Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)
Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)
Sri Lanka: Hidden Treasures of the Sacred Island (Christmas Departure)
14 Days Starting and ending in NEGOMBO
Visiting: Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Maduru Oya, Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Dambana, Knuckles, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains (lasang), Belihuloya, Sinharaja Forest, Ahangama, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Colombo, Galle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LKH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Meaning ‘Sacred Island’, Sri Lanka is blessed with a rich wealth of scenic beauty, endemic wildlife and World Heritage treasures. Home to the Sinhalese since the late 6th century BC and colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, this exciting, 14-day adventure takes us into the beating heart of this extraordinary island.Aside from visiting some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic highlights, including the rock-cut fortress of Sigiriya and the UNESCO riches of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Galle and Polonnaruwa, we’ll also meet Sri Lanka’s diverse and endemic wildlife, such as leopards, elephants and birdlife. We’ll embark on jeep safaris in Wilpattu and Maduru Oya National Park, nature trails in Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve and have the chance to see blue whales off the southern coast, as well as contribute to conservation with some tree planting.A visit with the ancient Vedda tribe of Dambana, a cooking class in a local home and a discussion with a Buddhist monk provides an opportunity to delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s unique and ancient culture. We’ll hike to the World’s End in the misty grasslands of Horton Plains National Park and to hidden villages and waterfalls of Knuckles Forest Reserve, and also soak up the colonial splendours of the tea country before ending the tour on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Negombo
Location: Negombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Goldi Sands or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour starts this afternoon at the hotel in Negombo, the closest coastal town to Colombo Airport. In the evening we can enjoy a welcome dinner as we unwind with beautiful sunset views and ocean breezes.
Day 2 : Negombo – Wilpattu
Location: Wilpattu National Park, Negombo
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Big Game Wilpattu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we depart Negombo and drive north to Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, stopping en route at a Kaffir Village. This afternoon we will go on a safari in the park following dirt tracks through mostly dry, dense forest, stopping at watering holes and lakes. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including leopard, elephant, sloth bear, mongoose, buffalo, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife. We then will enjoy an al fresco dinner at our tented camp, where there will also be the chance to go on a night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3 : Wilpattu – Anuradhapura – Dambulla
Location: Dambulla, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sigiriana Resort & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An hour’s drive takes us to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, dating to the 5th century BC, and the most celebrated of Sri Lanka's ancient ruined cities. We will explore the widespread site which includes the first temple to be built in the island, the largest stupa on the island and the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree - which was planted from a sapling taken from the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Continuing to Dambulla, our next stop is at the sacred Buddhist caves, a UNESCO World Heritage setting and an important pilgrimage site that is home to a staggering collection of temples and statues that date back to the 1st century BC. We end the day at our hotel where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 4 : Dambulla: Sigiriya, Village Trail & Arboretum
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sigiriana Resort & Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We make use of the morning’s cooler temperature and begin the day summitting Sigiriya’s famous “Lion Rock”. Built during the 5th century and one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the fortress sits on top of the imposing granite monolith of Lion Rock, some 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. Accessed by way of a steep staircase, from its lofty heights the 360 degree views out across the lush landscapes are truly spectacular. This afternoon we learn more about rural life on a village walk, followed by tea and snacks provided by a welcoming family in their home. Our final stop of the day is at the Sam Popham Arboretum, a sanctuary for native flora and fauna in the area, including an endangered sub-species of the grey slender loris. We will plant a native tree in the arboretum before going on a night walk in search of the loris.
Day 5 : Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Maduru Oya – Magiyangana (Christmas Eve)
Location: Maduru Oya, Mahiyanganaya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla
Accommodation: Kevans Casa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start today sees us heading for the UNESCO setting of Polonnaruwa, the country’s old medieval capital. The ruins of the ancient city lie on the eastern shores of Topa Wewa Lake and a chance to explore it by bicycle provides a unique insight into its once great past. Following an early lunch, we continue on towards the Maduruoya National Park, where we can enjoy a three-hour jeep safari. Home to a variety of fabulous wildlife, this less-visited park is best known for its herds of Asian elephant. We will then transfer to our hotel in Mahiyanganaya for the evening.
Day 6 : Magiyangana – Dambana - Knuckles (Christmas Day)
Location: Mahiyanganaya, Dambana
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Big Game Knuckles or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we head to Dambana village - home to the last remaining indigenous tribe in Sri Lanka. There, we will spend some time with the local Vedda chief, learning more about the traditions and history of Sri Lanka’s indigenous people and enjoying a walk around the village and surrounding area. This afternoon we journey into the highlands and Knuckles Forest Reserve, where we will settle into our tented camp for the evening.
