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Colombo
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Colombo
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English
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Breakfast
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All year
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Easy
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Family, Individual
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Culture, Nature
Overview
In 22 days around all parts of Sri Lanka. This tour covers all parts of Sri Lanka, including the northern part, which was a central scene during the long civil war—Discover Sri Lanka’s most famous historical, religious and natural sights.
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Ancient City Anuradhapura
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Safari at Yala National Park
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Jaffna
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Cooking class
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Temple of Tooth Relic
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Authentic & organic Sri Lankan food
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Sigiriya Rock
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Delft Island
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Trincomalee Beach
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More optional activities
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Colombo
Arrival in Sri Lanka International Airport and meet with our representative at the arrival lounge. Transfer to your hotel in Negombo.
Overnight: in Negombo
Dinner
Day 2 :
Negombo
After breakfast, you will do a city tour of Negombo covering St. Maries Church, the Dutch fort and the fish market. Enjoy watching the old-world fishing crafts like the outrigger canoes and the catamarans bringing a variety of marine fishes like seers, skipjacks, pomfrets and amber-jacks. In the lagoon, lobsters and prawns are caught and served as fascinating delicacies in the restaurant.
After Lunch, we are heading to Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period, it remained one of the most stable and durable centres of political power and urban life in South Asia.
Overnight: Anuradhapura
Breakfast
Day 3 :
Ancient City
After breakfast, we are heading to the city of ancient ruins that give you a detailed explanation of the Sri Lankan history dating back to the 13th century. Highlights here are the Yapahuwa ancient city and the Mihintale Buddhist Temple.
In the evening you leisurely explore the villages. We set you free for this evening to feel the essence of Anuradhapura and mingle with locals.
Overnight: Anuradhapura
Breakfast
Day 4 :
Transfer to Jaffna
After breakfast, we are heading to Jaffna (Yalpanam), the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Most of the residents of Jaffna are Sri Lankan Tamils with a presence of Sri Lankan Moors and Portuguese Burghers. Yarlpanam is believed to have got its name from Yarl and Panam meaning the land of the Yarl or Veenai, a musical instrument; derived from the myth that this land was received by a Yarl player as a royal grant in appreciation of his musical performance.
In the evening, we do a city tour of Jaffna covering culture and religions and enjoy some food while mingling with locals.
Overnight: Jaffna
Breakfast
Day 5 :
Jaffna City Tour
After breakfast, we proceed to the tour of Jaffna city. You will see the train station that was completely destroyed and being rebuilt. Even the new tracks are being laid, and some important landmarks of the town which show significant progress in the city after the war. We will visit the temple of Sri Naga Viharaya the temple where the saplings of the original Bodhi tree were once brought and were placed before going to the King’s palace. This specially designed tour will also cover Jaffna Fort, Alfred Duraiappah Stadium, Jaffna Clock Tower, Jafina Library, High Court, Ariyakulam Buddhist Temple, Nallur Temple, Jamunari Bottomless Well, Manthirimanai (King Sangilians Palace) with so many other spectacular and historical places including Keerimalai springs.
Overnight: Jaffna
Breakfast + Lunch
Day 6 :
Delft & Nainativu Islands
Today you’ll visit the Island of Delft and Nainativu, a unique attraction in the Jaffna Peninsula. You can travel by boat from Kurikadduwan Pier to Pungudutivu Island. You can explore its attractions like the Dutch fort, wild horses, coral fences, pigeon holes and growing rock. An ideal day excursion to see the habitat that has survived for more than 400 years.
Overnight: Jaffna
Breakfast + Lunch
Day 7 :
Mannar Island
After breakfast, we proceed to Sun-blasted Mannar Island, a dry peninsula with lots of white sand and palm trees, gulls and terns, wild donkeys and fishing boats. Culturally, it’s an intriguing place: dotted with ancient baobab trees (native to Africa and said to have been planted by Arab merchants many centuries ago) and crumbling colonial edifices built by the Portuguese, Dutch and Brits.
