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Compare Sri Lanka by Travel for All vs Highlights of Sri Lanka by Great Value Vacations

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Duration 13 days 8 days
Price From $ 3,329 $ 3,129
Price Per Day $ 256 $ 391
Highlights
  • Visit Colombo
  • Explore the great treasures of the island.
  • Eplore the great archeological site of Polonnaruwa
  • Visit Matale, spices gardens with pepper, cardamom, chilly etc.
  • Visit Yala National Park
  • UNESCO Lion Rock of Sigiriya & Cave Temple in Dambulla
  • Temple of Tooth
  • Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
  • UNESCO Dutch Fort & Turtle Hatchery
Trip Style Self-guided tour Self-guided tour
Lodging Level Premium Standard
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • N/A
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Family Friendly
  • Accessible & Limited Mobility
N/A
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Negombo
N/A
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Airfare included
Activities
  • Culture
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
N/A
Meals Included N/A N/A
Description

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia. Travel-for-All can help plan your fully accessible Sri Lanka Vacation.

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:

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Itinerary: Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival In Colombo – Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

We have conceived with care, itineraries comfortably designed to welcome manual wheelchair users, answering the needs of less mobile travelers to enable an exciting and serene visit of Sri Lanka.

We wish you a great trip to Sri Lanka, rich in encounters and discoveries.

Upon arrival, warm welcome at the airport by your guide and your driver.

Drive to the local market of Negombo located nearby the airport. This market is the 2nd most important one of the island. You will find there all kinds of fishs and sea shells displayed directly on the floor. This visit is an ideal occasion to immerse yourself sofly in the local ambiance.

Tour of the little town of Negombo.

After those visits, check in at your hotel located by the sea, in the little town of Negombo.

Lunch at the hotel.

Free time in the afternoon to relax.

Day 2: Negombo - Sigiriya

Today, drive to the center of Sri Lanka, to explore the great treasures of the island.

You will cross a part of the island of Ceylon with its rich landscapes and lush vegetation. Do not be surprised if elephants cross the road in front of your vehicle!

North of Sri Lanka offers one of the best highlights of the island with its former capitals Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

Lunch will be served on the way in a comfortable local restaurant.

In mid-afternoon, you will reach the great rock of Sigiriya. It is an enormous red stone overlooking by 150 meters a lush forest. Photo stop to admire this spectacular landscape.

Check-in and dinner at your hotel

Day 3: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya

In the morning, drive north bound to explore the great archeological site of Polonnaruwa. This site was at the 11th century the capital of the kingdom of Ceylon. Numerous palaces and temples were built there, making this area the most active place of the island for art and religion.

Now that this site has been invaded by the forest, it has become a peaceful archeological park.

Have a tour of 2 to 3 hours to explore the major sites of this area.

Visit a wood art factory located nearby the site.

Lunch in a local restaurant with a fantastic view on the lake.

After lunch, drive back to your hotel.

Enjoy some time to relax in the afternoon.

Day 4: Sigiriya

In mid-morning, departure to the country side of Sri Lanka for a moment among nature.

In a traditional house of the region, be welcome by a local family for an unforgettable encounter.

In company of your host, learn about the local gastronomy and give a hand in the kitchen to help preparing the traditional meal: “Rice and Curry”!

Local lunch in a traditionnal house.

Back to the hotel for some free time.

At the end of the afternoon, head to a massage parlor for 1h30 of Ayurveda massage. Select the treatment of your choice.

Day 5: Sigiriya - Matale - Kandy

Today, drive to the city of Kandy, the spiritual capital of the island.

On your way, in Matale, visit spices gardens with pepper, cardamom, chilly etc.

With your local guide you will learn plenty about those condiments and plants.

Lunch at the spice gardens.

Continue your journey to Kandy. Located at 350 meters of altitude and surrounded by hills, Kandy is the cultural center of the country.

The city became British in 1815. Nested between rice fields and tea plantations, circled by the great river of Mahaweli, Kandy is a handicraft, art and dance jewel.

Arrival at your hotel in Kandy and check-in into your rooms.

At the end of the afternoon, head to the central lake of the city to enjoy a traditional dance show: dance of the fire, dance of the harvest, dance of the offerings etc are performed in colorful traditional costumes along with musicians.

Continue to the Temple of the Tooth. Not to be missed in Kandy, this temple which was achieved in 1782. It hosts one of the most precious relic of Buddhism: the tooth of the “illuminated”, the tooth of Buddha. This tooth would have been saved from the flames in 543 BC, then after epic stories, it would have traveled to Ceylon. It has become the most precious treasure of the island.

Day 6: Kandy - Pinnawela - Kandy

This morning, departure for the Elephants sanctuary!

The place belongs to a local family taking care of retired elephants.

Visit of the foundation.

At the artisanal workshop, the elephants’ poo is recycled to make … writing paper!

It is now time for the bath of the elephants. The peaceful giants invite you to come and scrub their back!

Lunch by the river, in the park of the foundation.

On your way back to Kandy in the afternoon, stop for a nice promenade in the great gardens of

Peradeniya : the largest botanical garden of the island, covering 60 hectares nested by the banks of the river Mahaweli. This garden offers an impressive collection of orchids and of palm trees planted in 1950.

Moment of leisure at your hotel and departure for dinner in a restaurant offering a fantastic panoramic view on the city.

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

This morning, departure to a hilly region of Sri Lanka: the region of Nuwara Eliya.

You will explore today the country of Tea! Landscapes of the plantations are unique. The quality of the tea depends on the altitude at which it is cultivated. The harvest is, still today, done by hand by women generally dressed in their traditional outfit: the longhi.

Visit of a tea plantation and tasting of one of the best tea in the world !

Lunch in Nuwara Eliya.

The afternoon will be dedicated to a visit of the small town of Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is an enchanting place located in the mountains, which is very different from the rest of the country. Your are transported to the ancient colonial atmosphere of Sri Lanka, surrounded by English cottages, golf courses and colonial buildings.

Arrival in mid-afternoon at your hotel.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park

Departure to Yala, at the extreme south of the island.

You will take the most scenic road of the country before going back down the southern meadows.

Arrival in Yala National Park. Check-in in your hotel located in the heart of the National Park. You will probably witness elephants crossing the yard of your hotel.

Lunch in your lodge in Yala National Park.

In mid-afternoon you will get onboard a Jeep for an adventurous tour in the National Park. Created in 1899, this reserve is 1200 km. It is a great spot to watch wildlife.

Day 9: Yala National Park - South of Sri Lanka

Beginning of the morning to enjoy the park before driving on the beautiful road along the coast of the island.

Lunch with a great view on the ocean.

Arrival at your hotel for 4 nights.

Day 10: South of Sri Lanka - Galle

In the morning, departure for a tour to the city of Galle.

Galle is an ancient Dutch counter and is one of the most charming place of the island. Inside the fort, you will enjoy wandering in the small streets.

This quiet city of 76.000 people used to be the main Dutch counter for the trade of spices. You will see colonial buildings as well as the « Groote Kerk », a church built in 1754.

Time at leisure for souvenir shopping.

Back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 11: South of Sri Lanka

Day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and its surroundings.

Day 12: South of Sri Lanka - Departure

Morning at leisure to prepare your suitcase.

Transfer to the airport depending on the schedule of your international flight.

Say good-bye to the land of tea and spices!

Itinerary: Highlights of 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! 

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