Compare Highlights of Sri Lanka by Great Value Vacations
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Trip |
4 | Great
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Duration | 8 days |
Price From | $ 3,129 |
Price Per Day | $ 391 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Self-guided tour |
Lodging Level | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes | N/A |
Countries Visited | |
Cities and Attractions | N/A |
Flights & Transport | Airfare included |
Activities | N/A |
Meals Included | N/A |
Description |
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 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!