The journey begins
Style | Hosted |
Intent | Cultural |

Negombo – Dambulla – Minneriya – Pollonaruwa – Sigiriya- Kandy – Pinnawala – Nuweraeliya – Yala – Down South Beaches
Experience the beautiful island of Sri Lanka in this magical 12 day fully inclusive package rich in culture, heritage and beautiful landscapes. A perfect mix where we explore ancient temples, spice farms and even go on safari looking for exotic species of animals and birds.
Taking in a world famous train trip where we venture into the tea growing highlands and the Horton Plains sitting on a plateau offering more stunning landscapes. We end your journey with four fabulous days relaxing at your chosen hotel and the nearby stunning southern beaches. Taking in beautiful sunsets as you dine on the beach this package is a great mix of time to relax and cultural discovery,
Guests will also enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lanka people and you will be always greeted with a smile from the lush green mountains to its golden beaches.
Is this package for me?
TRAVEL STYLE | Private getaway perfect for couples, families, friends or the solo adventurer. |
SERVICE LEVEL | This package is a premium quality Great Journey hosted by our Local Expert Partner Travel Trends Leisure. |
PHYSICAL RATING | Great for people of all ages and average levels of fitness. |
TRIP TYPE | Private Package |
What’s Included?
- Thirteen nights accommodation in double/twin shared room
- Breakfast & dinner at your overnight hotel
- Private guide
- All transfers in private A/C vehicle
- Airport transfers
- Colombo City Tour
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Dambulla Rock Cave temple
- Village Tour
- Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress
- Scenic Train Ride in the Mountains
- Cultural Dance Performance
- Botanical Garden Visit
- Minneriya wild Life safari
- Ceylon Tea Plantation visit
- Tea Plucking Experience
- Local Spice garden visit
- Local Batik workshop visit
- Yala wildlife safari
Transportation:
- Upgraded air conditioned private vehicle
- Private 4X4 jeep all national park safaris
- Scenic train ride will be on a public train
Pricing Per Guest (USD)
Winter Season
17th September to the 1st December, 16th January to the 30th April
Travelling Style | Superior |
---|---|
Solo Traveller | $2,445 |
Twin Share | $1,686 |
Triple Share | $1,410 |
4 to 6 Guests | $1,532 |
Peak Season
2nd December to the 15th January
Travelling Style | Superior |
---|---|
Solo Traveller | $2,584 |
Twin Share | $1,838 |
Triple Share | $1,550 |
4 to 6 Guests | $1,671 |
Summer Season
1st May to the 16th September
Travelling Style | Superior |
---|---|
Solo Traveller | $2,458 |
Twin Share | $1,712 |
Triple Share | $1,423 |
4 to 6 Guests | $1,545 |
Day 1: Arrival (D)
Airport > Hotel > City tour
You will be warmly greeted at the airport by your local Guide and our Local Expert representative to ensure the transfer to your hotel goes smoothly.
We are starting our journey at Negombo well known for its beaches, canals and bustling seafood markets. Its also conveniently located close to Colombo where we will head in the afternoon for a city tour with your local guide. Famed for its port, you will experience the history reflected in the cities architecture and stunning temples. Returning to the hotel in the late afternoon you will have time to relax before enjoying a welcome dinner.
Overnight – Negombo
Day 2: Departure to Dambulla (B & D)
Negombo > Dambulla
After breakfast we depart for Dambulla and visit the majestic Dambulla Rock Cave Temple en route. This is a world heritage site in Sri Lanka, located north of Kandy in the Matale district. The town of Dambulla itself is built around a large granite outcrop, concealing an awe inspiring Buddhist cave complex, Raja Maha Vihara, dating from the 1st century BC.
Often overlooked Dambulla is one of the major agriculture centres and its architecture and customs gives visitors a great introduction to what many call authentic Sri Lanka. Late afternoon you are free to relax at your hotel or arrange with your guide to explore the city.
Overnight Dambulla
Day 3: Minneriya & Polonnaruwa (B & D)
Dambulla > Minneriya > Polonnaruwa > Dambulla
Its an early breakfast at the hotel today as we are heading to the majestic Minneriya National Park for a safari. This vast national park covers an area of 8,889 hectares and is home to hundreds of animal and plant species. We will be on the lookout for Deer, Sambhurs, Monkeys, Mongoose, Leopard, Bats and reptiles like Crocodiles, Pythons, and Monitors. Home also to around 160 species of birds, 78 recorded butterfly species we think you will love exploring the rich and varied habitats.
