SRI LANKA: Cultural & Foodie Tour – 14 days
Tour Summary
Join us on our fabulous tour of the emerald isle of Sri Lanka as we explore its culture, cuisines and crafts and more. Savour all the experiences this unique country has to offer. There’s an abundance of treasures to discover including eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The holy cave of Dambulla with buddhas inside; the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the former capital Polonnaruwa. Climb the magnificent rock fortress of Sirigiya, stroll through magnificent gardens and watch a performance of traditional dance at the Temple of the Tooth in the serene city of Kandy. Have the time of your life on a very scenic railway Then learn the art and science of tea making while staying on a working tea plantation in the heart of the Ceylon tea country.
Wild life lovers be on alert at Yala National Park home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and more.
Admire the beauty and charm as you walk the cobblestones of the 17th-century Dutch fort in Galle. Colombo retains its history as it moves towards a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
There’s a variety of arts, crafts and local specialized artisan to meet along the way.
So join as a solo traveller, gather couple of friends or three, or maybe even a group of friends and indulge with us on this enchanting tropical island and share our passion of this exotic journey.
Destination: Sri Lanka: Negombo| Colombo
Tour Commences In: Negombo
Tour Concludes In: Colombo
Number of Days: 14 days / 13 nights
Tour Style: Luxury
Accommodation: Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Meals: Breakfast; 13: Lunch; 2:
Leaders: Professional Private Guide
Transportation: Luxury private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Highlights
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: : Arrive Sri Lanka:
Welcome to Sri Lanka. You will be greeted by your private guide at airport and transferred to your hotel in nearby Negombo. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
If time permits this afternoon, you can visit an art and craft market nearby and see how the village ladies have empowered themselves by displaying their craftsmanship and creativity.
Day 2: : Negombo – Sigiriya: (B
After breakfast we drive to Sigiriya (Approx. 4 Hrs) En route we visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura and stop off at a pottery workshop where a pioneering family continues ancient traditions. We continue our drive to visit the golden temple of Dambulla and cave. The interior of the cave is filled with spectacular Buddhas. It still remains an important holy site. Later, continue your drive to your hotel.
Day 3: : Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya: (B)
This morning, there is an option to climb Sigiriya’s Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is commonly called the 'Fortress in the Sky' and is probably the most fantastic natural wonder of Sri Lanka. It is also known as 'Lion Rock' because it appears as huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of this 600 foot rock.
We continue our drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another important royal capital and more recent than Anuradhapura, with its well preserved 12th century ruins and impressive stone culture that recalls an inspired past.
Day 4: : Sigiriya – Kandy: (B/L)
This morning, drive to Kandy. Along the way, visit Matale spice garden for lunch and enjoy a delicious fresh authentic meal followed with a tour around a spice plantation.
Stop and visit a craft Heritage centre which draws on the rich traditions of the area producing batik and embroidery visiting a workshop to view artisans at work. Later, visit a home of a Batik artist and view the wonderful array of textiles, old furniture and the many other art works that are on display.
Day 5: : Kandy: (B)
Today explore Kandy on our city tour including the Temple of the Tooth and a scenic drive to the upper lake area. Stroll Kandy’s central markets which sell a variety of authentic produce and spices. We also visit the gem museum and with a simulation mine. A very interesting tour.
A side note; Princess Diana's, now Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge's engagement ring is a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka.
Day 6: : Kandy: (B)
This morning drive through the beautiful scenery of the Dumbara valley to visit home of weaving families. The Dumbara region is resident to the weavers of Sri Lanka who were tasked with creating unique designs for the ancient Kings of Sri Lanka. This afternoon meander the fabulous Peradeniya botanical gardens of Kandy. The orchids, palms, and herb gardens here shouldn’t be missed.
(Optional) Complete the day with an unforgettable show of Traditional Kandyan Dance in the city centre.
Day 7: : Kandy – Nuwara Eilya: (B)
After breakfast, transfer to a train station for what is one of the best scenic highlights of the journey, the train ride is to Nuwara Eilya. Along the way admire the fabulous views of forests, mountains, tea estates and waterfalls. After checking into your hotel located in the picturesque hillside. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 8: : Nuwara Eilya: (B)
This morning visit a tea estate and factory to see how Ceylon tea is plucked, manufactured and packaged. Participate in a tea tasting with an expert. Later, visit the local city of Nuwara Eilya which is often referred to as 'Little England'. This genteel highland community does have a 'rose tinted’ English country feel to it with its colonial era bungalows and Tudor styled hotels as well as tendered hedge-rows and stunning gardens.
Day 9: : Nuwara Eilya – Yala: (B)
Today drive to Yala. This National Park is known for being one of the best places in the world to see leopards It has a high population density. You can also see elephants, sloths, bears, mongooses, monkeys, crocodiles and hundreds of different types of birds. En route we visit the scenic Ella waterfalls. Later this afternoon, participate in a safari at Yala national park.
Day 10: : Yala – Galle: (B)
After breakfast drive to picturesque city of Galle. Stop along the way and visit the wonderful women who are world renowned for Beeralu lace making. You will be in awe of their skill and ease at which they move their bobbins. Along the way are numerous pottery shops. Pottery is one of the oldest skills of mankind and Sri Lanka has a long history. the scenic view is overshadowed by the devastation resulting from the Tsunami that hit this area in 2004. Later we check into our hotel. This evening is your at leisure.
Day 11: : Galle: (B)
Sri Lanka has a proud heritage of arts and crafts and this morning visit local weaving mills and a handcrafts centre.
This afternoon tour the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort. As an exotic old trading port it's blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, beautiful grand mansions and wonderful museums. This city is delightful to explore on foot.
Day 12: : Galle – Colombo: (B)
Later this morning drive to Colombo. En route we will visit Dodanduwa coconut coir fibre workshop that makes carpets and colourful mats. This is a fascinating process to see. This afternoon tour the highlights of Colombo on your city tour.
Day 13: : Galle – Colombo: (B/L)
This morning visit a fabulous boutique Gallery with a weaving workshop. Lunch is in a lovely garden café. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Optional: finale dinner at one of the 50 best restaurants in the World. WOW.
Day 14: : Depart Colombo: (B)
Your bespoke private tour concludes after breakfast.
At your leisure before your transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further information.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
Suggested Hotels
Negombo: Villa Hundira
Sigiriya: Aliya Resort & Spa
Kandy:Villa Rosa
Ella: 98 Acres Resort
Yala: Jetwings Yala
Galle: Galle Forte Hotel
Colombo: Galle Face – Hotel
Tour Inclusions
A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Journeys
Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers for all arriving guests
Private airport transfers for all guests departing
Hand selected Luxury Modern & Boutique hotel accommodation available
Internet Access where possible
Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast: L = Lunch: D = Dinner:
Private services of a professional bilingual tour guide
Concierge / Bellhop Services throughout tour
24 hour on call support service
Luxury / Deluxe private air-conditioned vehicles for all your transportation
Train Ticket
Entrance fees, taxes to all sightseeing & shows
Porterage, tipping and gratuities, except to guide/tour manager
Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle
Not included:
International and or Domestic air fares
Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges
Passport and visa fees
Excess baggage charges
Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal service
Personal travel insurance
Tipping and gratuities to Professional tour guide
Meals not included
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Country Information
Accommodation:
All our hotels are excellent Luxury modern and boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double & two twin beds.
Climate & Clothing:
The climate in Sri Lanka is warm to hot all year around. The rainy season is June till October. (but it can rain anytime) The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
Currency & Money Matters:
The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Divided into 100 cents. It is issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The abbreviation is generally Rs., but "LKR" is occasionally used to distinguish it from other currencies also called rupee. major credit cards are accepted, in tourist orientated establishments. ATM’s are in all cities.
Electricity:
The electric current is 230V, 50 cycles. Plugs come in a bewildering range of variations. Besides the primary plug type, which is similar to Indian plugs, you may well find US-, EU- and British-style plugs in your room.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking.
Language:
Sinhalese and Tamil are the two languages that enjoy the status of being official languages in the country.
Meals:
Our hotels offers a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in Sri Lanka are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available
Passports & Visas:
To enter Sri Lanka you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. A Visa is required. https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp#
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed. Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at many hotels for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please request when booking.
Time Zone:
Despite the size of the country, the standard time throughout India is GMT +5.30.
Tipping:
We know that some of our guests are not familiar with tipping customs, so any gratuities (e.g., to waiters, porters etc) are already taken care of as part of your fee. A tip from you to the guides and drivers is always gratefully received.
Transport:
Most of our road journeys between major cities are longer than 3 hours so we include modern Luxury sedan cars or minibuses for this tour. They are spacious and comfortable so we can all enjoy the journey.
Water & Beverages:
Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided when travelling in our vehicles. Most teas are available with most meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cost of this tour.
UNESCO
Cultural (6)
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (1982)
Ancient City of Sigiriya (1982)
Golden Temple of Dambulla (1991)
Sacred City of Kandy (1988)
Natural (2)
Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988)
A Tentative List is an inventory of those properties which each State Party intends to consider for nomination. More about the Tentative List Process...
