Splendours of Ceylon (5 & 4 Star Hotels)
Splendours of Ceylon (5 & 4 Star Hotels)
Splendours of Ceylon (5 & 4 Star Hotels)
8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Horton Plains National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SR1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka with the "Splendours of Ceylon" tour, where luxury meets adventure. Stay in exquisite 5 and 4-star hotels as you explore the island's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Witness the majestic elephant migration at Minneriya National Park and delve into history at the Royal Cave Temple of Dambulla and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Experience the thrill of jeep safaris in Wilpattu and Horton Plains, and trek through the lush highlands. Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura and cycle through the UNESCO sites of Polonnaruwa. Enjoy the serene beauty of Sri Lanka's tea plantations and the vibrant city life of Colombo, all while traveling in style with air-conditioned vehicles and expert local guides. This tour promises a seamless blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo – 4 Star
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Look out for the Travel Talk sign at Colombo International Airport for the private arrival shuttle to your hotel at 3.
00pm.
Meet in the hotel lobby around 7pm for an informal welcome meeting with your group and guide.
Feel free to explore Colombo on your own pace until then.
After the meeting, head out to a local restaurant for an optional tour group dinner and get to know your new travel mates!
Accommodation
Fairway Colombo – 4 Star
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2: Colombo, Wilpattu National Park Safari, Anuradhapura
Location: Wilpattu National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palm Garden Village – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Grab yourself a window seat and get ready to head off the beaten track as we head north towards one of Sri Lanka's biggest reserves, the Wilpattu National Park! Wilpattu has earned its name 'Land of Lakes' thanks to the serene natural bodies of water that cover the vast park.
Jump in the Jeep and keep your eyes peeled for a healthy population of Sri Lankan Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, mongoose, and water buffalo throughout an included safari! You might even get the chance to watch on while predators and prey make the ultimate fight for survival and mother nature takes its course! After an action-packed day of safari, put your feet up at your hotel in Anuradhapura.
Accommodation
Palm Garden Village – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Wilpattu Jeep Safari
Entrance Fees
Wilpattu National Park - USD 36
Day 3: Anuradhapura, Ritigala Jeep Safari, Sigiriya
Location: Anuradhapura
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, follow your guide to the ancient city of Anuradhapura to learn of one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world! Once home to 113 kings over 1,300 years, the ancient capital city showcases some of Sri Lanka's richest and most fascinating history.
Hear stories of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree and visit the Uwanwelisaya stupa, Samadhi Buddha statue and Isurumuniya Rock Temple with your guide.
In the afternoon, put on your hiking shoes for a trek up to the Ancient Ritigala Monastery.
Nestled within the dense and lush forest of northern Sri Lanka's highest mountain, Mt Ritigala, lays the ruins of the forest monastery dating back thousands of years.
Get your camera ready because the views from the summit are some of Sri Lanka's best! Finish up a big day in the north at your 5-star Forest Hotel in Sigiriya.
Accommodation
Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Anuradhapura Sightseeing
Jeep Safari to Ritigala
Entrance Fees
Ritigala Monastery - USD 5
Anuradhapura Sacred Area - USD 25
Day 4: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya
Location: Polonnaruwa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fill up on breakfast for the big day ahead! First up, a visit to the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa with your local guide.
Visit its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone and plenty of ancient palaces and royal baths.
In the evening, visit the Minneriya National Park to witness the incredible migration of over 300 elephants! Park your Jeep on the bank of the reservoir, switch off the engine and watch carefully as herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks to feed.
The park is famed for hosting some of the largest elephant gatherings in the world on a regular basis and is truly a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.
Accommodation
Amaara Forest Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
Entrance Fees
Polonnaruwa Ancient City - USD 25
Minneriya NationaL Park - USD 36
Day 5: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll make our way to Dambulla, a city treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.
C to visit the iconic Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple of Dambulla.
These unique cave structures host magnificent drawings and cave paintings with fascinating stories that shape Sri Lankan history.
Listen carefully as your guide explains.
Next up, we'll transfer to the city of Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors worldwide.
Take a stroll through the small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - and shop the bazaars, an arts & crafts centre, and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.
Tonight we'll sleep in 5-star comfort at our hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Accommodation
Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Dambulla & Kandy Sightseeing
Entrance Fees
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy - 1500 LKR
Dambulla Rock Temple - 2500 LKR
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains Trek &Amp; Jeep Safari, Nuwara Eliya
Location: Horton Plains National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare for plenty of 'oh wow' moments in the central highlands of Sri Lanka! Today, we'll head towards the Horton Plains National Park to trek the endless stretches of green pastures at this eco-tourism hideout! Sitting at an altitude of 7,000ft, the plateau is covered in flora and fauna varieties that may be found nowhere else on Earth.
Along the trek, watch out for the thundering Bakers Falls, and catch a glimspe of the 'World's End' lookout.
Then make the most of an included Jeep Safari across the plains - watch out for Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Otters and the beloved Sri Lankan Leopard.
In the late afternoon, enjoy free time back in Nuwara Eliya to wander through the countryside.
Accommodation
Araliya Red Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Horton Plains Trekking & Jeep Safari
Entrance Fees
Horton Plains National Park - USD 36
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya, Tea Factory, Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fairway Colombo - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
A trip to Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without a visit to its famed Tea Plantations! Take a tour to the cold and misty hills blanketed with lush green tea plants and tour the factories as they process the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea.
Inhale the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, and then try the perfect blend of pure Celyon tea! Then, make your way back to the commercial capital of Sri Lanka - Colombo.
This afternoon you'll enjoy a Panoramic City Tour through the clean streets edging the crystal white Racecourse, then visit the neighbourhood of Pettah - famous for it's open-air floating markets and bazaars.
Check out the city's Independence Square and then finish up in Sri Lanka's trendiest part of town with time for a quick shop for last-minute souvenirs and designer goods.
The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the bustling metropolitan city!
Accommodation
Fairway Colombo - 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Tea Factory Visit
Colombo Panoramic City Tour
Day 8: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
All great things must come to an end! Today, we say our farewells to new travel mates over one last breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out of the hotel by 11.
00am and feel free to explore the city at your own pace until the airport departure shuttle at 3.
00pm.
Meals Included
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in 5 & 4 Star Hotels throughout the tour.
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Meals
Enjoy 7 breakfasts during the tour.
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Transportation
Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy Jeep safaris.
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 1 and departure shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 8.
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Tour Guiding
Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Safari
Participate in Jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains.
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Personal expenses are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included.
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Other Services Not Stated in the Itinerary
Any services not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned vehicles and enjoy thrilling jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains, providing a seamless and exciting journey through Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of 5 and 4-star hotels throughout your journey, including stays at Fairway Colombo, Palm Garden Village, Amaara Forest Hotel, and Araliya Red Hotel, ensuring a luxurious and relaxing retreat after each day's adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 5 and 4-star hotels, including stays at Fairway Colombo, Palm Garden Village, Amaara Forest Hotel, and Araliya Red Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts throughout the journey.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel in air-conditioned vehicles and thrilling jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides who are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, there is an arrival shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 1 and a departure shuttle at 3.00pm on Day 8.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes activities such as jeep safaris at Wilpattu, Ritigala, Minneriya National Park, and Horton Plains, as well as sightseeing in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, and a tea factory visit.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees to sights and museums are not included in the tour price.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.