Grand Tour of Sri Lanka (12 Days)

When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you will be able to find one of our representatives from Next Travel Sri Lanka at the Arriving Lounge of the Colombo AirPort paging your name. Once your identity is confirmed, you will be guided to the luxurious and comfortable vehicle provided to you, and you will be transferred to your hotel. However, the time of your arrival won’t be an issue, since we have not set any special plans for this day (We are ready to pick you up from any hotel in Colombo, or Negombo as well). Thus, you can leisurely enjoy the serenity of the golden sandy stretches, relaxing by the sounds of the gushing blue waves, and the cool breeze on this day.

The second day of this tour begins with a delicious breakfast with a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea or coffee, and then you will be headed to Dambulla, the ancient city, and the central point of the Cultural triangle of the island.

On the way, you will have the opportunity of visiting the Millennium Elephant Foundation, a place that protects and shelters wild elephants. You will not only get a chance to observe their life out there but also to feed them and bathe them at a river nearby.

Next, the travel around the ancient city of Dambulla would begin, and a Bullock Cart Ride, which is an ancient and a prime transportation method in Sri Lanka, would offer you a fine start for the exploration. Also, next, you will get a chance of experiencing a canoeing boat ride, across a lake in Dambulla, that is surrounded by splendid surrounding, adding some beautiful memories to your travel diaries. Thereafter, you will reach the farmer’s house in a tuk-tuk, where you will experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality coupled with love.

In the evening you would be visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and an amazing cultural treasure trove. The climb to this rock would take around 1-2 hours depending on your speed, and the ruins of the water garden, still functioning water fountains, mirror wall, Sigiriya frescoes, and the ruins of the ancient palace, will surely fascinate you. With that, the second day of the tour would end, and you will spend your night at a nature-friendly resort at Sigiriya/Dambulla.

The third day of the tour would begin from the sacred city of Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of the island, and a UNESCO world heritage site. And of course, a cycling tour around this ancient city that houses a number of ruins, and religious and cultural attractions would surely be a wonderful experience for you.

Next, you will stop at Kaudulla / Minneriya National Park, which is one of the most popular national parks on the island, where you can spot the highest number of Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat. To grab out the best out of this visit, we have planned a jeep safari out there, creating opportunities to explore the wildlife up close and personal.

Thereafter, you can enjoy the comforts and the relaxation of an Ayurvedic herbal massage at an Ayurvedic spa if you are interested, and then you will head to a natural-friendly resort at Dambulla/Sigiriya for your overnight stay.

Optional: As per your preference, you can choose to Hike Pidurangala rock, which creates amazing views at its top. It is located in very close proximity to the Sigiriya rock fortress, and is a historical site, with ancient ruins of a Buddhist temple.

On the fourth day, you would be visiting the Dambulla cave temple, which is famous as the best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. This UNESCO world heritage site, located on a rocky terrain which is around 200 m above the surrounding, is surely going to surprise you with the values it holds.

Next, you will head to the sacred city of Kandy. On the way, you will have the opportunity of visiting the Matale Spice garden, which houses a wide variety of spices in Sri Lanka. Then you will reach the sacred city of Kandy, a UNESCO world heritage site, and also the last capital of ancient Sri Lanka. The Buddhist religious places, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandyan architecture, as well as the spectacular surroundings out there, are surely going to add some beautiful memories to you. Besides, a cultural dance show that reveals to the world the fascination of Sri Lankan arts, traditional and cultural heritage would offer you the perfect ending for the day. Moreover, you will accommodate at one of the beautiful hotels in Kandy on this day.

The fifth day of the tour would begin with a beautiful experience as you would be able to visit the alluring Royal Botanical gardens of Peradeniya. Its spectacular landscaping, greenery, and colourful flora and fauna would certainly astonish you with its charm.

