Natural wonders and religious sites dominate this short, nine day tour of Sri Lanka giving you a glimpse of the small island with so many treasures to uncover. Visit quiet, historic temples and bustling markets.
Most temples require you to wear modest clothing and walk around barefoot. Remember to pack shoes that you can slip on and off easily and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.
This trip is operated on private minibuses to get between destinations.
You will be carrying your own luggage between transport and hotels so please pack what you can comfortably carry.
This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour.
Your joining location is:
Camelot Beach Hotel
No345 Lewis Place, 11500
Negombo
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 312 235 881 / +94 312 235 882
There are safe deposit boxes for your use in the room. Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you. There is a laundry service, a money exchange service and free wifi available in the hotel. It is advisable not to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety.
When arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport we recommend that you obtain some Sri Lankan rupee as soon as you arrive. There are international ATMs inside the airports, as well as money exchange offices offering a good rate. The rate will always vary slightly depending on where you go, it may be worth changing a small amount of money at the airport for your transport, and then finding a bank or money exchange within the town centre.
The airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka and also services the capital, Colombo. However it is closer to Negombo, where our hotel is, than it is to Colombo. Please make sure when transiting from the airport you travel to Negombo and not to the capital.
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact details below if you are likely to be delayed.
Contact your arrival transfer:
Contact: Priyantha
Call: 0094773788334
Email: [email protected]
If you would prefer to make your own way to and from your hotel, an official taxi to our hotel in Negombo will cost approximately 1,000-1,200 rupees (US$10-$11). The taxis should work on a metered system, please make sure they set the meter when you first enter. If they refuse or do not have one, you must set the price before you begin your journey. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes to reach the hotel.
You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless. If you are a solo passenger you will be sharing a room with another group member of the same sex. If you are travelling with a partner and wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a variety of hotels. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on most occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses private vehicles to get between each destination.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. You must be able to comfortably lift your luggage off transport and into hotels, perhaps up stairs.
All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cooler depending on the season you are travelling, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus a thinner sweater which you can layer.
In general, Sri Lanka is a conservative country and you should keep your legs and shoulders covered when out in public.
What essential items should I bring to Sri Lanka?
Clothing
Electronics
Toiletries
Other
Documents
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about this tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost unless stated as included in the itinerary. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In Sri Lanka, there is a huge choice of incredible food.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
This tour uses the Sri Lankan rupee.
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in the larger cities will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities. In general, Southeast Asia is a cheap destination.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping is not a big part of Sri Lankan culture however it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
If you require urgent assistance before meeting your tour please call (+66) 633 21 0066.
Sri Lanka is generally safe, even more so in a group tour. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
Pack a Medical Kit
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
Vaccinations
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. If you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera, Diphtheria and influenza.
Horse Riding
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You are free to arrive today at your leisure.
Negombo is situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name. Once a Portuguese and Dutch trading port, popular attractions here include the Old Dutch fort gate built in 1672, the Dutch Canal, and the old churches and fishing villages which surround the area. In fact, due to the many ornate Roman Catholic churches scattered throughout, Negombo is sometimes known as "The Little Rome". It also has a huge and rather inviting white sandy beach!
Also worth exploring is the Kochchikade area, that comes to life at dusk with many handicrafts for sale, boutiques, shops, gem shops and restaurants for you to explore.
There will be a pre departure meeting tonight at 6pm where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
1 night(s) in hotels at Camelot Beach Hotel or similar 
This morning we enjoy a Negombo city tour before heading towards Anuradhapura. Enroute, we will stop at the fish market and fishing village before visiting a coconut plantation.
Anuradhapura, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in the 4th century BC and was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the 11th century AD. Today the extensive ruins are well preserved and are an important site for Buddhists, Tamils and Hindus alike and we take a guided tour of them, learning about the fascinating history and the restoration efforts.
After check in and some time to recharge we also explore the ancient site of Mihintale. Here you can discover the ruins of a hospital, a large monastery and ancient carvings. Climb the rock of Mihintale and discover an aerial view of ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Negombo city tour & fish market,Coconut Plantation and Toddy Tapping, Ancient Mihintale excursion
Negombo City Tour & Fish Market • Anuradhapura Ruins • Ancient Mihintale excursion •Coconut plantation and Toddy Tapping
1 night(s) in hotels at Randiya Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today we embark on a day trip to visit the Anuradhapura ruins. You can choose to either hop in the private vehicle or enjoy the tour by bicycle.
See the Sacred Bodhi Tree, dating back to 288BC which makes it the oldest living human planted tree on earth. It is widely thought that this is the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment and is now one of the most respected sacred relics in the world.
Other sites include Isurumuniya Temple, Ruwanwelisaya, Jethawanarama, Stupa rama, Elephant pond, Twin pond, Moon stone and Guard stone.
Return to the hotel mid afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Anuradhapura Ruins
Bicycle rental at the Anuradhapura Ruins – US$5
1 night(s) in hotels at Randiya Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
This morning we begin our drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. On the way we stop at Aukana Buddha, one of the reservoirs constructed during the reign of King Dathusena, where we can see a magnificent 12 metre high statue of the Buddha.
Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries AD, Polonnaruwa is a listed World Heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, and four statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock. Polonnaruwa is laid out over a large distance, therefore the best way to explore the area is by bicycle which we will do a guided tour. If you prefer not to bike, it is possible to take the guided tour in the private vehicle.
Aukana Buddha,Polonnaruwa ruins
Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park (Jeep & Entry fees)  US$ 35 • Bicycle rental at the Polonnaruwa Ruins - $5
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Sudu Araliya or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
This morning we head to Sigiriya, (Lions Rock), an impressive site from a distance rising 200 metres from the jungle. With hundreds of steps to climb to reach the top of the 5th century AD rock fortress, the view from the top over the surrounding landscape is incredible. Here you can also see the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya.
We then continue to our next destination of Dambulla, famous for its cave temple complex which we will explore tomorrow.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
1 night(s) in hotels at Gimanhala Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
This morning we visit the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples which were used by the monks as meditation locations and places of worship. Some contain statues, paintings of the Buddha and detailed frescoes. We will also make a stop at a Spice and Herbal Garden where you will get shown the locally grown flora and some of its uses in medicine and cooking.
On arrival to Kandy we'll take you on an orientation walk before enjoying an included evening 'puja' at the sacred Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka's most important temple, revered and visited by Buddhists from all over the world.
Dambulla Caves, Royal Botanical Garden, Temple of The Sacred Tooth of Buddha
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Casamara or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings of the central hill regions, and of course, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today we will take a drive around the Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798, visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. In the afternoon you will have some free time to enjoy the city. You will find that Kandy is probably the best place to buy most of the handicrafts produced in Sri Lanka.
Tonight we will watch a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.
Kandy city tour,Kandy Cultural Dance Show
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Casamara or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
This morning we depart from Kandy and make our way to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. This beautiful area is especially known for its collection of orchids and is home to over 400 species of plants. Soak up the colours and beauty of these gardens before heading back to Negombo where we will spend the final afternoon.
After checking into the hotel you are free to enjoy the white sandy beaches. Negombo is the perfect place to spend your final evening in Sri Lanka as you watch the sunset in this stunning corner of the globe.
1 night(s) in hotels at Camelot Beach Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
1 Breakfast(s)
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| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 3 - 30 | $9.00 |
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