Affordable luxury: Sri Lanka grand tour

Experience luxury at affordable rates while adhering to current travel restrictions with this thoughtfully crafted itinerary, taking you to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Sri Lanka. Enjoy carefully selected boutique accommodations that promise comfort and charm throughout your journey.

Begin your tour in the historic city of Sigiriya, where you’ll visit key ancient sites like the Anuradhapura ancient city. Embark on a thrilling jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. After exploring the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, continue to the regal city of Kandy for an enriching cultural experience. Then, venture to the off-the-beaten-path area of Wellawaya, where you’ll have several optional activities to choose from, tailored to your preferences.

Cap off your journey with a luxurious 3-night stay in Tangalle, where you’ll unwind by the stunning beaches. During your time here, visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home and explore additional nearby attractions, which can be personalized to suit your interests.

Itinerary

 Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka & Transfer to Sigiriya

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be greeted with warm Sri Lankan hospitality by a representative from Exemplary Voyages. You’ll then proceed to Sigiriya.

Optional: En route, visit the Anuradhapura Ancient City ruins, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka in the 5th century. Explore magnificent dagabas, monuments, and the Siri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree in the world.

Check-in: Enjoy a stay at a nature resort near the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 Day 2: Polonnaruwa Ancient City & Minneriya Jeep Safari

Meals: Breakfast

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and enjoy the stunning mountain views from the restaurant.

Morning: Tour the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, where you’ll explore the impressive relics from the reign of King Parakramabahu, who led the city through a golden age.

Afternoon: Embark on a Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its large herds of wild elephants.

 Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Transfer to Kandy

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural wonder and one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured historical landmarks. Climb to the summit, admiring the frescoes of maidens and the remains of the ancient palace.

Afterward: Proceed to Kandy, the royal city nestled in the mountains. Check-in at the luxurious Kings Pavilion, where tranquility meets comfort.

 Day 4: Kandy City Tour & Temple of the Tooth

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then set out for a panoramic tour of Kandy.

Highlight: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka. Experience a pooja ceremony and the peaceful surroundings of the temple.

Optional: Visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, home to over 5,000 species of trees and plants, including exotic flora.

 Day 5: Transfer to Wellawaya

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, journey to the lesser-known area of Wellawaya, passing through scenic tea plantations.

Optional: Tour a tea factory if restrictions are lifted and enjoy High Tea at St. Andrew’s Hotel.

Check-in: Settle into Jetwing Kaduruketha, a resort surrounded by lush paddy fields and serene mountain ranges.

 Day 6: Paddy Trails Walk & ElleWala Waterfall Trek

Meals: Breakfast

Start the day with a guided walk along the paddy trails and visit the resort’s organic garden to pick your own vegetables for a cooking demonstration with the head chef.

Afternoon: Trek to the ElleWala Waterfall, a hidden gem accessible by bicycles, nestled in the heart of the jungle.

 Day 7: Transfer to Tangalle & Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Tangalle, with a stop at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which rehabilitates elephants before releasing them back into the wild.

Check-in: Enjoy your stay at Buckingham Place, a beachside property in a nature sanctuary, with luxurious rooms and an oceanfront restaurant.

 Day 8: Leisure Day in Tangalle

Meals: Breakfast

Relax by the infinity pool or beach, enjoying a day of leisure.

Optional: Experience a Jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to elephants and leopards, or visit the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project to learn about marine turtle conservation efforts.

 Day 9: Whale Watching & Galle Tour

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a whale-watching expedition by private catamaran, where you’ll spot blue and sperm whales with the guidance of a naturalist. Enjoy breakfast on board while snorkeling and swimming.

Later, visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Galle, exploring its Dutch Fort, maritime museum, and historical landmarks.

 Day 10: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, proceed to the airport to catch your departure flight. If time permits, enjoy a romantic lunch/dinner at Amangalla, one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious colonial buildings.

Optional: Enjoy a private meal under the night sky, complete with live local entertainment such as a flutist or fire dancer.

 What’s Included:

– Accommodation on a double basis for 9 nights

– Transportation in an air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

– Entrance fees for Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Temple of the Tooth

– Minneriya National Park Jeep hire

– Breakfasts

– Water bottles throughout the tour

 What’s Excluded:

– Lunches and dinners

– Tips and portage

– International flights and visa entry charges

– PCR test costs and COVID-19 insurance