Compare Tour of Ancient Sri Lanka by Panoramic Tour & Travels vs Classical Sri Lanka - Small Group, 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,077 | $ 4,275 |
| Price Per Day | $ 154 | $ 428 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 3 Dinners |
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| Description |
We warmly welcome you to our ancient Sri Lankan tour of 08 days where you can view various ancient sites in 08 different locations and more just in 08 days. You will get a chance to visit Dambulla, the Sigiriya rock fortress, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Negombo. This Island is actually blessed with pristine culture and heritage where you can relish ancient history. Eat and walk around the country like a local and fall in love with the cultural triangle. |
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: Ayubowan! (Airport-Colombo)
Have a memorable Holiday! With a warm welcome by our professional chauffer guide and a Panoramic Tour representative we welcome you to Sri Lanka. After arriving at the Katunayake International Airport, we will accommodate you in a Hotel in Colombo. If time permits you can go on a city tour where you can visit Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Memorial Square and Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil and enjoy walking along the Galle Face Green. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Travel Duration- 1 Hour
Day 2: Off To Sigiriya (Colombo-Sigiriya)
After your breakfast proceed to Sigiriya. You can enjoy a village tour in Galewela, you will get a chance to experience a Tuk Tuk ride, bullock and catamaran ride. After an authentic Sri Lankan Lunch with a chilled beer involve yourself in a cooking demonstration, get a chance to learn and cook local rice and curry and learn the ancient secret recipe while cooking with the demonstrators, from there continue your journey towards Sigiriya. En route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple thereafter check in at the hotel, relax yourself in the pool, enjoy a complimentary dinner and for an overnight stay.
Travel Duration- 4 Hours
Day 3: 8th Wonder of The World (Sigiriya)
After breakfast get ready to climb the Sigiriya Rock, which is known as the 8th Wonder of the World, it has been formed by the lava of a wiped out spring of gushing lava, it stands at 200 meters in height, surrounded by wilderness. Thereafter off to Pidurangala rock where from the top, there is an astounding view of the surrounding scenery and an unbelievable view of the Sigiriya Rock and enjoy your lunch at a recommended restaurant Proceed to the Hotel and spend your night after a tiring day with a free dinner.
Day 4: Temple Ride (Sigiriya-Anuradhapura-Sigiriya)
Enjoy your morning breakfast and off to Anuradhapura. This city is well known as one of the major cities in Sri Lanka. Have your lunch at the suggested restaurant and view the ancient stupas and ancient reservoirs during the tour. Some of the main attractions are the glorious rock carvings of vast richness and remarkable beauty Ruwanwelisaya Stupa one of the hemispherical structures containing relics in Sri Lanka, Lovamahapaya is a set of ruins with hundreds and hundreds of stone pillars that lie between the stupa Ruwanwelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Thuparamaya Dagaba. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay after a free dinner.
Day 5: History Of Sigiriya (Sigiriya-Kandy)
After the breakfast, continue your journey to Kandy a cultural city surrounded by Hills and a Lake, enjoy your lunch in Kandy and check in at the hotel. Thereafter you can visit the famous sanctuary of the Scared Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is a Buddhist Temple in the city of Kandy, it is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the Tooth of the Lord Buddha. Go on a shopping spree around Kandy also get a chance to visit the batik factory, the oak ray gem shop and view the wood carvings and by 4:00pm witness a cultural dance show for some vibrant entertainment. Check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.
Travel Duration-2.5 Hours
Day 6: Little Rome (Kandy-Negombo)
Have your breakfast and continue your journey towards Negombo. If interested en route you can visit the Surathura Spice Garden to witness the spices which are very imperative to Asian cuisine then proceed to Millennium Elephant Foundation, enjoy your lunch on your way to Negombo. Check in at the hotel and spend some time shopping and get back to the hotel to relax and for an overnight stay.
Travel Duration- 3 Hours
Day 7: Until We Meet Again (Negombo-Airport)
After having your breakfast andif time permits visit the Lellama to get to know the story of people engaged in their daily routine. Depending on your departure flight time check out of the Hotel. Don’t forget to take plenty of good memories of your unforgettable vacation home with you.
Travel Duration- 0.5 Hour
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.
