Explore Sri Lanka 12 Days/11 Nights Tour Negombo/Wilpattu/Anuradhapura/Jaffna/Habarana/Kandy/Ella/Colombo

DAY 01: AIRPORT /NEGOMBO (Approx. 20 mins drive from Airport)

Welcome to Sri Lanka, as you set foot on this beautiful island, you'll be met by our Chauffeur Guide and escorted to the air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer hotel in Negombo. Spend the rest of the day at leisure adapting to the tropical weather and the true essence of Sri Lanka.

Negombo is a great location to witness some pleasant glimpses of the sea.

Overnight in Negombo

SALE ENDS 31 JUL 20 VALID FOR TRAVEL: 01 MAY—31 OCT 20

SEASONAL SURCHARGES APPLY: 01 JUL—31 AUG 20

From

$3315*

Per person

HIGHLIGHTS

• BBQ Dinner by a campfire • Wilpattu National Park Safari • Anuradhapura • Jaffna Fort • RIO Ice cream • Ferry ride to Delft Island • Meditation session • Climb up the Pidurangala Rock • Train ride from Peradeniya to Ella • Temple of Tooth + Cookery demonstration • Lipton’s Seat hike + Dambatanne Tea Factory • Colombo Tuk safari

DAY 02: NEGOMBO /WILPATTU

Today, you will check out and leave to Yapahuwa. (Approx. 2.5 hrs drive from Negombo)

After the fall of the great city of Polonnaruwa, the Kandyan kings fled to a succession of inac-

cessible crags, bearing with them the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. One of them was

Yapahuwa, a huge, yet little-visited rock fortress a little way off the Kurunegala-

Anuradhapura road which is one of the great architectural sites of the island. Yapahuwa is

worthy of a visit as it is relatively quick to see, interesting and beautiful.

Thereafter proceed towards the Wilpattu. (Approx. 1.5 hrs drive from Yapahuwa)

Indulging in a mouth-watering BBQ prepared by a roaring campfire.

Explore the wilderness on foot.

A walking safari allows for up-close and personal encounters with Mother Nature’s beauty

with special emphasis. This unique experience is an ideal alternative to a jeep safari. However

this would vary depend on the circumstances.

Overnight in Campsite in Wilpattu

Mihintale is now a key pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Buddhists, and is home to several majestic religious monuments including a magnificent 40ft stupa which dates back to the 1st century BC. After a short and non-strenuous climb of 15-20 minutes, you can explore Mihintale’s ancient ruins at your leisure – it remains relatively non-touristy compared to some of the other sites in this area. We recommend doing the climb in the early morning or the late afternoon – it is a beautiful place to see at sunset. You may be required to remove your shoes at certain points. On completion proceed to hotel and relax. Overnight in Anuradhapura DAY 04: ANURADHAPURA /JAFFNA After an early breakfast at the hotel, Checkout and leave for Anuradhapura for a short visit. Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first civilisation and the centre-point of the island’s greatest kingdoms, acting as the royal capital for over 100 kings between the 2nd century BC and 1073 AD. At its height, Anuradhapura was home to thousands of monks from dozens of different monasteries, and it remains Sri Lanka’s most important cultural site, both in terms of history and religion. Anuradhapura is also home to a sacred, ancient Bo tree, which originally came from a branch of the Bo tree in Budda Gaya – the tree under which Lord Buddha sat and gained enlightenment.

Thereafter proceed to Jaffna. (Approx. 4 hrs drive from Anuradhapura)

In the Late Afternoon explore the amazing North town. You can spend a few hours exploring the town, pausing at sites such Jaffna market and Jaffna Library. Jaffna Fort was severely damaged during the terrorist conflict, and now houses a Sri Lanka army garrison, but restoration work is underway with financial assistance from the Dutch government. On completion proceed to hotel and relax. Overnight in Jaffna DAY 05: JAFFNA After an early breakfast at the hotel, dress up Sarongs to participate for an offering and worship at The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. This majestic Kovil is the most important Hindu temple in the Jaffna region. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent Hindu temples. Legendary Rio Ice cream is a must have to wash off spiciness down. On completion proceed to hotel. Overnight in Jaffna DAY 06: JAFFNA After breakfast at the hotel, take a ferry ride away from the Punkuditivu pier to Delft Island and discover a simple, escapist island where wild horses roam the plains, and explore the ruins of a Portuguese Fort.

