Sri Lanka

Date: 1 to 12 September

Price per person:

€ 2950 per person sharing a triple room
€ 3000 per person sharing a twin room
€ 3400 per single room

Price includes:

  • Return flights with Turkish Airlines , airport taxes & fuel charges & luggage
  • All transfers in air-conditioned transport
  • 10 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Sigiriya, 2 nights in Kandy, 1 night in Ramboda, 1 night in Ella, 1 night in
  • Tissamaharama, 1 night in Mirissa, 1 night in Hikkaduwa and 1 night in Katanuyake
  • 11 breakfasts and 11 dinners
  • All excursions as per itinerary
  • All entrance fees to parks & temples (Sigiriya, Polannaruwa, Dambulla, Matale Hindu Temple, Kandy Tooth Temple and Ambulawa Cultural Centre)
  • Jeeps to visit Minneriya and Yala National Parks
  • Kandy Cultural Show
  • Madu River Safari boat ride
  • Sigiriya Village tour with Bullock cart and Tuk Tuk
  • Turtles Hatchery
  • Maltese group leader
  • English speaking local guides
  • Protection by Insolvency Fund

Itinerary:

Day 1: 1st September 2024 - Departure from Malta at 10.25hrs . Connecting flight to Sri Lanka. flight depart at 18.35hrs

Day 2: 2nd September 2024 - Arrive at 05.20hrs On arrival in Sri Lanka airport we start our drive to Sigiriya. On the way we stop for a fruit welcome drink. When we arrive in Sigiriya we check-in at the Hotel Sigiri Asna (or similiar). Lunch break (not included)
In the afternoon we will visit Minneriya National Park renowned for its wild elephant population. This park is part of the elephant corridor that connects Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks and it provides visitors with the opportunity to see elephant herds all year round. Overnight stay at the Sigiri Asna Hotel (or similiar) in Sigiriya. Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 3: 3rd September 2024 - After breakfast we will visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and one of the best preserved examples of urban planning. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite rock (Lion Rock), approximately 180m high. The fifth century King Kashyapa I selected this place to be his new capital. He built his palace on top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. Halfway up the side of the rock, he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure.
Later we will be going on a Sigiriya Village Tour to experience traditional village life. We will take an oxen cart through the village followed by a boat ride over a reservoir with the view of Sigiriya rock while trying to spot wildlife. We will also observe a cooking lesson from a local villager. At the end of this tour, we will take a tuk tuk ride back to our bus.
In the afternoon we will visit Polannaruwa ancient city (UNESCO World Heritage Site). 800 years ago it was the thriving commercial and religious centre of Sri Lanka. Polannaruwa is the second oldest of all Sri Lanka’a Kingdoms and it was first established as a military post by the Sinhalese Kingdom. Today, the ancient city of Polannaruwa remains one of the best-planned archaeological relic cities in the world. We will visit many Bhuddist and Hindu monuments, the ruins of King’s Parakramabahu Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle, the Audience Hall, the Swimming Pool, the Buddha statue at Lankatilaka and the Gal Vihara, which is a group of four beautiful Buddhas in perfect condition, cut from one long slab of granite.
Overnight stay at the Sigiri Asna Hotel (or similiar) in Sigiriya. Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 4: 4th September 2024 - Breakfast and check-out of rooms. Today we start our drive to Kandy. On the way we will visit Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple (dating to the 1 century BC). The rock temple is about three hundred and fifty feet above the plain and is one of the most beautiful creations in Sri Lanka. These temples hold both religious and historic significance and are found in a unique setting, inside a series of caves. These caves date back to the 1st century BC. Buddhist monks first carved a cave out to create a monastery. Inside, one can see many statues and intricate cave paintings. In 1992, the Dambulla Cave Temples were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch break (not included).
After lunch we drive to Matale and visit Sri Muthumariamman Hindu Temple.
While in Matale, we will also visit one of the interesting Spice and Herbal Garden where we can learn more about the exotic spices and herbs and how important they are to local culture and cuisine. We will also learn how these are used in Ayurveda.
Check-in at the Hotel Thilanka, Kandy. Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 5: 5th September 2024 - After breakfast we will go for a city tour of Kandy. Kandy View Point offers a breathtaking view of the city, the lake, Tooth Temple and the mountains surrounding the valley.
The Royal Peradeniya Botanical Garden is noted for its rich and varied collections of tropical woody plants. It displays over 4000 different species of plants including a spectacular orchid collection and a mighty avenue of palm trees.
Straight afterwards we will visit a gemstone museum and factory. Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones in Sri Lanka. The Blue sapphires of Sri Lanka are world renowned for their uniqueness in colour,
clarity and quality. Ceylon sapphires also come in various colours and shades including yellow, gold, green and lavendar sapphires.
Lunch break (not included).
After lunch we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). It is a Bhuddist temple, a world-renowed place of worship, where the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is enshrined. The architecture is of unique Kandayan architectural style, and it was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya I during his reign from year 1592 to 1604.
Later we are going to the Kandyan Cultural Centre to enjoy the Cultural Show. The one-hour show includes traditional dancing, drumming and fire walking. The show captivates your ears and eyes with specatcular displays of local culture and art. After the show we will go back to the hotel to rest.
Dinner included at the hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel Thilanka, Kandy (or similiar).

