17 DAY SRI LANKA DISCOVERY
Australian Company Owned
7 Day Change Of Mind
Relaxed Itinerary
Return Flights Included
Day by Day Itinerary
Negombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Tissamaharama, Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, Colombo
Highlights
- Return flights included
- Incredible sightseeing including a tour of Anuradhapura Ancient City and Jaffna, a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Golden Cave, Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a tea plantation factory, a Sri Lankan cultural show in Kandy, a visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Galle Fort.
- Comfortable group experience with no more than 25 persons
- Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
- Deluxe hotel accommodation in centrally-location.
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Daily Breakfast Buffet, 1 Lunch and 4 Dinners
Itinerary
Negombo Arrival
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals: In-flight
Accommodation: Regal Reseau Hotel & Spa 4* or similar
Negombo 
Anuradhapura
After breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura and visit the ancient kingdom (170 km/4 hours). Anuradhapura, an ancient capital of Sri Lanka, is famous for its well-preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage site lies 205 km (127 mi) north of Colombo, the current capital, in the North Central Province. Founded in the 4th century BC, it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the 11th century AD. visit Mihintale (Approx of visit: 2 hours)
Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced in Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is filled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs 15” wide leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: The Lake Forest Hotel 4* or similar
Tips & suggestions: Dress modestly when visiting Anuradhapura’s religious sites, wearing long pants and covering your shoulders. Sleeveless, transparent clothing, and shorts are not allowed.
Anuradhapura Jaffna
After breakfast, check out at the hotel and transfer to Jaffna (200 KM/ 4h). Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Jetwing Jaffna 4* or similar
Jaffna
After breakfast, you started to engage in a city tour of Jaffna. City of Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It is the administrative headquarters of the Jaffna district located on a peninsula of the same name. What to expect during the city tour: Dutch fort, Central Market & Town, Nallur temple & Nagadeepa temple, Point Pedro, Nageswaran Temple & the pond, KKS – port station.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Jetwing Jaffna 4* or similar
Tips & suggestions:
Advised to wear comfortable pants & covered shoulders as the temperature rises to 30-35C. One of the unique & spicy foods varieties are available in Jaffna and you can experience the lagoon crabs, pawns, wade with a mix of Jaffna spices gives a different taste (Direct payment)
Jaffna Trincomalee
After breakfast proceed to Trincomalee (230 KM/4h10m). Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy staying here with a swimming pool. Evening at leisure and enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon 4* or similar
Trincomalee Sigiriya
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya (100 km / 2 h15m). Afternoon climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion’s Rock), one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time. This magnificent citadel, declared as a UNESCO heritage site in 1982, allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. Sigiriya is a rock fortress built in the 5th century A.D. This majestic Citadel in the sky was the refuge of King Kasyapa and is world-renowned for its Mirror Wall’, which consists of poems and paragraphs carved by some of the thousands of visitors who visited the rock many years ago, and for its magnificent frescoes, like the Ajantha frescoes of India.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tropical Life Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Sigiriya
After breakfast you will transfer to Polonnaruwa. Along the way, experience the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka with a farmer’s lunch prepared by a local family, showcasing the island’s culinary traditions. Savor the taste of freshly prepared rice and curry dishes, carefully crafted using local ingredients.
After lunch, drive to visit the Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom is Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom and features a plethora of ruins and places of religious worship. Some of the many interesting places to visit in Polonnaruwa include the Gal Viharaya (Stone temple), Lankathilake, Thivanka Image House, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, the Audience Hall and the Vatadage. Then return to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Tropical Life Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Sigiriya Dambulla Golden Cave Kandy
After breakfast, drive to Damballa (160 km / 4 hours). Upon arrival, visit Dambulla Golden Cave Temple, designated as a world heritage site dating from the 1st century BC Dambulla temple is located on a gigantic rock towering more than 160 m above the surrounding area. The Rock itself is more than 1.5 km around its base and the summit is at 550m. The caves on this rock were the refuge of King Walagamba when he was in exile for 14 years and feature a mixture of religious and worldly paintings and sculptures. Several reclining Buddha statues include the 15-meter-long sculpture of the Buddha which is carved to the rock. After that you will transfer to Kandy. Engage in a city tour at Kandy. enroute visit a Spice Garden in Matale.
You will learn the ingredients for cooking curry, distinguish species, experience massage and shopping for some product nature stay here. Upon arrival, explore the city tour by foot. Visit Central market, Old Bogambara Prison from outside, stroll around Kandy Lake will entice you to spend some time here. Also, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The sacred relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century A.D. The sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for its ruler and is always enshrined in great splendor. Embark on a sightseeing tour in the city of Kandy. Thereafter, enjoy a typical Sri Lankan cultural performance.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz 4* or similar
Tips & suggestions: During the visit of Temple of the Tooth please wear clothing covering knees and shoulders, as a sign of respect. You will also be required to leave your shoes at the shoe counter near to the entrance before entering the temple.
Kandy Tea Factory Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, you will leave for Nuwara Eliya.
Along the way, you will visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens once enjoyed by a Kandyan queen; this rose garden is enclosed next to a large bend in the Mahaweli River. Residence of Kandyan princes in the 1st Century. There are 4,000 different plant species here, considered one of the most advanced in Asia.
