With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet get a wonderfully comprehensive perspective of the historical, cultural and social aspects of the island.
This epic three-week tour designed by us allows you plenty of days to fully immerse yourself in the island’s most culturally important and scenically stunning destinations. It’s brilliant shades of azure seas on the East Coast, exploring Northern Sri Lanka, Hill Country and its majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, UNESCO heritage sites, sacred rock temples, tea plantations, ancient royal cities, and lesser travelled paths in Jaffna & Belihuloya offer something really unique. Our bespoke tour also gives you the chance to encounter wildlife with herds of wild elephants, elusive leopards, endangered sloth bears and hundreds of bird species in the company of a local guide or ranger. Cultural, natural, and historic attractions are unsurpassed in this authentic 21day holiday.
Read MoreWe have picked an interesting set of Hotels, with good views & food and character for you to enjoy this tour to the fullest.
Ideal for:
This tour in Sri Lanka is available around the year and is great for those who have time to explore the island. You can be travelling alone, with your partner, with friends or family, the tour is designed to cover diverse interests: adventure, culture, history and the beach! We can tailor-make it for you, taking you off the beaten track; not too “touristy” but hinged on excitement and discovery.
Highlights at glance
- Local street food & fishing village in Negombo.
- Guided safaris, night walks and tented accommodation experience in the stunning Wilpattu and Yala National Parks.
- Learn and explore the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
- Lesser visited Jaffna peninsula and its magical flavours
- The calm and sandy beaches of Trincomalee and visit to the hot water spring wells.
- Witness the ancient engineering marvels of the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Visiting and spending time with the Sri Lankan aboriginals of Sri Lanka; Veddhas.
- Witness the age-old Buddhist rituals at the Kandy Temple and try your hand at traditional arts & crafts.
- Scenic rail journey in hill country.
- Lesser known and off the beaten tracks in Belihuloya or Ahaspokuna (The experience at Ahaspokuna Bush walk Camp is different to that of Kinchigune & River Garden in Belihuloya)
- A walk through the past at the Galle Fort UNESCO World Heritage and discover the legacy of past rulers.
1st Night - Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! This is where your tour in Sri Lanka will unravel at your own pace. On arrival, you will be picked up by your own private chauffeur who will be with you throughout your stay. Your first destination – Negombo. This will take about 25 minutes and depending on your arrival time, you can decide how you want to spend the rest of the day. This coastal city is a bustling place, with historical buildings and churches reflecting colonial influences. Negombo has a canal system that weaves an interesting route around the city and a lively fisherfolk community with a daily bustling fish market that attracts people from near and far. And of course its enchanting beach that will always beckon you.
The start of your adventurous holiday in Sri Lanka, just ease into it. Depending on what time you arrive, it really is up to you to decide what you would like to do on your brief stop here. You may fancy a boat ride on Negombo’s Dutch Canal which weaves an interesting route around the city, or you may just like to linger on the beach. If you choose to venture out, Hotel Road teems with bars and seafood restaurants to check out. Your chauffeur will happily take you to a location of your choice, and even accompany you.
2nd and 3rd Nights - Wilpattu National Park
After breakfast, we’ll head for the Wilpattu National Park. We’ll take you on two guided jeep safaris, giving you an amazing opportunity to sight three of Sri Lanka’s Big Five; the Leopard, Sloth Bear & Elephant – a milestone moment for your tour in Sri Lanka. This park extends over 131,000 hectares and you certainly will find your two days packed here. Reaching Wilpattu by late morning, you will get to freshen up and enjoy lunch, before heading out for an afternoon safari. On your return later on, the night’s all about a campfire and candle-lit dinner under the stars. The following day, you will start out early for a Full Day Safari which will keep you enthralled.
Among things to do in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is a multi-faceted treasure: on your afternoon jeep safari, you will get a sense of this sprawling landscape: from low scrub forests, wetlands to tall ebony and milla trees, and its iconic lakes – getting its vernacular name which means ten lakes. There are now over 100 fresh and saltwater lakes creating unique habitats and sustaining diverse ecosystems. “The Land of Lakes” is the biggest and 2nd oldest Wildlife Park of Sri Lanka. Look out for its wildlife, especially the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and numerous birds.