Day 6: 6th September 2024 - After breakfast and check-out we drive to Ambulawawa mountain (3567 above sea level) to visit the Cultural Centre and Ambulawawa Tower. This is a biodiversity complex and Sri Lanka’s first multi-religious centre located in Gampola, Kandy. This Trigonometriacal Station contains a tall freestanding tower resembling a stylized Buddhist stupa, a Hindu Kovil, a Muslim Mosque and a Christian Church. The view from the top of the tower is amazing.
On the way to Ramboda we will visit a tea plantation.
When we get to Ramboda, we will visit Ramboda Waterfall which is a popular waterfall in Sri Lanka. We will enjoy lunch (not included) with the view of the spectacular waterfall.
After lunch we check-in hotel Thuruliya Lodge, Ramboda. After a short break to refresh ourselves, we propose an optional hike up the hilll to see the upper Ramboda falls and to bathe in the natural pool at the bottom of the main falls. An opportunity not to be missed!
Dinner included at the hotel. Overnight stary at the Thuruliya Lodge, Ramboda (or similiar).

Day 7: 7th September 2024 - After breakfast and check-out of rooms, we will start our drive to Ella.
First, we will visit a tea factory where one can witness the whole process of tea production. At the factory we can also taste the different kinds of tea. We then continue our journey to Nuwara Eliya, a city in the hill country of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Its name means “city of light” and is often called “Little England” because of its fresh climate and colonial buildings. It is famous for tea plantations and tea production.
We will then be transfered to the city centre to take a stroll through the colourful local market. The vegetable market is a feast to the eyes. Here one can find fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food products.
Lunch break (not included).
After lunch we will drive to Ella. First we will go to Little Adam’s Peak for a short walk to enjoy the spectacular nature the area has to offer.
Later we will check-in at the Hotel Ravana Face, Ella (or similar). Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 8: 8th September 2024 - After breakfast and check-out, we will go to to see the Nine Arch Bridge (one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country). Then we visit Rawana Fall.
Lunch break (not included).
After lunch we drive to Tissamaharama to check-in at the Blue Turtle Hotel, Tissamaharama (or similiar).
Later on in the afternoon we will visit the famous Yala National Park by jeep. Yala is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. The park covers 979 square kilometres and is best known for its variety of wildlife and the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.
Overnight stay at the Blue Turtle Hotel, Tissamaharama (or similar). Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 9: 9th September 2024 - After breakfast and check-out of rooms, we start our drive to Mirissa. Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Mirissa’s beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination.
We will stop for lunch (not included) and later we will check-in at the Mirissa Beach Club, Mirissa (or similiar).
The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach or by the pool. Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 10: 10th September 2024 - After breakfast, check-out of rooms. Today we will be driving to Galle to visit Galle Dutch Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site) built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It is the best example of a fortified city built by the Europeans in Southeast Asia. We will also visit the Lighthouse (from the outside).
Lunch break (not included).
Once we arrive at Hikkaduwa we will see the Stilt Fishermen and also pay a visit to the Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Centre. The centre collects eggs from the fisherman. After the eggs hatch, they are released into the sea.
Check-in at the Hotel Refresh Blue, Hikkaduwa (or similar). Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 11: 11th September 2024 - Breakfast and check-out of rooms. Late morning we will visit a Moonstone mine where we will have the opportunity to glimpse into the process of filtering, cutting and polishing the precious stones and making them ready for sale. Moonstones take on beautiful whitish-blue shade and local villagers believe that those who wear moonstones will experience a brightness in their lives.
Later we will drive to Balapitiya for lunch (not included) followed by a memorable Madu River boat trip. First, we will stop at Cinnamon Island where we can witness the production of cinnamon spice. During this trip we will see many beautiful islands and fish farms.
After the boat trip we will drive to Katunayake for our overnight stay at the Olinia Airport Hotel (or similar). Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 12: 12th September 2024 - Very early in the morning at 06.50hrs flight depart to Istanbul , wait for connecting flight , flight arrives in Malta at 18.20hrs

Note:

  • An entry Visa is required.
  • Travel insurance is not included in the price. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance once you book your holiday.
  • Please check with the Floriana Health Centre on what vaccinations are recommended.
  • Group size is small. An early booking is recommended

 

WhatsApp or call 99013524

Calls only  27120319 or 77775021 to make an appointment