Then you would head to Kitulgala, to exercise a thrill of a lifetime. Yes, it is the perfect place for white water rafting in Sri Lanka. Thus, you would enjoy white water rafting out there, amidst the playful waters of the Kelani river, and meanwhile, the beauty of the surroundings will fascinate your eyes with their views. Also, you will be able to experience sliding down an inclined 05-meter waterfall with safety gear into the rock pool during this journey. Following this fun and thrill, you will enjoy your relaxation for the day at a nature-friendly small resort with a river view and air- conditioned clean rooms.

Following the breakfast of Day 6, you will head to the hill country of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya. Of course, it is the tea region of Sri Lanka, and the cool central highlands of the island, that holds a number of fascinations. The colonial architecture out there, the lush greenery, and the cool climate would be any one’s favourites. However, on this day, you would be able to visit a tea factory in this town and observe the process of ‘Ceylon Tea’ making, while enjoying a wonderful cup of tea. In the evening you would be able to walk around some vegetable stalls where you can find the fresh harvest from the town, and then the day would end as you arrive back at the hotel that you accommodate at Nuwara Eliya.

On this day, you would be able to experience one of the most beautiful train rides in the whole world, and that would be from the Nanu-Oya station to the scenic and relaxing Ella village. Then, you would visit the massive Nine Arch Bridge that surrounds spectacular views, and then, you have the opportunity of trekking Mini Adam’s Peak as well. However, we have allocated the evening to chill out in this beautiful mountainous village centre, where you can find a number of restaurants, pubs, and entertainment as well. Further, the day would end as you arrive at a mount-view hotel to spend your night.

The main destination for the day would be the Yala National Park. However, as you begin the journey after breakfast, you would be able to visit one of the wonderful cascades in Sri Lanka, the Ravana falls, on the way to Yala. Next, you will directly travel to the national park, and there, we have scheduled a jeep ride for you. Indeed, that would be one of the best ways to enjoy the fantastic offerings of this park, while observing the wide array of wildlife out there up close, and personal. Sloth bears, leopards, several species of mammals, and a variety of vibrant birds are some of the major attractions of this alluring national park. However, following this interesting exploration, you will head to a safari lodge at Yala/Thissamaharama, for your overnight stay.

Optional: If you prefer starting the day with a hike, you can go on an early morning trek to Ella Rock.

The 9th day of the tour is all about relaxing by the golden sand shores of Sri Lanka. And to experience the best of it, we have chosen the world-famous beachside of Sri Lanka, which is none other than Mirissa/Dickwella. The sandy stretches coupled with the perfect blue waves, its serenity and the few restaurants and pubs around, are sure to guarantee you a wonderful day out there. So, upon arrival at your hotel, all you have to do is grab a towel and visit the beach, to relax at your heart’s core while enjoying a cocktail or a chill beer under the shade of a Palm tree. Also, never forget that a cosy hotel is awaiting to comfort you overnight.

Optional: If you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, you can begin the day with an early morning Leopard trial second game drive at Yala.

Even though conditions might vary depending on the seasons, the Sri Lankan waves are perfect for Dolphin and Whale watching. Thus, we have dedicated this morning to observe these mighty creatures amidst the blue waves. So, the visitors have the opportunity of getting into a boat and experiencing an amazing ride on the sea. Besides, the afternoon would be free for you to roam around the fisherman's village or sunbathe on the beach. And the evening would be more delighting as nature creates astonishing sceneries during the sunset. And why not? Visiting a nearby restaurant, and enjoying a delicious meal with Sri Lankan culinary styles, especially with the delicacy of seafood, would offer you the perfect ending for the day. Finally, you would arrive at a seafront hotel at Mirissa/Dickwella for your overnight stay.

Following a mouth-watering breakfast, you will head to the wonderful coastal city of Sri Lanka, Galle, which is well known for housing the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle Fort. And this journey not only creates opportunities to observe the grandeur of this massive creation by the shore but also to witness the impacts of colonization on the buildings found on the streets around. And why not? The historical Galle lighthouse that stands high by the shore will further enhance the delight of this wonderful city. However, following this city exploration, you would be able to visit a turtle hatchery. Of course, it would make you experience the fascination of turtles while getting to know how the injured and the endangered turtles are protected, and how the baby turtles learn to take their first swim out there. After all, at the end of the day, you would arrive at a beach resort at Bentota, to enjoy the relaxation for the day.

