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Sri Lanka on a Shoestring

Itinerary

  • Itinerary:
    Colombo - Negombo - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Kandy - Ella - Yala - Unawatuna - Colombo
  • Duration:
    14 days / 13 nights (flexible)
  • Price:
    From £ 1,110.- per person (excluding flights)
Ever wanted to explore ancient shrines, spot wildlife on the vast plains and unwind on the sun-kissed southern shores of Sri Lanka without breaking the bank? We might have just the solution up our sleeves! Giving you the comfort of all the arrangements being taken care of as well as the freedom to explore the country just as you want, this itinerary combines all the perks of both independent travelling and a pre-arranged itinerary. We will take care of all your accommodation and transfers (and occasional activities), but you will have to find your own way around the sites and get to the national parks on time independently. We’ve made sure that everything is within easy reach to make your journey hassle-free. Sound like your cup of tea? Then read on!
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Days 1-3 – Amble along Negombo’s canals

Today you’ll arrive in Negombo, a modest beach town on the palm-fringed west coast, not far from Colombo. During your time in Negombo, you’ll stay in an inviting guesthouse with a swimming pool and gardens. Your time today is free for you to do as you please; why not relax by the pool with a good book or take a stroll along the beach. The following day, you will make your way to the lagoon for a boat trip down the canals. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the fascinating colonial history, wander through the vibrant bazaar and watch the fishermen bring in their morning catch at the market.

Next morning, you will head to Sigiriya by private car. The journey will take around 4,5 hours as you’ll be passing through the plains and small towns. The famous Dambulla Caves are also on your way and if you’d like to, you can make a short stop there to visit the caves (just let your driver know). The first stop for up to an hour is free of charge. If you’d like to make any additional stops on your way, they’d be subject to an extra charge of USD 3 each.

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From crumbling ruins to majestic elephants, this trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. Your journey will begin with an overnight stay in Sigiriya, allowing you enough time to climb Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress. The next day you will arrive at Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa. One of the best ways to explore this ancient stone city is by bicycle which you can arrange easily locally.  The city is well known for its great food scene and is packed with food stalls and small local eateries serving up local delicacies. You’ll spend 2 nights at a countryside lodge near Polonnaruwa, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the area.

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Next, its time to head inland to colourful Kandy, which is about 4 hours by private transfer.

Positioned right in the heart of central Sri Lanka and nestled in the lush green ‘hill-country’, you’ll find the historical city of Kandy. There is so much to discover here, from the Temple of the Tooth to traditional dance shows, colourful markets and the vast Botanical Gardens. You’ll stay in family-run accommodation with a pool, decorated in a traditional style and boasting a view of the tropical gardens. During your time here you’ll witness a traditional Pooja ceremony and have plenty of time to explore Kandy at your own pace.

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Next, it’s time to journey into the tea hills surrounding Ella. The trip will take about 5 hours by private car.

Ella is a peaceful village nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill-country with fresh air, some lovely places to eat and a welcoming atmosphere. You’ll travel here through the lush countryside, before settling into your cosy hotel for the next couple of nights. All around Ella you’ll find tea plantations, temples, waterfalls and green hills. At Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock there are some truly spectacular viewpoints too. You can pack a day-bag and explore this wonderful part of Sri Lanka to your heart’s content, or just find a comfy chair and take it all in with a nice cup of tea.

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Next, you’ll drive towards Yala National Park. You can stop off en route at the Elephant Transit Home where injured babies and orphans are cared for. You’ll visit around feeding time and watch as the young elephants wait patiently at the gate and tease each other for the first sip of milk. Today your travel time will be roughly 4.5 hours.

Yala National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Sri Lanka. During this trip, you’ll make your way to the park’s gates and head out on a jeep safari where you can spot a kaleidoscope of colourful birds, monkeys, crocodiles, buffaloes and of course, elephants. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a leopard sneaking past, so make sure you have your camera ready! The safari will be pre-booked for you, so all you need to do is show up on time and pay the park’s entrance fees. After an exciting day of wildlife spotting, you’ll head back to your simple lodge in Tissa, a small town near to the park, and drift to asleep to the sounds of nature.

The next day, you’ll head towards the sun-kissed shores of Unawatuna. Your journey will take around 3 hours.

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Enjoy a tropical beach break at the bay of Unawatuna for a dose of sunshine, sea and sand. Soak up the rays, sample freshly caught fish and perfect your downward facing dog with a little yoga. You’ll stay in your own characterful room just a few minutes walk from Unawatuna’s tropical bay.

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It’s time to journey back to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s colourful capital. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a traditional British high tea and spend the night in a modern hotel in a quieter part of Colombo, right by the seaside. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to end your Sri Lankan adventure if you’re flying early the following day.

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Sri Lanka on a Shoestring

Accommodation

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