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Classic & Cultural Tour | 18 Days

Duration
18 Days
Tour Type
Classic & Cultural
Rating

Overview

GRAND JOURNEY FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

The fantastic 18-day holiday package offered with this package is possibly the best you could discover in Sri Lanka. The island is renowned for its magnificent tea estates, gorgeous beaches, and lovely colonial memories. The fauna in Sri Lanka is also very impressive. You will become fully immersed in the country over your 18-day holiday plan and come in contact with the exotic animals that make Asia such a wonder. This island nation has a lot to admire, including elephants, whales, ever-green hulls, and blue waves. This journey promises to be one where you may relax and discover in equal measure, far from the metropolitan cities to the south of the island. So grab your hiking boots, snorkels, and binoculars, and let the adventure begin.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • The scenic train ride into the mountains
  • Safari wild elephants and blue whales
  • Local curry cooking demonstrations
  • Foot at the Mini Adam’s peak
  • Relaxing beach time at one of Sri Lanka’s remote beautiful beaches.

Itinerary

We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Welcome to Sri Lanka, a land like no other, where this nine days tour of discovery will expose you to the country’s rich history and culture, as well as its wildlife, soft adventures, and secluded beaches with stunning golden sand.

You will be met by your tour guide when you arrive at Colombo CMB Airport, and you will then be taken to your accommodation. The first stop will be the seaside town of Negombo, which has long been regarded as Sri Lanka’s most well-preserved beach and is well-known for its cuisine, entertainment, and traditional fishery village. We haven’t scheduled any activities for day one, so you can unwind at Negombo Beach or by the pool of your cozy hotel. You can walk along the beach in the evening while enjoying the beautiful sunsetting and the relaxing atmosphere of Negombo beach

OVERNIGHT STAY :  COZY SEA FRONT HOTEL AT NEGAMBO

ACTIVITIES:

  • Arrival to Sri Lanka, Colombo (Katunayaka) International Airport
  • Greetings by BH Lanka representative
  • Proceed to Negombo
  • Check into Deluxe sea view Hotel in Negombo
  • Walk around the Negombo city
  • Relax at the beach and pool of your hotel

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| REGAL RESEAU HOTEL & SPA OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | ARIA LAGOON HOTEL OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | HERITANCE NEGAMBO OR SIMILAR

Anuradhapura, city, north-central Sri Lanka. It is situated along the Aruvi Aru River. The old section of Anuradhapura, now preserved as an archaeological park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, is the best known of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities.

In the immediate vicinity are huge bell-shaped dagobas (Buddhist commemorative shrines, or stupas) built of small sun-dried bricks as well as temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. The city also contains an ancient pipal tree that is believed to have originally been a branch of the Bo tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar, India), under which Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment. The Bo tree branch was planted at Anuradhapura about 245 BCE, and it may be the oldest tree in existence for which there is any historical record.

Wilpttu National park is among the oldest and most important protected areas in Sri Lanka. It also contains a number of important cultural sites. The sanctuary lies inland from the coast and is entirely within Northern Province. It is contiguous with the park, the intervening boundary being marked by the Moderagam Aru.

The main topographical feature in this park is the concentration of “villus” or “lakes” within it. The striking feature, though confined to a certain sector of the park, is copper red, loamy soils extremely varied. The western sector of the park with deeply forested areas and thorny bushes in reminiscent of Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka

OVERNIGHT STAY : NATURE-FRIENDLY RESORT AT ANURADAPURA

ACTIVITIES:

  • After breakfast proceed towards Anuradhapura
  • Visit Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwali seya
  • A tour around the ancient Anuradhapura city
  • Evening join with the Wilpattu National Park safari

