Meals

• 17 Breakfast at Hotel

Others

• 17 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis • Assistance during arrival and departure by UncleSam Holidays • Daily breakfast at hotel • All transfers including airport transfers by an AC vehicle • English speaking guide at Negombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle. (Other Languages guide except English language guide at Additional cost and Subject to Availability) • 1 wildlife safari in Wilpattu National Park with professional naturalist • 1 wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park with professional naturalist • 3 wildlife safari in Yala National Park with professional naturalist • Train tickets from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya • One mineral water bottle per person per day • All currently applicable taxes including GST

Accommodation

Accommodation at good 3 Star hotels based on Double / Twin Sharing basis • 1 Nights in Negombo • 1 Nights in Chilaw • 2 Nights in Anuradhapura • 2 Nights in Jaffna • 2 Nights in Trincomalee • 2 Nights in Sigiriya • 2 Nights in Kandy • 2 Nights in Nuwara Eliya • 2 Nights in Yala NP • 1 Nights in Galle Check In : 1400 Hrs / Check Out : 1200 Hrs Early check in and late Check out are subject to availability.

Transport

All sightseeing including airport transfers by an AC Car MUV / SUV / Sedan car with an English speaking driver. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced with good knowledge of the road conditions and well trained. The type of vehicles provided are as follows : Passenger Vehicle type • 1-2 persons Air-conditioned medium car such as Etios / Dezire or similar • 3-4 persons Air-conditioned large car such as Toyota Innova or similar • 5-10 persons Air-conditioned mini-van such as Tempo Traveler or similar

Guide

• English speaking guide at Negombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle. (Other Languages guide except English language guide at Additional cost and Subject to Availability)

Not included:

Others

• Visas Fee (if applicable) • Monument entry fees • Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information pack you’ll receive after booking) • Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature • International flights to/from the start/finish of the trip

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive At Negombo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive At Negombo

On the day of arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport you’ll be greeted by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Negombo.

Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2 Day 2: Negombo - Chilaw (50 Kms / 1.30 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Negombo - Chilaw (50 Kms / 1.30 Hrs)

Today early in the morning you may choose to visit the famous local fish market, before breakfast. After breakfast and check out from hotel later transfer to Chilaw. Chilaw is a large town in Puttalam District, North Western Province, Sri Lanka. En route enjoy an Inspiring Taste; a visit to the ’toddy’ tapping areas while tasting some locally made ’toddy’. Toddy is a native alcoholic drink of the fermented sap of the coconut flower, a traditional toddy tapper climbs a coconut tree to obtain the sap and then moves skillfully along ropes from tree to tree. Upon arrival in Chilaw, rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3 Day 3: Chilaw - Anuradhapura (130 Kms / 2.30 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Chilaw - Anuradhapura (130 Kms / 2.30 Hrs)

Today after breakfast and check out from hotel later transfer to the city of Anuradhapura. En route we will be visiting Wilpattu National Park to enjoy an exciting afternoon safari. This park is located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. There are approximately 25-30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park, including the elephant, leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, buffalo, sambar and mongoose. The Park is also home to many indigenous flora and fauna. Another unique feature of the park are its “Willus” (natural lakes) - natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater.

After finish your wildlife safari, Continue your drive to Anuradhapura to check-in the hotel. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 4 Day 4: At Anuradhapura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: At Anuradhapura

Today after breakfast proceed to visit Anuradhapura, is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. The highlight of today will be a visit to the magnificent Anuradhapura ruins, where we will take a guided bicycle tour. Among the ruins you’ll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura’s great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5 Day 5: Anuradhapura - Jaffna (200 Kms / 4 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Anuradhapura - Jaffna (200 Kms / 4 Hrs)

This morning after breakfast we will transfer to the Tamil dominated city of Jaffna. This northern, coastal city was inaccessible for years due to the civil war. Upon arrival we will explore the city and its surroundings with our tour guide. We’ll journey around the Jaffna Peninsula visiting the intriguing ruined dagobas (shrines) of Kantarodai. These two dozen or so dagobas stand 1-2m in height and lie in a palm-fringed field, providing a rather otherworldly vista. We will also visit Nilavarai, a natural underground water well, seemingly bottomless where it’s said the Hindu God, Rama, shot an arrow to get water.

Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities. Optional to explore Jaffna further, we recommend visiting Nainativu Island. This island is one of the holiest sites in Sri Lanka for both Buddhists and Hindus. One of the popular things for locals to do is to make the pilgrimage to Nainativu Island. Please speak to your guide locally for details.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: At Jaffna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: At Jaffna

Today morning after breakfast some free time to spend at your leisure. Later in the afternoon we will start our half-day Jaffna city tour with our guide. We’ll experience daily life here as we explore this emerging city. First we’ll visit Naga Pooshani Amman Kovil, a colourful ancient Hindu temple complex set amid mature neem trees. The main temple deity is the naga goddess Meenakshi, a consort of Shiva. Women wishing to conceive come here seeking blessings, delivered during the trance-inducing midday puja. Next we’ll tour the beautiful Jaffna Public Library which was lovingly restored after being destroyed during the civil war. We will also see the Hindu Temple of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important temples in Jaffna.

In the evening we will have the chance to enjoy another Inspiring Taste; trying the famous Jaffna crab curry. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7 Day 7: Jaffna - Trincomalee (240 Kms / 4 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Jaffna - Trincomalee (240 Kms / 4 Hrs)

Today after breakfast and check out from hotel later drive to Trincomalee, a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel and explore this coastal gem with our guide on a city tour. In addition to the city tour, you may wish to visit the Trinco British War Cemetery or Trinco Harbour. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8 Day 8: At Trincomalee
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: At Trincomalee

Today morning after breakfast rest of the day free to spend your own leisure activities and relaxing on the beach or at your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 9 Day 9: Trincomalee - Minneriya National Park - Sigiriya (100 Kms / 2 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Trincomalee - Minneriya National Park - Sigiriya (100 Kms / 2 Hrs)

This morning after breakfast and check out from hotel later transfer to Sigiriya. En route, visit to the Minneriya National Park to enjoy the wildlife safari and spot the wild Asian Elephant.

Upon arrival at Sigiriya check-in to your resort, in the evening enjoy your own leisure activities. You may wish to visit the largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Wholesale Market, or do an evening Sigiriya Cycle Tour, to experience the authentic rural life and interact with locals.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 Day 10: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa (60 Kms / 1.30 Hrs) - Sigiriya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa (60 Kms / 1.30 Hrs) - Sigiriya

Today experience the visit of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is one of the main highlight in Sri Lanka and one of the most valuable historical monuments in the country. We’ll rise early this morning to avoid the heat of the day and visit this dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains. Lion Rock is topped by a magnificent ruined palace. It’s a good workout to climb to the top, but well worth the effort. Later continue to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ancient city of Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, and today the city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. It truly is a standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s first rulers. Here we will explore with our guide and enjoy a visit to the archaeological museum. Later drive back to your hotel. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 Day 11: Sigiriya - Kandy (100 Kms / 2.30 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Sigiriya - Kandy (100 Kms / 2.30 Hrs)

Today after breakfast and check out from hotel later transfer to the large central city of Kandy. En-route we’ll be stopping to visit the fascinating Dambulla Cave Temple where we will explore the magnificent cave complex. This World Heritage-listed monastery has been a pilgrimage site for 22 centuries for good reason. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After sightseeing tour continue your drive to Kandy, Upon arrival you will have some free time to freshen up before heading out to experience a famous Kandy cultural show and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 Day 12: At Kandy
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: At Kandy