Buckle up for your first Full Day Guided Safari in Sri Lanka at Wilpattu National Park! You’ll be watching out for the Sri Lankan Leopard, Elephant and Sloth Bear – three heavyweights of the island’s Big Five. The Sri Lankan leopard is shy but a prize to sight. Look out for wetland birds, such as the Pin Tail and Whistling Teal Spoonbill. Look out for butterflies such as the Ceylon Lace Wing, Blue Tiger, Yellow Orange Tip, flit through the Park’s landscape of: jungles, scrublands and wetlands. Sambar deer and peacocks too, will be around.
4th & 5th Nights - Jaffna
Bidding adieu at Wilpattu, we move to the Northern peninsula of Sri Lanka, after breakfast. Jaffna overlooks the Bay of Bengal and the Palk Strait and connects to the rest of the island by a shallow lagoon. Enjoy the four-and-a-half-hour drive through rapidly changing landscape and to the land to which Over 2000 years ago, Princess Sanghamitta first landed from India with the first bo tree sapling, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and Buddhism grew. After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to relax and muse over Jaffna’s history. But If you feel up to it, try some authentic Jaffna cuisine; take your chauffeur along to make some choices!
Jaffna, once an ancient capital, is home to beautifully sculptured and vibrantly painted temples that have been around for centuries. Steeped in stories of changing kingdoms and traditional rituals, you will be struck by the flow of worshippers to the Nagadeepa Kovil and Nallur Kandasamy Kovil which you will visit (kovil meaning temple). Nallur Kovil has an annual 25 day festival which happens in August and is the longest festival of its kind in Sri Lanka. You will love the colourful display of vibrant processions, dancing, drumming, and more, attended by thousands of visitors.
The following day, you will visit Jaffna’s Dambakolaputuna Temple which commemorates the arrival of the first bo tree sapling over 2000 years ago. After that historical stop, it’s time for you to hit the Casuarina Beach! Its shallow waters and presence of casuarina trees not just lends its name but also offers a compact coastal forest that makes this beach so unique. The Karainagar Lighthouse is also located here, making this shoreline one of the most scenic to see. You will enjoy the ride, as it takes you across the Palk Strait, breezing past palmyrah trees with the waft of drying tobacco leaves, to reach the beach; an idyllic island for your holiday in Sri Lanka!
6th Night : Anuradhapura
The next day, continue your tour in Sri Lanka by visiting one of its oldest capital cities, Anuradhapura. Founded by Anuradha, by 377 BCE, it was bustling with a planned city of dagobas, lakes, monasteries and agriculture. Two centuries later, it becomes the capital city and saw over 90 kings rule the island. by 1073, the city lost its importance but today remains known as a religious and cultural sight, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. You will get to walk around and get a sense of this ancient city with its rich history. Anuradhapura alongside Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, forms part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.
At Anuradhapura, you will see ‘Ruvanweli Maha Sãye’ – the tallest dagoba in Sri Lanka. Situated around this area, are the remains of palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi. Walking around the city, you will also come across water reservoirs, reflecting the talent and foresight of an ancient civilisation. It’s a legacy of architecture and engineering feats not to be missed when on tour in Sri Lanka, as you will witness an ancient capital that ruled and protected the island.
7th & 8th Nights - Trincomalee
You will leave after breakfast and head for Trincomalee – the Eastern beach that has drawn Arab traders, colonialists and visitors for centuries. Coming to Trincomalee is a definite things to do in Sri Lanka. It has served as a strategic base during World War II and is still significant for its marine ecosystem and untapped natural resources. Its beaches are a treat as you will be able to walk almost half a mile, in places, into the sea, as they are shallow and so inviting. If you love scuba diving or snorkelling, May to October will offer you calmer waters outside the monsoon season.
You will fall in love with Trincomalee’s majestic beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli: their long stretches of glistening white sands and shallow turquoise waters.
You can go fishing, scuba diving or even consider whale and dolphin watching – Trinco is famous for its marine ecosystem and its attraction to whales and dolphins seeking warmer waters. You might just like to soak in the mesmerising serenity and wonder of this coastal delight.