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| MIRIDIYA LAKE RESORT OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | PALM GARDEN VILLAGE HOTEL OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | THE LAKE FOREST HOTEL OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, your tour leader will drive you to Jaffna, a journey that takes around 3 – 4 hours. En-route, you’ll witness the unique landscape of the northern part of the island along the A9 Highway. Jaffna is the biggest town in northern Sri Lanka and has a real Indian feel to it being closer to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu than Colombo. This is evident in its culture, with a predominance of Hindu temples and the sounds of Tamil being spoken, instead of Sinhala. It’s a city that was kept away from the tourist trail due to the 30-year civil war which ended in 2009. It is now rising as a must-see Sri Lankan holiday destination as it offers much to do and it has a fascinating culture that is markedly different from that of the rest of the island, influenced by many traditions from South India. Jaffna has full of hidden treasures including the famous Nallur Kandaswamy, a huge Hindu temple with golden arches and an ornate Gopuram tower

OVERNIGHT STAY :  COZY CITY HOTEL AT JAFFNA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Jaffna fort visit
  • Jaffna city walk
  • Civil war monuments
  • Jaffna food adventure
  • Panoramic road trip on A9 highway

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| FOX RESORTS JAFFNA OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | THE THINNAI OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | NORTH GATE BY JETWING OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, you’ll travel towards the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and you will visit the city of Trincomalee. It is an amazing multicultural town with lovely places such as Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island and Koneswaram Kovil. With its white sands and gentle waves, Trincomalee beach is the ultimate getaway for those who desire a relaxing vacation in Sri Lanka. Here you will experience a quiet bliss on a tropical heaven, far away from the busy and chaotic life. Overnight stay in a seafront cosy resort at Trincomalee.

Day 4 In the morning, hit back to the beautiful golden sandy beach and jump into a boat for an amazing ride on the sea to explore Pigeon Island (Note: wether condition of the sea may subject to cancel the boat ride, thus optional places may suggest). The island possesses a 200m long and 100m wide coral reef with over 100 species of exquisite corals making it an unmatched live coral reef, unlike any other in Sri Lanka. It is considered an ecosystem high in biodiversity. Pigeon Island has made it a favourable feeding and breeding ground for over 300 species of coral reef fish, creating a colourful symphony. This underwater fantasy is a piece of heaven for those interested in scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing.

OVERNIGHT STAY :  COZY BEACH RESORT AT TRINCOMALEE

ACTIVITIES:

  • Koneshwaram Kovil
  • Fort Frederick
  • Pigeon Island boat ride Snorkeling
  • Relax in beach

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| JKAB BEACH RESORT OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | CARDAMON HOTEL NILAVELI OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | TRINCO BLU CINNAMON OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, you will proceed to Polonnaruwa ancient city (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Sri Lanka has a rich heritage and Polonnaruwa is one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world. It was the second capital, ruled by 56 kings for over 8000 years. The city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many shrines. A unique Irrigation complex watered the city as well as the surrounding plains helping in agriculture which made the island “the Granary of the East”.

Afternoon, you will be heading to Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park for an afternoon 4×4 jeep safari, since it is the best time to spot wild elephants in their natural habitat. If you’re up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya/Kaudulla is your ideal destination! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this park is mainly a sanctuary for elephants. It is always a pleasure to watch baby elephants playing at the lake under the evening sunset. Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort at Sigiriya

OVERNIGHT STAY :  NATURE-FRIENDLY RESORT AT SIGIRIYA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Minneriya Wildlife safari
  • Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be arranged
  • Bicycle tour around the ancient city – Included

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| SIGIRI ASNA NATURE RESORT OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | HOTEL SIGIRIYA OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | AMAYA LAKE DAMBULLA OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, you will take a wonderful journey across the stunning Sri Lankan countryside towards Dambulla city, which is the central point of the cultural triangle on the island. After breakfast, visit Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily; in fact, you have to climb a series of vertiginous staircases to reach the top. On the way, you’ll pass quite remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion paws carved into the bedrock.

Thereafter, you will enjoy a wonderful cultural village tour while exploring the beautiful countryside (ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED). It will start with a Bullock Cart ride, one of the most ancient and prime transportation systems in Sri Lanka, still used in some villages. While on the tour you will have a canoeing boat ride across the lake and a TukTuk drive before reaching the farmer’s house where you will experience the typical Sri Lankan countryside hospitality. Thereafter, head back to your cosy hotel and relax. If you are interested, you could experience an Ayurvedic herbal massage at your hotel. Overnight stay in a nature-frienly resort at Sigiriya.

