Sri Lanka, a cascade of wild culture and colour

Overview

  • 8
  • From $3,160.00*
  • 8 (Approx.)
  • 7
  • PFGCWQ

Availability

J F M A M J J A S O N D
                       

Overview

Leopards, montane cloud forest landscapes, cascading waterfalls, herds of elephants, tea plantations, aromatic dining, colonial history and stunning architecture explode in a cascade of wild culture and colour in Sri Lanka.

This remarkable 8-day tour connects you with some of the country’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Starting in Wilpattu National Park, you’ll do two safaris with the intention of seeing one of Sri Lanka’s infamous Leopards as well as a host of other wildlife and waterbirds.  

You’ll visit the rainbow-coloured cliff-top Koneswaram, explore the beaches of beautiful Pigeon Island and take the chance to see whales and dolphins, over one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world. Sri Lanka has an abundance of wildlife and national parks including Minneriya, which from May to October, is famous for some of the biggest gatherings of wild Asian elephants in the world. 

No visit would be complete without an early-morning climb of the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most awe-inspiring cultural sites in Sri Lanka. Your cultural experience continues with performances by the Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and various styles of Kandyan dance. 

From there your journey heads inland to the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka as you pass rolling hills and carpets of green tea fields, take a city tour and boat ride on Lake Gregory and visit the famous Hakgala Botanical Garden, founded in 1860 by eminent British botanist Dr. GHK Thwaites. The climate here is around 16 degrees Celsius, perfect for temperate plants such as the Rose Garden, where you can experience the sights and scents of glorious blooms in infinite variety, and the exotic Orchid House. 

The tour concludes in the stunning Horton Plains National Park, a starkly beautiful highland plateau popular with walkers, including the fabled viewpoint World's End and fascinating Bakers Falls. Horton Plains are the habitat of Giant Rhododendron (an evergreen shrub with large clusters of trumpet shaped flowers), tree fern primrose and daffodil orchids, Shaggy Bear Monkey and the Blue Mormon butterfly. Located within the park is a sheer cliff with a drop of about 4,000 feet (1,200 m). The Indian Ocean, 81 km to the south, can be observed on clear days. 

This private guided tour gives you all the best of Sri Lanka with the comfort and flexibility of your own driver and guide. No doubt it will give you plenty of memories to reflect upon, gathered throughout this exciting and colourful adventure. 

Highlights

  • Private guided, comfortable (min 2-person) safari
  • Hand-picked best nature-based locations
  • Best available comfortable and affordable accommodation
  • Best nature guides in Sri Lanka
  • 2 safaris at Wilpattu (your best chance to see leopards)
  • Horton Plains - beautiful montane grassland and cloud forest with stunning countryside 

ITINERARY 

Day 1 – Arrival and drive to Wilpattu (D) Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet with local guide and driver. Transfer to Wilpattu. This is the oldest and largest National Park in Sri Lanka. In the late afternoon proceed on a jeep safari around Wilpattu to see a range of tropical water birds and wildlife. 

Day 2 – Wipattu to Trincomalee (B, D) A morning visit to Wilpattu gives you a second chance of seeing some of the great animals in Wilpattu park. In the afternoon you will transfer to Trincomalee (Approximately 02 hours’ drive) which is one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world.  In the afternoon, proceed on a snorkelling session at the Pigeon Island Marine National Park (except closed season) which is a unique destination and whale and dolphin expedition. Overnight Trincomalee

Day 3 - Trincomalee (B, D) In the morning  proceed on a city tour in Trincomalee which covers the visits to Kanniya Hot Water Springs, the famous Koneswaram Temple and the Lover’s Leap. Overnight Trincomalee

Day 4 Trincomalee to Habarana (B, D) After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Habarana (Approximately 01 1⁄2 hours’ drive). In the evening, take a jeep safari ride to Minneriya National Park which is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are often present in huge numbers. Overnight stay in Habarana. 