After all, we believe that there is no other better place to conclude this wonderful tour, other than in the vibrant city of Colombo. Thus, following the breakfast on the final day of this tour, you will be heading to Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo. You will get a chance to visit some of the popular attractions out there in the city limits, do some shopping while observing the unique features of this modernized, bustling, colourful city. And why not? You even have the opportunity of visiting a famous and internationally renowned restaurant in Colombo to end your trip over a high-class meal. And finally, the tour would conclude, as we drop you back to the hotel in Colombo or Negombo, or the Colombo International Airport, in time for the return flight.

After all, we believe that this tour package features you the best of the island, satisfying the true favours. Besides, if you prefer to make your dream travel in Sri Lanka a reality, in exactly the way your heart desires, we are here to offer you tailor- made tour packages as well. Contact us for more information.
Happy and Safe Travelling!

Let it be a stay by the golden stretches, a chill amidst the cool breeze or a holiday surrounded by the lush greenery! Whatever your heart desires, the wide array of star class hotels in Sri Lanka are ready to provide you with accommodation on Bed and Breakfast Basis in a way that suits your wishes! And yes, an experience at the mentioned hotel or a similar range will offer you the below delights!

• Buffet at the Restaurant
• Private Rooms with A/C
• Hot Water
• Wi-Fi
• Attach Bathroom

Of course, there is so much on this island to explore, and getting around this country is not an issue at all! From arrival transfer to departure transfer, we would offer you a trip with excellent comfort. You have the below selections to make the choice you wish.

• Air-Conditioned Car
• Air Conditioned Mini-Van
• Air Conditioned Van

Also, we guarantee you that the vehicles we offer are in perfect condition, and thus, a hassle-free ride is ensured for you!

It is true that one can visit the attractions on this island on their own. Still, let us assure you that having a travel guide makes your journey more wonderful, and stress-free. In fact, they know about this island like the back of their hands. They are capable of enlightening you about each and every place you visit. Ging beyond, they would turn out to be a companion of yours, inspired with a passion to fulfill your expectations on this beautiful island. Hence, we make sure to provide you with the service of an English-speaking qualified, experienced, chauffeur-guide for your entire tour in Sri Lanka. And yes, they will surely become a reason for you to make this Sri Lankan travel more amusing than ever!

Dishes in Sri Lanka are a true delight! Hence, you should never miss a chance to experience the authenticity and the exclusivity of the mouth-watering Sri Lankan tastes. However, this package includes a daily breakfast. Our representatives will assist you with the reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants for the rest of the meals. However, any of the Sri Lankan hotels/restaurants would allow you to choose among the below selections, for each of your main meals.

Breakfast	Starters Soups Appetizers Sri Lankan Food Milk Rice String Hoppers Hoppers Rice and Curry Pol Roti Pittu Those Noodles Dishes Seafood Platters International Cuisine Beverages
Lunch	Starters Soups Appetizers Rice and Curry Noodles Dishes Seafood Platters International Cuisine Beverages Deserts
Dinner	Starters Soups Appetizers Sri Lankan Food String Hoppers Hoppers Rice and Curry Pol Roti Pittu Noodles Dishes Seafood Platters International Cuisine Deserts

Also, please note that these are the general food items that any of the hotels would offer you, and there may be a wide variety of additional dishes depending on the hotel you dine at. Besides, this tour offers Jain, Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request.

• Entrance Fees

Certain religious and cultural attractions, Museums, National Parks, Botanical Gardens, etc, on this island, require the visitors to purchase an entrance fee, in order to enter the site. However, it is a must note that our tour package includes half-price entrance tickets to all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• 24 Hour Emergency Contact

We care for you and we value you. Thus, our 24 Hour Emergency Contact is functioning to assist you with any of your needs at any hour during the tour.

