Compare Sri Lanka Encompassed by G Adventures vs Highlights of Sri Lanka by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,719 | $ 3,129 |
| Price Per Day | $ 123 | $ 391 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long. Well, it's back. Discover the vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and swaying palm trees of this tropical jewel. Explore tea plantations and rock fortresses on this 14-day tour, which is designed to please. This tour is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it's about the inspiring people you'll meet along the way. |
Ready, set, adventure! Grab your camera, pack a bag, and embark on this 7-night guided journey through Sri Lanka. Kick off in Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling capital city. With a long history in ancient east-west trade, this port city boasts a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Today, the restaurant and shop-filled area is a commercial hub! After a night in the city, you'll switch gears and soak up some village vibes. On your way to the ancient stone city of Sigiriya, enjoy a visit to an elephant orphanage! Interact with Sri Lanka's cutest (and biggest) residents as they eat and bathe in the river. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, you'll explore the UNESCO Lions Rock of Sigiriya and the Cave Temple of Dambulla. As you journey from Sigiriya to the picturesque town of Kandy, you'll stop at a local spice and herb garden. Breathe in aromatic scents and consider snagging some flavorful souvenirs! Surrounded by mountains, rainforests, and tea plantations, the city of Kandy is nestled on the scenic Bogambara Lake. During your stay, you'll visit sacred Buddhist sites such as the Temple of Tooth and you'll feast your eyes on cultural spectacles such as a dance and drum show! After that, venture to Peradeniya, where you'll explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, filled with a vibrant mix of native, tropical, and exotic plants. Then, move on to Ramboda Falls, where you'll visit a local tea factory, and of course, sip a cup yourself! From there, enjoy stays in Nuwara Eliya and the beach paradise of Beruwala. On this incredible vacation, you'll visit tons of UNESCO World Heritage sites, take guided sightseeing tours, and relax on scenic drives. Helpful links for travel to Sri Lanka: |
Day 1 Colombo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2 Colombo/Negombo
Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.
Day 3 Negombo/Sigiriya
Begin the day visiting the seaside and observe fisherman sorting through their haul ashore. Board a boat to glide along the Dutch canal and get a closer look at the lives of the locals. Travel to the Dambulla province and visit the cave temple before watching the sun set over the lake.
Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake.
Day 4 Sigiriya
Guided tour of the rock fortress of Sigiriya — a World Heritage site. Meet locals and share a meal in a nearby village.
Enjoy a walking tour of a local village to learn about residents' way of life while getting a chance to try the local cuisine at a lunch prepared by the families of the community. Later, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the fifth century, this rock fortress boasts well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces with beautiful wall motifs. In the afternoon, opt to go for a tour of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, where you can cycle through the ruins.
Day 5 Sigiriya/Kandy
Drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range and visit a spice plantation en route to Kandy. Stop for lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth.
En route to Kandy, stop at the herbal centre of spices. Students of Ayurveda will explain different uses for each herb. Arrive to Kandy in the afternoon. Go for a stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the famed Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an included lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. In the evening, opt to attend a Kandyan Cultural Dance.
Day 6 Kandy/Digana
Enjoy a free morning in Kandy then travel to Digana. Arrive at the nature resort for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.
Accommodations at a nature resort homestay are simple and authentic. Rooming will be in twin and triple-share rooms.
Day 7 Digana/Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring to Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon, explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands. Gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region.
The town, also known as 'Little England', offers a lot of options for visitors. Explore the nature trails, visit the plantations, or go golfing or horseback riding.
Day 8 Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Spend a free morning hiking in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve or strolling local markets. Later, hop on the local train and take the scenic route to Ella.
Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.
Day 9 Ella
Enjoy a free day in the charming town of Ella. Opt to tour the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, admire views of Ella Rock, or simply relax and wander around town.
Day 10 Ella/Yala National Park
Opt to hike Little Adam's Peak with a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.
Day 11 Yala National Park to Mirissa
Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then bid farewell and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach.
Day 12 Galle
Take a day trip to Galle and tour the colonial city and historic fort before returning to Mirissa.
Day 13 Mirissa
Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa. Opt to relax on the beach or take a surfing lesson.
Day 14 Mirissa
Depart at any time.
The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer. Please note that it will take about 2.5 hours to get to Colombo from Mirissa.
Day 1 Welcome to Colombo!
Touch down in Sri Lanka's largest city, Colombo! This fascinating commercial hub draws together culture, religion, and cuisine. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and settle in. Spend your first night relaxing or exploring on your own! Why not treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal?
Day 2 Colombo - Pinnawala - Sigiriya
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then grab your camera and take a scenic drive through the lush green countryside to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage! Along the way, you'll spot coconut palms, paddy fields, and banana plantations! Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you feed and accompany elephants to nearby rivers for baths. Later in the day, you'll venture to Sigiriya and check into your next accommodation.
Day 3 Sigiriya
Enjoy an early breakfast, then visit the Lions Rock of Sigiriya! This impressive 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site rises approximately 600 feet from the plains, overlooking the surrounding countryside. Take in unbelievable views of Sri Lanka's breathtaking natural beauty! In the afternoon, you'll drive to the incredible cave temple of Dambulla! Admire ancient walls adorned with frescoes, geometric designs, and warm orange and gold colors. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an amazing taste of ancient Sri Lankan history.
Day 4 Sigiriya - Kandy
Fuel up with breakfast, then head for the hills! Enjoy a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Kandy. Along the way, you'll make a pit stop at a spice garden near Matale. See and smell various spices and herbs, and consider stocking up on massage oils, cooking spices, or Ayurvedic medicines! One of Sri Lanka's most charming towns, Kandy is famous for its gorgeous lakeside setting. It's also home to the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth, a significant sacred Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha, collected from his funeral pyre! Upon arrival, enjoy a special visit to this famous temple. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre! Admire rhythmic dancers and tap along to drums as you partake of this vibrant spectacle.
Day 5 Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, start off your day with beautiful flora and fauna. Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and see all sorts of tropical indigenous and exotic plants, including those of coffee, tea, nutmeg, and Java fig. Next, you'll journey on to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls. Along the way, make a visit to a local tea factory, where you'll witness the process of producing tea and try a cup of fine Sri Lankan tea for yourself! Located at a soaring altitude of 6,128 feet, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town known to many as "Little England," as it was a popular English vacation destination during colonial times. Much of the architecture still reflects this cultural touch! Upon arrival in this beautiful area, check into your next accommodation and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 6 Nuwara Eliya - Beruwala
Enjoy an energizing breakfast then journey to Beruwala, home to one of the longest beaches in Sri Lanka! Beruwala is an unspoiled fishing village, filled with colorful streets that are lined with charming shops and stalls. Check into your hotel then spend the rest of the day however you'd like! Take a dip in the ocean, lounge on the golden sand, or stroll through the quaint streets of local vendors.
Day 7 Beruwala - Galle - Beruwala
It may be your last full day in Sri Lanka, but the fun is nowhere near over! After breakfast, set off for a drive along the southern shores of Sri Lanka to the must-see city of Galle. Rich with colonial architecture, Galle is known for its 17th-century Dutch Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Visit this beautiful attraction and take in the charm of this fascinating city. In the late afternoon, you'll journey back to Beruwala for one final night. Be sure to check all the local sites, restaurants, and shops off your Beruwala bucket list before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 8 Depart Sri Lanka
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and say "see ya" to Sri Lanka. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport, then spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