Then we head to the ancient city of Pollonaruwa, defended by enclosed walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes which bears witness to a glorious past. A dominant feature of the city, is the vast irrigation lake of 5940 acres aptly named “Parakrama Samudraya” or the sea of Parakrama after its royal builder King Parakramabahu. Its a stunning example of the advanced engineering and construction skills used during these ancient times.
Late afternoon we arrive at your hotel where you are free to use the hotel facilities before enjoying dinner.
Overnight Dambulla
Day 4: Sigirya (B & D)
Dambulla > Sigiriya > Dambulla
After breakfast we take the climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Today Sigiriya is famous for its ‘Mirror Wall’, which consists of poems and paragraphs carved by visitors to the rock many years ago and for its magnificent frescoes of shapely be-jewelled maidens, vibrant colours and the water garden similar to the Ajantha frescoes of India. Sigiriya is in fact, the best-preserved city center in Asia from the first millennium and has been named as a UNESCO world heritage site and 8th Wonder of the World.
We also explore a traditional village travelling by a bullock cart followed by a local catamaran ride to see how locals have gone about their daily lives for generations. Then take time to relax at your hotel and enjoy the Sri Lankan cuisine at your hotel’s restaurant again experiencing the exotic tastes of Sri Lanka.
Overnight Dambulla
Day 5: Kandy (B & D)
Dambulla > Kandy
We then continue our journey towards the cultural city of Kandy exploring a local spice garden en route to discover the beautiful smells and tastes of Sri Lankan spices and herbs.
Then we begin to explore this fascinating city including the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic.
This palace complex and the city of Kandy itself is considered one of the holy places at the heart of the Buddhist religion. The Temple of Kandy is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha. Many make the pilgrimage here still to this day.We end the day with our first taste of the rich history and culture that is Kandy.
Enjoy a cultural dance performance as part of your city tour before returning to your hotel to relax and dine at its restaurant.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 6: Kandy (B & D)
Kandy > Pinnawala > Kandy
After breakfast we head to Pinnawala to visit an Elephant Orphanage. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, a riverside sanctuary cares for elephants displaced from wild habitats. Established in 1975 with just seven orphans, the orphanage is home now to hundreds of abandoned or injured elephants who are looked after with warmth, love and affection. The elephants at the orphanage are bathed daily in a river located nearby and you will never forget watching these majestic creatures frolic and play.
After lunch which we suggest you take looking over the river where the Elephants bath we head back to Dambulla. Before returning to your hotel we visit a Batik workshop to discover how this beautiful cloth is made. Late afternoon you are free to relax at your hotel and then dine at its restaurant.
Overnight: Kandy
Day 7: Nuweraeliya (B & D)
Kandy > Nuweraeliya
Take a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before boarding a local train from Kandy to Nanu Oya. The scenery you will experience is world renowned overlooking beautiful green misty mountains, Lunch is available on the journey and we will break the trip to visit a tea plantation on the way and sample a cup of Ceylon Tea.
Arriving in Nuwara Eliya a city nestled in the tea growing hills of central Sri Lanka you will have time to relax before we explore the local area and enjoy another traditional dinner back at your hotel.
Overnight: Nuweraeliya
Day 8: Yala (B & D)
Nuweraleiya > Yala
After breakfast we head towards Yala taking in the stunning landscapes along the way and your Guide will find you the perfect place to break the journey and sample the local cuisine.
We then go on a wild life safari at Yala National Park. The park the second largest in Sri Lanka has the world’s highest concentration of Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore still requires some luck.
However this vital wild life sanctuary is home to Asian Elephants, Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo and Grey Langurs amongst other large animals. The open parkland attracts birds of prey such as White-bellied Sea Eagles and the wetlands have Waders, Painted Storks, and the rare Black-necked Stork.
Late afternoon we return to your hotel so you can relax and enjoy dinner at their restaurant.
Overnight: Yala
Day 9: Down South Beaches (B & D)
Yala > Down South Beaches
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for the southern beaches of Sri Lanka. The exact beaches you will explore is dependent on your chosen hotel. But with kilometres of stunning white sand and blue waters, we think you will fall in love with this coastal paradise. Experience the changing landscapes as we take this drive and we will ensure we stop to take in the views and sample some local snacks.
