Jewels of Sri Lanka
Overview
Highlights
- Climb the narrow steps that wind around the cliff-carved rock fortress of sigiriya, emerging triumphant at the world’s oldest landscaped gardens that sit 200 metres high.
- Sip on fresh ceylon tea in nuwara eliya, tasting lovely brews with even lovelier views of rolling, evergreen hillside.
- Search for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes under cover of darkness during an evening safari tour of yala national park.
- With a history touched by portuguese, dutch and british influences and a society with a devout adherence to the buddhist faith, this island-nation has incredible diversity.
- With included trips to key sites and plenty of free time to discover sri lanka yourself, this trip is the perfect balance between guidance and space.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (the country's main international airport), you'll be met and transferred to your hotel close to Negombo, which is situated north of Colombo. Meet your leader and fellow travellers during a welcome meeting at around 6 pm.
Rise early this morning for a visit to the Negombo fish market. Morning is the best time to visit the market, which is a picture of organised frenzy as vendors display delicacies like crab, lobsters, shark and squid. Bid farewell to Negombo and continue by private veh...
Drive to Anuradhapura in a private vehicle after breakfast this morning (approximately 1.5 hours). The sacred city of Anuradhapura is one of the main shrines of Buddhism in the country. Take a walk through intricate monuments and amazing architecture. While here you w...
After breakfast, journey by private vehicle out to another of the area's ancient landmarks in Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours each way). There are plenty of temples, tombs and stupas to discover, as well as the spectacular Quadrangle. Later in the afternoon, head back to Dambulla for a final evening, where you may like to enjoy a refreshing drink by the peaceful lake.
Make the short drive to Dambulla Caves Temple this morning and explore this magnificent cave complex. The World Heritage-listed monastery has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and for good reason. In the afternoon, venture out in your private vehicle to Kandy (a...
Though it’s the second-largest city in the country and capital of the central hill regions, Kandy is tranquil and beautiful. In the morning, take a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Garden with a botanist. As well as 300 species of orchids, there are a number of bird...
Enjoy breakfast in Kandy and then board a 3.5-hour morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Nestled even deeper into tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 metres, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. The cool clime made it a favo...
Make a visit to the Pedro Tea Estate. Built in 1885, the plantation still features some original pieces of machinery. Experience the work that goes into the humble cup and enjoy sampling some brews. After an included lunch, your day is free to spend at your leisure. Perhaps head to Victoria Park for a relaxing stroll around a mixture of wild and sculpted plant life.
Transfer to Kataragama. On the way there, make a stop at a beautiful small town in the highlands, Ella. Here, visit Ella Gap which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains. In the evening, head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve. Here you...
Today you will enjoy another safari in Yala National Park. Perhaps take the chance to do some birdwatching; Yala is home to some 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Painted Stork and Crimson-fronted Barbet. If Yala is closed today, the group will visit Bundala National Park instead.
Take an optional visit Kataragama Temple in the morning to see the shrine that's dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo (resident god). Later we will transfer to Galle, a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka's southermost tip. Settle into your hotel, and perhaps stretch your...
The morning and afternoon are yours to explore this charming town. There are a few options if you wish to add some structure to your day. Perhaps visit a cinnamon plantation 20 minutes outside of Galle to learn about the process of making the spice. Birders may wish t...
An afternoon transfer from Galle will leave enough time for you to take a guided tour of Sri Lanka's capital city. Stop by some of the city's main sights on a bus tour including Independence Square, Parliament, and past the National Museum, finishing with a shopping ...
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay on in Colombo, we can help arrange additional accommodation for you on request. Why not soak up all that Colombo has to offer on an immersive one-day Urban Adventure tour? Visit www.urbanadventues.com for more details.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings
Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews
Expect I'm not the only one
they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...
Response to Tucan Travel - escalation to management
Derek's aggressive rant below has now been escalated to his managers, as well as to ABTA. No customer who raises critical feedback (substantiated with dozens of de...
Illegally keeping our money
We'd booked a South America trip in December, and when the Coronavirus situation seemed to be picked up, reached out to Tucan asking what would happen, and similar t...
Tour Operator
It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.
We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.
Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.
At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.
We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
Finish point
- Jetwing Colombo Seven
- 57 Ward Pl, Colombo 07
- Colombo
- SRI LANKA
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations