Morning: drive to Galle (2.5 hours). Evening: explore the Galle Dutch Fort
Galle
Day 03
Morning: drive to Yala
Yala
Day 04
Morning: Safari at the Yala National Park. Evening: at leisure
Yala
Day 05
Day at leisure on the beach
Tangalle
Day 06
Day at leisure on the beach
Tangalle
Day 07
Return to Colombo with a visit to a Mask Museum en route (2.5 hours). Evening; tour the city’s highlights with dinner at the Ministry of Crab.
Colombo
Day 08
Departure
Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Dutch Fort is a proud structure that still stands tall and mighty in southern Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, the fort was fortified by the Dutch, upon their invasion of the island. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited and admired by many, all through the year.
Day 01
ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO NEGOMBO | OVERNIGHT IN NEGOMBO
Ayubowan!!!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your guide from Holidays by Design will be present at the Arrivals Hall to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
For convenience sake, you may want to change your currency before departing the airport. Banks are open 24/7
A short drive from the airport will take you to Negombo (30 minutes)
Settle in, rest and relax from your journey.
Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02
Drive to Galle I Visit the Galle Dutch Fort | Overnight in Gallex
Galle (UNESCO World Heritage site)
The Port city of Galle has grown from its ancient origins into Sri Lanka's 5th largest city, but it differs from the rest in terms of character & atmosphere. Its sea front gives it a languid air. At the heart of the city - but strangely detached from it - lies the Old Dutch Quarter known as the Fort. Dutch administrators and those in their service lived within the Fort protected by its city walls and the ramparts by the sea. Its entrance, a massive archway gives it a medieval air and appears magically time warped, with its red tiled Dutch period villas, their open verandahs facing the narrow streets, bearing names like Church Street, Leyban Street and such like.
A well-preserved townscape with several imposing churches, Dutch period storehouses, a courthouse and a lighthouse jutting out to sea, the Fort has lasted through the centuries. A stroll along its ramparts overlooking a natural harbour at sunset is a must. Other places to visit include a marine museum, the St. Mary’s Church and thoughtfully restored Amangalle, a historic luxury hotel.
Life moves at an easy pace within the Fort. Visitors may relax at any of its several arty restaurants and watering holes.
The Galle Literary Festival held during the 1st quarter of the year, is a much sought-after annual event that has secured its place on the cultural calendar." The Festival throws, people, cultures, hot ideas, hot food, laughter, poetry and arrack together in a beautiful country. Pointless to resist," Sebastian Faulks a participant had this to say of the event.
Outside the Fort, Galle has a cricket stadium and a string of resort hotels along its coast; a favorite among visitors is Unawatuna – a beautiful stretch of beach.
Overnight in Galle.
This morning after breakfast we will be heading to Galle (2.5 hours). Feel free to speak to your chauffeur should you wish to make a pit stop en route.
Settle in to your hotel, rest and relax this afternoon.
Set out in the evening, to explore the Galle Dutch Fort with your chauffeur guide.
Day 03
DRIVE TO YALA | OVERNIGHT IN YALA
This morning after breakfast we will proceed further into the deep south towards Yala (3.5 hours).
Settle into the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Perhaps a spa experience if you wish to unwind and relax from your days travelling.
Day 04
Morning: game drive into the Yala Park: | Overnight in Yalax
Yala National Park
With an area covering 1260 square kilometers, of which only one-fifth of the area is open to visitors, Yala not surprisingly, is still the most visited reserve located in the deep south. The rest of the Park is a strict natural reserve, and you are only allowed entry into the park in a vehicle.
Its charm lies in its dry zone landscape dotted by low scrub; rocky outcrops, lush green trees and its serene lakes, which are particularly magical. The views from Sithulpahuwa are special!
The main attraction and thrill in Yala are spotting the leopard and if lucky the cubs too, the largest population of leopard in a natural environment – approximately 40 in Block 1. The park is home to 44 species of mammals including elephants and the sloth bear, and an incredible 215 bird species; Huddles of colorful painted stork among many a species of waders found feeding on the edge of the water holes, the sight of dozing crocodiles, elephants cooling off in the water or quenching their thirst, or a glimpse of the elusive sloth bear, leave an indelible mark on any nature lover.
Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Yala.