Day 7 : Knuckles: Hiking
Location: Knuckles
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Big Game Knuckles or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend the day hiking through the picturesque landscapes of Knuckles Forest Reserve. Beginning in the remote village of Pitawala, we will be able to observe day to day life, visit the village temple and enjoy a cup of tea and snacks in a local house. The 4-hour trail will take us past paddy fields, beautiful landscapes and water streams. We will meet our vehicle at the end of the trail, which will take us to start point of our next trek. The 2-3 hour walk to Sera Ella rewards us with a wild swimming spot beneath one of Sri Lanka’s most gorgeous waterfalls.
Day 8 : Knuckles – Kandy
Location: Knuckles, Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thilanka or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning sees us setting off for the nearby city of Kandy, the last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings, and one of the country’s cultural and spiritual gems. We will be invited into a local house for a cooking lesson in order to discover the key spices and ingredients that make up Sri Lanka’s delicious cuisine. After sampling our tasty creations, we have some free time to relax or explore Kandy. Why not visit the immaculately kept botanical gardens, containing over 5,000 different species of flora, the revered Temple of the Tooth, home to Buddha’s left canine, go shopping for souvenirs or perhaps enjoy an Ayurvedic massage? This evening sees us travelling to Bahirawakanda Temple to meet with a Buddhist Monk, an intimate cultural exchange opportunity.
Day 9 : Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blackpool or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will leave Kandy this morning to visit a village that specialises in the production of traditional drums. The artisans have been crafting Sri Lankan drums, used in religious and cultural ceremonies, for generations, and will show us the different stages of the creative process. We will then be taken to Gampola/Nawalapitiya to catch the train (subject to availability) to Nuwara Eliya, the British colonial capital of the Hill Country. The cooler climes of this area, at the foot of Sri Lanka’s highest peak (2,524m), are a welcome retreat. This afternoon we visit a tea factory and processing plant of the world famous "Ceylon Tea". The evening is free to walk through town or relax at the hotel.
*Train tickets are subject to availability and are difficult to obtain during peak times, especially seated tickets. There may be the option to ride in the standing class for a few stops and then drive the rest of the journey. On the rare occasion, the tour leader will decide to take the journey by road only.*
Day 10 : Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains - Belihuloya
Location: Horton Plains (lasang), Nuwara Eliya, Belihuloya
Accommodation: Belihuloya Rest House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving early, we’ll head next for the misty grasslands of Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau. Armed with a packed breakfast, we’ll climb through a landscape of giant eucalyptus trees, reaching the park in time to walk to World’s End before the encroaching mist obscures the views below. Returning to the vehicles around mid-morning, we’ll then set off for Belihuloya, from where we’ll cycle or walk to a local natural swimming spot. We return to the hotel in time for tea at our hill country retreat.
Day 11 : Belihuloya - Sinharaja
Location: Belihuloya, Sinharaja Forest
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Sinharaja Adventure Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin the day driving to the contrasting environment of Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, a World Heritage Site and the only remaining virgin rain forest in all of Sri Lanka. Arriving in time for lunch, we will have the afternoon to stretch our legs on a walk through the forest. A footpath takes us through the heart of this primeval rainforest as we walk alongside our guide and learn more about the forest's many layers. Sinharaja is a haven for endemic flora and fauna and is most known for its abundance of birdlife.
Day 12 : Sinharaja - Ahangama (New Year's Eve)
Location: Ahangama, Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Insight Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we will have another guided walk through the forest before departing for the beaches of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Our hotel is situated in the village of Ahangama - the perfect tranquil spot to unwind towards the end of our journey.
Day 13 : Ahangama: Galle (New Year's Day)
Location: Ahangama
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Insight Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A free morning provides an opportunity to relax around the hotel or join an optional whale-watching excursion. Sri Lanka is becoming one of the best places to see both Blue and Sperm Whales, which can be found off the island's southern coast between November and April. This afternoon has then been set aside to visit the historic trading port of Galle, home to the largest European fortress left in Asia. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is still infused with a graceful charm and a wealth of ageing colonial buildings. After our tour we will have our final dinner in this historic setting.
*Please let us know at the time of booking confirmation if you would like to book the optional Whale Watching excursion (currently approximately £65/$85, subject to change).*
Day 14 : Galle – Colombo
Location: Colombo, Galle
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving back along the coast to Colombo this morning, we will arrive in the Sri Lankan capital mid-morning where the tour officially ends. Those on the suggested group flights will be transferred directly to Colombo Airport.
What's Included
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses and a train*.*Please note that train tickets can be difficult to obtain during peak times. There may be the option to ride in standing class for a few stops and then drive the rest of the journey. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to take the journey by road only.
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MEALS
13 x Breakfasts, 12 x Lunches, 13 x Dinners
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka, which must be obtained before departure.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note the following:-Several days involve 3-4 hours of hiking or walking, and one day involves 7 hours of walking. You must also be able to walk up Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which has several stairs and steps with little shade.Three nights of the tour involve staying in basic tented camps with small en suite facilities but no air conditioning.Train tickets are subject to availability, so there may be the chance you will have a standing ticket, however alternative transport will be arranged for those who do not wish to take this option.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka, which must be obtained before departure.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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