From ancient frescoes to captivating relics, dramatic fortresses to enchanting wildlife, you will have an exclusive experience steeped in the wonders of Sri Lanka during your custom tailored tour. Bask in the succulent aromas of a home-cooked meal that you prepare during a private lesson. Keep an eye out for the elusive leopard skulking through the tall plains. The sunlight reflects off the whitewashed walls of a colonial fortress while waterfalls accentuate the majesty of the countryside. Whether...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Colombo – An Exclusive Look at Colombo
Colombo is an enchanting city of color and aromas. The Pettah district, known for its shopping aisles lined with market stalls and clothing vendors, embodies the bustling nature of the locals and the vibrant ambiance of the city at large. The scent of coriander and turmeric filters through the air amongst the pastel hues and rich rainbow of garments hanging from the walls and rafters of the boutique shops. Your flight lands at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your private transfer greets you upon your arrival. You make your way to the gorgeous grounds of your hotel, nestled between the trees of a shaded lane and the tranquil atmosphere of a Buddhist shrine. You easily settle into the comforts of your luxury accommodation before meeting your guide in the lobby for a private tour of Sri Lanka’s capital city.
The streets and neighborhoods maintain a captivating mixture of history embodied in the colonial buildings, ruins, and contemporary skyscrapers overlooking the Indian Ocean. Your guide leads you to the Fortress to view the center of power during Dutch colonialism. The grounds were renovated in 2015, returning the former grandeur to the arcades and whitewashed walls of the Dutch Hospital. The aroma of coconut and cakes emanates from chic cafes and restaurants located in the complex. The verdant grass grows along two courtyards separating five wings. The walls reach a thickness of nearly 20 inches, supporting large teak beams and wooden staircases exemplifying 17th-century Dutch architecture.
What's Included:
Day 2
Anuradhapura – In the Presence of the Past
Day 3
Ritigala – Top of the Rock at Sigiriya
Day 4
Kandy – A Meeting with Ancient Monks
Day 5
Kandy – The Stronghold of the Kandyan Kingdom
Day 6
Hatton – On the Tea Trail
Day 7
Hatton – Mastering the Art of Tea
Day 8
Yala National Park – Scenic Rides and Night Drives
Day 9
Yala National Park – On the Drive
Day 10
Galle – Exploring the Fortress of Galle
Day 11
Galle – The Expansive Flavors of Sri Lanka
Day 12
Colombo – On the Trail Home
Trip Highlights
- Wander through a collection of ancient cave temples to view stunning frescoes and statues dating back more than 2,000 years
- Relish an in-depth tour of a historic tea plantation and factory in the tea-growing region for extensive insight into tradition, cultivation, and flavor
- Delight in a private cooking class to learn the art of layered flavors in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine
- Partake in the imaginative skill and unique heritage of carving a religious mask during a privately taught class
- View one of the oldest known trees in the world while touring the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which legend states has a direct connection to Buddha
- Venture to the top of Lion Rock to explore the tremendous grounds of Sigiriya Fortress, home to gardens, reservoirs, caves, and a palace
- Traverse the protected grounds of Yala Wildlife Sanctuary in search of Asian elephants, crocodiles, and leopards on thrilling game drives
- Enjoy a guided tour of a private spice farm for better understanding of the tropical flavors and lavish arrays of spices thriving in the climate of Sri Lanka
- Discover the unique blend of continued culture and colonial architecture while touring the Fortress of Galle with a local private guide
- Travel to the base of Ritigala Mountain Range to visit the grounds of a historical Monastery
Detailed Description
Sri Lanka offers an array of majesty and wonder embodied in the culture of the countryside, the movement of the cities, and the splendor of protected wildlife. Take to the trails and boulevards, monasteries and caves during your 12-day adventure in Sri Lanka, offering exclusive tours and endless excitement. Your adventure begins with your arrival in Colombo at Bandaranaike International Airport. Your private transfer greets you at customs and escorts you to a gorgeous hotel at the heart of the capital city. Meet your guide in the lobby for an introductory tour of the city, taking in the history of the colonial fortress and the vibrant shopping district of Pettah.
The following morning, you have a private transfer from Colombo to Kotugoda, which is connected to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Your guide leads you through the captivating ruins of ancient Anuradhapura before taking you to the comforts of your luxury hotel. The unique monolith of Lion Rock calls to you. Your guide leads you on a half-day tour of the palace complex adorning the monolith summit before continuing to the base of Ritigala Mountain to visit a historic monastery. Next, your guide leads you on a sensational tour of the Dambulla Cave Temples, which contain statues and frescoes over 2,000 years old.
Continue to a spice farm in the village of Matale to learn about the cultivation of various types of fruits and spices in the region, including coffee and vanilla. Enjoy lunch on the farm before arriving in the charming city of Kandy, which is located on the shores of the eponymous lake. Wander along the shaded avenues and gorgeous blossoming flowers in Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens. Continue with a private tour of the temples and markets of Kandy. Visit the treasured Temple of the Tooth in the evening to view the captivating Drum and Dance performance before viewing the tooth of the Buddha.
Next, you have a private transfer to the train station at Peradeniya to board your first-class car taking you on a scenic journey through the tea-growing region. Enjoy the panorama of waterfalls and lush terrain leading to the hills terraced by tea plantations. Indulge in the comforts of your luxurious resort-style accommodation with the remaining of the day at your leisure. Take to the trails on foot or by bike to explore the surrounding villages or linger in the comforts of your renovated colonial manor. Then, you have a private tour of a tea factory to visit professional harvesters and learn about the process of cultivation. The remainder of the day is once again at your leisure to take part in a whitewater rafting tour, spa day, or trek to the monastery atop Adam’s Peak.
Your private transfer meets you at the hotel and takes you on a scenic drive to Yala National Park. Stop en route to view waterfalls and temples, Buddhist shrines, and villages before arriving in a luxury campsite nestle between the beach and the national park grounds. Partake in an evening game drive through the national park to end the exciting day. Step out early for a full day game drive in Yala National Park in search of illustrious wildlife, including Asian elephants, leopards, monkeys, and over 200 types of birds.
Travel from Yala National Park to the beachside city of Galle, touring the historic colonial fortress with a local guide whose family has resided in the fort for generations. The next day, you have a private cooking class with a chef eager to lead you through the Galle market before introducing you to the flavors and traditions of Sri Lankan cuisine. In the afternoon, you continue your exploration of culture at an artist’s studio to learn the trade of creating religious art masks. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel in Galle on the final day before escorting you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$15,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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