Sri Lanka is now visa-free for Indian passport holders.

Itinerary:

DAY 01 | COLOMBO, PINNAWALA, DAMBULLA, SIGIRIYA

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you’ll be received and transferred to the hotel in Sigiriya. En route, we visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which is home to the abandoned elephants. Also visit the Dambulla Cave Rock Temple dating to the First Century B.C., which houses some of the most unique mural paintings and sculptures in five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

DAY 02 | SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA - SIGIRIYA

We start the day with a climb to the Sigiriya Rock, also known as ‘Lion Rock', which dates back nearly five thousand years to the Mesolithic era. A challenging climb of approximately 1200 steps of varying steepness leads to the top. It is well worth the effort once you get to witness the stupendous views over the jungle and the ruins of the ancient city below.

Post-lunch, we visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa which was the second capital and the seat of government from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries.

DAY 03 | SIGIRIYA - KANDY

Today, we start in Kandy, set on a plateau surrounded by mountains that are home to tea plantations and a biodiverse rainforest. We visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a golden-roofed shrine considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and an important pilgrimage destination. Evening, we get to experience the Kandiyan Cultural Dance and Drumming Show at extra cost (a bit touristy with the crowd rushing to catch the vantage seats). We also visit the Kandy Lake and take a leisurely stroll around it. Overnight stay at Kandy.

DAY 04 | KANDY - NUWARA ELIYA

This morning we visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, situated in Peradeniya, a stunning 148-acre garden with its fine collection of orchids and spice gardens. Later, we head south into the misty mountains of Hill County and the highland village of Nuwara Eliya. Known as "Little England" for its colonial architecture and temperate climate, it's surrounded by lush tea fields that produce one of the country's most famed exports—Ceylon tea.

En route, we stop to witness the breathtaking waterfalls of Ramboda and Lover's Leap. Upon arrival, we'll get to see the tea-making process from tea bush to teapot with a tour of a working tea estate. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, meandering through picturesque Victoria Park or paddling a swan boat across Gregory Lake. Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 05 | NUWARA ELIYA - ELLA

This morning, we board a train to Ella* at Nanu Oya for a breathtaking journey through the clouds. Supposedly, one of the world’s most spectacular train routes passes through lush tea plantations, endless mountain views, green valleys, meandering streams, stunning waterfalls, and pine forests. You’ll love this journey by train, even if you’re not a train person. Ella, located about 1000 meters above sea level, is a small, laidback town surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. Overnight stay at Ella.

* 1st or 2nd class tickets. The class of ticket depends on its availability. In the event of the non-availability of tickets, we would be taking the road trip.

DAY 06 | ELLA

We rise early and hike up Little Adam’s Peak for a stunning view of Ella Gap, a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning backdrops. Later, we hike to the 9-Arch Bridge, also known as “The Bridge in the Sky," a famous bridge located between the stations of Ella and Demodara.

The bridge was built during WWI using only bricks, cement, and stone, a perfect example of colonial influence in Sri Lankan architecture. If we are lucky, we can also witness a train crossing the bridge, which is a delight to watch. We have the option to do zip-lining, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella.

DAY 07 | ELLA - MIRISSA

Say goodbye to the mountains, because today we are heading along the coast to the beachside town of Mirissa. On the way, we take a short drive to Ravana Falls and Ravana Caves. Crack open a coconut, slip into a hammock and rock gently in the breeze, allowing the hours to slip calmly by. Stay relaxed and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand after a long road journey. Overnight stay at Mirissa.

DAY 08 | MIRISSA

Today we head on a whale-watching trip, at extra cost, subject to the weather and sea conditions. If you’re looking for some adventure, you can go snorkeling in the bay, where you can see beautiful reef fish, corals, and even the occasional turtle and basking shark.

Or choose to engage yourself in any other water sport of your choice—scuba diving, surfing, etc.—at extra cost. Later, we visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1588 by the Portuguese before being extensively fortified by the Dutch in the mid-1600s. On the way, we’ll be able to witness fishermen perched up on a pole, balancing on it to catch fish (stilt fishing). We visit a turtle hatchery to witness the sea turtles and possibly release a few baby turtles into the ocean. Watch the sun sink beyond the horizon and offer up a spectacularly vivid sunset.

The nightlife in this part of the country is a pretty mellow affair. Opt for one of the relaxed seafront lounges, enjoy a pre-dinner drink, and relish the stunning ocean vistas. Welcome 2024 in style!

DAY 09 | DEPARTURE

Check out of the hotel early in the morning and transfer to the airport. It’s time to say goodbye to your co-travelers. Take the return flight with a bagful of sweet memories!!!

Inclusions:

• Accommodation on a double or twin-sharing basis for 8 nights
• Simple breakfast (set menu) at our place of stay.
• All transfers and sightseeing trips by a luxury vehicle (Toyota Hiace, Toyota Hiace Hi-roof, Toyota Coaster, or a similar vehicle). Exclusive vehicle for the entire trip from Day 1 to Day 9, but not at disposal.
• Breakfast on all days
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure at Colombo airport If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• 1st or 2nd class train tickets from Nanu Oya to Ella
• Entry tickets to places of interest
• Local English Speaking Guide, where required
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller
• All Permits, Tolls, and Parking Charges

Exclusions:

• International Airfare
• Travel Insurance
• Meals will be at actual cost (other than the breakfast, which is included in the package). We’ll be eating at roadside restaurants, which are generally inexpensive. It is a great way to experience the local cuisine.
• Snacks, Beverages, Bottled water, etc.
• Camera Charges
• Entry ticket to Kandyan Dance Show and other places of interest not mentioned in the inclusions
• Whale Watching, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Zip-lining, hot-air Ballooning and other activities
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel or homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route
• 5% GST + applicable TCS on trip cost
• Early check-in and Late Check-out
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like landslides, road blockages, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly
• Personal expenses such as laundry, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

Note:

• These rates are for Indian nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants; Maximum of 16 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your tour lead. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender.
• Suitable for members between the ages of 16 and 50 Generally, we mostly have participants between 20 and 35 years old.

Who can join this trip? 

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 50 can join this trip. Generally, we have participants between 18 and 35 years old. You can join solo, with your friend, or as a couple with your partner.

What's the group size? 

We cap our group size to 15, as small groups gel well and interact more closely. At the end of the trip, you'll return home with new friends, priceless memories, and fascinating tales to share.

What's the group mix? 

This is a mixed-group trip. Typically, a group consists of 60% girls and 40% guys, while the majority choose to join solo. The rest accompany their pals, partners, and siblings.

Let's make a spectacular start to 2024.