Compare Rural Sri Lanka: off the beaten track by Audley Travel vs Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group, 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,827 | $ 4,275 |
| Price Per Day | $ 273 | $ 428 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
An incredibly diverse but relatively small island nation, Sri Lanka offers magnificent wildlife, world-class cultural attractions and glorious beaches. With no long distances to cover, even a short trip can include a wide range of experiences and activities such as spotting leopards and elephants on safari, observing whales and dolphins off the south coast or marvelling at the wonders of the Golden Triangle. Step back in time with a visit to the ancient capitals of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa or the Dambulla cave temples. Visit colonial Galle or simply relax beneath swaying palms on the golden beaches of the southwest or less-visited northeast. |
Live and breathe the culture of Sri Lanka as you take a walking tour through the picturesque backstreets of Colombo, see the famous fortress of Sigiriya set upon its rocky outcrop and visit Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Kandy. For something truly unique, take part in a Nuwara Eliya tea experience—an all-immersive tea leaf picking and fresh tea tasting affair, at one of the world’s most beautiful tea plantations. Voyage into the depths of the jungle on a game drive in Wilpattu National Park and keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants. Before the journey home, be sure not to miss the exquisite fragrances of the National Spice Garden in Matale and the architectural wonders of Anuradhapura—the capital city of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom that ruled for a thousand years. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.
Day 2 : Wadumunnegedara
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by one of our representatives and then driven to your accommodation in the countryside. Horathapola Estate is an old planter's house set in the middle of a coconut plantation, surrounded by paddy fields.
Day 3 : Wadumunnegedara
Visit Yapahuwa this morning. Built around a granite rock, the remnants of this city show where one of the ancient capitals of medieval Sri Lanka once was. Explore with your chauffeur-guide before returning to Horathapola to relax this afternoon. The swimming pool and gardens are ideal to unwind.
Day 4 : Pallepola
After a leisurely breakfast you will be driven (approximately three hours) to your next hotel, a farmstay which is more luxurious than it sounds - an Audley favourite. Jim's Farm is a wonderful base for exploring within the cultural triangle. En route you will have chance to stop for photo opportunities or for a refreshment break.
Day 5 : Pallepola
This morning you will visit Sigiriya Rock accompanied by your chauffeur guide, who will be able to provide you with the history of the rock as you admire the views on the top. Ensure you wear sensible shoes and take water with you - although not the easiest of climbs, the views reward your hard work.Afterwards you will visit the Dambulla Caves, dating back to the 1st Century. All of the caves contain varying sizes of statues of Buddha and several have impressive ceiling frescos.
Day 6 : Pallepola
Today you will visit nearby Aluvihara and Matale. In Aluvihara, you can spend time exploring the rock temple, which is said to date back to the 1st Century BC. If you like temples, the Sri Muthumariamman Temple in Matale is also worth seeing. Otherwise, Matale is well known for its spice markets, which are fun to explore.
Day 7 : Pallepola
Your chauffeur guide will collect you after breakfast and accompany you to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second capital. The drive there takes around 90 minutes. The ancient city ruins have a mix of both Buddhist and Hindu influence, and are a great place to learn more about the history of Sri Lanka.
Day 8 : Anamaduwa
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you will drive north to The Mudhouse. The drive will take around three hours, but you will get to see more of the lovely Sri Lankan scenery en route. On arrival you will be made to feel very welcome by the staff who will show you to your accommodation for the next two nights.
Day 9 : Anamaduwa
Enjoy a leisurely day today taking in the surroundings of The Mudhouse. You can take kayaks out onto the lake, borrow bicycles to explore, or if you are interested in learning about Sri Lankan cookery you would be most welcome in the kitchen to watch or help out.
Day 10 : Alankuda
After a leisurely breakfast you will have the chance to visit Paramakanda Temple before being driven for around 90 minutes to the coast where you will then spend the last four nights of your holiday at leisure.
Day 11 : Alankuda
Day at leisure. If you wanted to see some wildlife, consider a day excursion to Wilpattu National Park - Sri Lanka's largest park who's name literally translates to 'land of the lakes'.
Day 12 : Alankuda
Day at leisure. If you're feeling active, take to the ocean to go kite-surfing (seasonal - weather dependent), lobster fishing or diving. The hotel will be happy to help with arrangements.
Day 13 : Alankuda
Day at leisure. If travelling between November and April, arrange a boat trip with the hotel to head out and be amongst the dolphins which play off this coast during these months. For a more relaxing day, book ahead and spend a day in the hotel's spa.