You may choose to opt for 2 game drives into the Park - early morning and early afternoon or one of two.
Day 05
DRIVE TO TANGALLE | OVERNIGHT IN TANGALLE
Depending on your sightings the previous day, you may choose how you wish to spend your morning.
This afternoon, a leisurely drive will take you to Tangalle (2.5 hours).
Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 06
Beach Stay I Overnight in Tangallex
Tangalle
A pleasant fishing port located in one of the largest bays in Sri Lanka, the town is located 195 kilometers south of the Capital Colombo. An important anchorage during colonial times, their influence on the architecture is evident in the Dutch Fort, Rest House and Court House.
Other attractions in the area include the wetlands of the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary (a protected area), the blowhole, the Mulkirigala Temple and the numerous bays and reef which protects the town from the ocean. The beautiful stretches of quiet beach, in particular Medaketiya with its fine white sand are ideally suited for swimming.
An equally important fact is that its beaches are a nesting site for five species of turtles.
Option: A visit to the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and the Mulkirigala Temple
Overnight in Tangalle.
Spend your day at leisure or opt to visit any of the attractions in the area.
Day 07
Drive to Colombo | Overnight in Colombox
Colombo
A dynamic capital that can vie with many a city around the world, it has evolved to be the commercial hub of the island connecting with several towns linked by a fine system of roads and railways connecting both the North, the South, the East and the hill country. A new expressway, one of many coming up, connects the international airport at Katunayake, with the capital - a 20-minute drive avoiding the busy sprawling towns on the old route. Crowded streets and peak hour traffic are the results of a long and formless urban straggle overflowing from Colombo.
Nevertheless, the city’s impressive commercial and cultural life grows apace and a heady mixture of Asian anarchy, colonial charm and modern progress defines its character. Showily opulent and shiny office blocks rub shoulders with tumbledown local cafes and shops while serene Buddhist shrines and colonial churches stand cheek-by--jowl with ornate, colourful Hindu temples - all evidence of a rich mix of races and religions, that has blossomed into this cosmopolitan city.
A rebuilt and revitalized Pettah, the more colonial styled Fort area, the renovated Dutch Hospital, the Independence Square, the Nelum Pokuna theatre hall, the Victoria Park, now ablaze with lights are all elegant architectural landmarks, that the city can justly be proud of.
Overnight in Colombo.
This morning after breakfast you will make your way to Colombo via the Southern Expressway (2.5 hours). Do feel free to speak to the chauffeur if you wish to make a comfort stop at the service area, located midway on the highway.
Option: Perhaps a visit to the crafts village to watch deft hands weaving intricate lace patterns and the pottery wheels in action en route to Colombo.
On reaching Colombo, settle into your hotel, and rest and relax from your journey.
This evening explore the busy streets of Colombo with your chauffeur.
Day 08
DEPARTURE
You will leave for the airport in time for your departure flight.
Add-on
A list of a few activities you may want to add on to your experience…
In and around Negombo & Colombo – 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 / Dinner at the Ministry of Crab in Colombo / Shopping for Linen clothing
In and around Galle – Hike in the Sinharaja forest reserve / Visit Ruhumassala Hill / Visit a Turtle Hatchery / Cycling in the Galle Countryside
Location
Accommodation
Meal Plan
Negombo
Jetwing Beach
Bed & Breakfast Basis
Galle
Le Grand
Yala
Cinnamon Wild
Colombo
Galle Face Hotel
What to Pack!
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Socks – as footwear have to 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
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Price includes:
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Accommodation at hotels mentioned or similar category at time of booking
Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur for the entire holiday
Local government taxes
Meals: As defined in the above itinerary
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Price excludes:
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Visas | Insurance | Flights | Airport taxes | Camera & video permits at the Cultural sites
Any expenses of a personal nature
Tips and porterage
Bank / Remittance charges
All Entrance fees to tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary
Lunch on tour
Dinner on tour
Early Check-in
Late Check out
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Cancellation & payment policy:
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100% cancellation
50% payment upon tour confirmation.
Balance payment prior to arrival
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Notes:
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Quote is subject to room availability and price fluctuations prior to booking.
Train tickets strictly subjected to availability
Quote is based on settlement by cash. If settlement is by credit card, a bank service fee of 2 – 2.5% applies.
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 USD 1 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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