Off the Coast, you can see small islands named First and Second Islands. Some travellers record their experience of walking across several small islets on the second island buzzing with activity of fish, crabs and seagulls. And other travellers identify the island to be the playground for rare birds. You can also have a look at a popular tourist attraction near Adam’s Bridge called Dancing Islands. The chain of sprinkled islands here has dunes in which the sand keeps ‘shifting’ from one location to another. This creates the beautiful illusion of the sands constantly moving and dancing.
Overnight: Mannar
Breakfast
Day 8 :
Trincomalee
After breakfast, we proceed to Sun-blasted Mannar Island, a dry peninsula with lots of white sand and palm trees, gulls and terns, wild donkeys and fishing boats. Culturally, it’s an intriguing place: dotted with ancient baobab trees (native to Africa and said to have been planted by Arab merchants many centuries ago) and crumbling colonial edifices built by the Portuguese, Dutch and Brits.
Today we proceed to Trincomalee, a port city on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The city is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours. It is one of the main centers of Tamil-speaking culture on the island.
We will visit Koneswaram Temple, Marble Beach, Kanniya Hot Springs with a smooth city tour
Overnight: Trincomalee
Breakfast
Day 9 :
Muttur
After breakfast, we are heading to Muttur. The best way to explore the Muttur archipelago is by river and sea sailing. While you hop from island to island you will pass beautiful scenes of village ladies picking mussels, shrimp trappers, crab hunters, anglers and village children taking dips that can’t be found in many other places. The weather is always nice but the sea can be a little bit rougher depending on the season. Most sightings of whales and Dolphins occur between February and April as whales continue their migrations around the island from the south coast. Nevertheless, Muttur is a must-visit for every off-beat tour enthusiast.
Overnight: Trincomalee
Breakfast
Day 10 :
Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, we are heading to Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, this ancient city remains one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites in Sri Lanka, and visitors to this area will be awestruck by ruins that have survived thousands of years.
In the afternoon stepping back into history with the extensive and well-preserved cultural monuments such as the Polonnaruwa Vatagade – believed to house the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is now deposited in Kandy;
The compactness of this great ancient city ensures that all monuments can be explored in one day.
Overnight: Polonnaruwa
Breakfast + Lunch
Day 11 :
Dambulla & Sigiriya
Today we are heading to Sigiriya. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the ‘Lion’s Rock’, which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.
Dambulla includes the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the ironwood forest, or Namal Uyana.
Overnight: Dambulla
Breakfast + Lunch
Day 12 :
Kandy - Temple of Tooth Relic
We recommend a nice lunch at a local village side enroute Kandy, the capital of the Central Province. It lies amid hills in the Kandy Valley, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. This spectacular and vibrant city is one of the most preferred tourist cities in Sri Lanka. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city which custodies the Temple of the Tooth relic.
In the evening, we visit the Temple of the Tooth relic before we attend a Sri Lankan cultural dance show with fire walking, mask dancing and the traditional drum beating called “Bera Wadanaya” which should not be missed in Kandy.
Overnight: Kandy
Breakfast
Day 13 :
Nuwara Eliya - Tea Plantation
We are heading to Nuwara Eliya, the Singhalese meaning for “city on the plain (table land)” or “city of light”. With an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft), it is the highest point in the central highlands and is considered one of the most important locations for tea production in Sri Lanka.
Massive tea plantations, lovely white waterfalls, green mountains and valleys; all make up a fabulous panoramic view for tourists in Sri Lanka.
Enroute, we visit Bakers, Aberdeen, and Devon waterfalls.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast
Day 14 :
Horton Plains - Train Trip
Optional: Horton Plains
Early in the morning at around 5 am, we are heading to the Horton Plains National Park, a protected area in the central highlands, covered by grassland and cloud forest. The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala, the plains are known as Maha Eliya Plains. The plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest and includes many endemic woody plants. Large herds of Sri Lankan Sāmbhar deer feature as typical mammals, and many bird species are not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to the Horton Plains.
After Horton Plains Trekking, we board you to the most scenic Nuwara Eliya to Ella train ride where our driver will be waiting to pick you up at Ella station upon arrival.
Overnight: Ella
Breakfast
Day 15 :
Ella - Leisure
This small town is a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. Places to see: Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Bambaragala Peak, 9’arch bridge.