If you fancy a hot spring dip, waters considered therapeutic, then your chauffeur will take you to Kinniya; a 8km drive, where you will find people enjoying the 7 springs
The following day, you will be taken to Pigeon Island just off Trincomalee. You will enjoy this adventure on your holiday in Sri Lanka. It comprises two islands. It is called the Pigeon lsland National Park, why? Because of its prized coral reef that extends to about 100m in width and 200m is length. You will be astounded by the sea life within the reach of the beach, protected by a rocky islet. With over 300 species of coral reef fish keeping the water alive with colour – you will love your time here. But take care to wear slippers constantly to avoid coral cuts!
9th & 10th Nights - Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Today you will travel to the Cultural Triangle, a notable feature of your stay in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa form the epicentre of Sri Lanka’s golden era, in the fields of: engineering, agriculture, literature, politics and social development. Sigiriya’s Lion Rock Fortress is one of Asia’s notable UNESCO heritage sites. The following day, you will see another ancient city prominent in the 12th century: Polonnaruwa. The city itself is divided into new and old towns with the impressively preserved ruins split into five main areas. ‘The Quadrangle’ (‘Terrace of the Tooth Relic’), the Northern City group and the Rest House group (with the royal palace ruins of ‘Nissanka Mala’). The compact layout of this site makes it quite easy to explore, either by foot or on a bicycle.
After breakfast, you will drive down to Sigiriya, a treasure of the island. Welcome to the once luxurious hideout of King Kasyapa, of 5BC! The remains of gigantic sculptured lion paws will greet you at the start of the climb. You will ascend 600 metres to reach the zenith of the Lion Rock where you will be struck by the panoramic view and vantage point for a king. Looking at the frescoes, you will marvel at the Mirror wall, depicting women of the time. On descending, you will enjoy walking by once landscaped gardens with their own irrigation systems, an engineering feat to see on your holiday in Sri Lanka.
With an early start, we’ll drive you to Polonnaruwa and walk around this UNESCO Site amidst its ruins of pavilions, palaces and even ponds. The Gal Vihara temple cut from one slab of granite stone possesses a jewel of Sri Lankan art: the statues of Buddha in the recumbent, seated and standing positions.
Next, we will take you for a cookery demonstration of a typical Sri Lankan lunch: prepared in clay pots giving it an authentic taste – followed by tucking into it for lunch!
Finally, we head for the Minneriya National Park. Annually, in August/September during the dry season, wild elephants migrate from Wasgamuwa National Park to Minneriya National Park in search of food and shelter. It’s a wanderlust dream to see over 350 majestic mammals, migrate across the expansive parks.
11th & 12th Nights - Dambana Vedda community Village
During your stay in Sri Lanka, we would like you to delve deeper into its history (figuratively speaking!), by driving you to Dambana: a remote village to meet the Veddahs; the indigenous people of the island. The Veddahs come from a direct lineage of the island’s original Neolithic community dating back to at least 18,000 BC. While their community has sought to assimilate with greater society, many have continued their unique way of life and symbolise the versatility that saw the island nation enjoy its golden era of literacy, art, theatre, agriculture and construction – way back in the 10th century; way before Europe did.
There are cave drawings that depict men hunting and women waiting for their return – this is how life is for the Veddahs, thousands of years later. Secluded in jungles, the men use bows and arrows to hunt and gather wild plants, honey and herbs. The women take care of the children and the homes. You will witness a phenomenal display of community untouched by technology and modernity, a lesson in balancing a relationship with nature, that is respectful and not exploitative. You will get to meet the Veddah leader, the ‘Wanniyaleththo’, who decides matters for his people.
The next day, with the blessings of the ‘Wanniyaleththo’, you will be allowed to participate in the communal activities of the Veddahs. A main tradition is to invoke the gods’ blessings with a famous dance called the ‘Kiri Koraha’ and another is hunting. It’s a rare occasion to witness the Veddah culture: how they speak, the language they speak (which isn’t mainstream Sinhala or Tamil), how they present themselves, and a greater honour to be able to participate in their community activities.