Day 14 : International return flight
You will be driven back to Colombo for your flight today. Depending on flight times, you may need to spend a night in Colombo as the drive from Alankuda takes around four hours. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka. A land of historic ruins, sweeping beaches and mouth-watering food, you’ve made it to paradise. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel, the Taj Samudra, Colombo. A contemporary, luxury build situated on the seafront, it provides an idyllic ambience at sunset. Unwind and rejuvenate before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director at 19:00, for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.
Day 2: Explore Colombo
There’s no better way to get to know a city than to walk through its back streets and experience it like a local. In the morning, head on a leisurely walking tour of Colombo with Mark Forbes, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast, and discover the city's hidden treasures. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back from 17th century and were erected mostly during Dutch and British rule. Visit Pettah Market, where locals head to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, garments and jewellery. This market place is older than the buildings around it and an area best explored with a local. Later, board your customised tuk-tuk and head out to explore the hustle and bustle of an afternoon in Colombo's oldest neighbourhoods. Cruise the city streets as the sun descends over the Indian Ocean and the city lights spring to life around a pulse of evening activity.
Day 3: Welcome to the Jungle Relaxed Start
After breakfast, begin your journey to Wilpattu National Park. A unique complex of over fifty wetlands and gravel roads that trace watering holes, the perfect place to observe wildlife. On arrival, check into your luxury safari camp located on the boarder of the park, a quintessential glamping experience and a satisfying blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away. In the evening, venture deep into the thick wilderness. Explore the park by jeep safari, taking the back roads in search for Sri Lanka's big four—leopards, elephants, sloth bears and deer.
Day 4: Jungle Safari
Enjoy journeying through the jungle on your morning and afternoon safaris. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, buffalos, mongooese and turtles.
Day 5: Wilpattu to Sigiriya
In the morning head south, making your way to Sigiriya. Stop on your journey at the Anuradhapura temple complex, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, sprawling and with a rich collection of archaeological wonders. Now a World Heritage site, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its ancient ruins with your Travel Director. Meet a practicing Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour of the Ritigala jungle’s enveloped paths. Hear the tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks that once inhabited the reserve. Begin your gradual ascent, making your way through seemingly endless paths and flights of carved stairs. This was once a place of meditation, congregation, teaching and general life for a monastic community who today devote their lives to simple living in the forest.
Day 6: Exploring Sigiriya's Ancient Kingdom
Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is steeped in history. Explore Sigiriya with Insight Choice. Choose to climb Sigiriya Rock. Alternatively, visit Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. During a tuk-tuk ride, explore the ancient remains of temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself before heading back to your hotel.
Day 7: Colourful Caves and Rainforests
Today you’ll visit the colourful Dambulla Caves. Also known as the Golden Temple caves, this World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Take in its mighty artwork dedicated to Gautama Buddha as you explore with your group. S Stop at Tamarind Gardens for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This local farm has been working to supply community members with access to clean water, nutritional food, and supports the village towards a sustainable future. Later, arrive in Kandy. Surrounded by mountains, rainforest and tea plantations, this sacred city if famous for its Buddhist sites, such as the Temple of the Tooth shrine. Once here you’ll enjoy a cultural evening of drums and a dance performance. Your accommodation for the evening is, Mahaweli Reach. Located next to the mighty Mahaweli River, this traditional hotel is based in the hill capital of Sri Lanka and offers incredible culture, history and authentic dining options.
Day 8: Tea Country Hills Relaxed Start
In the morning head to the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of Buddha is located here.Later meet Rahju, a local artist, at his contemporary art gallery. Enjoy a private viewing of his magnificent paintings and discuss his unique perspectives on life over a cup of tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya. A city in Sri Lanka’s tea country hills, this pretty destination is famous for Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu shrine and Galway’s Land National Park. In the evening, participate in a cooking demonstration. Learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef, before indulging in the fruits of your hard work.
Day 9: Exploring Nuwara Eliya
Rise early this morning for an excursion to Horton Plains for a trek to World's End, where a stunning escarpment that plunges 880 metres down to the jungle floor. World’s End is situated in one of the most popular National Parks in Sri Lanka and is the only one where you can are able walk freely as there are no elephants. Stand in awe and capture incredible views of the expansive plateau, before mist and cloud obscure the scene. In the afternoon, learn everything there is to know about Ceylon tea during a visit to a tea plantation and garden. Walk through the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session hosted by an expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over a Celebration Dinner at your hotel.
Day 10: Goodbye Colombo
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, as your journey comes to an end. You’ll be driven back to Colombo airport for your onward flight. A stop will be made in Colombo for those extending their stay.