OVERNIGHT STAY :  NATURE-FRIENDLY RESORT AT SIGIRIYA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Sigiriya Ancient Rock Fortress visit
  • Catamaran boat ride – Included in the package
  • Cultural Village Tour – Included in the package

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| SIGIRI ASNA NATURE RESORT OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | HOTEL SIGIRIYA OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | AMAYA LAKE DAMBULLA OR SIMILAR

Early in the morning, climb Pidurangala rock to capture the morning sunrise. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and set off to Kandy. En route, visit the Golden Buddha Statue, the Royal Cave Temple (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE), and Matale Spice Garden. Then, proceed towards Kandy city, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It’s set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and bio diverse rainforests. Kandy is also famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Thereafter, you’ll enjoy a walk around Kandy’s busy city centre, including a tour of the Central Market, before engaging with a cultural dance show which is inspired by Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance and cultural heritage (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE).

OVERNIGHT STAY : COZY MOUNT VIEW HOTEL AT KANDY

ACTIVITIES:

  • Pidurangala rock hike
  • Dambulla cave temple visit
  • Temple of Tooth Relic visit
  • Hot-air balloon tour can be arranged
  • Kandy city tour (local markets/view point)
  • Spice garden visit – Included in the package
  • Traditional dance show – Included in the package

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| RANDHOLEE RESORT & SPA OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | HOTEL TOPAZ  OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | THE GOLDEN CROWN HOTEL OR SIMILAR

In the morning, you will visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka attracts millions of tourists and locals each year as the oldest formal garden in Sri Lanka. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens contain 4000 different flora types. The magnificent orchid collection, the regal palm trees, and the exceptional variety of Sri Lankan, Asian, and foreign foliage are a few of the gardens’ main wonders.

Evening, you may take your own walk around Kandy’s busy city center and the lake around in the afternoon, before taking in a cultural dance performance that draws inspiration from Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance, and cultural history.

OVERNIGHT STAY : COZY MOUNT VIEW HOTEL AT KANDY

ACTIVITIES:

  • Kandy city tour (local markets/view point)
  • Evening walk through Nuwara Eliya city centre and the fruit and vegetable

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| RANDHOLEE RESORT & SPA OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | HOTEL TOPAZ  OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | THE GOLDEN CROWN HOTEL OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, you will visit Tiesh gem museum; Get to know more about the world renowned and most prestigious Sri Lankan gems and crafting in the museum tour. Next; you will visit the Peradeniya Royal Garden, which is known as one of the best botanical garden in Asia.

Thereafter, you’ll enjoy a wonderful journey through the lush green tea plantations and the waterfalls towards Sri Lanka’s tea region of Nuwara Eliya. It is often referred to as “Little England” because many of the buildings in this city retain from the British colonial period, such as the Queen’s Cottage, the General’s House, the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club and the Town Post Office.

While driving through the cold mist hill’s, stop at a tea plantation, step into a tea factory to observe the rich tradition of processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea that kept alive up to date. Make sure to end your Tea factory visit in style over a perfectly blended cup of tea.

OVERNIGHT STAY :  COZY MOUNT VIEW HOTEL AT NUWARA ELIYA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Gem Museum
  • Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden
  • Tea factory visit

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| HEAVEN SEVEN HOTEL OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | THE LYNDEN GROVE  OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | GALWAY HEIGHTS HOTEL OR SIMILAR

In the morning, you will enjoy a spectacular train journey from Nanu-oya station to Ella village. It is known as one of the most picturesque hill country train journeys in the world. Ella is everyone’s favorite hill country village due to the fact that it’s a wonderful nature-friendly location. The Nine Arch Bridge, a major tourist attraction in Ella, is a massive bridge built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. Ella is a great place for walking and climbing and its most famous trekking route is to “Little Adam’s Peak”. In the evening, you could chill out at the village center where there are lots of restaurants, pubs and also evening entertainments. Ella is a stunning location that anyone who is visiting Sri Lanka should not miss out.