Finish the day between your hotel and its facilities and time on the white sands. We end the day dining on the beach as we take in a glorious sunset.
Overnight and dinner at the beach
Day 10: Relax on the beach (B,D)
Down South
Now its time to relax. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then head to the beach. There are also local markets to explore and places to snorkel or if there are some waves take a surf lesson.
Again your choices for lunch are endless and we end the day relaxing on the beach taking in the sunset as you dine.
Overnight and dinner at the beach
Day 11: Relax on the beach (B,D)
Down South
After breakfast between November and April you can arrange an optional tour to watch the passing whales and dolphins. Otherwise you can continue to explore the local sights, relax at the hotel or head back to the stunning white sands of the beaches.
Overnight and dinner at the beach
Day 12: Relax on the beach (B,D)
Down South
Continue to enjoy your hotel facilities and discovering the beautiful beaches. From eating freshly caught local seafood to a relaxing massage you can stay as busy as you want. Take another surf lesson or snorkel in the beautiful waters the choice is yours.
Overnight and dinner at the beach
Day 13: Relax on the beach (B,D)
Down South
Its your final full day so you can head out to the local markets to look for that special gift, take another surf lesson or just chill on the beach. In what will now feel like a tradition take in your last Sri Lankan sunset for this time and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Overnight and dinner at the beach
Day 14: Departure (B)
Down South > Colombo Airport
Breakfast will be served at the hotel and then you will be free to head out or relax at the hotel until it is time to transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of services
Click on the tabs below to view our partner Hotels and Resorts.
These are our selected Hotel Partners and after you have Booked your Great Journey we will contact you seeking your preference of hotels. We cannot guarantee your preference and in the unlikely chance that all of our Partner Hotels are unavailable we reserve the right to provide an alternative comparable hotel. If you are not satisfied with the available alternative then Guests may cancel their booking and receive a full refund.
GREAT JOURNEY’S
Exclusions
- Visa fee
- Flights & airport taxes
- Other personal expenses
- Beverages
- Other activities
- Tips, and all services not clearly mentioned
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance which is required
Guide surcharge:
Guide Type | Individual | Group |
French speaking guide | $80 per day | $80 per day |
Chinese speaking guide | $110 per day | $110 per day |
German Speaking guide | $80 per day | $80 per day |
Spanish speaking guide | $80 per day | $80 per day |
Russian speaking guide | $80 per day | $80 per day |
Italian speaking guide | $80 per day | $80 per day |
Japanese speaking guide | $110 per day | $110 per day |
Remarks
- Prices are net per person in United States Dollars (USD) and are subject to change without prior notice
- Prices are based on twin-share basis except solo travellers and are subject to room availability upon Package booking
- No refund for any un-utilized Package
- Surcharge for other languages speaking guide (Advise at time of booking)
- Airport transfer surcharge of USD 5 per person each way for pick-up or send-off from 21:00 hrs to 06:00hrs (adjust based on group size)
Child policy
- Child under 2: Free of charge
- Child under 12 years old sharing room with adult: 50% of package cost for Adult twin share price
- Child 12 years old and above: 100% of adult cost
CANCELLATION:
- Period before arrival* Amount of Cancellation of the holiday price
- More than 60 days before arrival- Free Of Charge (FOC)
- More than 45 days before arrival– 30%
- Less than 21 days before arrival – 50%
- Less than 14 days before arrival – 80%
- Failure on traveling date at point of arrival 100%
Local Culture
The Sri Lankan people are very modest, so avoid wearing clothes that are too short or revealing in public and in particular at religious or culturally significant places.
Ask permission before taking someone’s photo.
Due to the nature of travel in Asia, a backpack is more suited to this trip than a suitcase.
Local Dress
In Sri Lanka, the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing, try to choose long, loose, lightweight, clothing that will keep you comfortable in the mostly hot and humid Asian climate.
Local Flights
There are no flights on this Package
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel, please refer to your Green Cultural Travel tour voucher. Alternatively, contact the Green Cultural Travel office or your travel agent.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you. However, if you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled for any reason, please contact us immediately. Please refer to our emergency contact details.
