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Christmas in Sri Lanka

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Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: HSX2302_NZ
Overview
Destination:
Sri Lanka
Start:Sri Lanka (all), Sri Lanka
Finish:Sri Lanka (all), Sri Lanka
Duration:17 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
December 2025 - December 2026
From stunning scenery to amazing architecture, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise. Marvel at magnificent temples, tour the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, see elephants at Yala National Park and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Spend Christmas in the hills of the dense green tea plantations of this most beautiful region of the country.
Price notes:
  • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 October 2024, subject to change.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Customary tipping amount of approximately US$150pp is paid locally in India.
  • Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
  • Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
  • Land only (Colombo – Colombo) 15 days from $8,380 per person, twin share
  • Single supplement from $2,500
Standard inclusions
  • All domestic transportation
  • All accommodation
  • All meals
  • Entrance fees, guides and touring
  • Standard group visa fees included and fees may apply for foreign passport holders or other visas
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Itinerary
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Days 1-2: Arrive Colombo
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you have the day at leisure to settle-in, relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Day 3: Sigiriya
After breakfast you will travel to Dambulla, visiting Sigiriya rock fortress late this afternoon. This impressive rock, the landmark of Sri Lanka, is thought of as the eighth wonder of the world, amongst the locals. Enjoy magnificent views, rock decorated in colourful frescos and beautiful gardens when you summit.
Day 4: Polonnaruwa
Today you visit Hiriwaduna for a local village experience, from a catamaran ride on the lake, a tuk tuk trip to a local home, learning to prepare an authentic dish. Next is Polonnaruwa an ancient city, where the impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past.
Day 5: Anuradhapura
Set off for Anuradhapura, exploring this magnificent ancient city on foot. Visit the massive Buddhist shrines, splendid palaces, parks and pavilions of this sacred city, dating back to the 5th century BC.
Day 6: Dambulla
This morning you will be taken to visit the most popular religious cultural site, Dambulla Cave Temple. En-route to Kandy stop at the spice garden in Matale, boasting incredible views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic followed by an amazing cultural dance show in the evening.
Day 7: Kandy
After breakfast take a boat ride on Kandy Lake, giving you breathtaking views of the picturesque city, and from where you can observe a variety of bird species such as the Indian cormorants, wood storks and pelicans. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel before heading out this evening for a walk in Udawattekele rainforest.
Day 8: Christmas Eve - Nuwara Eliya
Today after breakfast you will be taken to Nuwara Eliya by train. Train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) is approximately 4 hours. You will be transferred from the station and taken to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya, to check in relax for the rest of your day enjoying the hotel facilities before your Christmas Eve dinner.
Day 9: Christmas Day - Nuwara Eliya
Merry Christmas! After breakfast you will be taken for a tea plantation experience dressed in handmade, traditional silk sarees which you'll then get to take home with you. Your experience starts in the plantation itself with the tea puckers, giving you the opportunity to learn how to pluck tea then visit the factory where ancient machines pre-dating the industrial revolution wither, roll and dry the tea, followed by learning how to taste different variety of tea. There is normally a little time at the end of the tour for a tea tasting, either of one specific type of tea or occasionally of the various specialties of that factory. Much like a wine tasting, a traditional tea tasting would involve drinking tea (without milk), swilling it around the mouth to get the taste. Return back to the hotel and celebrate the festivities with a scrumptious Christmas day lunch. Later on, enjoy a fabulous High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
Day 10: Udawalawe
After breakfast proceed to Yala, with a stop at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home before participate in the process of curd making. Though buffalo curd is a quintessential favourite in the Sri Lankan pantry, its arduous journey, from teat to table, is often unheeded. Enjoy a fresh sip of milk after trying your hand milking a buffalo and end this experience by relishing a fresh pot of curd sweetened with treacle.
Day 11: Yala National Park
Early morning, and later this afternoon, you will be taken for a jeep safari at Yala National park, where you will embark on an adventure safari through the park.
Day 12: Hikkaduwa
Head towards Hikkaduwa, where you will enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 13: Galle Fort
After breakfast you will be visiting Galle Fort, set on the peninsula within the walled remains of a fortress. Walk to the lighthouse on its perimeter and visit the Old Dutch Church with its tombstone covered floor before a stroll along the Rampart.
Day 14: Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary
A visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is a must. Travel to the Hatchery, visiting a cinnamon plantation on the way, Learn all there is to know about the uses and benefits of cinnamon and try your hand with the tools of the trade in an Ambalama. Go on to witness the exceptional sight at the Turtle Hatchery and see the eggs hatching or the turtles being returned to the sea, moving towards the water as they flap their tiny flippers.
Day 15: Travel to Colombo
After breakfast return to Colombo for a tour around this amazing city. Enjoy the celebrations of New Year's Eve with a dinner at the hotel.
Day 16: Colombo at leisure
Spend New Year's Day at leisure, discovering the many gems of Colombo.
Day 17: Depart Colombo
Any time before your flight is free to further explore the vibrant city of Colombo independently. Later, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight home.
Departure dates

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Duration

Travellers

Operator
Wendy Wu

Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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