Overnight: Ella
Breakfast
Day 16 :
Diyaluma Falls
Today we’ll do a trip to the Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Trekking to the top of upper Diyaluma Falls is a wonderful experience through diverse nature, beautiful mini waterfalls and natural pools. The 40-minute one-way walk-through rubbles will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Option: visit Lipton’s Seat or Kobabakma village tour.
Overnight: Ella
Breakfast
Day 17 :
Tissamaharama
After a relaxed breakfast, we’re heading to Tissamaharama, where you will have time to explore the town on your own.
Overnight: Tissamaharama
Breakfast
Day 18 :
Safari at Yala National Park
In the early morning at around 4:30, we’ll do a safari at the Yala National Park, which covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The range of habitats gives rise to a good range of wildlife. Yala is the ideal place to spot the “big four” of Sri Lankan wildlife: the elephants, the sloth bear, the illusive leopard, the wild buffalo and many more animals. In the afternoon, we are heading to Galle.
Overnight: Galle
Breakfast
Day 19 :
Galle
Galle or “Gaul”, is a town situated in the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river is the Gin River Gin Ganga which starts from Gongala Kanda and flows through many beautiful villages in the area. Visit of the natural silk factory.
Overnight: Galle
Breakfast
Day 20 :
Cooking Class / Whale watching
We will organize the dinner over a local cookery class at the Galle Organic Kitchen. You will visit the local organic market to pick the most preferred local veggies and prepare local cuisine with the guide’s family for an authentic local dinner.
Optional:
Whale watching in the morning. The best time to Whale watch is between November and April each year.
Overnight: Galle
Breakfast + Dinner
Day 21 :
Turtle Hatchery - Madu River Safari
Today we are heading to Colombo through the Ahungalla Turtle hatchery and we do a river safari on the Madu River. With most of the area being soggy wetlands, the solid landmass of the region mainly consists of islands.
Overnight: Colombo
Breakfast + Dinner
Day 22 :
Departure
Depending on your departure time, you’ll be driven to the airport.
Option to extend your stay.
Breakfast
Accommodation
21 nights in exceptional-rated homestays. All accommodations on our tours are primarily family-run home stays, farm stays, eco friendly small hotels. The food in the accommodation is primarily sourced locally or organically grown in the own garden and the dishes on the menus are homemade. We encourage and educate local guides in the villages and hire them in places where their expertise and local knowledge will enhance your experience and understanding of the historical context and on the environmental impact of your visit. If one accommodation is already fully booked at the time of booking, you will stay in similar accommodation of the same category.
What's Included
Included
- 21-night accommodation in Homestays
- Meals: 21 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 3 x dinner
- Van/car with driver
- Train tickets
- Taxes
- English-speaking guide
- Boat with guide for Delft and Nainativu Island
Excluded
- Flight tickets
- Entrance fees are optional
- Other meals & drinks not mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Visa (approx. 35 US$)
Optional
- Entrance fees for the mentioned sights are optional and can be booked with your booking or on site:
Ancient City Anuradhapura, Dambulla Cave temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of Tooth Relic, Safari at Yala National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Whale watching, Madu River Safari, Turtle Hatchery. - Extra-Overnight before or after the tour
- Private tour
- Child care
FAQ
How can I book a tour?
Our tours can be booked through our website or via mail at info@eurolanka.net.
If you wish any amendments to the itinerary, you can use the inquiry form at the end of the tour page and send us your details.
What are the Payment methods?
Payment for our multi-day tours can be made by credit card through our payment provider Stripe or by direct bank transfer to our Sri Lankan bank account.
What are the Payment terms?
Upon booking, a 20% down payment of the tour price is due if the tour start is more than 28 days away. The remaining payment is due 28 days before the tour starts. However, if the tour start is within 28 days, the full tour price is due at the time of booking.
Can I do the tour as a private tour?
For an additional charge, you have the option to convert the scheduled group tours into private ones, with a minimum requirement of 2 travellers. Opting for a private tour allows you the freedom to set your own pace and make spontaneous adjustments to the itinerary.
Will a tour guide be available?
While group tours come with an included tour guide, our private tours offer the flexibility for you to travel without a guide. With a private tour, you can opt for just the car, driver, and accommodation, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
