Best of Sri Lanka 7 Days, Private Tour
Best of Sri Lanka 7 Days, Private Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle, Colombo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
443774
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 7-day private tour of Sri Lanka, exploring its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant wildlife. Begin your journey in Kandy, the last royal capital, where you can immerse yourself in history and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth. Traverse the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, renowned for its lush tea plantations and colonial charm. Experience the thrill of a safari in Yala National Park, home to diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards. Discover the Dutch colonial architecture in Galle, and conclude your adventure in the bustling metropolis of Colombo, blending modernity with historical allure. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and private transportation throughout this unforgettable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL COLOMBO – KANDY (100km – 3hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Regency or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at the International Airport in Colombo. Our representative will meet and greet before transferring you to Kandy. Dinner included at the hotel. Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 2 : KANDY – PERADENIYA – KANDY (12km – 30min)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Regency or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya (today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy) is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights (the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree) of this place which overflow in grace. Transfer from Peradeniya to Kandy. 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 colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Finish 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. Return back to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 3 : KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA (80km – 3hrs)
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Kandy to Tea Plantation. Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light - once governed by English & Scottish planters - is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breath-taking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris. Dinner at a hotel.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 4 : NUWARA ELIYA – YALA NATIONAL PARK – TISSAMAHARAMA (160km – 4hrs)
Location: Yala National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oakray Wild or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Tissamaharama. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun. Transfer from Yala to Tissamaharama. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Tissamaharama.
Day 5 : TISSAMAHARAMA – GALLE – HIKKADUWA/ BENTOTA/ AHUNGALLA (200km – 3hrs)
Location: Galle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kai Hikkaduwa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Tissamaharama to Galle. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion (the oldest of all) and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle! Transfer from Galle to Hikkaduwa/ Bentota/ Ahungalla. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Hikkaduwa/ Bentota/ Ahungalla.
Day 6 : HIKKADUWA/ BENTOTA/ AHUNGALLA – COLOMBO (80km – 1.5hrs)
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: GOH Colombo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Hikkaduwa/ Bentota / Ahungalla to Colombo. Colombo City tour: Colombo is the largest city and the current administrative capital of Sri Lanka. A hectic and vibrant city with a mix of modern life and remnants of a bygone colonial era. Due to the expansion of its port and its strategic geographical position, it is a key connection for the routes between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. Colombo was known to ancient merchants 2000 years ago. However, it was only the capital of Sri Lanka until it was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. The city houses most of Sri Lanka's corporate offices, houses restaurants and different entertainment venues. On this tour you will visit various historical, religious and commercial sites of Colombo including the famous and bustling harbour at Pettah, also the elite residential neighbourhood at Cinnamon Gardens, Galle Face Green Square, Viharamahadevi Park, Gangarama Temple. Clients can enjoy view of Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and Nelum Pokuna Theater while doing city tour. You may have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewellery & handicraft brands (own expense). Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 7 : DEPARTURE COLOMBO (30km – 1hr)
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Colombo to Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English-speaking chauffeur-guide, other languages upon booking of the optional extra
ACCOMMODATION:
- 6 night’s accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Kandy
Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Regency or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Kandy or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl's Regency or similar 5*
Day 3 Nuwara Eliya
Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
Day 4 Tissamaharama
Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Wild or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Safari or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Wild or similar 5*
Day 5 Hikkaduwa/ Bentota / Ahungalla
Standard Hotel Category = Kai Hikkaduwa or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Surf or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Ahungalla or similar 5*
Day 6 Colombo
Standard Hotel Category = Fairway Colombo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lakeside or similar 5*
MEALS:
- 6 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners
- 5 Lunches upon an additional cost (full-board optional extra)
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival private transfer in an air-conditioning vehicle from/to Colombo International Airport
- Private transportation in an air-conditioning vehicle throughout the itinerary
ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy city tour (Day 2); Tea plantation visit, Nuwara Eliya tour (Day 3); Yala National Park safari (Day 4); Galle tour (Day 5); Colombo city tour (Day 6)
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet
- Government taxes
What's Not Included
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are not included.
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) are not included.
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Camera Permits
Video Camera and still camera permits are not included.
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Lunch
Lunch throughout the tour is not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours (if any) are not included.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.
Requirements
Please Note
- Visits to wildlife 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)
- Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed. The official check-in time at all hotels will be 12:00 pm-02:00 pm (depend on the hotel). The official check-out time at all hotels will be 11:00 am
- The validity of the passport must be six months from the date of departure
- Please note that all clients will need to check the website and obtain a visa prior to arrival in Sri Lanka excluding citizens of Singapore and Maldives. The government has reported that all applications will be processed within 48 hours and payment can be made online by credit card. Details are available on the portal: www.eta.gov.lk
- Visits to wildlife parks will be at the client's risk and expense
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- In many hotels in Sri Lanka, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
Day 1-2 Kandy
- Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Regency or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = OZO Kandy or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl's Regency or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Wild or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Safari or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Wild or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Kai Hikkaduwa or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Surf or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Ahungalla or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = GOH Colombo or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ozo Colombo or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lakeside or similar 5*
Accommodation options
Day 1-2 Kandy
- Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Regency or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Kandy or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl's Regency or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Oakray Wild or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Safari or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Wild or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Kai Hikkaduwa or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Surf or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Ahungalla or similar 5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Fairway Colombo or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Lakeside or similar 5*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the itinerary. Enjoy arrival and departure transfers from/to Colombo International Airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience.Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels. Stay at Oak Ray Regency, OZO Kandy, or Earl's Regency in Kandy; Oak Ray Summerhill Breeze, Jetwing St Andrews, or Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya; Oakray Wild, Ekho Safari, or Cinnamon Wild in Tissamaharama; and Kai Hikkaduwa, Ekho Surf, or Heritance Ahungalla in Hikkaduwa/Bentota/Ahungalla. In Colombo, choose from GOH Colombo, Ozo Colombo, or Cinnamon Lakeside.Check out our Q&As
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What type of guide will accompany us on the tour?
The tour is operated with an English-speaking chauffeur-guide. Other languages are available upon booking of the optional extra.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Additionally, 5 lunches are available at an extra cost as a full-board optional extra.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided throughout the itinerary. This includes arrival and departure transfers from/to Colombo International Airport.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This covers the Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy city tour, Tea plantation visit, Nuwara Eliya tour, Yala National Park safari, Galle tour, and Colombo city tour.
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What should I wear when visiting religious sites in Sri Lanka?
Visitors should wear decent clothing that covers the body appropriately. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not acceptable. Hats, caps, shoes, and slippers should be removed when entering buildings and sites with religious monuments.
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Is alcohol served during the tour?
Please note that alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
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What are the accommodation options available during the tour?
Accommodation options vary by location and category. For example, in Kandy, you can choose from Oak Ray Regency (3*), OZO Kandy (4*), or Earl's Regency (5*). Similar options are available for other locations such as Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, Hikkaduwa/Bentota/Ahungalla, and Colombo.
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Are there any risks associated with visiting wildlife parks?
Visits to wildlife parks will be at the client's own risk. Safari vehicles available are very basic with basic insurance cover, not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours.
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Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, all clients need to check the website and obtain a visa prior to arrival in Sri Lanka, excluding citizens of Singapore and Maldives. Applications are processed within 48 hours and payment can be made online by credit card.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory and it's up tour personal wish.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
yes, it is indeed
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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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.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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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.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Fairly good
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Up to 40KG per person
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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)
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
yes, completely and according to our Health & Safety standards
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Low Deposit
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.
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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.