• Special COVID-19 insurance 

A Special COVID-19 insurance cover worth USD 50,000 per person is included in this package. However, this will be only applied to travellers who are visiting Sri Lanka in 2021.

It is the Asian culture to tip the guides and the drivers. Still, it is up to you to decide whether you tip them or not. However, guide/driver tips are not included in our tour package.

Of course, you will be provided with accommodation. Still, it is up to the travellers to bear personal expenses for Pre and post-tour accommodation. Further, the travellers should bear their cost for lunch and dinner as well.

We recommend you have travel insurance to enjoy yourself more and travel stress-free on this paradise island of Sri Lanka. Yet, insurance is not included in our tour packages. Tourists are responsible for choosing the insurance packages that suit them the most and getting themselves insured.

International Flights are not included in our packages. It is up to the visitors to take care of their flight bookings and our tour packages, and additional services begin only once they arrive in Sri Lanka.

Abiding by the new normal, Sri Lanka is now open for tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, quarantine measures are different for the vaccinated and non-vaccinated tourists.

Completing two weeks upon receiving the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccinations will make you begin travelling on the island sooner. Apart from that, Sri Lanka requires no mandatory vaccinations before arrival.

The natural marvels of the island nation Sri Lanka, which includes the golden shores, charming cascades, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife are indeed capable of attracting any tourist. Besides, its rich cultural heritage, delightful festivals, pleasant climate, exclusive cuisines, and extensive range of facilities for affordable prices, simply make tourists go to Sri Lanka, at any time of the year.

Tourists are only permitted to get to Sri Lanka, by air.

Yes, of course! If you are arriving in Sri Lanka for a holiday, for medical treatments, or to take part in an event, you will require a Tourist Visa.

Any foreigner who plans to arrive in Sri Lanka should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. The website also contains a full guide on obtaining the ETA, along with the payment details.

The Visa is valid for 30 days.

Yes, you can. Still, you have to apply for a visa extension, before your current visa expires. All you have to do is collect the visa extension form from the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (You can also download the form from here), and submit the duly filled application, along with the following.

• Return Air Ticket
• Details of the place of accommodation
• The application along with a photograph of the applicant

Also, please note that the applicant should be present to collect the visa.

It is always better to have your National Identity Card, and Passport with you when travelling around the island.

In brief, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. Thus, it always has something to do and somewhere to visit on this island. Still, it is always better to choose a time where the monsoon rains do not impact the area you plan to visit in Sri Lanka. This complete overview of the weather and climate of Sri Lanka, and the official website of the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka will help you with regard.

You can either use public transportation which includes the bus and train services. If not, you can even hire a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or hire a vehicle to drive yourself.

Sri Lanka Rupees (SLR) is the currency used in Sri Lanka.

Not really! If you are using public transportation, enjoying meals from budget restaurants, and taking accommodation at budget hotels, you can experience the holiday at your heart’s core, at a low budget. Thus, the cost depends upon your choices. Still, a holiday in Sri Lanka is simply cheaper than many other tourist destinations across the world.

The best is to wear comfortable materials, preferable cotton, linen, or rayon since Sri Lanka is warm most of the time. Besides, if you are visiting a religious place, the best is to wear something light colour that covers from your shoulders to your knees, to blend with the culture there. Besides, having a shawl will help you to cover yourself in instances where your attire is inappropriate to visit such a place.

As long as you are travelling in a populated area it is safe to travel alone in Sri Lanka. Still, if you are a female travelling alone, the best is to wear an attire that covers your body, and also, wearing a fake wedding ring, acting familiar, etc. will help you avoid unnecessary hassles. However, the best is to avoid night rides, and use google location if you are travelling alone!

Most can! Still, some locals would only be familiar with Sinhala and Tamil languages. However, hand signals will help you in instances as such.

