Treasures of Sri Lanka

Treasures of Sri Lanka

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7 Days From

$1364

Treasures of Sri Lanka

7 Days Starting in Colombo, Sri Lanka and ending in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Tour code:

IndTur166

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 22

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1364

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Treasures of Sri Lanka" tour, exploring the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful island nation. Begin your adventure in the bustling city of Colombo, then marvel at the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Wander through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and discover the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations. This tour includes six nights of superior accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, airport transfers, and guided sightseeing in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. Experience the vibrant markets, historical sites, and serene natural beauty that make Sri Lanka a true gem.

Highlights

  • Explore Colombo, a cosmopolitan city filled with eateries, galleries, and vibrant markets

  • Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a World Heritage Site, and marvel at its ancient frescoes

  • See the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Lord Buddha in Kandy, a spiritual beautiful landscape

  • Wander around the gorgeous Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya, featuring diverse flora and fauna

  • Discover breathtaking tea plantation areas in Nuwara Eliya, known for scenic beauty and rich history

  • Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and watch elephants being fed and bathed

  • Explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife and shopping in Colombo, including the Floating Market and Dutch Hospital

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Colombo Arrival

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Colombo! Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel to check-in.




Overnight in Colombo

Day 2: Colombo – Pinnawala – Dambulla (B/-/-)

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a delicious breakfast, take to the road for a day of exploring the wildlife and rich heritage of Sri Lanka. The first stop will be at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which was founded in 1975 with just five calves; today it has more than 100. In addition to all the elephants rescued from the rainforests, there have been dozens of births at the shelter, with the first arriving in 1984. Here, they are fed, bathed, and allowed to roam freely. Catch sight of them at feeding time — a bottle for the calves and coconut leaves for the adults — and watch these gentle giants frolicking in the waters of the River Maha Oya at bath time.  After this fun and wild interlude continue your journey to Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub that has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed five cave temples flanking the Golden Temple of Dambulla. See how exquisitely cave paintings are done along the 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 – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya – Dambulla (B/-/-)

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day on a high with a climb up the fifth century Sigiriya Fortress, situated atop a rock that dramatically rises nearly 200 meters above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. In the time it came to be abandoned and forgotten, covered by dense overgrowth until the British found it and began a painstaking archaeological exploration. Today, the terraced gardens and cisterns, the moat, the ‘Mirror Wall, and the fragile frescoes of the ‘heavenly maidens among the other remnants of this once-thriving city offer only a tantalizing indication of what once stood here. Pass through the lions ‘belly and climb to the top via a spiral staircase that snakes its way around the rock. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape and beyond into the horizon. In the afternoon, discover the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Built about 1000 years ago, it features a large artificial lake, which is still in use and feeds a network of irrigation canals, the remains of a royal palace, and several temples and administrative buildings. Admire the Gal Viharaya with its four statues of the Buddha carved out of the rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the Statue of King Parakramabahu. Contemplate the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha and much, much more.




Overnight in Dambulla

Day 4: Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (B/-/-)

Location: Kandy

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will proceed to Kandy. En-route visit a spice and herb garden in Matale. Sri Lankan spices such as turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and lemongrass are considered some of the best in the world. See a cooking demonstration and learn about the culinary and therapeutic values of these products. Proceed to Kandy and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, head on a city tour of Kandy. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy — the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan Kings — offers a mix of culture, history, and heritage for 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 the latest and world-class brands, the bazaar, an arts and crafts center, a gem museum, and a lapidary. Drive towards the Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in color as you pass by fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the Wonder of Asia.




Overnight in Kandy

Day 5: Kandy – Peradeniya & Tea Plantation – Nuwara Eliya (B/-/-)

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning you will check out for your hotel and continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya via Peradeniya. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya — now bundled with the most welcoming facilities situated just 4 miles off Kandy — is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions, and an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf that will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance lies a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights — the orchid house and giant Javan fig tree of this place which overflow in grace. Continue your tour to the Tea Plantation. Sri Lanka, Tea, and Tourism are words that cannot be separated. Head on a tour of the cold and misty hills covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or you may step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to see a rich tradition up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Negombo (B/-/-)

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will explore Nuwara Eliya. Travel through the misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate reminding visitors they are within the range of the British colonial retreat of Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light — once governed by English and Scottish planters — is studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows, and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through the green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls, dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-colored saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.  In the afternoon you will continue to Negombo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Negombo