Today morning after breakfast continue to enjoy your guided city tour of Kandy, the second largest city in the country and capital of the central hill regions. We’ll begin by visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) in the morning. Located in the heart of town, this is the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, housing a relic of a tooth of Buddha, supposedly taken from his funeral pyre. Next we’ll visit a local market where you can get a taste for the delicious local fruit. Here we’ll witness and taste a large variety of endemic fruits while chatting with shopkeepers and shoppers alike. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13 Day 13: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (By Train)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (By Train)

Today morning after breakfast and check out from hotel later proceed to board the train 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 favourite with the English and the Scots during the colonial-era, and remnants of this past can be seen in the sculpted gardens and manor homes that still decorate the city. You’ll have free time here on arrival, Upon arrival at Nuwara Eliya drive to your hotel for check-in to your hotel and breath in the mountain air.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14 Day 14: At Nuwara Eliya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: At Nuwara Eliya

Today morning after breakfast proceed to visit the Pedro Tea Estate. Built in 1885, the plantation still features some original pieces of machinery. Once you’ve done your experience. Rest of the 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.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15 Day 15: Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park (180 Kms / 5 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park (180 Kms / 5 Hrs)

Today after breakfast and check out from hotel. Later proceed to Yala National Park to enjoy an exciting afternoon guided jeep safari at Yala National Park, one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka. Encompassing a variety of diverse ecosystems, Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. On our guided game drive we will explore the dynamic wildlife and some of the most luxuriant plant life in Sri Lanka. After enjoy your wildlife safari check-in to your hotel where we will spend the evening at leisure. If Yala is closed today, you will visit Bundala National Park instead.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 Day 16: At Yala National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: At Yala National Park

Today early in the morning proceed to enjoy your wildlife safari in Yala National Park to spot the leopards that lounge in trees or stalk through the brush, crocodiles that patrol the river or wild elephants that graze across the savanna. Keep your eyes out for anything you missed yesterday. Later drive back to your hotel and refresh yourself to enjoy afternoon wildlife safari, also enjoy wildlife photography. Rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17 Day 17: Yala National Park - Galle (190 Kms / 4.30 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Yala National Park - Galle (190 Kms / 4.30 Hrs)

Today after breakfast and check out from hotel later proceed to your next destination on our magnificent journey, the perfectly preserved colonial township of Galle with its blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Galle sits on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. After check-in to your hotel we’ll set out for a walk around the iconic Galle Fort in the late afternoon. Our guide will take you to the Royal Dutch Fort, exploring the winding passageways, maze of gallery-filled narrow streets and 400 years of rich history. The fort was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. After your tour, rest of the day free for your own leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.
Day 18 Day 18: Galle - Colombo (130 Kms / 2 Hrs) And Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Galle - Colombo (130 Kms / 2 Hrs) And Departure

Today after breakfast and check out from your hotel later transfer to the Bandaranaike airport to board your flight.

+15

18 days tour

Sri Lanka Explorer

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Sri Lanka Explorer

Day 1: Arrive At Negombo

Day 2: Negombo - Chilaw (50 Kms / 1.30 Hrs)

Day 3: Chilaw - Anuradhapura (130 Kms / 2.30 Hrs)

Day 4: At Anuradhapura

Day 5: Anuradhapura - Jaffna (200 Kms / 4 Hrs)

Day 6: At Jaffna

Day 7: Jaffna - Trincomalee (240 Kms / 4 Hrs)

Day 8: At Trincomalee

Day 9: Trincomalee - Minneriya National Park - Sigiriya (100 Kms / 2 Hrs)

Day 10: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa (60 Kms / 1.30 Hrs) - Sigiriya

Day 11: Sigiriya - Kandy (100 Kms / 2.30 Hrs)

Day 12: At Kandy

Day 13: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (By Train)

Day 14: At Nuwara Eliya

Day 15: Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park (180 Kms / 5 Hrs)

Day 16: At Yala National Park

Day 17: Yala National Park - Galle (190 Kms / 4.30 Hrs)

Day 18: Galle - Colombo (130 Kms / 2 Hrs) And Departure

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