13th & 14th Night - Kandy
You will carry on to the hill city, Kandy, surrounded by mountains and blessed with cool weather, where the Temple of the Tooth Relic is located: home to the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha. This city is a cultural hub for making many local handicrafts, such as: masks, fans, known as ‘sesath’, batik, brassware and much more. We will take you to see how they are made. The following day, you will travel to Peradeniya, a town situated 6kms from Kandy, famous for its Royal Botanical Gardens: a 60 hectare garden with its iconic Javan fig tree. Home to a diverse range of trees, flowers, its collection of orchids and distinct 40 metre high bamboo. Your holiday in Sri Lanka isn’t complete without visiting Kandy.
When you reach Kandy, your first port of call will be the Temple of the Tooth built in the 16th century, a prominent temple where Lord Buddha’s tooth lies; surrounded by artistic murals and paintings capturing the journey of Buddhism. You will find the daily rituals ‘pooja’ held amidst drumming and chanting, very intense and colourful – attracting many worshippers daily.
After this, we will take you to a village workshop to witness how local handicrafts have been made for hundreds of years. You will enjoy the interaction with the artists…and you may like to design and create one yourself!
Next day is a short drive to Peradeniya, to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. A sprawling garden of about 60 hectares, hemmed in by the Mahaweli River, it also has a suspension bridge to cross to the other side of the river! You will be amazed by the impressive diversity of flora: from orchids, local indigenous plants, magnificently tall Burma bamboo, the stately avenue of royal trees (also named as Cannonball fruit tree) and of course the iconic Javan fig tree that sits in the lawn; a singular beauty with its ever-reaching canopy of shade. You will see bats, monkeys, amidst birds and butterflies too.
15th &16th Night : Belihuloya
We will take you off the road and take you on a train ride – one of those fun things to do in Sri Lanka! You will head from Kandy to Idalgashinna. Cutting across a scenic hill country ride: vegetable and tea plantations, eucalyptus trees, waterfalls and mist draped mountains – you will travel through 14 tunnels, finally disembarking at the 1893 Idalgashinna Station, located between Haputale and Ohiya, a rustic station reminiscent of a colonial past. You will spend two nights here, exploring a serene place, where nature takes precedence: Belihuloya possesses semi-green forests, tropical savanna forests and even dry patina grasslands and temperate forests – given its unusual position of being both in a dry and wet zone.
Your train ride Belihuloya will be like travelling in a bygone era: railway tracks here still use the single line tablets, which are in most parts of the world a museum artefact today! So as you travel past sights of a wonderful and lush landscape, the trip is historical in its own right! The camp you will be staying at in Kinchigune, is a communal camp and is set up if there are more than 5 travellers, due to its nature. Today you will tour a tea factory as well as visit a school of 100 students, who belong to the plantation community.
The following day, with the resident naturalist, you will plan to either go on a guided trekking trail or birding trails. A creative and memorable way for you to see Belihuloya’s rich biodiversity, its endemic flora and fauna, as well as rivers and reservoirs. There is the Pahanthudawa waterfall as well as the Surathali Ella. Belihuloya, offers small places to relish, while on holiday in Sri Lanka, But should you decide to stay back in the comfort of your hotel – by all means, be our guest!
17th &18th Night - Yala National Park
Among things to do in Sri Lanka, experiencing the Yala National Park is a must: located in the Southern Province of the island covering almost 1000 sq kms, you are stepping into Sri Lankan Leopard land! Yala boasts of the world’s highest leopard density and wouldn’t you love to catch sight of this elusive cat who loves to be sprawled on a granite boulder or atop a tree? It’s a dry terrain with a rugged landscape, and sightings are excellent especially during the drought session(May to August). Elephants, Sloth bears, Sambar deer, lizards, buffaloes and over 130 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and storks – are waiting for you! And all it takes are a couple of guided safaris.
You will have an early morning start, on your first Full Day Guided Safari at Yala with a picnic breakfast. Camouflaged by trees and bush, the residents of the park will make their way to watering-holes in the morning – and this is an ideal time to catch sight of three of the island’s Big Five: the Elephant, Sloth Bear and of course the Sri Lankan Leopard. But just as wondrous are the spotted deer, mongoose, and birdlife, such as the white bellied sea eagle and the black necked stork.
In contrast, come evening, you will go on a night walk to take in the sounds and sights of Yala’s nocturnal wildlife.
