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Highlights of Sri Lanka
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: IHS_NZ
Overview
Destination:
Sri Lanka,
Start:Sri Lanka (all), Sri Lanka
Finish:Sri Lanka (all), Sri Lanka
Finish:Sri Lanka (all), Sri Lanka
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
April 2025 - November 2026
From stunning scenery to amazing architecture, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise. Marvel at magnificent temples, see the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, see elephants at Yala National Park and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
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) 14 days from $7,180 per person, twin share
- Single supplement from $1,900
Standard inclusions
- Domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
- Accommodation
- Entrance fees, guides and daily tours.
- Standard group visa fees included and fees may apply for foreign passport holders or other visas.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1-2: Fly To Colombo
Fly to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo.
Day 3: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
This morning travel to Dambulla, and in the afternoon visit Sigiriya, home to the 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Fortress, 'Lion Rock'. Built by King Kassapa as the centre of his short-lived kingdom, pass between a pair of colossal lion’s paws and climb to the top for panoramic views. Explore the surrounding gardens as well as admiring the world-renowned Heavenly Maidens frescoes.
Day 4: Polonnaruwa
Visit the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 12th-century, it is a well-preserved city of stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the Gal Viharaya, a magnificent group of rock temples and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings. Return to Dambulla.
Day 5: Anuradhapura
Drive to celebrated Anuradhapura. The city's greatest treasures are its dagobas; domes enshrining sacred relics. The most notable is the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, dating back to the 2nd-century BC, which you will visit today along with the Thuparamaya, said to contain the collarbone of Buddha. Discover the city's most renowned relic, the 2,250-year-old sacred Bo Tree. Emperor Asoka's daughter brought to Anuradhapura a branch of this tree, under which Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment.
Day 6: Dambulla Rock Temple
After breakfast, travel to visit Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st-century BC, the temple is made up of five cave sanctuaries where you'll find some of Sri Lanka's most important Buddha images. Visit a spice garden in Matale where you can see cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers and other spice trees growing and watch a cooking demonstration. Continue through majestic hill country to the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural hub.
Day 7: Cultural Kandy
This morning, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Stolen at Buddha's funeral, the tooth was smuggled into Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess who fled from India. Explore the remains of the Royal Palace, now a museum. This evening you will watch a colourful cultural dance performance.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast travel by train to Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka. Situated at 2,000m above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the main hill station of Sri Lanka and is known for its excellent tea production due to the cool climate which creates tea with a unique flavour.
Day 9: City Tour of Nuwara Eliya
This morning visit a tea plantation and tea factory, learning how the tea is graded. This afternoon explore the city center to see the colonial buildings, race course, Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and Sita Amman Kovil.
Day 10: Udawalawe
Travel to the Elephant Transit Home located near Udawalawe National Park, where abandoned baby elephants are cared for before they are released into the park. Continue to Yala, Sri Lanka's premiere national park.
Day 11: Yala National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris around the park. It is home to elephants, deer and the elusive leopards, of which one of the world's largest populations can be found.
Day 12: Coastal Drive To Hikkaduwa
Depart Yala and drive to Galle. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Galle, check into your hotel for a two night stay.
Day 13: Old Galle
Explore the Southern capital city of Galle, Sri Lanka's finest colonial treasure, and once the greatest port in Ceylon. See the lighthouse, the Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, before wandering narrow streets dotted with Dutch colonial villas, museums and antique shops.
Day 14: Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project, established in 1981 to protect the local turtle population.
Day 15: Explore Colombo
Tour the vibrant city of Colombo today. Discover the Fort District, stroll Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal. Also, explore the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and the Colombo and Natural History Museums. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, you may be transferred to the airport after dinner in time for your flight scheduled to depart very early tomorrow morning.
Days 16: Fly Colombo To New Zealand
Fly to New Zealand arriving home later today or tomorrow.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
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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