OVERNIGHT STAY :  COZY MOUNT VIEW HOTEL IN ELLA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Mini Adam’s Peak trekking
  • Ella Village walk (Nine Arch bridge)
  • Spectacular train journey – Included in the package

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| O2 ELLA OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | FLOWER GARDEN ELLA  OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | EKHO ELLA OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, depart from Ella towards Yala National Park. En-route, you will visit Ravana waterfall, one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Ella. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country; in fact, this waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft). Later on, visit Yala National Park, the largest and most stunning national park in Sri Lanka. Thanks to a river running through it, Yala National Park is divided into two sections. Because the river makes crossing to the other side difficult, Yala is really treated as two separate parks. But that doesn’t change the fantastic offerings! Encompassing a range of diverse ecosystems, the park has an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards and lots of colorful birds. Enjoy a 4×4 jeep ride searching for leopards hanging on trees or whispering through the bushes, crocodiles patrolling the river or wild elephants drinking water and playing around under the evening sunset.

OVERNIGHT STAY : COZY SAFARI TRANSIT RESORT THISSAMAHARAMA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Rawana Waterfall
  • Wildlife safari at Yala National Park

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| HOTEL TAMARIND TREE OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | CHAARYA RESORT & SPA   OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | ROCK WILD YALA OR SIMILAR

Early in the morning, hit back to the beautiful golden sandy beach and jump into a boat for an amazing ride on the sea to capture the blue whales and dolphins. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to spot the biggest creature on the planet. Please note that whale watching is a SEASONAL activity. With a free afternoon, you may enjoy walking around fisherman’s village or sunbathing on the beach. Evening, you’ll definitely enjoy the stunning scenery of sunset and pleasant seaside atmosphere. You may also pop into a seafront restaurant and try some authentic Sri Lankan seafood – a wonderful crab curry is likely to be on the menu.

OVERNIGHT STAY :  BEACH RESORT AT DIKWELLA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Whale watching boat tour
  • Leisure & relax in the beach
  • Water activities can be arranged

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| TWENTY-TWO WELIGAMBAY OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | DICKWELLA RESORT AND SPA  OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | ERA BEACH THALPE OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, your tour leader will drive you along the southwest coast towards Galle, a city well known for its Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). It is the intersection where classic Dutch and British architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk through the streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions nowadays flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Historical Galle Lighthouse stands proudly on the southeast tip of the fort. Thereafter, you’ll visit the capital city of Colombo, which has an interesting history running back to the fifth century. Even in ancient times, this was an important port city in the East-West sea trade. Nowadays it has become a bustling modern town with a unique atmosphere. The colourful streets, restaurants and modern shopping malls attract hordes of locals and tourists alike.

OVERNIGHT STAY :  BEACH RESORT AT BENTOTA

ACTIVITIES:

  • Galle Fort and city tour
  • Observe the local fishing styles
  • Turtle hatchery center visit – included in the package

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

  • STANDARD HOTELS (3 STAR)| THE PALMS HOTEL BERUWALA OR SIMILAR
  • DELUXE HOTELS (4 STAR)      | CINNAMON BEY BERUWALA OR SIMILAR
  • SUPERIOR HOTELS (5 STAR)  | THE EDEN BERUWALA OR SIMILAR

After breakfast, you have the opportunity to take an optional city walk with your tour guide to visit the most highlighted places in the city and also do some last-minute shopping as well. Perhaps, you may intend to pop into a famous and internationally renowned restaurant in Colombo to end your trip over an unforgettable meal. Thereafter, proceed to the airport in time for the return flight.

ACTIVITIES:

  • Colombo city and shopping tour
  • Colombo highlights: Galle Face Green, Gangarama Independent Square, ect…

Included / Excluded

To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.

Tour Map

This simple map is designed to help you visualise an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.

Key Notes

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Welcome to BH Lanka Tours, a leading travel agency in Sri Lanka. Our team of knowledgeable professionals are dedicated to creating customized tours that cater to your unique needs and exceed your expectations. With a focus on safety and security, we offer a comprehensive and affordable tour package for travelers. Contact us anytime for 24/7 support.

Address

No 75, Samanpaya, Kudagalgamuwa, Kurunegala,
Sri Lanka.

Phone

+94 77 062 4522

Email

info@bhlankatours.com