After a good night’s rest, it’s time for a final Half Day Guided Safari. You may well like to spend time taking in the contracting shifts in landscape: from moist monsoon to dry monsoon forests; grasslands, mangroves, water holes… or watch out for lesser famous amphibians like the mugger crocodile or saltwater crocodile. Yala is home to over 21 species of fish and 46 types of reptiles! You will be enraptured by wild Yala; its beauty is its biodiversity of species and range of ecosystems supporting precious wildlife and its habitat.
19th Night & 20th Night - Galle
Leaving Yala either after a morning game drive, or an enroute stop to watch how buffalo curd is produced – Galle, is next. The evening will be all yours. But if you feel like photographing stilt fishermen at dusk in Koggala, we can arrange this for you. When you holiday in Sri Lanka: between November and March, the next morning you will go on a whale watching tour from the Mirissa harbour. If you are travelling from April to October, you will do the Ceylon Cinnamon Experience tour. Come evening, you will enjoy a walking tour of the mesmerising Galle Fort, a maze of alleyways, a multicultural community and numerous restaurants to step into. The Galle Lighthouse standing at the highest point of the ramparts, known as Point Utrecht Bastion and the Flag Rock – are scenic stops to see.
The Galle Fort spanning 90 acres, is a living historical site first built in 1587 by the Portuguese, then extended by the Dutch in 1633 and lastly modified by the British. Within the ramparts, is a myriad of wonder to be seen. You will reach Galle, the coastal UNESCO Heritage Site, by late afternoon/ early evening, you can spend your time relaxing in the hotel; walking the sandy beaches, with the ocean lapping at your feet, in salty winds. If you desire some more adventure, we can arrange a visit to Koggala to watch stilt fishermen fishing in swirling waters, a traditional practice synonymous with Sri Lanka.
Depending on when you tour in Sri Lanka, you will leave early by 6-6:30am to go whale watching from the Mirissa harbour. This is an exciting adventure when you may sight Blue whales and Bottle-nosed dolphins. Or, you will go on the Galle Cinnamon Experience; an interactive tour which gives you a sense of a cinnamon farmer’s life – visiting a beautiful, working cinnamon estate. Another option: you will take a walk in historical Galle Fort during your stay in Sri Lanka. Your guide will take you to local restaurants and craft shops where you’ll find batiks, brassware and jewellery.
We’ve reached the end of your 20-night cultural discovery holiday and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Check-outs could be organised upon your flight schedules.
- Loris observation trail on one of the nights you are in Sigiriya.
- Additional nights in any of the locations could be included.
- Additional Safaris in Yala & Wilpattu National Parks could be arranged on request provided you extend the stay at these places.
- Extension to have a beach stay.
- Fishing / Whale Watching / Diving & Snorkelling experiences in Trincomalee, provided your stay is between April to November
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 4,818
1-2 persons
$ 4,066
3-4 persons
$ 3,838
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
Big Game Wilpattu by Eco Team
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Jaffna Heritage Hotel
Since 2012, Jaffna Heritage Hotel has led the way in Jaffna as the top hospitality provider for guests.
Arachchi Heritage
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
C Beyond
Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views at C Beyond Nilaveli, a tranquil, laid-back, and intimate location where the lagoon and the sea converge. With Pigeon...
BOB Pidurangala
This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...
Mapakada Village
Winner of Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Best of the Best Award 2022, Hotel Mapakada Village is situated on the Mahiyanganaya Badulla road on the...
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mango House Galle Fort
Mango House, a spacious Dutch colonial-style home in the centre of the famed Galle Fort, combines traditional elegance with a modern, edgy vibe.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 5,105
1-2 persons
$ 4,354
3-4 persons
$ 4,125
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Goldi Sands Hotel
Your chance to laze and luxuriate directly on the shore of the Indian Ocean and let balmy ocean rhythms lull you at any time...
Big Game Wilpattu by Eco Team
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Fox Resort Jaffna
Fox Resorts Jaffna is a boutique resort nestled among Jaffna's gently swaying palm palms, located near Kokuvil, only 10 minutes outside of Jaffna...
Arachchi Heritage
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
Amaranthe Bay
The Amaranthé Bay Resort & Spa is perched on the bank of the flowing Pillaikulam Aru, surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of meditative sunrises...
