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Colombo · Western · Sri Lanka
14 Days Grand Expedition of Sri Lanka
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From $2,780.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world that can offer such an extraordinary combination of diversity, cultural heritage, people, wild life, adventure, and outdoor luxury experiences. This magical island was once known as Serandib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Set off on an unforgettable journey that showcases Sri Lanka's highlights
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Kandy
- Conquer the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Colombo
Day 01 - Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will have a meet and greet before proceeding to Negombo, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. After checking in at Heritance Negombo, you can spend the day at your leisure.
Continued
Colombo
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 2
Colombo
Day 02 - Negombo to Habarana: Enjoy breakfast at the resort before proceeding to Habarana, which is approximately a 4-hour journey. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the afternoon at your leisure.
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Colombo
Day 02 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 3
Polonnaruwa
Local Flavor at Polonnaruwa Vatadage. Day 03 - Polonnaruwa: Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I after his victory over the Chola invaders in 1070, successfully reuniting the country under local leadership. Today, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa stands as one of the best-planned archaeological sites in the country, a testament to the discipline and greatness of its early rulers. The site is divided into four areas, beginning with the Kings Palace and Baths. From there, you will visit three different tooth relic temples before proceeding to the stupas. The tour concludes on the far western side of the complex, where you can marvel at one of Sri Lanka's most astonishing Buddha rock carvings. You can explore the area by walking, biking, or driving between locations. It can get quite hot, so be prepared! If rain is in the forecast, don't forget to take an umbrella from the vehicle.
Continued
Colombo
Eco Tour at Minneriya National Park. Day 03 - Minneriya National Park: The park spans an impressive 8,890 hectares and features a diverse landscape of mixed forests and evergreen shrubs, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife, including leopards, deer, and wild elephants. At the heart of the park lies a former reservoir, or tank, constructed by King Mahasen in the third century AD. During the dry season, from June to September, this area becomes an exceptional location to observe herds of elephants as they come to graze and bathe. In recent years, it has been recognized as hosting the largest elephant gathering in the world during this period. Additionally, visitors can witness large flocks of birds, such as cormorants and painted storks, that flock to the shallow waters to fish.
Continued
Colombo
Day 03 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 4
Matale
Sightseeing at Sigiriya Fortress. Day 04 - Sigiriya: Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is a remarkable structure built atop a massive boulder in the 5th century. It has served various purposes throughout history, including a royal palace, a rock fortress, and the hidden castle of King Kasyapa. Additionally, it functioned as a Buddhist monastery during the 14th century. Often likened to the cosmic mountain of Meru, it is even referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world." No site in Sri Lanka has generated as many theories and legends as this 180-meter monolith, set amidst breathtaking scenery. The ascent of Sigiriya consists of 1,200 steps. The journey begins with a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens before the climb begins. There are two designated areas along the route where visitors can take a break. The entire experience typically lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your climbing pace. Water is provided, and if rain is in the forecast, be sure to take an umbrella from the vehicle.
Continued
Anuradhapura
Local Flavor. Day 04 - Anuradhapura: Ancient cities don’t come much larger than Anuradhapura, nor have many capitals around the world endured as long. Dating back to the fourth century BC, Anuradhapura served as both the spiritual and secular capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium. At its height, the city was adorned with monasteries and was home to more than 10,000 monks; many of these monasteries and colossal dagobas can still be seen today. The story of Anuradhapura is steeped in mystique, and visitors to this sacred site often report feeling a profound sense of stillness in time. Anuradhapura encompasses over a dozen archaeological sites. Visitors typically explore these sites by bike or vehicle. Among the most significant are the three largest man-made stupas in Sri Lanka, which were, at the time of the pyramids of Egypt, the second largest man-made structures in the world. Additionally, the Sri Maha Bodhi, a Sacred Fig tree believed to be a southern branch from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, holds great significance. The visit to Anuradhapura generally takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Continued
Colombo
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 5
Kandy
Sightseeing at Dambulla Cave Temple. Day 05 - Dambulla Cave Temple: The Dambulla Cave Temples represent the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, rising 160 meters above the surrounding plains and featuring over 80 documented caves in the area. This site is particularly appealing to those who appreciate historic art, as five of the caves contain ancient statues and paintings that depict Lord Buddha and his life. The climb from the base is not strenuous and can be undertaken at a leisurely pace, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete. Your guide will purchase your entrance fee and accompany you on the ascent, which involves around 200 steps. The ideal times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Please ensure your knees and shoulders are covered, and remember that access to the inner chambers is permitted only barefoot or with socks. You can find socks in the basket inside the vehicle, along with a sarong if needed. The entire visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Continued
Colombo
Day 05 - Habarana to Kandy: Afterward, proceed to Kandy and check-in at the hotel.
