Premium Sri Lanka
Price- $2,421
9 Days | Discover Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Encounter a country that radiates warmth – from its glorious sunshine to its spice-laden cuisine and incredibly kind people. This 9-day Premium adventure through Sri Lanka will introduce you to the country’s wealth of cultural riches. Explore the ancient ruins of past civilisations, spot rare and beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, relax among swathes of green tea fields at a hilltop retreat and receive a warm welcome from the locals. A shining gem in the Indian ocean, the teardrop isle will bring you nothing but smiles.
Trip overview
StartNegombo, Sri Lanka
EndColombo, Sri Lanka
DestinationsSri Lanka
StylePremium
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 12
ThemeExplorer
Trip CodeHPPC
Itinerary
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. Here you will meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, perhaps take some time to relax on the town’s golden-sand beach under a canopy of blue sky.
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This morning travel inland, driving northeast towards Habarana. On the way, stop at the Ridi Vihara shrine, a Buddhist cave temple dating back to the second century BC. There are thought to have been almost 500 monks living in these hillside caves at its peak. Watch locals demonstrate ancient traditions and craft techniques, such as palm leaf writing and wood and stone carving, and explore the caves filled with Buddha statues and floral offerings.
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Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (Lion Rock). One of Sri Lanka's premier sights, this dramatic rocky outcrop rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. Your leader will share stories of the ancient civilisation that once lived here as you climb; it's a steep hike but the far-reaching views from the top are worth it. Return to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast and relaxing morning.
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After breakfast, make your way to Polonnaruwa to continue your explorations of the cultural triangle. Hop on a bicycle to discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s ancient Quadrangle complex – it’s not hard to imagine what this place looked like in all its former glory. Visit the remains of a seven-story royal palace, the rock temple of Gal Vihara and the statue of 12th century king Parakrama I - at 100 metres tall this is a truly impressive sight.
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Today you’ll travel to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Upon arrival in Kandy, take a guided tour of the city, stopping to admire highlights such as the Buddhist Sri Dalada Maligawa, otherwise known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (the important shrine houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth, taken from his funeral pyre). Despite being Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy is remarkably laid back. Spend your free evening searching for a taste bud-tingling curry, wandering around the glittering lake or enjoying an optional cultural dance performance.
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After leisurely morning, drive to Pilimatalawa, where you will meet a local artisan and learn about how he makes spectacles from crystals which have been found naturally in the ground. The artisan learnt the skill from his great grandfather who served the king in past. Next head to Ambagasthenna village, where hotel and tea plantation owner Mr Thilina will guide you around his neighbourhood. For lunch, feast on a delicious home-cooked meal made by Mr Thilina’s mother. You’ll visit the tea plantation, learn about the cultivation process, and try a cup or two served the Sri Lankan way. He’ll share inside knowledge about local crops, sustainable farming, and ancient landscaping traditions. After such a culture-packed day, there’s only one way to end it: by cracking open a beer and watching the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Sri Lanka.
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Depart Kandy and board a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Nestled deep in tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 metres, giving it some of the coolest temperatures in Sri Lanka. Remnants of the region’s colonial past can be seen in the sculpted gardens and manor homes dotting the landscape today. Once you have arrived take an orientation walk of Nuwara Eliya, wandering the peaceful shores of Gregory Lake.
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Say goodbye to the green hills of Nuwara Eliya and make the journey by private vehicle to Sri Lanka’s coastal capital, Colombo via Gampola. On the way, visit a tea factory and plantations near the town of Labukelle and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
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Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay on in Colombo, let us know in advance and we can help to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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Inclusions
Meals
Meals 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Transport Private vehicle, scenic trainAccommodation
Accommodation Hotels (7 nights), Feature Stay (1 nights)Premium Inclusions
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Negombo - Welcome Dinner
- Ridigama - Ridi Viharaya shrine visit and cultural experience
- Ritigala - Monastery Tour and Blessing
- Muriya Kadawala Village - Pottery Making Experience
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Minneriya National Park - Entrance Fee
- Polonnaruwa - Bicycle Tour
- Polonnaruwa - Cooking demo and lunch
- Matale – Spice Garden Visit.
- Kandy - City Tour with the Temple of the Tooth
- Ambagasthenna - Tea Plantation and Sustainable Farm Tour
- Ambagasthenna - Village and Temple Tour
- Ambagasthenna - Sunset Viewing with Drinks
- Pilimatalawa - Specks Workshop
- Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
- Nanu Oya - Scenic Train Ride
- Nuwara Eliya - Orientation Tour
- Colombo - Farewell Dinner
- Colombo - Orientation Tour
- Labukelle - Tea Plantation and Factory Visit
Add On Activities
- Kandy - Cultural Dance Show - USD7
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