DAY 03: WILPATTU /ANURADHAPURA Early Morning enjoy a game ride at Wilpattu National Park. It is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Sri Lanka, covering a tremendous 130,000 hectares of land. The bizarre hallmark of this park is the presence of "Willus" (natural freshwater lakes).

Thereafter you will check out and leave to Anuradhapura. (Approx. 45 mins drive from Wilpattu)

In the Late Afternoon visit Mihintale (Approx. 30 mins drive from Anuradhapura)

Historically recorded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale is commonly believed by Sri Lankans to be the meeting place of the Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, and King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC.

Thereafter proceed to Karainagar to have a dip in the sea at Casuarina beach. No trip to Jaffna is complete without a trip to the shore and when it comes to the best beach in the region, Casuarina Beach is top of the list. Located in Karainagar, within easy reach of Jaffna Town, this white sandy beach is named after the Casuarina trees that line the coastline. It has become a popular place amongst locals for a sea-bath, picnic on the sand or taking in sunsets as yet another day comes slowly to an end in this enchanting part of the island. On completion proceed to hotel. Overnight in Jaffna

DAY 07: JAFFNA /HABARANA After an early Breakfast at the Hotel, proceed to Habarana. (Approx. 4 hrs drive from Jaffna)

In the Afternoon Take a walk through the ruins of Ritigala.

The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery, dating back to the time of the ancient Sinhalese Kingdom of Anuradhapura, Ritigala was once a sprawling monastic complex, abandoned in the 10th and 11th centuries following a series of invasions from India. Today, some ruins of the monastery still stand – wander through the forest along old paths, painstakingly made using large stone slabs, and lose yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this beautiful environment as you explore the various relics which remain.

Expect an indulge in plenty of meditation and soul-searching.

On completion proceed to hotel.

Overnight in Habarana

From the top, there are glorious vistas of the surrounding landscape and an incredible view of the majestic Sigiriya Rock. Thereafter Transfer to Kandy (Approx. 4 hrs drive from Habarana) On completion proceed to hotel and Overnight in Kandy DAY 09: KANDY After breakfast visit Temple of the Tooth

Tradition tells that a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century A.D. and was enshrined within the Temple, a striking building with a golden roof.

Take part in a Cookery demonstration & experience the authentic spicy curries in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is an island nation that loves its unique food culture, which has been shaped by many historical, cultural and other factors.

From the wide range of staples to spicy curries to sweets to street food, the cuisine of Sri Lanka is full of flavor and variety. With so many dishes to choose from, it’s no wonder there are so many food fans from all around the world.

DAY 10: KANDY /ELLA (Approx. 3.5 hrs drive from Kandy)

In the morning take a scenic train ride from Peradeniya to Ella.

Train tickets are strictly subject to availability and only could be confirmed closer to travel date. Train ride is approximately 8 hrs.

Arrive in Ella Station and proceed to the hotel.

Overnight in Ella DAY 11: ELLA

Start the day with a relaxing hike to Lipton’s Seat from Dambetenna Tea Factory (3 hours Hike) – the favourite view of Sir Thomas Lipton, the great tea entrepreneur. You will be rewarded not only with an astonishing view, but also with locals selling refreshing drinks and fortifying snacks at the top.

Proceed to Nine Arch Bridge for a photo stop.

