Book with Travel at 60 by 17 Jan 2020 and SAVE:
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You’ll be met with an array of exciting experiences - from taking a walking tour through the backstreets of Colombo with a Local Expert to visiting Rahju’s Contemporary Art Gallery and a tea plantation. Enjoy travelling with a group of like-minded individuals and a knowledgeable Travel Director, who will be on hand to guide you throughout your trip.
Tour Highlights:
Your tour includes:
Dining:
Tour Experiences:
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 7:00pm for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.
Hotel: Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo
Meals: Dinner with Wine
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 hidden treasures this city has to offer. Journey through a myriad of buildings that date back from 17th century and were erected mainly during the Dutch & 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 old Colombo town as it rolls into sunset. Cruise the city streets while watching the sun lower over the Indian ocean and enjoy the chaos as the workday winds down and the city lights come alive for an evening of buzzing activity.
Hotel: Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 - RELAXED START - WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
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 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 bear and deer.
Hotel: Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - JUNGLE SAFARI
Today you will enjoy a full day of journeying through the jungle.
Hotel: Mahoora Tented Camp, Wilpattu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - WILPATTU TO SIGIRIYA
In the morning head south making your way to Sigiriya. Stop on your journey at Anuradhapura complex temple, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, sprawling 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. After, meet a practising Buddhist and embark on a guided walking tour through Ritigala’s jungle-enveloped paths. Hear tales and secrets of the forest dwelling monks, who once inhabited the monastic 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 devoted their lives to living simply in the forest.
Hotel: Hotel Aliya Resort and Spa, Sigiriya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 between climbing Sigiriya Rock or a visit to Sigiriya Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa by tuk-tuk, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, where you will explore remains of ancient temples and tombs. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself before heading back to your hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Aliya Resort and Spa, Sigiriya
Meals: Breakfast
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. Stop at Matale Spice Garden, home to exotic plant species and spice trees, and find out how those spices are used in the preparation of local dishes. 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 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.
Hotel: Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 - RELAXED START - TEA COUNTRY HILLS
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, visit Rahju’s 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, where you’ll learn to cook Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine with a local chef before indulging on your hard work.
Hotel: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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, you will be treated to an special experience when you visit a tea factory and tea gardens. Walk in the plantation during plucking time and spend time with a tea plucker to learn about their life, before enjoying a tasting session with a tea expert. In the evening, toast to your travels with your new friends over a Celebration Dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out and may change without notice.
Tours operate regularly between August 2020 and March 2021 - please call 1300 414 198 for additional dates.
NEW YEAR SALE! Book through Travel at 60 by 17 Jan 2020 and SAVE! The following prices are based on 12 and 26 September 2020 departures:
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat! Why not extend your stay? We can also assist with flights, additional accommodation and travel insurance.
Your accommodation includes:
HOTEL TAJ SAMUDRA, COLOMBO (CONTEMPORARY)
Taj Samudra Colombo is located in the heart of the Colombo city, overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Bright and airy, elegant rooms are stylishly designed with classic wood furnishings, creating a luxurious and comfortable retreat for guests.
MAHOORA SAFARI CAMP, WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK (CONTEMPORARY)
The luxurious Mahoora Safari Camp is located on the border of Wilpattu National Park, known for its Leopards. A quintessential glamping experience and satisfying blend of comfort and nature, enjoy relaxing in your spacious living room, with views of the lush, green jungle just steps away.
HOTEL ALIYA RESORT AND SPA, SIGIRIYA (CONTEMPORARY)
An artful blend of contemporary architecture and minimalistic style with an authentic Sri Lankan touch, the Aliya Resort & Spa is set in the lush forests where elephants roam free. Rooms have been uniquely designed with the colours and motifs of Sri Lankan batik that come equipped with all modern comforts, illustrating a discreet opulence.
MAHAWELI REACH HOTEL, KANDY (TRADITIONAL)
Nestled beside the mighty Mahaweli River, Mahaweli Reach Hotel is layered with refined luxury and old-world charm of an ancient kingdom. The property offers spacious rooms that combine traditional Sri Lankan style with luxury comforts.
GRAND HOTEL, NUWARA ELIYA (HISTORIC)
Maintaining the British Colonial architecture, Grand Hotel has graciously evolved to perfectly blend with the tranquillity and beauty of Nuwara Eliya. Understated rooms surrounded by tropical greenery offer an elegant space and ambience.
Airport Transfers:
Complimentary transfers are available from/to Colombo Airport (CMB) on the first/last day of this trip or with pre/post trip accommodation however flight information is required.
Visas:
Australian Passport Holders are required to obtain a visa prior to departure from Australia to enter Sri Lanka. To obtain the visa (also known as Electronic Travel Authorizations), you will need to go online to visit www.eta.gov.lk
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only.
NEW YEAR SALE! Book any Insight Vacations tour through Travel at 60 by 17 Jan 2020 and SAVE:
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.