The Local Way - Sri Lanka
- 10 Days
- From : Colombo
- To : Colombo
- Tour
- Guide : English
- Minimum age : 10 Years Old
* This product requests separate payment. Promotion code or coupon from Ticket Here is not applicable.
Even though Sri Lanka is an island, it’s not all to do with sails, sand and the sea. Experience Sri Lanka’s centuries old proud history with a hint of its traditions and culture which is no doubt exclusive only to this magical island. Formally known as “Ceylon”, Sri Lanka is also called to be the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Start off the round tour by exploring one of the most famous fishing destinations, “Negombo”. With quite a pleasant beach and lagoon, watch how Negombo dishes out some of the best lobsters, prawns and crabs found in the country, right on to your table or simply grab your kiteboards for an enthralling fly over crashing waves. Proceed your way towards the upper central part of Lanka to get a glimpse of ruins of ancient kingdoms and massive Buddha Stupas. Don’t forget to take a visit to what people call the World’s 8th wonder “Sigiriya Rock Fortress” . Join this 7 days tour!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Negombo: Offers some of the most exiting diving stretches in the country, as well as delicious dishes out some of the best lobsters, prawns and crabs.
Anuradhapura: One of the greatest and oldest civilization in the world, learn about the rich history of Sri Lanka and enjoy optional activities to Wilpattu National Park
Dambulla: An emblematic Buddhist cave temple carved deep into a mountain and decorated with frescoes, that deserves to be seen and admired.
Kandy:This beautiful city is home to the outstanding Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens.
Colombo: Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital is both a historic city packed with colonial architecture and modern metropolis with soaring skyscrapers.
What’s included?
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English-speaking driver-guide
ACCOMMODATION:
- 6 nights’ accommodation
MEALS:
- 6 Breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
- Air-conditioned transportation as stated in the programme
OTHER:
- Meet and greet on arrival at Bandaranike International Airport in Colombo
Exclusions
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme
- Departure airport transfer
- Gratuities for drive and guide
- Entrance fees for all sights and attractions
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, etc
- Video camera and photography permits at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy; video camera permits at Elephant Orphanage
- Optional tours and activities
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Please note
- Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally.
- VISAS: Please note all clients will have to log into the website and obtain the visas prior to arrival for all clients arriving in Sri Lanka after 1st January 2012. The government has informed that all applications will be processed within 24 hours and payment can be made on-line by credit card.The details are available at the website eta.gov.lk
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1200 Hrs
- The official check-out time at all hotels will be 1100 Hrs
- Visits to wild life parks will be at client’s own risk
- Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours)
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Clients arriving in early morning flights will have to wait until the last tour participant has arrived.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Negombo:
- Standard Hotel Category: Hotel J or similar 3*
Day 2-3 Anuradhapura:
- Standard Hotel Category: Miridiya Lake Resort or similar 3*
Day 4 Dambulla:
- Standard Hotel Category: Danawwa Resort or similar 3*
Day 5 Kandy:
- Standard Hotel Category: Oak Ray Heritage or similar 4*
Day 6 Colombo:
- Standard Hotel Category: Grand Oriental Hotel or similar 3*
Cancellation policy
- Once ordered, this tour cannot be cancelled or refund or amended at any circumstances.
Day 1 : ARRIVAL TO SRI LANKA
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Aitken Spence Travels Representative
Transfer from Airport to Negombo
(19 Mins + traffic/ 8 km)
Located within a close range to Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo – the cinnamon hub of the Colonization of Dutch – offers some of the most exiting diving stretches in the country. With quite a pleasant beach and lagoon, watch how Negombo dishes out some of the best lobsters, prawns and crabs found in the country, right on to your table or simply grab your kiteboards for an enthralling fly over crashing waves.
Today Negombo also represents an ultimate nightlife featuring bars, disco bars and clubs. So, jazz up to the rhythm of the West, and be ready for a night of ‘fest’, because at Negombo everything is ‘best’.
Overnight in Negombo
Day 2 : TRANSFER TO ANURADHAPURA
Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit the local fish market & Fish drying area
The Negombo Fish Market is interesting because it takes place right on the beach, fresh from fishing boats. Crowds of fishermen are seen untangling their fishing nets, playing with their kids, and stretching out miles of fish to dry in the sun on Negombo’s shore.