Thereafter Transfer to Colombo (Approx. 6 hrs drive from Ella)

Last but not least the Dodgy Bar Walk. Dodgy Bar Tour of Colombo over a boozy walk through Colombo’s dodgiest watering holes and witness Fort and Pettah through your very own beer goggles. This bar tour is an excellent opportunity for meeting new friends or simply getting a small ‘sip’ of what the bar culture within the Fort is all about!

This tour will take you to five bars, giving you a variety of different atmospheres to explore as you experiment with the different spirits each bar has to offer. This is a A 3-hour tour in Fort.

Overnight in Colombo

DAY 08: HABARANA /KANDY After an early breakfast at the hotel, climb up the Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked history: whilst King Kasyapa was building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century, he moved monks living round Sigiriya to a new monastery on Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala is a more challenging climb than Sigiriya, so should not be attempted by those with poor physical fitness.

DAY 12: COLOMBO / AIRPORT (Approx. 1 hrs drive from Colombo) In the Morning enjoy a Tuk Tuk Safari. Sri Lanka’s coastal capital is conveniently compact, but navigating thel ively, cross-crossed streets can be tricky, and walking can quickly become tiring in the heat and humidity. The easiest way to get a sense of Colombo’s character is to tour the city by tuk tuk, the most popular form of local transport. Hosted by a trained, English-speaking driver, the tuk tuk tour includes visits to some of Colombo’s most fascinating cultural sites, as well as a s election of ‘non-touristy’ recommendations which reveal a more authentic side of Sri Lanka’s capital. Today is the last day of your tour. You've spent 12 days getting to know about the beautiful Island and now it's time to say adios. Check out for transfer to the airport. We wish you a safe flight back home.

ACCOMMODATION:

Jetwing Blue—Negombo Big Game Tented Camps—Wilpattu Rajarata Hotel—Anuradhapura Jetwing Jaffna—Jaffna Amaya Lake—Habarana Amaya Hills—Kandy Oak Ray Ella Gap—Ella Ozo Colombo—Colombo

Price excludes: Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary Expenses of personal nature. Cost of beverages throughout the tour Tips and Portages Visa fee (please refer to www.eta.gov.lk) Compulsory supplements - X’Mas & New Year’s

Eve Dinners (prices to be advise at time of booking)

Price includes: Yapahuwa + BBQ Dinner prepared by a campfire +

Night walk with a guide at Big Game Tented Camps Wilpattu National Park Safari + Mihintale Anuradhapura + Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi + Jaffna Mar-

ket + Jaffna Library + Jaffna Fort Nallur Kovil + RIO Ice cream Ferry ride to Delft Island + Casuarina beach Ritigala walk + Meditation session Pidurangala Temple of Tooth + Cookery

demonstration Train ride from Peradeniya to Ella Lipton’s Seat hike + Dambatanne Tea Factory + Nine

Arch Bridge + Dodgy bar Tour in Colombo Colombo Tuk safari Accommodation in hotels specified or similar Meals as specified throughout the itinerary All Entrance fees as per the itinerary Transportation in an Air conditioned tour car, van or

coach as per to the above itinerary Services of a English language speaking National

Guide for 7 pax & above (excluding the beach stay) Services of a English language speaking driver guide

for 01 - 06 pax (excluding the beach stay)

Ground Floor, 3 Raglan Street, South Melbourne , Vic 3205 A.B.N. 76 005 461 094 ATAS Accreditation No: A11456

*Conditions Apply: Price is per person based on twin share accommodation throughout the itinerary. Valid for Travel from 01 May—31 Oct 20, seasonal surcharges apply: 01 Jul—31 Aug 20 and valid for sale until 31 Jul 20. Price is correct as of 05 Mar 20, however is subject to currency fluctuations. Valid for new bookings only and subject to availability at time of booking.

Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

For all enquiries and bookings please call or email our reservations team

Reservations: (03) 9686 5366 Toll Free: 1800 338 004 Email: res@sri-lanka-tours.com.au website: www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au