Continued
Kandy
Sightseeing at Temple of the Tooth. Day 05 - Temple of the Tooth: Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a significant Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Situated within the royal palace complex, it houses the relic of Buddha's tooth. Historically, this relic has played a crucial role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever possesses it governs the country. Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site partly due to the temple's cultural significance. Monks from the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship in the temple's inner chamber, performing rituals three times a day: at dawn, noon, and evening. On Wednesdays, a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic takes place with an herbal preparation of scented water and fragrant flowers, known as Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water, believed to have healing powers, is distributed among those present. Typically, the visit lasts about one hour. Visitors walk through the gardens towards the temple, where your guide will purchase the entrance tickets. It is recommended to buy a lotus flower right at the entrance for 100 LKR per set; this adds to the experience. Your guide will walk you through the various chambers, explaining the temple's history and significance. Today, Kandy is the center of Buddhism, arts, crafts, dance, music, and culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional dance and music performances at a daily cultural show, which starts in the evening and lasts for more than an hour. Featuring over seven different dance performances, captivating drumming, and the skills of traditional musicians, this show offers a great insight into Sri Lankan culture.
Continued
Colombo
Day 05 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 6
Colombo
Eco Tour at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Day 06 - Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: The Pinnawalla Elephant Orphanage, located in Pinnawala village, is a sanctuary, nursery, and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Situated 13 km (8.1 mi) northwest of Kegalle town in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, Pinnawalla is renowned for housing the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. As of 2011, the orphanage cared for 88 elephants, including 37 males and 51 females spanning three generations. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to provide care and protection for orphaned, unweaned wild elephants found wandering in the forests of Sri Lanka. Your guide will purchase your tickets and accompany you inside. The orphanage features various areas that you can explore in a circular fashion. One highlight is the platform where the baby elephants are fed; while it can be touristy, it’s a charming sight, especially for children. However, it’s worth noting that Sri Lanka does not offer a particularly engaging “elephant experience” where visitors can interact closely with the animals. After your visit, you can follow the elephants as they are taken down to the river.
Continued
Kandy
Eco Tour at Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Day 06 - Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens: The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka and is considered the finest of its kind in Asia. Nestled in the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, at an elevation of 460 meters above sea level, the gardens are bordered on three sides by the loop of the Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka's longest river. Notably, during World War II, the gardens served as the headquarters for the Allied command in the Pacific. Your guide will purchase your entrance tickets, and your chauffeur will wait for you in the vehicle outside. You can enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens, exploring them in a circular route.
Continued
Colombo
Day 06 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 7
Colombo
Day 07 - Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya by train, which takes approximately 4 hours. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the day at your leisure. *Train Tickets are Subject to Availability Train tickets can only be confirmed approximately 28 days prior to your journey. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee specific seats, as they are often pre-reserved by government officials and groups. We will keep you informed about the status of your tickets and let you know if we have successfully confirmed tickets in your requested carriage or an alternative one. If we are unable to secure tickets, we will continue our efforts until the date of your train journey, and your chauffeur will update you on the status.
Continued
Colombo
Day 07 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Day 8
Ella
Eco Tour at Horton Plains National Park. Day 08 - Horton Plains: Horton Plains is a serene and enchanting landscape, featuring some remarkable hikes beneath the shadows of Sri Lanka’s second- and third-highest mountains, Kirigalpotta (2,395 m) and Totapola (2,359 m). This undulating plateau, rising over 2,000 m above sea level, is adorned with wild grasslands, interspersed with dense forests, rocky outcrops, delicate waterfalls, and misty lakes. The diverse terrain is complemented by a rich variety of wildlife, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.