Afternoon visit a tea plantation and a factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea. Next, proceed to Nuwara Eliya and admire the amazing views here. Arrive and check in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Lynden Grove Hotel 4* or similar
Tips & suggestions: Please note you will be driving to an altitude of 1900 meters and therefore the temperature in Nuwara Eliya will be 20-25c during the day, and 10-15c during the night. Warm clothing is recommended.
Nuwara Eliya Ella
After breakfast, enjoy your time at leisure and check out at 10.00 am.
Thereafter, embark on one of South Asia’s most famous train rides, The mystical train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella in Sri Lanka is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary and visually stunning experiences in the world. Spanning approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), this scenic route traverses the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka’s hill country. As the train ascends gradually into the mountains, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of verdant tea plantations, ethereal valleys veiled in mist, captivating waterfalls, and dense forests teeming with life. Upon arrival, you will be taken to the hotel for check in.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: 88th Ella Hotel 3* or similar
Special note: that it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road
Ella Nine Arches Bridge Tissamaharama
Today we leave for Tissamaharama. En-route we witnessed the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall before checking into our hotel. This afternoon we visited Nine Arch Bridge. The Nine Arches Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides. Thereafter, we drove to Tissamaharama.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Chaarya Resort & Spa 4* or similar
Optional tour: VISIT LIPTON SEAT
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Lipton Seat in Haputale, Sri Lanka. Trek through emerald-green tea estates, ascending to the renowned viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton himself once beheld the breathtaking landscapes. As you reach the top, be captivated by the panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Immerse yourself in the rich tea culture and savor the serene beauty of this iconic destination.
Tissamaharama Yala National Park Mirissa Area
Today, you are free at leisure, or you can purchase our optional visit to Yala National Park.
Thereafter, drive to Mirissa and Weligama beach area. Stay overnight at the resort in Mirissa Area
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Mandara Resort 4* or similar
Optional tour: MORNING SAFARI YALA NATIONAL PARK
Wake up early in the morning at 05.30am, visit the Yala National Park with a packed breakfast from the hotel. The Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka has the world’s highest concentration of leopards. Much of the nature reserve is parkland, but it also includes jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes, rivers and scrubland. In addition to leopards the Yala National Park is also home to substantial numbers of elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo, gray langurs and many more varieties of large animals. But that’s not all; the park is also home to birds of prey such as the white-bellied sea eagles, waders, painted Storks, the Indian peafowl and the Sri Lanka jungle fowl.
Mirissa Area Galle Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel, you are free at leisure or you can purchase our optional Whale Watching Tour.
After check-out, you will be transferred to visit Galle Fort is a town situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km (74 mi) from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo.Then you will be transported to the Bentota beach area. Check in at the hotel and enjoy your stay here.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: EKHO Surf Bentota 4* or similar
Optional tour: WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching in Sri Lanka offers an incredible experience to observe majestic whales in their natural habitat, surrounded by stunning ocean views and the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
Bentota
You have free time at leisure to enjoy a swimming pool or play a sports game as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: EKHO Surf Bentota 4* or similar
Bentota Colombo
Today you will transfer to Colombo city.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Steuart by Citrus 3* or similar
Colombo 
Home
Today, you are free at leisure until transfer to the airport for flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: On Plane
Home
Home arrived today and we believe you enjoy a trip with Asia Vacation Group
Included
- Return flights included.
- 02 water bottles per person per day
- Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
- 15 nights accommodation in centrally location
- Dedicated transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Daily Breakfast Buffet, 1 Lunch and 4 Dinners
- Fully escorted by English-speaking local guides
- In-depth sightseeing and all entry fees as per the itinerar
Excluded
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Visa fee in Sri Lanka
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (AUD10/per person/day) & Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “3 Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of installments when you select to book your departure tour
- Step 1: You will be required to settle $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Step 2: You will be required to settle second payment at $2,000 per person with after 7 days.
- Step 3: Final payment will be collected at 120 days before your travel and you will only pay when you receive our company invoice.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Sydney/Melbourne and surcharge from Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth or other city if requested when selecting your departure city.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharge of $400 for departures from Adelaide & Brisbane & and $500 for departures from Perth
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Sri Lanka Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, or similar (20/23kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage).
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 23 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Asia Vacation Group change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Asia Vacation Group name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Asia Vacation Group. Asia Vacation Group reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Asia Vacation Group will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of 10AUD per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1460 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: 4-25 pax
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
Sri Lanka
An e-visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration and Emigration launched a system called “Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA” in order to grant prior approval for a visa online for foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka. You can visit http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/to purchase your visa online.
E-Visa’s are only valid for 30 days, so you can only apply closer to your travel dates. Please do not apply for your visa until you have your travel documentation. It will take 3 business days to be approved. The cost is US$50 per person.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you
can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
AU$200 pp for trip extension or early arrivals. This is just administrative only, no service
included.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
Wide variety of well priced Tours of Asia. I found the Tours available to choose
Our holiday was an amazing experience we enjoyed the scheduled tours all were very interesting.
We were very happy and had no problem at all when booking
This is the 2nd time that I have booked with Asia Vacation
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