Explore 12 Days/11 Nights Tour

Negombo/Wilpattu/Anuradhapura// Habarana/Kandy/Ella/Colombo

SALE ENDS 31 JUL 20 VALID FOR TRAVEL: 01 MAY—31 OCT 20 SEASONAL SURCHARGES APPLY: 01 JUL—31 AUG 20

From

$3315* Per person

HIGHLIGHTS • BBQ Dinner by a campfire • Wilpattu National Park Safari • Anuradhapura • Jaffna • RIO Ice cream • Ferry ride to Delft Island • Meditation session • Climb up the Pidurangala Rock • Train ride from Peradeniya to Ella • Temple of Tooth + Cookery demonstration • Lipton’s Seat hike + Dambatanne Tea Factory • Colombo Tuk safari

DAY 01: AIRPORT /NEGOMBO (Approx. 20 mins drive from Airport)

Welcome to Sri Lanka, as you set foot on this beautiful island, you'll be met by our Chauffeur Guide and escorted to the air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer hotel in Negombo. Spend the rest of the day at leisure adapting to the tropical weather and the true essence of Sri Lanka. Negombo is a great location to witness some pleasant glimpses of the sea. Overnight in Negombo DAY 02: NEGOMBO /WILPATTU

Today, you will check out and leave to . (Approx. 2.5 hrs drive from Negombo)

After the fall of the great city of Polonnaruwa, the Kandyan kings fled to a succession of inac- cessible crags, bearing with them the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. One of them was Yapahuwa, a huge, yet little-visited rock fortress a little way off the Kurunegala- Anuradhapura road which is one of the great architectural sites of the island. Yapahuwa is worthy of a visit as it is relatively quick to see, interesting and beautiful.

Thereafter proceed towards the Wilpattu. (Approx. 1.5 hrs drive from Yapahuwa)

Indulging in a mouth-watering BBQ prepared by a roaring campfire.

Explore the wilderness on foot.

A walking safari allows for up-close and personal encounters with Mother Nature’s beauty with special emphasis. This unique experience is an ideal alternative to a jeep safari. However this would vary depend on the circumstances.

Overnight in Campsite in Wilpattu

Mihintale is now a key pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Buddhists, and is home to several In the Late Afternoon explore the amazing majestic religious monuments including a North town. magnificent 40ft stupa which dates back to the 1st century BC. You can spend a few hours exploring the town, pausing at sites such Jaffna market and After a short and non-strenuous climb of 15-20 Jaffna Library. Jaffna Fort was severely minutes, you can explore Mihintale’s ancient damaged during the terrorist conflict, and ruins at your leisure – it remains relatively non- now houses a garrison, but touristy compared to some of the other sites restoration work is underway with financial in this area. We recommend doing the climb in assistance from the Dutch government. the early morning or the late afternoon – it is a beautiful place to see at sunset. You may be On completion proceed to hotel and relax. required to remove your shoes at certain points. Overnight in Jaffna

On completion proceed to hotel and relax. DAY 05: JAFFNA Overnight in Anuradhapura After an early breakfast at the hotel, dress up DAY 04: ANURADHAPURA /JAFFNA Sarongs to participate for an offering and worship at The Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. After an early breakfast at the hotel, Checkout and leave for Anuradhapura for a short visit. This majestic Kovil is the most important Hindu temple in the Jaffna region. It is one of Sri Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first civilisation Lanka’s most prominent Hindu temples. and the centre-point of the island’s greatest kingdoms, acting as the royal capital for over Legendary Rio Ice cream is a must have to 100 kings between the 2nd century BC and wash off spiciness down. 1073 AD. At its height, Anuradhapura was home to thousands of monks from dozens of On completion proceed to hotel. different monasteries, and it remains Sri Lanka’s most important cultural site, both in Overnight in Jaffna terms of history and religion. DAY 06: JAFFNA Anuradhapura is also home to a sacred, ancient Bo tree, which originally came from a After breakfast at the hotel, take a ferry ride branch of the Bo tree in Budda Gaya – the tree away from the Punkuditivu pier to Delft Island DAY 03: WILPATTU /ANURADHAPURA under which Lord Buddha sat and gained and discover a simple, escapist island where enlightenment. wild horses roam the plains, and explore the Early Morning enjoy a game ride at Wilpattu Thereafter proceed to Jaffna. ruins of a Portuguese Fort. National Park. It is one of the oldest and largest national (Approx. 4 hrs drive from Anuradhapura) parks in Sri Lanka, covering a tremendous 130,000 hectares of land. The bizarre hallmark of this park is the presence of "Willus" (natural freshwater lakes).

Thereafter you will check out and leave to Anuradhapura. (Approx. 45 mins drive from Wilpattu)

In the Late Afternoon visit Mihintale (Approx. 30 mins drive from Anuradhapura)

Historically recorded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale is commonly believed by Sri Lankans to be the meeting place of the Buddhist monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, and King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC. Thereafter proceed to Karainagar to have a dip in the sea at Casuarina beach.

No trip to Jaffna is complete without a trip to the shore and when it comes to the best beach in the region, Casuarina Beach is top of the list. Located in Karainagar, within easy reach of Jaffna Town, this white sandy beach is named after the Casuarina trees that line the coastline. It has become a popular place amongst locals for a sea-bath, picnic on the sand or taking in sunsets as yet another day comes slowly to an end in this enchanting part of the island.

On completion proceed to hotel.

Overnight in Jaffna

DAY 07: JAFFNA /HABARANA

After an early Breakfast at the Hotel, proceed to Habarana. (Approx. 4 hrs drive from Jaffna)

In the Afternoon Take a walk through the ruins of Ritigala.

The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery, dating back to the time of the ancient Sinhalese Kingdom of Anuradhapura, Ritigala was once a sprawling monastic complex, abandoned in From the top, there are glorious vistas of the the 10th and 11th centuries following a series surrounding landscape and an incredible view DAY 10: KANDY /ELLA of the majestic Rock. (Approx. 3.5 hrs drive from Kandy) of invasions from India. Today, some ruins of the monastery still stand – wander through Thereafter Transfer to Kandy In the morning take a scenic train ride from the forest along old paths, painstakingly Peradeniya to Ella. made using large stone slabs, and lose (Approx. 4 hrs drive from Habarana) yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this Train tickets are strictly subject to availability beautiful environment as you explore the On completion proceed to hotel and and only could be confirmed closer to travel date. Train ride is approximately 8 hrs. various relics which remain. Overnight in Kandy Expect an indulge in plenty of meditation and Arrive in Ella Station and proceed to the hotel. soul-searching. DAY 09: KANDY On completion proceed to hotel. Overnight in Ella After breakfast visit Temple of the Tooth Overnight in Habarana DAY 11: ELLA Tradition tells that a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th Start the day with a relaxing hike to Lipton’s century A.D. and was enshrined within the Seat from Dambetenna Tea Factory (3 hours Temple, a striking building with a golden roof. Hike) – the favourite view of Sir Thomas Lipton, the great tea entrepreneur. You will Take part in a Cookery demonstration & be rewarded not only with an astonishing experience the authentic spicy curries in Sri view, but also with locals selling refreshing Lanka. drinks and fortifying snacks at the top.

Sri Lanka is an island nation that loves its Proceed to Nine Arch Bridge for a photo unique food culture, which has been shaped by stop. many historical, cultural and other factors.

From the wide range of staples to spicy curries Thereafter Transfer to Colombo (Approx. 6 hrs drive from Ella) to sweets to street food, the cuisine of Sri Lanka is full of flavor and variety. With so many Last but not least the Dodgy Bar Walk. dishes to choose from, it’s no wonder there are so many food fans from all around the world. Dodgy Bar Tour of Colombo over a boozy walk through Colombo’s dodgiest watering holes and witness Fort and Pettah through DAY 08: HABARANA /KANDY your very own beer goggles.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, climb up This bar tour is an excellent opportunity for the Pidurangala Rock. meeting new friends or simply getting a small ‘sip’ of what the bar culture within the Pidurangala is an enormous rock located a Fort is all about! few kilometres north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked history: whilst This tour will take you to five bars, giving you King Kasyapa was building Sigiriya Rock a variety of different atmospheres to explore Fortress in the 5th century, he moved monks as you experiment with the different spirits living round Sigiriya to a new monastery each bar has to offer. This is a A -3 hour tour on Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala is a more in Fort. challenging climb than Sigiriya, so should not be attempted by those with poor physical Overnight in Colombo fitness. DAY 12: COLOMBO / AIRPORT (Approx. 1 hrs drive from Colombo)

In the Morning enjoy a Tuk Tuk Safari.

Sri Lanka’s coastal capital is conveniently compact, but navigating thel ively, cross-crossed streets can be tricky, and walking can quickly become tiring in the heat and humidity. The easiest way to get a sense of Colombo’s character is to tour the city by tuk tuk, the most popular form of local transport.

Hosted by a trained, English-speaking driver, the tuk tuk tour includes visits to some of Colombo’s most fascinating cultural sites, as well as a s election of ‘non-touristy’ recommendations which reveal a more authentic side of Sri Lanka’s capital.

Today is the last day of your tour. You've spent 12 days getting to know about the beautiful Island and now it's time to say adios. Price includes: Check out for transfer to the airport.  Yapahuwa + BBQ Dinner prepared by a campfire + We wish you a safe flight back home. Night walk with a guide at Big Game Tented Camps  Wilpattu National Park Safari + Mihintale  Anuradhapura + Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi + Jaffna Mar- ket + Jaffna Library + Jaffna Fort  Nallur Kovil + RIO Ice cream  Ferry ride to Delft Island + Casuarina beach  Ritigala walk + Meditation session  Pidurangala  Temple of Tooth + Cookery demonstration  Train ride from Peradeniya to Ella  Lipton’s Seat hike + Dambatanne Tea Factory + Nine Arch Bridge + Dodgy bar Tour in Colombo  Colombo Tuk safari

 Accommodation in hotels specified or similar  Meals as specified throughout the itinerary  All Entrance fees as per the itinerary  Transportation in an Air conditioned tour car, van or coach as per to the above itinerary  Services of a English language speaking National Guide for 7 pax & above (excluding the beach stay)  Services of a English language speaking driver guide for 01 - 06 pax (excluding the beach stay)

ACCOMMODATION: Price excludes: Jetwing Blue—Negombo Big Game Tented Camps—Wilpattu  Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary Rajarata Hotel—Anuradhapura  Expenses of personal nature. Jetwing Jaffna—Jaffna  Cost of beverages throughout the tour Amaya Lake—Habarana  Tips and Portages Amaya Hills—Kandy  Visa fee (please refer to www.eta.gov.lk)  Compulsory supplements - X’Mas & New Year’s Oak Ray Ella Gap—Ella Eve Dinners (prices to be advise at time of booking) Ozo Colombo—Colombo

*Conditions Apply: Price is per person based on twin share accommodation throughout the itinerary. Valid for Travel from 01 May—31 Oct 20, seasonal surcharges apply: 01 Jul—31 Aug 20 and valid for sale until 31 Jul 20. Price is correct as of 05 Mar 20, however is subject to currency fluctuations. Valid for new bookings only and subject to availability at time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. For all enquiries and bookings please call or email our reservations team

Reservations: (03) 9686 5366 Toll Free: 1800 338 004 Email: [email protected] website: www.sri-lanka-tours.com.au

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