Secrets of Sri Lanka
Escorted Tour
9 Days From £1095
Journey through tropical lowland rainforests, rolling tea plantation-covered mountains and discover pristine white-sand beaches in the east of the island.
Including...
- Fully Escorted Tour with local English Speaking Guides throughout
- Scheduled Flights from the UK.
- All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
- Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
- All airport taxes and security charges.
12 Day Itinerary:
Day 1: UK to ColomboDepart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Colombo International Airport. |
Day 2: Mount LaviniaOn arrival you will be transferred to the Mount Lavinia hotel. Dating back to 1806 when it was the British Governor's residence, the hotel exudes colonial charm, has its own private beach and beautifully positioned pool and terrace. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
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Day 3: Mount Lavinia to SinharajaDepart the capital to travel down to the South of the island to visit the colonial town of Galle, without doubt Sri Lanka's foremost urban attraction. Your guided city tour will explore Galle Fort, a walled town built by the Dutch in the 18th Century, and now a world heritage site. Inside the walls you will find the old Colonial traders' houses transformed into a lovely mix of boutique art galleries, shops and bohemian cafes, infused with the scents of spices and the tropics. After enjoying lunch in Galle you will travel to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the last major undisturbed area of rainforest in Sri Lanka, where you will spend the next two nights at the award-winning Rainforest Eco Lodge. Each of the architecturally designed 16 chalets has its own living room and private deck to enjoy the breath-taking views of forest canopy, rice paddies and tea gardens. Enjoy a gentle and relaxing introductory walk around the tea estate and surrounding grounds.
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Day 4: SinharajaEnjoy an early morning walk around the forest on a bird and butterfly trail discovering many species of flora and fauna endemic to the forest. After a well-deserved breakfast there will be further opportunity to explore this UNESCO heritage recognised rainforest on a guided walk. Dinner will be prepared with ingredients from the lodge's own gardens.
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Day 5: Sinharaja to Nuwara EliyaToday your group will leave the tropical lowlands of Sinharaja and travel up into Sri Lanka's mountainous interior to Nuwara Eliya, the city of light. En route visit the inspirational Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, which is a rehabilitation project for injured elephants nursed back to health so that they can be released back into their natural environment. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya enjoy a visit to a tea estate and factory nestled up in the hills to see the entire manufacturing process.
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Day 6: Nuwara Eliya to PassikudahThis morning enjoy a tour of Nuwara Eliya passing British red post boxes, pretty Victoria Park, the 18 hole golf course and the pink bricked Victorian post office. The group will then travel to Passikudah via the small village of Mahiyangana. On arrival in Passikudah check into your hotel for your next two nights. The largely undiscovered east of the island boasts the best beaches in Sri Lanka, with pristine white sands and turquoise shallow waters.
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Day 7: PassikudahEnjoy a full day at leisure relaxing on the beautiful Passikudah beach. Dive and snorkelling enthusiasts may choose to explore the healthy coral gardens teeming with colourful fish whilst others may take this opportunity to recharge their batteries lounging with a good book.
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Day 8: Sigiriya to MarawilaDepart early this morning to visit the stunning Sigiriya Rock fortress, a world heritage site dating back to the fifth century. Climb up steps carved into the rock face to the summit or enjoy the spectacular views of ancient citadel and jungle from the lily-pad-covered moats that surround the rock. Journey to Innamaluwa where you will visit a spice garden and enjoy a relaxing foot massage. After, proceed to Marawila for your overnight stay, stopping in Dambulla for lunch on the way.
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Day 9: Colombo to the UKAfter breakfast transfer to Colombo airport for your flight back to the UK.
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Your Meals
- Breakfast will always be served at your accommodation each morning during the tour.
- Lunch and Dinner, where included, will be served in local restaurants or at your accommodation.
Secrets of Sri Lanka
9 days from
£1,095 per person
Prices subject to availability & change
Important Information
Visas
British passport holders are currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Sri Lanka. Further to visa advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity.
Payment
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Flight Information
Your flight is to Colombo Airport is with Sri Lankan Airlines (UL), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3. Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage and hand luggage that you are permitted to carry one item of hand baggage (max 5kg - 56x36x23cm) in addition to one small personal item on-board the aircraft. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.
Health and Vaccinations
We recommend that you consult your local GP for advice on vaccinations and travel health before your departure.
Physical Accessibility
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
Group Size
The minimum number of travelers in your group will be 6, and the maximum will be 16. If in the unlikely event there are less than 6 people booked on your tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
Tour Guide
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Currency Information
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of Sri Lanka. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in these destinations, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, drinks and snacks. Approximately £200 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!