Vivacious Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Vivacious Sri Lanka" tour and explore the island's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Begin your journey in Colombo, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant city life and historic landmarks. Discover the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Experience the charm of Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England,' with its colonial-era architecture and breathtaking tea plantations. Venture into Yala National Park for an exhilarating jeep safari, home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Conclude your adventure in the fortified town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colonial buildings and bohemian boutiques. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and unforgettable experiences on this captivating Sri Lankan journey. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE COLOMBO
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ozo Colombo or similar 4*
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. There you will be met by our representative and the transportation service will then transfer you from the airport to Colombo, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up after your flight. You can then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, relax in the hotel or head out into the vibrant city of Colombo for a sneak preview of its historic streets, colourful back alleys and most famous landmarks. Visit the Pettah District, one of Colombo’s oldest regions and imagine a time when the streets were teeming with ox carts loaded up with the island’s most important exports such as rubber, tea, cinnamon, kithul treacle, rope and peacocks. Head over to Colombo’s more cosmopolitan side for stylish eateries, galleries and shops or walk to the sea front to look out over the Indian Ocean.
*Overnight In Colombo.
Day 2 : COLOMBO
Location: Colombo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ozo Colombo or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, why not engage in a traditional Sri Lankan cookery session. Discover the flavours, spices and preparation techniques of this fiery, colourful cuisine. Try your hand at everything from cracking a coconut in half to frying spices and poppadums, then sit down to enjoy the meal you prepared together. In the evening, join a walking tour of Colombo, the ‘City of Everything’. This charismatic, historic and commercial capital has always been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, then take a short-cut through to one of the best and not-so-secret street food spots in the city. The bustling streets of Slave Island and Pettah will give you a true feel for Colombo life. Enter a Sri Lankan bar and taste Sri Lankan arrack and sample a selection of authentic Sri Lankan street food. Don’t forget to try a traditional Kottu Roti. When you can’t eat any more, jump aboard one of Sri Lanka’s famous tuk-tuks and enjoy the ride back to your hotel.
*Overnight in Colombo. Breakfast included.
Day 3 : COLOMBO – PERADENIYA - KANDY (230KM – 7hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Habrana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then travel to Peradeniya to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the largest and most impressive gardens in Sri Lanka. These stunning gardens were once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty, but now all visitors are free to stroll around the 147 acres of well-tended lawns, orchids, pavilions, an octagon conservatory and a giant Javan fig tree. It really is a serene experience after the hustle and bustle of the capital city. After Peradeniya, continue on to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the golden-roofed temple that houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. In the afternoon, visit the city of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Sacred City, which boasts a wealth of culture, history and religious heritage. Stroll around the lakeside city surrounded by misty hills and take in the sights and sounds of the fresh fruit and vegetable stands in Kandy market. In the evening, join a cultural show and move to the beat of traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming.
*Overnight in Kandy. Breakfast included
Day 4 : KANDY - KIRIWAULA VILLAGE – KANDY (45KM – 1.5hrs)
Location: Kandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Earl's Regency or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then prepare for an authentic Sri Lankan experience at Kiriwaula Village. Hidden in the suburbs of Kadugannawa, Kiriwaula Village is seldom spoke of, but there are few villages with such an authentic cultural heritage and tradition of craftmanship as Kiriwaula. Spend the day engaging with the locals and experiencing everyday life in the village. Learn about the traditional brass industry, an artform that has been passed down from generation to generation. Then visit the last remaining traditional optician in the village and see how he crafts his own lenses by hand. Your tour of Kiriwaula will also involve a visit to the ancient Buddhist temples Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake and Ambekka which can all be reached by following a scenic footpath. All three temples were constructed during the pre-Kandyan Kingdom of Gampola in the 13th century. At the end of the tour, return to Kandy for dinner at your hotel.
*Overnight in Kandy. Breakfast included.
Day 5 : KANDY – NUWARAELIYA (80KM – 3hrs)
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Earl's Regency or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, breakfast is followed by a visit to a tea plantation and the town of Nuwara Eliya. In Sri Lanka, tea and tourism are two words that can’t be separated. The lush, green and misty hills dotted with waterfalls and the brightly coloured saris of the tea pickers is a sight that simply can’t be missed. We will take a tour of a tea factory where the prestigious Ceylon tea is produced. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhale the heavenly scent of freshly-picked tea leaves and end the tour in style with a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon tea. In the afternoon, continue on to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’ due to its British feel, colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens. Hike through the red-brick buildings and into the greenery of the hillside for breathtaking views of Sri Lanka’s hill country or hire a bike and go for a gentle ride along the banks of Lake Gregory.
*Overnight in Nuwaraeliya. Breakfast included.
Day 6 : NUWARAELIYA – YALA - TISSAMAHARAMA (395 km - 9hrs)
Location: Yala National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with an energising breakfast before heading to Yala National Park for a jeep safari. Covering an area of 1,259 km2, this vast grassland is not just one of the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka, but it is also the land where ancient civilisations reigned centuries ago. Remnants of civilisations such as the Indo-Aryans can be witnessed here, as well as ancient tanks that indicate that a well-developed agricultural system was present in this region in the past. In terms of wildlife, Yala is home to endangered animals such as the Sri Lankan sloth bear and the Sri Lankan elephant, as well as spotted deer, jackals and an extensive bird population. It is also one of the best places to spot the Sri Lankan leopard in its natural habitat. Being the largest cat in Sri Lanka, leopards fearlessly prowl the jungle and open areas of Yala, even in the daytime. At the end of the jeep safari, continue on to Tissamaharama for the night.
