14 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered
✓ For a limited time, save up to $500 per person on selected dates ✓ Small group of 16 people max ✓ 13 nights 5-star accommodation ✓ Including 2 nights at the incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya ✓ 13 Breakfasts, 5 lunches and 12 dinners ✓ Ride the iconic train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy ✓ Escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout ✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary ✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout ✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent ✓Click HERE to view the flight-inclusive version of this package
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by our local representative and your group will be transferred to your hotel.
Check in and relax, ready to start touring in the morning.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
In the morning set on a sightseeing tour of Colombo. Explore the extravagant metropolitan lifestyle of Colombo uncovering the unique cultural delights. The city offers you a beautiful mingle of western and authentic Sri Lankan elements at every corner. Gangaramaya temple, Galle face green, Pettah, Viharamaha Devi park and Independence square are some of the top Colombo attractions that will add unforgettable moments to your Colombo city sightseeing experience. We then leave for Galle. Enroute, visit a Turtle Hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five are found in the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast. The five species are Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle and so you will get to see the variety of turtle Sri Lanka has to offer. Continuing further south, we visit a small town called Balapitiya where you will take a boat trip on the Madu River and its 64 scattered islands. Cinnamon Island, locally known as “Kurundu Doowa” is one of the islets enthusiasts could visit. On your visit here you will get an informative experience of Cinnamon Production. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of pure cinnamon in the world! Overnight in Galle.
Today set on a tour of the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.
In the morning we leave for Yala National Park. On arrival, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!
Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.
This morning, enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home. After, we leave Yala behind us and continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows. On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort and the best of traditions from the ‘good old days’ to all who seek the charms of our famed hill country landmark.
Grand Hotel dress code: Dress code applies for dinner at all restaurants and bars - All guests are requested to in be smart casual wear. Guests in short trousers and sleeveless Shirts and rubber slippers will not be permitted to enter the restaurants.
Please note: Sections of Yala National Park close due to conservation efforts each year between September and October. The closure dates are advised by the Sri Lankan government 1-2 months prior and differ each year. As Yala National Park is made up of multiple sections, if one section is closed due to conservation works we will visit one of the open sections. Alternatively we may also visit to Udawalawe National Park
Today you will visit a Tea Plantation and Factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to 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.
This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at Grand Hotel.
At approximately 5:30am, leave for Horton Plains National Park. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a 'super biodiversity hotspot' and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. The national park is most famous for the vista - World's End.
You will be accompanied by a private escort the entire duration of the hike - from the Horton Plains Park Park Office, to World's End (via Mini World's End) and back. Wear strong and comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, food and water. The weather can change very quickly on the plains – one minute it can be sunny and clear, the next chilly and misty. Bring a few extra layers of warm clothing.
Start time: 5:30am departure from hotel
End time: 12:30pm return to hotel
Distance: 7.5km round trip - 150m elevation gain
Inclusions: return transfers, entrance into Horton Plains National Park, packed breakfast, private escort
There are no safety rails available so we recommend this activity for those who are physically fit and go on long walks often. We do not recommend this if you have a difficult time walking along uneven, potentially wet, and rocky terrain.
In the morning leave for Kandy on the famous train journey which is supposed to be one of the most scenic and beautiful journeys in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people.
Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to know as Kandy. Kandy was declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces. On arrival in Kandy the afternoon is at leisure.
Full day at leisure to relax and explore the city of Kandy. Late afternoon saunter around the Kandy Lake, the atmosphere alone will intrigue you to spend a few moments here. This evening we visit the Temple of Tooth, with its guardian elephants is a deeply significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre and this draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world.
This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance.
Today, leave for Sigiriya. Enroute, enjoy a private Jeep Safari at Wasgamuwa National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants. Continue to Sigiriya for check-in.
Please note: Elephants are migratory animals we may visit either Wasgamuwa or Minneriya National Park on this day based on the Elephant locations.
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes.
This morning we climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion’s Rock), one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. For lunch today, take part in Inspiring Tastes Cooking Demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the gardens. In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Medieval Capital City of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD).
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes.
Today is a full free day at leisure to relax.
Local Village Walk - Leave on foot through Augandawa Village, visit the local temple and evoke blessings from the priest. Visit a villager’s house and enjoy a warm herbal drink or a king coconut. Wander through the village passing paddy fields and Chena cultivations.
Today we make for the coastal town of Chilaw to finish off our time in Sri Lanka relaxing near the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. Chilaw is well known for the three 'C's' - Crabs, Coconuts and Coreas.
Afternoon visit to Chilaw Town. You have 2-3 hours here to explore the town at your own pace. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and the marketplace and witness how people do their daily business and this is perfect time to mingle with the locals.
Spend the day relaxing at the beach or by the pool.
Return to the hotel at 08.30 hrs.
An early 6:15am departure from your accommodation to ensure you catch the wildlife during their most active time of the day at Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary visit. The sanctuary includes three vastly different ecosystems; the coast, the mangroves and the fresh water tanks, making it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka.
Whilst here, enjoy a gentle 3.5km walk through the sanctuary viewing some of Sri Lanka's most favourable nesting and breeding grounds for hundreds of species of birds.
Some of the bird species found here are herons, the open-bill, great cormorant, white ibis, egret, atalk, peasant tailed jacna and the purple swamp hen. A total of 20 species of mammals have been recorded here, this includes the rusty spotted cat, fishing cat, the indian otter, slender loris, toque monkey and 74 species of butterflies.
Return to your accommodation in time for breakfast.
Please note: the Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is similar to a wetlands/bird watching trail and does not have any enclosures which houses wildlife.
Meeting Point: Hotel
Includes: Walk with dedicated guide
Start Time: 6.15am
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka. You will conclude your tour in Chilaw, and will be required to make your own way back to Colombo. We can arrange this transfer for you, as per the details listed under 'Extra Services'
We hope you've been inspired.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Sights
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests 2 bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 5 options (options listed under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Stay
Secure your trip with a $100.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. You will be asked for AUD$35 per person. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$6 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
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 $1,417 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Available. If you wish to purchase triple share please phone 1300 886 688. The third person will also be charged the Twin share price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller'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 your return.
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. The cost is US$35 per person. We can assist you over the phone as best as possible, however cannot submit the application on your behalf.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
4-16 people.
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Train Journey (Day 7)
Please 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. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-airconditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.
You have the choice of 2 of 5 Inspiring Sights to enhance your journey. You may purchase the additional 3 prior to departure:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Optional Tour Bundle:
As well as choosing 2 of 5 optional tours for free, if you're wanting to make the most of your time in Sri Lanka, why not purchase our optional tour bundle? These optional tours have been hand-picked by our staff and based on our customers personal favourites.
$90 per person.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post-tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Click HERE for more information on the weather in Sri Lanka.
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