Electricity is not an issue in the present, especially around tourist hotspots. It is true that some extremely rural areas still lack this facility. Still, we can assure you that those areas are out of the tourist zones. However, Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50 Hz. Hence, be mindful to bring compatible devices or voltage converters. Besides, it is always better to have with you a power bank, rechargeable lamp, etc. because emergency power cuts could occur once in a while.

As you might already know, Sri Lankan Rupees is the currency used in Sri Lanka. The best would be to bring USDs with you and then to exchange them for the local currency once you arrive. Doing so will offer you opportunities to get better exchange rates as well. Besides, Mastercards and Visa Cards are widely accepted, while American Express Cards are also often accepted. Still, it is always better to have cash in hand, since most of the local boutiques around tourist attractions do not have the facilities to accept credit cards. Also, ATMs are available islandwide. Still, not all of them accept international cards. The daily transaction limit usually ranges between SLR 100,000 to SLR 200,000 and a transaction fee is imposed upon every transaction. Moreover, banks are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and closed on weekends. Still, some main cities have a few banks that are open 24/7, or either till night hours.

Of course, telecommunication facilities are available almost island-wide, except for the extremely rural areas. If you are planning to stay connected during your travel to Sri Lanka, the best would be to buy a local sim since the mobile service providers here offer perfect tourist plans that would simply save your money. Also, buying a sim in Sri Lanka is not that hard. You can buy one easily from the airport premises, or from the outlets islandwide.

As you already know, Sri Lanka holds accommodation facilities that cover an extensive range. Starting with the Home Stays, Guest Houses, Bungalows, to Medium-Scale Hotels, and Super-Luxury Hotels, this paradise island has it all. Of course, the price might vary upon your selections and the facilities they offer. Still, accommodation facilities are indeed cheaper in Sri Lanka, when compared with tourist destinations worldwide. However, some of the Home-stays, Guesthouses, and Bungalows might not have AC and hot water facilities. Hence, if you are concerned with regard, it is always better to ask about these little things before placing your bookings. Besides, finding accommodation during the off-season might not be that hard. Still, it is always the best to hunt for accommodation a few days earlier, just to travel with pace in mind.

Discovering the unique flavours of Sri Lankan Food, seafood, and cultural dishes would simply be a delightful experience that you can ever imagine of! Let it be the luxurious hotels that offer you both local and international cuisine, and the small boutiques or the street stalls that amaze you with their mouth-watering tastes, all of them are impressive beyond words. However, local dishes might be a bit spicy. Thus, it is always better to inform the cook earlier, if you prefer less spicy food. Besides, the cost of food in Sri Lanka highly varies depending on the place you choose to dine, and the dishes you select.

Photography and videography are not forbidden in Sir Lanka. Still, make sure you request permission, especially if you are capturing locals, their boutiques, or their houses. Besides, never turn your back to religious statues, or pose with them with funny poses, since Sri Lanka is a country backed with strong cultural values. Also, whenever you visit a religious or a cultural attraction, or a museum, make sure to check for notices. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in certain places, and using the flasher is strictly prohibited in some sites with historical paintings, and murals. Going beyond, photography and videography in some places require prior permission or payments. Hence, making memories is always fine, yet, it is always better to be mindful of the restrictions. And yes, your travel guide will simply help you with these concerns!

As you might already know, Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Thus, we encourage you to follow the below ethics when visiting religious places in Sri Lanka.

• Most religious places encourage visitors to wear a light colour attire that covers their body, shoulder to knees. Thus, if you are visiting a religious place, make sure that you do not wear shorts, crop tops, skinnies, etc. Also, having a shawl with you will help you cover your body at such times, in order to blend with the culture there.
• Visitors enter the religious place barefoot and caps, hats, scarfs, etc. are removed before entering the site.
• The tranquillity of the religious places in Sri Lanka is simply impressive. Hence, make sure you mind your behaviour.

Indeed, safety is first! So, it is always better to keep an eye on animals, especially on the stray dogs on the roads. Be mindful when feeding them, or touching them. And by chance, if a stray dog or any other animal bit you, make sure you arrive at the nearest government hospital, and they will make sure to treat you accordingly.