Day 7: Negombo – Colombo - (B/-/-)

Location: Colombo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a delicious breakfast (standard check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late checkout is subject to the availability of the hotel). Check-out and store your luggage with the Hotel Concierge. Later, continue to explore the bustling metropolis. Colombo, situated in the west, is not only the country's commercial capital but also the turbine that impels over 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development efforts. Drive through the clean streets edging the crystal white Racecourse — which was once a horse-racing hub in 1893 and World War II airstrip — furnished today with lavish clothing, food, and tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah and tune into the Floating Market — an offbeat shopping experience — or experience the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City: an offshore city featuring parks, commercial complexes, and even an F1 track! Continue 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. Enjoy a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing the best fashion, jewelry, and handicraft brands. Smell the scents of incense while listening to the chiming bells of the Gangarama Temple. Or experience the vibrant nightlife of the spiced by nightclubs and casinos that borderline the bustle. If you are lucky, you may head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna which should drive your day into perfection! You will be transferred back to Colombo International Airport for your flight back home.

What's Included

  • 06 nights accommodation

    06 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.

  • Daily buffet breakfast

    Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel.

  • Airport transfers

    Arrival and departure airport transfers.

  • Transportation

    All transportation in an AC deluxe vehicle.

  • Tour guide

    Services of an English-speaking tour guide.

  • Sightseeing

    All sightseeing as per the itinerary.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees as per the itinerary.

  • Excursion to Sigiriya fortress

    Excursion to Sigiriya fortress.

  • Visit to spice and herb garden

    Visit to spice and herb garden in Matale.

  • Visit to Dambulla Rock Temple

    Visit to the Dambulla Rock Temple.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance.

  • Optional tours

    Optional tours.

  • Transfers for land-only passengers

    Arrival and departure transfers for land-only passengers.

  • Unmentioned items

    Items not mentioned as being included.

Mode of Transport

All transportation is provided in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and smooth journey between destinations.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights of accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 06 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the tour package.

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    All transportation during the tour is provided in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle.

  • Is there a tour guide provided for the duration of the tour?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking tour guide are included in the tour package.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel is included in the tour package.

  • What activities are included in the tour itinerary?

    The tour includes an excursion to Sigiriya Fortress, a visit to a spice and herb garden in Matale, and a visit to the Dambulla Rock Temple, among other activities.

  • Are there any optional tours available during the trip?

    Yes, optional tours are available but are not included in the tour package.

  • What is not included in the tour package?

    Items of a personal nature, tips, gratuities, travel insurance, optional tours, and arrival and departure transfers for land-only passengers are not included in the tour package.

  • What can I expect to see at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage?

    At the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you can see over 100 elephants, including calves and adults, being fed, bathed, and roaming freely. You can also watch them frolicking in the waters of the River Maha Oya during bath time.

  • What is special about the Dambulla Rock Temple?

    The Dambulla Rock Temple is a historic site treasured since the 1st century B.C. It houses unique drawings in five magnificently constructed cave temples and 150 statues of Lord Buddha, with a gigantic golden Buddha statue at the entrance.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya?

    The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya feature well-tended lawns, pavilions, an octagon conservatory, an orchid house, and a giant Javan fig tree. It is a 147-acre garden that offers a lush green landscape and a cafeteria for visitors.

  • What is unique about the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya?

    The tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya are known for their lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate. You can tour a tea factory to see the processing of Ceylon Tea and enjoy a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.

  • What can I do in the city of Kandy?

    In Kandy, you can visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, explore the Kandy City Centre, the bazaar, an arts and crafts center, a gem museum, and the Victoria Golf Course. You can also enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional music and drumming.

  • What are some highlights of the city tour in Colombo?

    The city tour in Colombo includes driving through clean streets, visiting the Racecourse, Pettah Floating Market, Colombo Port City, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Independence Square, Dutch Hospital, Gangarama Temple, and experiencing the vibrant nightlife.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

12-Sep-2024

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our first ever river boat cruise. The itinerary and ports were incredible, the ship was beautiful, the food was great (especially Mario’s Grill), the excursions were excellent and the staff was lovely. We had such a memorable trip with our group and made lots of memories that will last a lifetime.

DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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