Amaara Forest Sigiriya
Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.
Kevans Casa
Experience the wild beauty of Mahiyangana! Discover its stunning waterfalls, meet ancient communities and witness the glorious sunrises by the Sorabora Lake.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
The Fort Printers
The Printers building, which dates back to the 18th century, has operated as a college and then as the site of a conventional printing...
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 10,251
1-2 persons
$ 9,500
3-4 persons
$ 9,272
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Villa Hundira Negombo
Villa Hundira is a private and unique lagoon side villa nestled in the back roads of the Negombo lagoon, located just 20 minutes from...
Mahoora Wilpattu by Eco Team
At Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu, you can live in a small, 8-acre private wildlife sanctuary that mixes modern conveniences with the wilderness of...
Mahesha Bawan
Another gem from the Jetwing collection, Mahesa Bawan is the first luxury villa in Jaffna, the island's historic Northern capital.
Ulagalla Anuradhapura
Located off Anuradhapura, Ulagalla has a touch of traditional elegance and royalty.
Jungle Beach
This Sri Lanka beach resort, simply known as Uga Jungle Beach, blends its existing surroundings into its design in a sophisticated manner.
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Explorer by Mahoora – Dambana
Explorer by Mahoora in Dambana is a thrilling adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Sri Lankan jungle. The experience begins...
Kandy House
With all of the rooms named after Sri Lankan Butterflies, The Kandy House is a great place, aesthetically pleasing with individually designed rooms adorned...
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Galle Fort Hotel
A trip to Sri Lanka isn't complete without spending a few days (or more) in Galle. Galle Fort Hotel is 6 minutes’ walk from...
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- 20 nights accommodation.
- BB at all hotels except Big Game Camp Wilpattu & Yala (HB) / Ahaspokuna (FB), Explorer by Mahoora Dambana (FB)/ Mahoora Camp Wilpattu & Yala (AI). Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation in an air-conditioned car / micro van with an English-speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport transfers.
- Chauffeur accommodation, his meals and fees.
- Jeep Safaris in Wilpattu, Minneriya & Yala National Parks in a private jeep, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
Activities while at Belihuloya - Service charges at the hotels & all applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA fees. (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check-in or Late Check-out Charges at all hotels.
- Cost of optional activities/sites.
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any expense of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.)
- Any other expense, other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
4 Hours
Leopards and Sloth Bears – Wilpattu National Park
Observe leopards and sloth bears over 131,000 hectares of forest and wetlands at Wilpattu National Park, visited by fewer jeeps in comparison to Yala.
Wilpattu
Anuradhapura
6 Hours
Jaffna Food & Community Experience with a Local Host
Experience “Yalpanam” : Northern Capital of Sri Lanka & Dive into the Rich Flavours, Culture and History.
Jaffna
Full day
Jaffna Peninsula Discovery
A Full Day Historical and Cultural Adventure Beyond the City Limits.
Jaffna
4 - 5 hours
Acrobatic Dolphins and Blue Whales
Sail into the turquoise waters of Trincomalee, with the Captain of the Pearl and get a private audience with acrobatic dolphins and the largest...
Trincomalee
2 - 3 Hours
Snorkel Amongst Fish, Turtles & Corals
Wander the mysterious waters of the island’s Marine National Park and encounter up to 200 species of tropical fish.
Trincomalee
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 - 4 Hours
Greatest Elephant Gathering Safari – Minneriya National Park
Experience an action-packed safari to witness The Elephant Gathering, listed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top Ten Wildlife Spectacles in the World,...
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Dambulla
Anuradhapura
5 hours
Destination Adventure: Trekking, Canoeing, and Mountain Biking – Belihuloya
Follow the trail on foot to a village with a secret, paddle through the butterfly reservoir on a canoe, and traverse the chilly mountain...
Nuwara Eliya
3 hours
The World’s Greatest Leopard Safari – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Yala
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast
5 hours
Meet the “Aadi Vaasi” – Veddah Tribes in Sri Lanka
Spend half a day in a Veddah village and discover the indigenous roots of Sri Lanka.
Dambulla
Kandy
Knuckles