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Tour Overview
Enjoy a cultural feast packed into three memorable days! See the best of Sri Lanka, explore a charming tea factory and visit the elegant city of Kandy with its paradisiacal gardens. Continue with an exciting city tour, seeing the most important monuments in Kandy and enjoy an evening cultural show. Make a stop at a fragrant spice garden before visiting the iconic Sigiriya fortress. Also, visit Dambulla’s stunning Golden Temple for an all-around Sri Lankan cultural adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Kandy: This mesmerising city is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens
Sigiriya: The ‘Lion Rock’ rises almost 200 metres above the jungle offering stunning panoramic views
Dambulla: An emblematic Buddhist cave temple carved deep into a mountain and decorated with frescoes, that deserves to be seen and admired
Accommodation Name: Grand Oriental Hotel or Similar 3*
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at Colombo airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then, the driver will transfer you to your selected hotel in Colombo. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing and preparing for exploring the culture of Sri Lanka.
Overnight in Colombo. Dinner included.
Day 2
:
COLOMBO – KANDY (130km – 4 hrs)
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Location: kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Winter Villa, Hotel Senani or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second-largest city. Enjoy an inspiring drive and observe the changes in the climate and vegetation as you are heading towards Kandy. The temperature becomes cooler, the landscapes more verdant, and the countryside hillier. En route, visit a tea factory in Giragama. Contemporary Kandy is famous for its beautiful lakeside location, framed by picturesque hills. Visit the spectacular botanical gardens and then enjoy a lunch break in the city. After lunch, adventure into a city tour exploring the beautifully arranged streets and the most important landmarks. In the evening, witness a cultural show, followed by a luscious dinner. Lunch is not included.
Overnight in Kandy. Breakfast and dinner included.
Begin your day of thrills after a delicious breakfast. Visit a delightful spice garden and adventure into climbing up the fifth-century Sigiriya fortress, which sits atop a rock that dramatically rises almost 200 metres above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock’, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. In time, it was abandoned and forgotten, covered by dense overgrowth until the British found it and began a painstaking archaeological exploration. Pass through the lion’s ‘belly’, climb to the top, and enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. Have a mouthwatering lunch at a local restaurant in Sigiriya and continue to the Golden Temple of Dambulla to explore this 2,000-year-old sacred pilgrimage site carved deep inside a mountain. This awe-inspiring complex of five caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of metres of painted walls containing more than 150 images of the Buddha, as well as other deities and Sri Lankan kings. Afterwards, return to Colombo and continue with your travelling arrangements.
Breakfast and lunch included.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English-speaking driver-guide
ACCOMMODATION:
2 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or Similar 3*
Day 2 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Senani or similar 3*
MEALS:
2 Breakfasts
1 Lunch on day 3
1 dinner on day 2
TRANSPORT:
Arrival transfer from Colombo Airport to Colombo Hotel
Shared transport throughout the tour
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Tea Factory in Girgama, cultural show in Kandy, spice garden, Sigiriya Rock, Golden Temple of Dambulla
OTHER:
Meet & Greet on arrival at Colombo Airport on day 1
What's Not Included
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.
Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide.
Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, etc.
Festival/Peak Season Surcharges
Compulsory festival/peak season surcharges if stated separately.
Photography Permits
Video camera and photography permits at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Departure Transfer
Departure airport transfer from Colombo hotel to Colombo airport.
Requirements
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 on early morning flights will have to wait until the last tour participant has arrived.
Please Note
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
Return in Colombo on day 3 very late in the evening. Please book your ongoing travel arrangements accordingly
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or Similar 3*
Day 2 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Winter Villa, Hotel Senani or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Colombo:
Standard Hotel Category = Grand Oriental Hotel or Similar 3*
Day 2 Kandy:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Senani or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
What type of guide will be accompanying us on the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English-speaking driver-guide.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 2 nights' accommodation. On Day 1, you will stay at the Grand Oriental Hotel or a similar 3-star hotel in Colombo. On Day 2, you will stay at Winter Villa, Hotel Senani, or a similar 3-star hotel in Kandy.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch on Day 3, and 1 dinner on Day 1.
What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation for sightseeing, excursions, and surface travel as per the programme is included. Additionally, there is an arrival transfer from Colombo airport to the Colombo hotel.
Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic, gem museum, Sigiriya Rock, and a cultural show on Day 1 are included.
What activities are planned for Day 1 of the tour?
On Day 1, you will arrive at Colombo airport, where a representative will meet and greet you. You will then be transferred to your selected hotel in Colombo. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and prepare for exploring the culture of Sri Lanka. Dinner is included.
What can I expect on Day 2 of the tour?
On Day 2, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kandy. En route, you will visit a tea factory in Giragama. In Kandy, you will visit the botanical gardens, have lunch, and then go on a city tour. In the evening, you will witness a cultural show followed by dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included.
What are the highlights of Day 3 of the tour?
On Day 3, after breakfast, you will visit a spice garden and climb the Sigiriya fortress. You will have lunch at a local restaurant in Sigiriya and then visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Afterward, you will return to Colombo to continue with your travel arrangements. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Are there any specific clothing requirements for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid 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 are also recommended.
Is there anything I should be aware of regarding the tour schedule?
Local conditions at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice. Additionally, you will return to Colombo very late in the evening on Day 3, so please book your ongoing travel arrangements accordingly.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
YES, A friendly and professional tour leader tasked with ensuring the smooth operations of the tour, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the entire trip. His role primarily includes assisting with accommodation and transportation between locations while sharing the knowledge about social and cultural splendours of Sri Lanka.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion around when is the best time to visit. The weather doesn't run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both the air
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
yes, it is indeed
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour is guaranteed to departure even with a single person. However, in case of any cancellation, we'll inform you in advance and the full refund will be given.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA. It will cost USD $30. However, during the sometime of the year government offers FREE visa for tourists.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travellers are requested to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times. > Travellers are requested to adhere to recommended hygiene procedures, such as travelling with and wearing a face mask and/or gloves when required to do so. > Keep 70% alcohol rub/hand sanitizer to use frequently.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Fairly good
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Up to 40KG per person
What currencies are required for this tour?
Sri Lankan Rupees (you can exchange currency at the Sri Lanka airport or tour leader will assist you to exchange at the local banks)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards
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Reviews from travellers on this tour
Nurkenkali
Full culture immersion
"Short vacation with family
We have been waiting
"Short vacation with family
We have been waiting for a long time for the countries to open for tourists after the pandemic situation. And here's bingo! Sri Lanka opens borders! We do not hesitate to fly on a short vacation to coincide with Valentine's Day 😂.
It is a pity, of course, that not all hotels have opened, the choice is not great, but Aitken Spence Travels has done everything possible to make it possible to choose according to price and quality. We stayed at the Heritance Ahungalla, the hotel is not bad, the food is excellent, the staff is friendly and very hospitable. But I would like to highlight especially the employee of Aitken Spence Travels Chamith Shantha, thanks to whom our vacation was wonderful. From the first meeting at the airport, he won over with his responsiveness and hospitality. He explained everything in detail (so there were no questions left) and seated all the tourists on the bus without fuss.
On the way to the hotel (about 2 hours) he told the History of Sri Lanka, all the customs and way of life that the road seemed short.
During the stay, he was constantly interested in the needs of the guests. Helped with the contact of the Hotel Management, forwarding the wishes of the guests. Thanks to Chamith (Jamal is a name for ease of remembering😁) we had no difficulties in communication and all our desires were fulfilled very quickly. Many thanks to Chamith Shantha, our vacation was great.
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Aitken Spence Travels requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aitken spence travels charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
A Glimpse of Culture - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available
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