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact us in an emergency, it is best to call either the Green Cultural Travel Local Representative or our Green Cultural Travel Local Office first. If you don’t receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible.
Emergency contact numbers
Emergency contact: +94 70 3 012 221
General contact number: +94 11 3 633 950
Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30 pm
Passports
You must have your passport with you at all times in Sri Lanka. Before leaving home, check that it will be valid for at least six months after you plan to leave Sri Lanka.
Visas
Transit visas good for 48 hours are free. Thirty-day visitor visas cost US$25 to US$100, depending on your nationality. Apply in advance online (www.eta.gov.lk).
Obtaining a Visa
Before visiting Sri Lanka, do the following to get a 30-day visa:
Visit the Sri Lanka electronic visa website (www.eta.gov.lk) several days before arriving.
Follow the online application process and pay with a credit or debit card.
Once approved, print out the visa confirmation
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit during your entire vacation. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible.
Most travellers carry a small to medium size backpack or rolling bag or suitcase.
You will also need a day pack or bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others, while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs. Consider your likely spending habits when budgeting for drinks, shopping and tipping.
We have provided some specific recommendations below to assist you to plan your budget and manage your money while on holiday.
Money Exchange
During your holiday, you will use the Sri Lankan Rupee as local currencies. Because currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate quite frequently, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date information on exchange rates: www.xe.com
The best way to access local currency in Sri Lanka is from an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) with a debit card. ATMs are readily available throughout South East Asia and will usually accept cards from both the Visa and MasterCard international networks. If possible, travel with both a Visa and a MasterCard to provide backup in case of loss or access problems with one card. Please note, your bank will usually charge a fee for overseas withdrawals.
Some Rupee is recommended for those occasions when ATMs are not accessible such as a number of islands and remote provinces. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but not a substantial amount as carrying only cash is high risk. The ideal mix is two or more ATM card/s with some cash as back-up.
Credit cards are accepted at some upmarket hotels and restaurants, and some larger stores if shopping for big items. They are of no use at smaller establishments.
Cash advances with your credit card are also possible at some banks. However, the process is time-consuming and tends to attract high fees.
Traveller’s cheques can be tricky, time-consuming and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, you may choose to bring one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers’ cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange.
Tipping
Depending on the service, it is customary in Asia to tip service providers, such as waiters, approximately 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your holiday. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is an opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person, per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. If unsure, ask your local Green Cultural Travel representative.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
We recommend that you carry a small First Aid kit, hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes, and any personal medical supplies you might require.
Please be aware that for those Packages that are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. For legal reasons, our Green Cultural Travel representatives are prohibited from administering any drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia, pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs available in your home country, but they are usually locally produced and may have different names. To ensure you can access to the right treatment, ask your doctor for the details of the active components and dosage instructions if you think you might need to purchase prescription medication while here.
When selecting your trip, please read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with our style of travel.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt for keeping your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash, and other valuable items safe. Leave your expensive jewellery at home. You won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables while on tour. We recommend a lock for securing your luggage.
During your journey, you will have some free time to pursue your own interests. You can relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your Green Cultural Travel representative can assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary. We, therefore, offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your personal judgment before selecting an activity in your free time.
Although the locations you will visit on your selected Package are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering about at night. We recommend our guests stay in small groups and take taxis for any night time excursions, including restaurant visits.
Protests and Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Medical Form
As a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their personal luggage. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. These requirements ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to complete their chosen trip comfortably. While our
Representatives work hard to ensure all our traveller’s needs are catered for, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
A Word of Warning
When exploring on your own carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a well-hidden money belt for cash and credit cards. The majority of your valuables, including your passport, should be left in the hotel safe. You can organise use of the safe at the reception of your accommodation. There is no need to get paranoid, just be cautious.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our packages. Your Green Cultural Travel representative will communicate with you prior to your departure to ensure you have insurance in place and we will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance, we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name.
Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.
Green Cultural Travel – Community Programs
As we are owned by Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited UEN 201705140R a Singapore registered “Not for Profit” company our profits allow us to continue our support of community projects in the destinations our guests visit.
Purchasers of our Packages will automatically become members of our Green Cultural Travel Hub and Members of our Hub receive a bi- monthly magazine and access to some great travel specials and follow the progress of the community programs we support. Guests can also take the opportunity when booking a Package to make their own donation to Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited.