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Rainforest & Beaches Sri Lanka

Explore the breath-taking beauty and majesty of our forests and stunning beaches in Sri Lanka. Adventure holidays that will take you to beautiful locations in the island for a thrilling experience of being at one with nature.

day Location/Route duration Overnight
Day 01 Arrival and transfer to the hotel One night in Colombo Value: Ramada Colombo
Signature: Galle Face Hotel
Day 02 Colombo to Kandy Two nights in Kandy Value: Bougainvillea Retreat
Signature: Hunas Falls
Day 03 Kandy Last night in Kandy Value: Bougainvillea Retreat
Signature: Hunas Falls
Day 04 Kandy to Sinharaja Two nights in Sinharaja Value: The Rainforest Eco Lodge
Signature: Boulder Garden
Day 05 Sinharaja Last night in Sinharaja Value: The Rainforest Eco Lodge
Signature: Boulder Garden
Day 06 Sinharaja to Negombo One night in Negombo Value: Jetwing Sea
Signature: Jetwing Beach
Day 07 Departure
Golden beaches

Needless to say, one of the prime features of the island, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, are its beaches of golden sand that surround the island and have gained popularity over the years with visitors. These include the beaches of Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Pasikudah, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle.

Kandy Esala Perahera "Procession"

The Kandy Esela Perahera, which is also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a unique religious and cultural event that takes place every year in July. The procession features many dancers, drummers and elephants, who parade through the streets paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa is in the sacred city of Kandy. It houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important shrine of Buddhist worship. The annual procession known as the Kandy Esala Perahera marks an important day in the Sri Lankan calendar.

Sinharaja Rainforest

The Sinharaja Rainforest is one of Sri Lanka’s only remaining pristine forest. It has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many species of endemic birds can be spotted here in mixed breeding flocks. It also holds a rich variety of trees, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Architectural Tour of Kandy

Discover the rich architectural heritage of Kandy, the last Sri Lankan Kingdom to fall to the invading British. Today, it is one of the island’s major cities and home to an array of renowned attractions such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace and National Museum.

Begin your tour at the lively town centre, and observe the diverse mix of neo-colonial and colonial-style buildings. Enjoy quality time with celebrated architect Ruchira Wickremasinghe, a recipient of the Geoffrey Bawa Travel Award, as she walks you through the intricacies of Kandy’s architectural landscape. The 2.5 hour tour can begin at any time; however, the late hours of the afternoon are ideal.

Kandy Four Temple Loop Tour

Spend half a day exploring four of Kandy’s famed medieval temples. Join your personal archaeologist on an informative, 3.5 hour coach tour of the Degaldoruwa, Embekka, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya Buddhist temples. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Kandyan murals on the ceiling of Degaldoruwa Temple. Witness the wonderful fusion of Buddhist and Hindu culture at Gadaladeniya Temple.

Take in the exquisite craftsmanship of the woodwork at Embekka Temple. Observe the traditional Sinhalese design of the Lankatilaka Temple, and discover the inscriptions carved into the rocks. Setting off in the morning is ideal, as the tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of travel to / from your hotel.

Day 01
ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL
Colombo x
Colombo is the commercial hub of the island and connects several parts of the country, such as the north, south, east and hill country by a fine system of roads and railways. The heady mixture of Asian anarchy, colonial charm and modern progress defines its impressive character. Towering skyscrapers, retail stores, parks, restaurants and bars coupled with sacred shrines of the major faiths and religions can be found in this vibrant city. Settle into your hotel, rest and relax from your journey. You may choose to dine in-house or opt to try out something different in town. Local attractions: the Navam Perahera (1st Mar 2018 – tickets should be pre-booked) / Street food festival – Hotel Fairway (first weekend of every month) / Nelum Pokuna Art Street / Shopping at Barefoot Gallery & Jazz Brunch every Sunday / Seafood dinner at the Ministry of Crab /Street Food at Galle Face Green / Authentic Sri Lankan meal in the beautiful setting of ‘Thunapaha on the Edge’- Waters Edge Hotel / Japanese cuisine at Nihonbashi or at the Dutch Hospital

Ayubowan!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your chauffeur from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come handy during your holiday.
A short drive from the airport will take you to your hotel in Colombo (45 minutes).

Day 02
COLOMBO TO KANDY
Kandy x
The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka (the last Kingdom of the Sri Lankan Kings) nestled in a valley in the Highlands and locally referred to, as "Nuwara" meaning The Great City. A picturesque town by the side of a miniature lake, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Visit one of the only natural reserves within city limits, the beautiful Udawatta Kele famous for its avifauna and the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa. On completion of your tour, you may choose to have an early dinner at the old colonial Empire Café before returning to the Bungalow or opt to dine at the Bungalow.

Breakfast will be served at the main restaurant.
Start your adventure with a visit to the Elephant village and help wash, walk or feed these large pachyderms, followed by lunch before you continue on to Kandy (3.5 hours).
Take a tour of the highlights of the Hill Capital before you make your way up into the mountains and a cooler climate.

Day 03
KANDY
Knuckles Mountain range x
The Knuckles Mountain range is named due to its resemblance of a clenched fist, making it one of the island’s more thrilling hiking trails. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, its unique feature is that its massif combines all the climatic zones of Sri Lanka. Evening - rest and relax from your experience. Dinner at the Lodge.

An early start this morning for your trek into the Knuckles.

Day 04
KANDY TO SINHARAJA

This morning breakfast will be served at the main restaurant before you head towards the Wet Zone and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve (four hours).
Your drive takes you through rural countryside providing you with a glimpse into village life in this area.
Settle into your hotel, rest and relax from the journey.
This evening you will set off on a cycle trail. There are few nature trails designed for discerning travellers to enjoy the scenery around the hotel – speak to the hotel and they will be happy to accompany you on the trail or share with you a map. You are sure to encounter something of interest; both flora and fauna so do not forget your camera.

Dinner at the Lodge.

Day 05
SINHARAJA
Sinharaja (UNESCO World Heritage site) x
Known to be the island’s only pristine natural wonder, Sinharaja translates to “Lion King” in the local dialect. There are approximately 830 types of endemic flora and fauna, from birds, insects, reptiles and mammals. The forest extends to over 30km across the wet zone in the southern part of the hill country, covering hills and valleys of varying altitudes from 300m to 1170m. This night dinner will be arranged at the lodge.

After breakfast, you will set off on your trek into the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Day 06
SINHARAJA TO NEGOMBO
Negombo x
Located approximately five km from the international airport, the tourist-friendly beach town of Negombo is one of the favourite stops of many visitors to the island, offering a range of hotels, beach bars, cafes, restaurants and plenty of golden sands to laze on. Settle into your hotel, rest and relax from your journey. This evening we recommend a massage either Ayurveda or spa – a perfect finale to your holiday! You may choose to dine in-house or opt to try out something different in town. Local attractions: Seafood dinner with the day’s catch at Lellama restaurant - Jetwing Sea / Spa treatment at Spa Ceylon - Heritance Negombo / Sundown cocktails at Sea lounge - Heritance Negombo

Breakfast will be arranged at the main restaurant this morning.

You will then drive to your hotel in Negombo (3.5 hours).

Day 07
DEPARTURE

We will take you to the airport, two-three hours before, in time to make your flight.

Add on

  • A list of a few activities you may want to add on to your experience.
  • In and around Colombo and Negombo – visit the fish market or the lellama (where the fishing boats come ashore for the auction / lagoon fishing / tea tasting in Colombo / night cycling tour of the city with a street food dinner / diving to explore ship wrecks in Mount Lavinia.
  • In and around Kandy – visit a spice garden / Peradeniya Botanical Gardens / hike into Udawatte Kelle Sanctuary/ Temple loop stroll / Garrison cemetery / Knuckles Mountain Trek

 

What to Pack!

  • Socks – as footwear must be removed when visiting places of worship. You could be walking on heated paving, gravel or cement. Also, shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Footwear – choose comfy shoes - sneakers, sandals or similar.
  • Shawl – to cover your shoulders or dress up!
  • A sweater or light jacket if you plan to visit the Hill Country.
  • Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, travel umbrella or lightweight raincoat.
  • Notes:
  • [liList]
  • All drive times are approximate and subject to road conditions
  • Alcohol is not served on “poya days” (full moon) and other days prohibited by the Government.
  • The standard check-in time is 14:00 at hotels.
  • The standard check-out time is 11:00 from hotels.
  • Gratuity: tour guides & drivers are tipped at the end of the tour.
  • Online visa application link:  http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
  • Purposeful Tourism: Your support: www.hbdasia.com one USD from every booking supports a cause.
  • Holidays by Design terms and conditions (www.hbdasia.com/terms.html)
  • Connect with us via FB: www.facebook.com/hbdasia or Twitter on https://twitter.com/hbd_asia

 

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