A 10-Day Private Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heart and Wild Landscapes
Sri Lanka Odyssey Private Journey - Explore Culture, Wildlife, And Scenic Beauty
Duration
10 DaysStarts In
ColomboRoute
Kandalama, Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya District, Yala National Park, Weligama, Colombo, Hatton
PRIVATE JOURNEY. Departs daily. On this 10-day/9-night package, you will visit Colombo, Kandalama, Hatton, Yala National Park and Weligama. This program includes accommodations at Superior First Class hotels, private arrival & departure transfers, included sightseeing as indicated in itinerary.
Includes
- Accommodations as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Private English-speaking guide as per itinerary
- Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
- Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- All other items not mentioned as included
- Select local taxes where applicable
- Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
- Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival - Colombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your private driver will meet you for a transfer to your hotel in Colombo (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes). After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Explore Colombo’s vibrant streets, visit the bustling Pettah market, or stroll along Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade perfect for people-watching and sunsets. Alternatively, consider an optional Colombo by Tuk Tuk tour, an adventurous way to discover the city’s hidden gems, or join a guided street food tour to sample local delicacies like hoppers and kottu roti.
2
Day 2: Colombo to Kandalama via Dambulla
After breakfast, travel to Kandalama (94 miles, approximately 4 hours), passing through lush landscapes, verdant rice paddles and quaint villages. Stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with intricate murals and over 130 Buddha statues. Check in to your hotel and relax. Later, enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. Witness the awe-inspiring “Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate at the reservoir during the dry season. For those seeking unique experiences, consider an optional visit to Ritigala Forest Monastery, a serene and ancient site hidden in the jungle, offering a peaceful retreat into Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage. (B)
3
Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO-listed marvel perched 656 feet above the surrounding plains. Explore its ancient palace ruins, frescoes, and water gardens while enjoying stunning panoramic views. In the afternoon, travel to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Explore its royal palaces, stupas, and the famous Gal Vihara Buddha statues, all testaments to a golden era of Sri Lankan history. For a more immersive experience, consider optional activities such as observing Polonnaruwa’s unique primates or taking a hot air balloon ride over the Cultural Triangle, offering breathtaking aerial views of the area. (B)
4
Day 4: Scenic Train to Hatton
5
Day 5: Tea Plantation Immersion in Hatton
Spend the day immersed in Sri Lanka’s tea culture. Enjoy a guided plantation tour to learn about tea production, from plucking the leaves to tasting the finished product. Take a walk or bike ride through the scenic hills, or simply relax at your hotel. Optional activities include a hike to Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain offering spectacular sunrise views, or a tea tasting masterclass, where you’ll refine your palate with expertly curated brews. (B,L,D)
6
Day 6: Hatton to Yala National Park
7
Day 7: Wildlife Safari in Yala
8
Day 8: Coastal Retreat in Weligama
9
Day 9: Leisure in Weligama
10
Day 10: Weligama - Colombo - Departure
Dates & Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sri Lanka Odyssey Private Journey package includes the following: - Accommodations at Superior First Class hotels - Meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Entrance fees for included sightseeing - Private English-speaking guide - Private arrival and departure transfers - Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance Please note that items of a personal nature, select local taxes, travel insurance, and gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.
Travel between destinations in this itinerary is facilitated by private vehicle transfers, ensuring comfort and convenience. For example, you will have a private transfer from Colombo to Kandalama, and then to Hatton, Yala National Park, and Weligama. Additionally, you'll enjoy a scenic train journey from Kandy to Hatton, offering stunning views of the tea-covered hills.
Yes, this package can be customized to suit your preferences. Keytours Vacations can assist you in selecting different accommodations, adding extra nights, or including optional activities such as hot air balloon rides or cooking classes. Discuss your preferences with a Keytours travel consultant to tailor your journey.
This itinerary offers a variety of optional activities to enhance your experience, including: - Colombo by Tuk Tuk tour - Guided street food tour in Colombo - Visit to Ritigala Forest Monastery - Hot air balloon ride over Polonnaruwa - Hike to Adam’s Peak - Whale watching in Mirissa - Sri Lankan cooking class These activities can be arranged through your travel consultant.
Yes, this itinerary is well-suited for families and first-time visitors. It offers a blend of culture, wildlife, and natural beauty, making it appealing to travelers of all ages. The mix of guided tours and leisure time allows families to explore at their own pace while enjoying unique experiences like wildlife safaris and scenic train rides.
The Sri Lanka Odyssey Private Journey involves a moderate level of physical activity, including walking tours at historical sites and nature reserves. Some optional activities, such as hiking to Adam’s Peak or exploring tea plantations, may require a higher level of fitness. Travelers should be prepared for some walking, especially at sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
It is recommended to book the Sri Lanka Odyssey Private Journey at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This allows you to secure your preferred accommodations and any optional activities. For specific availability and arrangements, consult with a Keytours travel consultant.
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