*Overnight in Tissamaharama. Breakfast included.
Day 7 : TISSAMAHARAMA – GALLE (150Km – 3.5hrs)
Location: Galle
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the fortified town and World Heritage site of Galle. Once a vital trading post between the east and west, Galle was the essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Later, the city was inhabited by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British, leaving behind a combination of colonial buildings, an old fortified quarter and narrow streets which are now bursting with cool cafes and tiny bohemian boutiques. Today, we will take you on a city tour of this fabulous southern capital. Walk the Dutch-style streets with colonial verandas and see how European architecture blends with South Asian tradition. Visit the fort and see the original bastions and ramparts which have been well preserved for over three centuries. Observe the fort’s old gate which carries the British coat of arms and then visit the lighthouse which stands next to Point Utrecht Bastion. There will also be time for a spot of shopping from the vast array of souvenirs on offer.
*Overnight in Galle. Breakfast included.
Day 8 : GALLE - COLOMBO AIRPORT ( 155KM – 2.5hrs)
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, prepare for your departure and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your onward or return flight. Although this is the last day of your journey through some of the most fascinating locations in Sri Lanka, we hope that your memories and photographs of this remarkable, colourful island nation will last a lifetime (It is recommended to reach the airport at least 3 hours before the departure flight time, the recommended departure flight in the afternoon or evening).
*Breakfast included.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English-speaking driver/wildlife guide on a shared basis
ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 nights´ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,2 Colombo:
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Grand or similar 5*
Day 3, 4 Kandy:
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Kandy or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl's Regent or similar 5*
Day 5 Nuwara Eliya
Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
Day 6 Tissamaharama
Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Safari or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Wild or similar 5*
Day 7 Galle
Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Blue or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Lighthouse or similar 5*
MEALS:
- 7 Breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
- Shared transport throughout the tour
- Arrival and departure airport transfer
- Tuk-Tuk on day 2
- Jeep safari in Yala National Park on day 6
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Entrance fees included: Colombo city tour and Sri Lankan cooking session (day 2), Peradeniya botanical garden, Temple of Tooth and Kandy visit incl. cultural show (day 3), Kiriwaula Village Excursion (day 4), Tea plantation (day 5), Yala National Park jeep safari (day 6), Galle visit (day 7)
OTHER:
- Meet and Greet on day 1
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.
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Lunch
Lunch throughout the tour is not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide are not included.
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Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, etc., are not included.
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Video Camera Permits
Video camera permits at Elephant Orphanage 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.
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. 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.
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Please Note
- It is recommended to reach the airport at least 3 hours before the departure flight time, the recommended departure flight in the afternoon or evening
- Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms, smoking rooms & non-smoking rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
- The Validity of the passport should be 6 months from the date of departure.
- Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,5 Colombo:
Superior Hotel Category = Ozo Colombo or similar 4*;
Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Grand or similar 5*
Day 2,3 Habarana/ Sigiriya:
Superior Hotel Category = Habarana Village by Cinnamon or similar 4*;
Deluxe Hotel Category = Habarana Lodge or similar 5*
Day 4 Kandy:
Superior Hotel Category = Earl's Regency or similar 4*;
Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl's Regent or similar 5*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,2 Colombo:
- Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Colombo or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Grand or similar 5*
Day 3, 4 Kandy:
- Superior Hotel Category = OZO Kandy or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Earl's Regent or similar 5*
Day 5 Nuwara Eliya
- Superior Hotel Category = Jetwing St Andrews or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Heritance Tea Factory or similar 5*
Day 6 Tissamaharama
- Superior Hotel Category = Ekho Safari or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Cinnamon Wild or similar 5*
Day 7 Galle
- Superior Hotel Category = Radisson Blue or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Jetwing Lighthouse or similar 5*
Mode of Transport
Travel in air-conditioned transportation as per the program, including arrival and departure airport transfers, a tuk-tuk ride on day 2, and a jeep safari in Yala National Park on day 6.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation with options ranging from superior 4-star hotels like Ozo Colombo and Habrana Village by Cinnamon to deluxe 5-star hotels such as Cinnamon Grand and Habrana Lodge.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English-speaking driver/wildlife guide on a shared basis.
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What types of accommodation are available during the tour?
Accommodation options include Superior and Deluxe hotel categories. For example, in Colombo, you can stay at Ozo Colombo (4*) or Cinnamon Grand (5*). In Habarana/Sigiriya, options include Habrana Village by Cinnamon (4*) or Habrana Lodge (5*). In Kandy, you can choose between Earl's Regency (4*) or Earl's Regent (5*). ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts.
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What kind of transportation will be provided during the tour?
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation as stated in the programme, arrival and departure airport transfers, a tuk-tuk ride on day 2, and a jeep safari in Yala National Park on day 6.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees are included for various activities such as the Colombo city tour, Sri Lankan cooking session, Peradeniya botanical garden, Temple of the Tooth, Kiriwaula Village Excursion, tea plantation visit, and Yala National Park jeep safari.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a traditional Sri Lankan cookery session, a walking tour of Colombo, a visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, a cultural show in Kandy, a visit to Kiriwaula Village, a tour of a tea plantation, a jeep safari in Yala National Park, and a city tour of Galle.
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What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable and warm 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 can also be very useful.
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Are there any specific requirements for visiting temples?
Yes, visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples. Shoes should also be removed before entering a temple.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is recommended to arrange your own travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights are not included in the tour package.
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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.
Vivacious Sri Lanka - Free Upgrade to Private Tour Available
8 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
163435
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 20
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