Take a stroll around the market to witness how the local fishermen handle the process of fish drying by the sea.
Transfer from Negombo to Chilaw
Visit Munneshwaram Hindu Kovil
Munneswaram Hindu temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva in the region
Transfer from Chilaw to Anuradhapura
Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 3 : VISIT WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Wilpattu National Park
This is the land haunted by big cats of the island paradise. Recording a vast number of Sri Lankan Leopards – smarter looking than its Indian cousin – Wilpattu National Park has been named due to ‘Willus’ (Natural Lakes) studded throughout the park.
Apart from big cats & precious flora, the park is well known for a healthy population of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, mongoose and water buffalo. Do not be surprised if the squeal of a helpless wild boar pierce through your ears, just observe closer and you might be presented with a fantastic hunt because it is all action that speaks at Wilpattu.
Evening visit to Anuradhapura ancient kingdom
Commanding a rich Sri Lankan heritage, Anuradhapura – one of the greatest and oldest civilization in the world starring 113 kings and spanning over 1300 years in its peak, vows of being the greatest city of ancient Sri Lanka following its reign as the first capital.
The sapphire of its crown is certainly the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred BO sapling extracted from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Standing more than 220 years in its pride. Stroll through the sacred trails of the venerated city to adore the legacy that interweaves Ruwanweliseya.
The heritage, Supremacy and culture arguably makes Anuradhapura the strongest kingdom of Sri Lanka.
Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 4 : TRANSFER TO DAMBULLA
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site – Sigiriya – does not only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic ‘Lion Paws’ – overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below – to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock – resembling the mythological ‘City of Gods’ – is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India.
Visit Hiriwadunna village excursion
The scenic village of Hiriwadunna with its unpaved gravel paths and humble village folk. Shaded on either side by dry zone shrub forest, the dusty gravel path and subsequently the red soil of the tank bund will lead the visitors to an indigo reservoir which sets a stunning contrast of colors. A line of cormorants flying in formation will eventually stop to rest on a cormorant tree and the butterflies and dragonflies found at the edge of the shrubs create a kaleidoscope of color that rivals the equally vibrant wild flowers.
As you walk further the sight of Sigiriya rock fortress appears in the vicinity against the silent and still waters of the reservoir which is rippled only by a lone fisherman mounted on his catamaran. Soon it’s already time to take a catamaran ride! Across the reservoir awaits a Chena farmer’s modest home; a setting that takes you back a few decades to enjoy a black Ceylonese tea brewed by the farmer’s wife. Experience the simple pleasures of village-life as you walk across the Chena cultivations and through the nearby woods, to board a bullock cart – yet another ancient mode of the humble villagers’ transportation.
Transfer to Dambulla
Overnight in Dambulla
Day 5 : TRANSFER TO KANDY
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Dambulla Cave temple
In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of
Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country’s economic and cultural uplifting.
Visit Dambulla vegetable market
Dambulla vegetable market and experience how the village folk trade the home grown vegetables that’s distributed around the island. Even if you’re not looking to buy a truckload of bananas, this vast wholesale market south of the centre offers a fascinating look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka.
What you see being carted about with manic energy (be careful and stay out of everybody’s way) will be sold in Colombo tomorrow.
Transfer from Dambulla to Matale
Visit a Spice Garden
An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices.
Stop by the side of a spice garden – into which you will be most welcome – and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Transfer from Matale to Kandy
Overnight l in Kandy
Day 6 : TRANSFER TO COLOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel
Explore Kandy City
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
A stroll across this small lakeside town – cradled among the misty hills – will feature the Kandy City Centre – bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary.walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Transfer to Colombo from Kandy
Evening City tour in Colombo
The throbbing metropolis, Colombo – located in the West – is not only the country’s commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo’s fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course – horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip – furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques.
Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market – an offbeat shopping experience – or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City – an offshore city – featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track.
Proceed along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards ‘Arcade’ facing a historic way post, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the ‘walk-over fish tank’, have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Colombo. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands.
Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo’s night life spiced by night lubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you’re lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!
Overnight in Colombo
Day 7 : DEPARTURE FROM SRI LANKA
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer from Colombo to Airport for departure