Continued
Colombo
Day 08 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Day 9
Colombo
Day 09 - Nuwara Eliya to Yala: Enjoy breakfast before proceeding to Yala, which is approximately a 5-hour journey. After checking in at Cinnamon Wild, you can spend the day at your leisure.
Continued
Colombo
Day 09 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yala
Day 10
Colombo
Eco Tour at Yala National Park. Day 10 - Yala National Park: Yala National Park offers a striking contrast to the lush jungles and paddy fields that dominate much of Sri Lanka. Spanning 100,000 hectares of arid, boulder-strewn parklands, its dry thorny scrub and dusty glades evoke the vastness of an African bushveld, complete with long-thorn bushes. This unique landscape is ideal for spotting elephants, leopards, wild boar, spotted deer, crocodiles, and jackals. It was here that the entrepreneurial South African Englebrecht, originally brought over as a POW after the Boer War, established Sri Lanka's first wildlife sanctuary at the turn of the twentieth century, making it the oldest and most renowned of its kind. Your adventure begins with either a 5 AM or 3 PM departure for a 2.5 to 3-hour game drive into the National Park. The campsite is conveniently located just outside the park, and all entrance fees are included. You'll travel in customized Toyota safari jeeps with row seating, equipped with a cool box for drinks and binoculars for wildlife spotting. In the evenings, gather around the campfire to enjoy a selection of international drinks from our jungle bar. With the sounds of the jungle surrounding you and the campfire casting a warm glow over the natural landscape, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the unique experience of being in the jungle at night.
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Colombo
Day 10 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yala
Day 11
Colombo
Day 11 - Yala to Galle: Enjoy breakfast at the resort, and afterward, proceed to Galle. After checking in at Amari Galle, you can spend the day at your leisure.
Continued
Colombo
Day 11 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
Day 12
Galle
Sightseeing at Galle Fort. Day 12 - Galle Fort: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort and its surrounding area is believed to have been home to the Biblical city of Tarshish, from which King Solomon obtained gems, spices, and peacocks. This historic location has attracted great figures throughout history, including explorers Ibn Batuta and Cheng Ho, as well as Mahatma Gandhi and Pablo Neruda. For centuries, Galle has been a hub of trade and culture, and this exciting tour will guide you through its various historical periods: Portuguese, Dutch, and British, leading to the present day. Begin your journey at the newer main entrance, where you'll ascend some stone steps to take in the view. From this vantage point, survey the impressive fortifications, the vast Indian Ocean, and the iconic cricket ground as your guide shares captivating stories about the fort's creation and the threats it faced over the years. As you meander past some of the fort’s most well-known landmarks, keep an eye out for lesser-known gems hidden within its walls. With 150 acres to explore, this tour follows a route that tantalizes your curiosity, offering a comprehensive selection of fascinating facts and stories that encompass religion, history, architecture, daily life, and the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami.
Continued
Colombo
Day 12 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
Day 13
Galle
Leisure. Day 13 - Galle: Spend the day at your leisure in Galle.
Continued
Colombo
Day 13 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
Day 14
Colombo
Day 14 - We hope you enjoyed your trip with us! After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drop you off at the airport so you can catch your flight back home.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Ticket prices Accommodation All transfers with an English-speaking guide All taxes Cultural show Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Train ride (subject to availability) Afternoon and morning safari at Yala National Park
Not Included
Tips & Gratuity Air fare Personal expenses Visas
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Camera and bag for essentials Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat
Meeting & Pickup
Airport Pickup and Drop-off Hotel in Colombo (Depending on the clients' preference)
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 1 to August 31 - Cinnamon Citadel - Per Room, Per Night - 45.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 1 to August 31 - Cinnamon Wild - Per Room, Per Night - 120.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 1 to August 31 - Habarana Lodge - Per Room, Per Night - 35.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 16 to August 31 - Golden Ridge - Per Room, Per Night - 45.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 16 to August 31 - Jetwing Beach - Per Room, Per Night - 10.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - September 1 to October 31 - Cinnamon Wild - Per Room, Per Night - 10.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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