day | Location/Route | duration | Overnight |
---|---|---|---|
Day 01 | Arrival and transfer to Kalpitiya. Spend the evening at leisure. | Kalpitiya | |
Day 02 | Morning: Dolphin Watching | Kalpitiya | |
Day 03 | Morning: Drive to Wilpattu . Afternoon: Safari at the Wilpattu National Park | Wilpattu | |
Day 04 | Morning: Safari at the Wilpattu National Park. Afternoon: Drive to Trincomalee | Trincomalee | |
Day 05 | Beach stay / Whale Watching | Trincomalee | |
Day 06 | Beach stay / snorkeling at Pigeon Island | Trincomalee | |
Day 07 | Morning: Drive to Kandy I Afternoon: Sightseeing in Kandy | Kandy | |
Day 08 | Morning: Day trip to Kitulgala | Kandy | |
Day 09 | Morning Drive to Colombo en route visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Afternoon: Sightseeing in Colombo | Colombo | |
Day 10 | Departure Transfer |
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Established in 1975, with the noble intention of providing care for orphaned elephants, today it serves as a nursery and a captive breeding ground for Asian elephants. Countless visitors from all over the island and the world visit this charming attraction throughout the year.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is known to be the best-preserved and largest cave temple complex that is found in Sri Lanka. With over 80 documented caves spread across the vicinity, the Dambulla Cave Temple has rightfully earned its name as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 153 statues of Lord Buddha can be found in this temple which is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.
Situated along Sri Lanka’s east coast, Trincomalee has long been a favourite location. Rest your weary feet and join our naturalist aboard an 18-foot, fibreglass motorboat. Enjoy a three hour cruise, touring the town’s highlights. Feast your gaze on attractions such as the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery and Swami Rock located within the 17th century fort.
See if you can make out the scattered remnants of an almost 2,000 year old Hindu temple which was demolished by the Portuguese in the fort’s making. The tour begins either at 07:00am, during the cool morning hours or at 04:00pm, and concludes with a spectacular setting sun as it paints the sky pink and orange.
Visit the Suriyakantha Centre for Art and Culture, and delve deep into the fascinating annals of European and Sri Lankan history. Housed in the Naranwala Walawwa, an 18th century Dutch-style colonial manor house, the centre represents a unique effort between a Frenchman and Sri Lankan, to showcase talent from eras past.
Explore the vast repository of local and European works over the course of two to three hours and understand the richness of Kandyan culture. Observe the various manuscripts, furniture, handicrafts, artworks and photographs on display. Located near the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Suriyakantha is open to visits between 08:00am and 04:00pm, throughout the year.
Did you know? The waters off Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts are along the annual migration route of the Humpback, Sperm and colossal Blue Whale. Towns such as Mirissa, where our excursion begins, are considered global hotspots for whale sightings. The best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is between December and March.
Set off on your whale watching adventure at 06:00am in the morning with a snack of a selection of nibbles and beverages while you scan the waters for your prize. Keep an eye out for playful Spinner Dolphins, a common sight. You will be out at sea for around four to five hours. An onboard washroom will be available for your use.
Colombo's amazing Fort district still has the energy like in the late nineteenth century when the streets were teeming with ox carts and alive with the sounds and whiffs of the sea, as rubber, tea, cinnamon, kittul treacle, rope and peacocks were loaded aboard ships.
Taking a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Colombo city and Mark and his colleagues, natives from Colombo, have hosted walks in Colombo for several years under the Colombo City Walks banner.Starting at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex in Fort and walk along the old colonial streets, away from your usual tourist spots, and seek out the colonial Dutch mansions and be a part of the history that is now commercial hub of Colombo. Explore the old Cargills building, visit the New Chinese shop, snap a picture outside the Pagoda Tea Rooms where Duran Duran filmed their iconic music video, Hungry Like The Wolf, and enjoy a cup of Ceylon Tea on the balcony of the Grand Oriental Hotel while taking in the sunset views of the Colombo Harbour.End your walk back at the Dutch Hospital, formerly a hospital during the 17th century, the complex is now host to high-end restaurants, bars and shops. Relax, take a breather, admire the architecture, and have a drink… or two.
Location : Colombo.
Duration : 2 Hrs.
Best time to visit : Morning or Evening
Conquer the cascading rapids in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka’s premier white-water rafting destination. Located in the island’s wet zone, the town lies on the scenic banks of the Kelani River. Navigate your way along a 6.5 km stretch, past the river’s seven, grade two and three rapids. Catch your breath, with a leisurely swim in the slow-flowing waters between the falls.
White-water rafting can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the months from May to December are ideal. Seasoned rafters may prefer the monsoon season when the waters swell significantly. Sessions last two hours and take place in the morning and afternoons.
Overnight accommodation in Kalpitiya.
This morning head off for a dolphin watching experience. Packed breakfast and water will be provided during this morning. The experience would commence no later than 06.00AM every morning.
Head back to the hotel, rest and unwind the afternoon. Kalpitiya also has the best conditions for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka in tropical waters, with access to a flat-water lagoon and the Indian Ocean, which gives surfers ample playground to enjoy both free rides and wave riding.
Late afternoon by explore the Kalpittiya Fort with your chauffeur guide.
Dinner will be arranged at the restaurant this evening.
Overnight accommodation in Kalpitiya.
This morning after breakfast we will head to Wilpattu (2.5 hours). Upon arrival, rest and unwind
This afternoon we will head to the Wilpattu National Park for a special safari experience for kids. During your game drive, the kids will be taught on bird watching techniques and spotting of local animal tracks. The experience will also end with a learning experience on how to spot burrows, identifying edible plants and basic navigation using the sun and moon.
This evening dinner will be arranged at the campsite. Kids will be quizzed and awarded to recognize their new-found knowledge based on their safari experience.
Overnight accommodation in Wilpattu
Overnight accommodation in Trinco
Enjoy the tranquility of the beach and surf sound tracked by the meditative rumblings of the ocean.
Optional: Head off for a whale watching experience this morning. The experience commences no later than 06.30 AM and could last up to 03hrs or more. We recommend carrying your medication if you encounter motion sickness.
Late this evening visit the highlights of the town with your chauffeur.
Optional: Pigeon Island is one of the most popular marine national parks in Sri Lanka. It is brimming with some of the country’s most breathtaking coral reefs and is also home to a stunning array of exotic marine species. It is called Pigeon Island due to the thousands of Rock Pigeons that use it as their breeding ground.
Overnight accommodation in Trinco
Breakfast will be arranged at the hotel this morning. Rest and relax the afternoon.
We will head to Kandy (3 hours) en route a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple could be made if preferred
Our stop for lunch will be at the Matale Spice Gardens alongside an educational demonstration of different types of Spices and home remedies.
Upon arrival, Rest and unwind. Late evening, we will witness the cultural dance performance put together by the locals. You will find plenty of dining options this evening.
Overnight accommodation in Kandy
An early start is recommended for this day in order to drive to Kitulgala (1.5 hours). Experience a White-Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids.
Lunch will be arranged at the end of the experience. We will then head back to the hotel.
Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening visit the highlights of the Kandy city.
Overnight accommodation in Kandy
This morning after breakfast we will head back to the city (3 hours). En route we will also make a pit stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in time to witness the elephant bathing.
Upon arrival, rest and relax.Late this evening we will head to the Colombo city to visit the highlights. You will be navigating the city in a Tuk Tuk, another way to experience the local lifestyle and beat the traffic.
Your evening will end with a mouthwatering range of street food at the Galle Face Green. It’s also a great place to watch the locals and the art of kite flying.
Overnight accommodation in Colombo
Depart in time for your flight back home.