Day 5 – Habarana - Kandy (B, D) After an early breakfast, climb the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is one of the most awe-inspiring cultural sites in Sri Lanka and is worthy of being named the 8th wonder of the world. In the afternoon, travel inland to the city of Kandy (Approximately 03 hours’ drive) which is also known as the cultural capital. This ancient city revolves around a large manmade lake, set amidst a high plateau and is surrounded with a beautiful view of lush mountain ranges. In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha and witness the exotic Cultural Dance Pageant. Overnight stay in Kandy. 

Day 6 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (B, D) After breakfast, you will be transferred to Nuwara Eliya (Approximately 03 hours’ drive), which is better known as Little England of Sri Lanka. The ride will take you past rolling hills and carpets of green tea fields. In the evening, take a city tour including a boat ride in the Lake Gregory and famous Hakgala Botanical Garden which is believed to be the highest set botanical garden in the world.  Overnight Nuwara Eliya

Day 7 – Nuwara Eliya – Negombo (B, D) With a packed breakfast, proceed to Horton Plains National Park for an early morning game drive which is starkly beautiful highland plateau popular with walkers that includes the fabled viewpoint of the World's End and the fascinating Bakers Falls. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Negombo (Approximately 04 hours’ drive), which is more affectionately known as the “Little Rome” of Sri Lanka. Relax at the hotel. Horton Plains National Park Overnight stay in Negombo. 

Day 8 – Transfer to airport (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (Approximately 30 minutes’ drive) for your flight back home. You can reflect upon the numerous memories you would have no doubt acquired throughout this exciting tour. 

INCLUSIONS

  • One airport transfer per couple / group
  • 3 star comfortable hotels 
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
  • Air conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water (500ml per pax per day)
  • Entrance and jeep fees where applicable and stated on itinerary
  • English speaking driver/ guide 

EXCLUDES

  • Domestic and international airfares.
  • Any pre/post tour accommodation and meals.
  • Lunches
  • Insurance of any kind.
  • Any kind of beverages while in transit or at the lodge.
  • Visa fees. 
  • Emergency rescue costs (local/international). • Drinks, tips and gratuities
  • All expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone bills etc.
  • Bank transfer charges (directly paid to your bank). 
  • AU$108.00 surcharge for snorkelling at Pigeon Island Marine National Park between 1st March and 30th April 2020 
  • AU$95.00 room surcharge between the 5th and the 15th August 2019 during the Kandy Pageant. 
  • Christmas surcharge (TBA).


Style of travel

This trip is suitable for people with a basic fitness. 

