Sri Lanka Highlights: Kandy, Ella, Yala NP & more 01 Apr, 2025

Independent/Tailor-Made / Sri Lanka

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

Sri Lanka is a tropical nation and has a multi-cultural society with very hospitable people. There are eight UNESCO protected sited plus many ancient cities and old towns.  It offers a wonderful selection of pristine beaches with the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean and large National Parks plus there is an abundance of wildlife to satisfy all animal lovers. For nature enthusiasts, there are many excellent botanical gardens.

On arrival in Colombo, the capital, overnight and then start your tour of Sri Lanka.

First stop is at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage for a close up experience with its more than 60 elephants.  The small tranquil town of Kandy is well known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth which contains the tooth of Buddha smuggled into Sri Lanka by a princess in the 4th Century. It is still carried in processions which take pace each July and August.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural show. The next day, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya, an excellent place to see exotic plants and flowers including orchids. Also spend time at a local tea plantation and factory.

Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya, a colonial hill station renowned in the days of British rule. Next stop is YalaNational Park, a wonderful wildlife sanctuary, important for the preservation of elephants and aquatic birds. One can also see leopards, deer, wild boars, monkeys, ant eaters and crocodiles.

The final stop is at MountLavinia, a coastal town close to Colombo. It is steeped in history and is known for its “Golden Mile” of beaches and Galle Fort, built by the Dutch and dating back to the 1500’s.

Highlights

Departures

Daily from Colombo*
* Trip not available 20 to 31 December

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Colombo
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Kandy
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Nuwara Eliya
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Yala National Park
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Mount Lavinia
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Shared jeep safari in Yala National Park
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide
  • One time entry fees to the monuments as per itinerary
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1). 5 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

You will be met by your destination representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Negombo, a suburb north of the city of Colombo. Remainder of the day is at your leisure.

 

Jetwing Sea Hotel

Resting upon one of the finest beaches Sri Lanka has to offer, with an eternal summer and ever-present ocean breeze of the Indian Ocean, Jetwing Sea is a modern Negombo hotel inspired by the vast emerald waters that give us our name. Located on the bustling coastal strip of Porutota Road, our home of Sri Lankan hospitality is in close proximity to a number of tropical shopping, exquisite fine dining, and adventurous Sri Lankan experiences that are bound to have you in high spirits throughout your holiday. As an added convenience, Jetwing Sea is one of our many hotels near the Bandaranaike International Airport. An ideal start or luxurious end to your adventures on our teardrop-shaped isle, Jetwing Sea remains easily accessible from a range of popular destinations across Sri Lanka, including our capital city of Colombo which can be reached in a brisk 30 minutes via the scenic Katunayake Expressway.

Jetwing Sea Hotel

Today, drive to Kandy, the final capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kings. Nestled amidst the hills of the Kandy plateau, the city is surrounded by lush tropical plantations, primarily tea, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, explore the Three Temple Loop.

The Three Temple Loop, consisting of Lankathilake, Gadaladeniya, and Embekke, dates back to the 14th century, before the full establishment of the Kandyan Kingdom. Embekke Temple is renowned for its intricately carved wooden pillars, while Lankathilake Temple, one of the main structures of the Gampola Kingdom, captivates visitors with its exceptional beauty and solidity. Gadaladeniya Vihara, also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple that features Dravidian architectural elements infused with Sinhalese styles.

Later, visit Kandy Lake, the town of Kandy, and its bustling bazaar, as well as the arts and crafts center, a gem museum, and a lapidary where you can observe artists crafting beautiful items from stones. Finally, finish your day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most revered sites for the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Amaya Hills

Amaya Hills is nestled within scenic mountain ranges radiating old world charm in the Kingdom of Kandy. The property boasts 100 luxurious rooms and suites, all beautifully decorated, with sweeping views of the Hanthana mountain range and perfectly manicured gardens adorning opulent flora all year round.

Amaya Hills

Today, drive to Nuwara Eliya with a few stops along the way. Begin with a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, a sprawling 147-acre garden and the largest in Sri Lanka. These gardens are famous for their extensive collection of orchids, featuring over 300 varieties, along with spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Next, explore a tea plantation and factory, where some of the world's finest tea is produced. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the tea manufacturing and grading process, and enjoy a cup of pure Ceylon tea. Continue your journey to the mountain station of Nuwara Eliya. Situated at an elevation of 6,200 feet, it is the highest town in Sri Lanka.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Araliya Green Hills Hotel

Nestled among misty mountains, surreal tea hills, and refreshing climates, Araliya Green Hills stands as a premier hotel in Nuwara Eliya, graced by colonial elegance and eclectic charm. Offering a wide array of accommodations, exquisite dining options, and stylish bars, Araliya Green Hills effortlessly combines modern amenities with genuine Sri Lankan hospitality, providing you with unforgettable holiday experiences in the enchanting highlands of Sri Lanka.

Araliya Green Hills Hotel

This morning, drive to Ella, a charming mountain village, and explore the surrounding area.

Continue to Yala National Park for an exciting jeep safari through this vast wildlife sanctuary, celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and wide variety of wildlife. The park is particularly known for its conservation of Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds, as well as boasting one of the highest leopard densities in the world. While elephants are the most frequently spotted inhabitants of Yala, you may also encounter a variety of bird species, sambhur, spotted deer, sloths, crocodiles, monkeys, wild boar, and porcupines.

Afterward, proceed to Tissamaharama, one of the most picturesque towns on the southern coast, where the beautiful Tissa Wewa reservoir, with its abundant birdlife, creates a scenic backdrop for the town.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Kithala Resort

Surrounded by vast paddy fields and a plethora of natural beauty, the Kithala Resort is a true piece of haven as one explores the magnificence of Southern Sri Lanka. Inspired by the scores of exotic birds one encounters at the hotel and the area is home to, the resort was named Kithala or the Purple Coot.

Kithala Resort

This morning, drive to Galle, the capital of Sri Lanka's Southern Province. Galle is the finest example of a fortified city built by Europeans in Southeast Asia, showcasing a unique blend of European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. After exploring the area, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Madhu River in Balapitiya - a relaxing journey with several interesting stops. As you pass numerous mangrove-covered islets, you'll experience the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. The cruise takes place in a canopied, outboard motor-powered boat, with stops to visit a 200-year-old temple and observe locals cultivating cinnamon. You'll also have the opportunity to witness traditional fishing techniques and demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making. If you have binoculars, bring them along to spot some of the 46 bird species in the area, including 14 aquatic varieties, as well as large water lilies and colorful butterflies.

At the end of the day, continue on to Colombo.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Radisson Hotel Colombo

The Radisson Hotel Colombo is a city center and oceanfront hotel and places guests 700 meters from Wellawatte Beach and an easy drive or tuk-tuk ride from the city's popular neighborhoods. Sleep well in one of the 158 thoughtfully-designed rooms and experience a medley of flavors at a variety of dining venues with Sri Lankan and International cuisine. Radisson Hotel Colombo also features comfortable meeting rooms, a fitness center, and a stylish rooftop with a bar, lounge, and an infinity pool.

Radisson Hotel Colombo

Enjoy your day at leisure until the time to transfer to the airport.

Meal

Breakfast

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