which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Discover the numerous paintings and golden Buddha statues and continue to Sigiriya for overnight.
Day 3: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya (B)
This morning climb up to the summit of the Sigiriya rock fortress a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortified settlement atop Sigiriya dates back to the 5th century AD and is a stupendous architectural achievement. Admire the beautiful Sigiriya mural paintings hidden in the caves of the fortress.Later continue to ancient Polonnaruwa the medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu. Explore the ancient ruins including stupas resting Buddha statues irrigation canals Hindu sculptures and stone carvings. Return to your Sigiriya hotel for overnight.
Day 4: Sigiriya – Matale – Kandy (B)
This morning drive to Matale a region whose story is woven around spices. Explore a local spice garden have a cup of herbal tea and wander around town. Continue to Kandy the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings before the city went under British rule. Visit the Temple of the Tooth where according to the ancient Kandyan legacy the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is preciously kept. Explore Kandy City Centre its bazaar and the colourful fresh fruit & vegetable market. This evening attend a traditional music & cultural show.
Day 5: Kandy – Nanu Oya – Nuwara Eliya (B)
This morning scenic train ride to Nanu Oya through the misty mountains of the ‘hill country’. Upon arrival visit a tea plantation and learn about the traditional making process of the prestigious Ceylon Tea. End your visit over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya and take a short tour of the city. Once governed by English & Scottish planters Nuwara Eliya has retained colonial bungalows hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawe National Park (B)
Today drive to Udawalawe National Park and explore the Elephant Country! Hop into a safari jeep and head into the park which is famous for its large herds of elephants and is one of the best places to observe them in their natural habitat. You may also spot deer water buffalo and jackal. Overnight in the park.
Day 7: Udawalawe – Ratnapura – Colombo (B)
This morning visit Ratnapura famous for its gems. Visit the gem museum and watch how the stones are cut & polished into perfection. Continue to Colombo and take a city tour upon arrival. See the crystal white Race the Floating Market and the ‘Arcade’ a colonial masterpiece which today hosts many trendy boutiques & shops. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 8: Colombo (B)
Departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Air conditioned transfers & transportation
- Accommodation in Tourist Class hotels
- Private English-speaking driver-guide throughout the programme
- Private sightseeing activities entrance fees & meals as per itinerary
- Jeep safari in Uda Walene (shared-basis)
- Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following or similar:
Colombo
Tourist Class - ZMax Fairway Colombo
First Class - Ramada Colombo
Deluxe Class - Cinnamon Lakeside
Sigiryia
Tourist Class - Hotel Sigiriya
First Class - Amaya Lake
Deluxe Class - Heritance Kandalama
Kandy
Tourist Class - Hotel Suisse
First Class - Amaya Hills
Deluxe Class - Earl's Regency
Nuwara Eliya
Tourist Class - Galway Forest Lodge
First Class - Jetwing St. Andrews
Deluxe Class - Heritance Tea Factory
Udawalawe
Tourist Class - Grand Udawalawe
First Class - Kalu's Hideaway
Deluxe Class - Kalu's Hideaway
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