Itinerary

Includes

Excludes

Highlights

Payment Terms

1. RESERVATIONS Reservations are confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $A500 per person or per booking, or the amount specified on your booking. On receipt of your reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your place on your selected travel module. Additional deposits may be required and will be advised at time of booking. Final payment of land costs are due at least* 60 days prior to arrival and all reservations will be cancelled if full payment is not received by the due date, with loss of deposit. On receipt of your payment, we will send tour information and vouchers. Please ensure that you receive the information before you travel. Bookings made at least* less than 60 days prior to departure must be paid in full. Due to time constraints, tour information and vouchers may be collected on the first day of departure with Wildiaries from its tour guide. These arrangements will be confirmed to you in writing prior to travel. Every reservation amendment will incur an AUD$50.00 charge, subject to availability. Note that if travel documents have been issued, the fee will be AUD$100. *Special conditions may apply to some trips. You will be notified if this is the case. 2. CANCELLATIONS All cancellations must be made in writing to Wildiaries, and all tours are subject to the following cancellation charges based on the number of days before tour departure: Over 60 days:   No refund of tour deposit Between 0 and 60 days:   No refund of tour cost There is no refund for any unused portions of the tour once the tour has commenced. [Please note that if the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges will normally be refunded to you by the insurance company, subject to the terms of your insurance]. Any cancellation fees imposed by hotels, ground operators or other principals or suppliers of goods and services will be charged to you in addition to the cancellation amounts stated above. 3. BAGGAGE Baggage restrictions may apply to charter air travel and small group tours and must be strictly adhered to. We recommend that you ensure you adhere to any weight restrictions indicated. 4. WILD ANIMALS Please be aware that travel may take you into areas of extreme weather conditions [eg. heat] or bring you in close contact with wild animals. Cases of dehydration and attacks by wild animals are rare, but no tour can guarantee that this will not occur. Neither Wildiaries, its contractors, agents or staff can be held responsible for any injury or incident on your tour. Neither does Wildiaries guarantee sightings of any wild animals, even if these are listed as animals possible to see on a tour. 5. PASSPORT, VISAS & DEPARTURE TAX The onus is upon you to ensure that passports and visas are valid. Wildiaries, their contractors, agents or staff cannot be held liable for any visas etc. not held by you. The onus is on you to ensure departure tax is included when the airline ticket is purchased prior to arrival in any country. 6. RESPONSIBILITIES Wildiaries, its contractors and agents act only as agents for the passenger with respect to services provided, including, but not limited to hotels, restaurants, touring, and all forms of transportation. Wildiaries shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever, and without restricting the generality of the foregoing, shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, late or non-confirmation or acceptance of bookings, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, injury or death, whether occasioned by negligence or not. In addition Wildiaries shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any tour or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details, and in the event of any tour been rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, avalanches, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be your sole responsibility. Wildiaries may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the passenger’s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the foregoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behaviour of the passenger, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. The person making any booking will, by the making of such booking, warrant that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the other person/s included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other person/s so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her. 7. CHANGES TO SCHEDULES Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that Wildiaries reserves the right to alter any tour arrangements due to local conditions while providing similar tour inclusions. 8. REFUNDS Whilst Wildiaries uses its best endeavours to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against Wildiaries for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable or the passenger was unable to use that service. [Please note that if the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy it is your responsibility to refer the matter to your insurance company to seek a refund]. 9. INSURANCE You must take out comprehensive insurance cover before travel for cancellation, medical expenses, personal baggage and money. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit to cover you for cancellation at that time. 10. PRICES We will do the utmost to keep to the prices published. Should increases be forced on us by tour operators, etc. Wildiaries reserves the right to surcharge without notice. All tour costs are based on all known costs at the time of publication. 11. This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of Australia. 12. Wildiaries cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes which may occur after that time. All materials contained in any brochure and web site including text, maps, graphics and photographs remain the property of Wildiaries and may not be copied or reproduced. 13. Clients with special dietary problems are advised to warn us in advance of departure. 14. For flight information on how to get to the starting point of your tour, contact your travel agent. Please ensure that you re-confirm all your flights prior to air travel. 15. It is vital that persons with medical problems make them known to us well before departure. The tour leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during a tour if he or she feels the tour member is incapable and/or if a tour member’s continued participation will jeopardise the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances. The tour leader’s decision is final and neither Wildiaries nor the tour leader shall be subject to any claims or liability in respect of such disqualification. 16. MEDICAL & HEALTH Hospital facilities in remote locations are often unavailable and evacuation can be difficult and expensive. Wildiaries assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. A Medical Certificate must therefore be filled out and returned to Wildiaries. If you are aged 65 or older, the Medical Certificate must be signed by your physician. Once you have been confirmed on a trip, normal cancellation penalties apply if your doctor does not approve the Medical Certificate. 17. CONSENT The payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for a reservation on a tour constitutes consent to all provisions of the conditions and general information contained in this brochure. The terms under which you agree to take these tours cannot be changed or amended except in writing signed by an authorised officer of Wildiaries. PLEASE NOTE (a) Share Basis for Single Travellers Accommodations (both hotels and tented) are usually based on double occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a room-mate if possible. If there is no one with whom you can share, or if you prefer single accommodations, you are requested to pay a Single Supplement Fee. (b) Tour Information Whilst Wildiaries makes every effort to ensure accuracy in tour information and descriptions, we are reliant on the tour operators and accommodation providers providing us with accurate data. Since tour operators and accommodation providers are constantly changing facilities and services, we cannot be liable for any errors or omissions herein. If any feature is of critical importance to your holiday, it is your responsibility to ask Wildiaries to check whether such features will be available at the time of occupancy. NOTE: Payment of your deposit is acceptance of terms and conditions. I/we understand that by sending the deposit(s) on behalf of myself and everyone in my party is acknowledging that we have read and accept the Wildiaries Terms & Conditions.

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