Compare Simply Sri Lanka by Intrepid Travel vs Tour of Ancient Sri Lanka by Panoramic Tour & Travels
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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0 | Poor
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Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
Price From | $ 652 | $ 1,077 |
Price Per Day | $ 82 | $ 154 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities | N/A |
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Meals Included | N/A |
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 3 Dinners |
Description |
Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating cultures, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches and this eight-day experience will introduce you to the most memorable. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna. We’ve sorted the nitty gritty so you can focus on soaking up Sri Lanka at your own pace, with plenty of optional activities and the guidance of your local leader to help you out when you’re not sure where to start. Are you an independent traveller who wants to explore Sri Lanka with like-minded people and a local? This is your trip. |
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. |
Day 1 Negombo
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2 Dambulla
After breakfast, leave Negombo and drive approximately 4.5 hours to Dambulla, arriving just after midday. In the afternoon you may like to relax at the hotel after check-in, or take an optional visit to a nearby wildlife reserve – a jeep safari excursion that takes you into elephant country. Which park is available to visit depends on the season, but both Minneriya and Kaudulla are within easy reach of Dambulla. Another option is the nearby Dambulla Caves with their magnificently decorated interiors.
Day 3 Sigiriya - Kandy
Early this morning, before the heat is too intense, head to Sigiriya (approximately 30 minutes). This ruined fortress is one of Sri Lanka's premier sights. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Those unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below. Return to the hotel for breakfast before heading to Kandy (approximately 3 hours). On the way, there's the option of stopping at one of the region's wonderful spice gardens for lunch. In beautifully located Kandy, visit the Dalada Maligawa (aka Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist site, and mingle with the white-clad pilgrims who come here to worship.
Day 4 Kandy
The morning is yours to explore Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush countryside. It’s home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. It was once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, and the area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Perhaps walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy – explore the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary, close to Kandy, which offers the chance to see flowers, birds and monkeys in 160 acres of tropical rainforest. Regroup for today’s lunch, which is sure to be one to remember! Visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry of the Sri Lankan government to provide employment to women from local communities while training and empowering them. Here you’ll enjoy some truly delicious Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the important work they do. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.
Day 5 Unawatuna
Journey south in a private vehicle to Unawatuna (approximately 6 hours). This fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. There are no included activities today, so you'll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surrounds. Perhaps take a walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off Galle–Matara road or unwind with an indulgent massage.
Day 6 Unawatuna
Sleep in, relax on the beach, work on your tan or grab a cocktail under the shade of a beachside restaurant. Feel like something a bit more active? Today is a good opportunity to pop into nearby Galle for some sightseeing. The city is a memorable collection of Dutch-colonial buildings with boutique shops and cafes to visit. Walk around the perimeter of the Galle fort and cool off with an icy ginger drink in a cafe, then mosey on back to the beach for some more chillaxing.
Day 7 Colombo
Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a train to Colombo (approximately 4 hours). On arrival in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. If you're lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together.
Day 8 Colombo
Have string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast, then pull your saddest face as our trip comes to an end.
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