Sri Lanka 2025 by compasstravelmt

SRI LANKA 2025

Negombo - Anuradhapura - Trincomalee -

Habarana - Minneriya - Sigiriya - Dambulla -

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala -

Weligama - Galle - Colombo

07th-23rdJuly

€3665 per adult in a double/twin sharing

€3415 per adult in a triple sharing

€4945 per adult in a single room

€1950 1st child (2-11years) sharing with 2 adults

€1015 2nd child (02-11years) sharing with 2 adults

Priceincludes:

Flights with Turkish Airlines - Malta – Istanbul – Colombo - Istanbul – Malta

Itinerary as follows for 15 days in Sri Lanka including all transfers, all excursions with English-speaking guides

4-5star hotel accommodation on half board basis (breakfast and dinner daily)

Experienced tour guide with you all the way from Malta

Airport Taxes and Service Charge

Entry Visa to enter Sri Lanka

Insolvency Fund Certificate

Notincluded:

Tips to guides and drivers; we will give you tipping guidelines

Travel Insurance; we provide Travel Insurance with Gasan Mamo

Insurance should you wish a quote

Vaccinations; please check with the Floriana Health Centre on what is recommended

Optional Excursion; please refer to Day 10 on the tour programme

BriefItinerary

Depart from Malta with Turkish Airlines at 1025hrs, and travel via Istanbul to Colombo.

Arrive in Colombo. Transfer to Negombo. Afternoon tour to the Mangroves (B,D).

Anuradhapura - Overnight Trincolmalee (B,D).

Pigeon Island and Trincomalee city tourOvernight Trincomalee (B,D).

Hirwadunna Village tour and Minneriya National Park. Overnight Habarana (B,D).

Sigiriya Sunrise Climb and Dambulla Cave Temple. Overnight Habarana (B,D).

Elephant feeding and bathing experience. Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy and the Saree and Sarong experience. Overnight Kandy (B,D).

Chasing waterfalls at the Knuckles Forest reserve. Overnight Kandy (B,D).

Temple of the Tooth Relic, Ramboda Waterfall and the Tea Factory and plucking experience. Overnight Nuwara Eliya (B,D).

Optional activities: water rafting, hiking the Horton Plains or visiting the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Overnight Nuwara Elija (B,D).

Scenic train ride to Ella. Overnight Santa Marta (B,L).

Ravana Falls, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adams

Peak. Overnight Ella (B,D).

Yala National Park - Safari. Overnight Yala (B,D).

Coconut Tree Hill, Stilt Fishermen. Overnight in Weligama (B,D).

Galle city tour. Overnight Weligama (B,D).

Madu River, Turtle hatchery, Colombo city tour. Overnight Colombo (B,D).

Early departure from Colombo at 0650hrs. Flight to Malta via Istanbul. Arrival in Malta 1820hrs.

DetailedItinerary

7th July: Depart Malta

Departure from Malta in the morning with Turkish Airlines and fly to Colombo via Istanbul.

8th July: Arrive in Colombo - Negombo

Upon arrival early this morning in Sri Lanka, we will transfer to Negombo (approximately 30-minute drive) Early check in and breakfast are included Free time for rest. This afternoon we embark on Mangrove tour in our boats ready to explore the small islands, the colourful birdlife and the curious monkeys ready to hop on our boat for some fruit. As we watch the sunset, we head back in for our drive back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Negombo.

9th July: Negombo - Anuradhapura - Trincomalee

Today we check out and head to Trincomalee across to the east side of Sri Lanka. En-route we will visit Anuradhapura. Founded in the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura emerged as the key centre for Theravada Buddhism boasting remarkable stupas, monasteries, and sacred sites. Notable highlights include the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, one of the world’s oldest recorded trees and a sapling from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, alongside the majestic Ruwanwelisaya stupa, a prominent symbol of the city. Today, Anuradhapura is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors to its archaeological wonders and rich spiritual heritage.

Afterward, we continue our journey to the coastal city known for its stunning beaches. Total Drive time today is approximately 5 ½ hours. Dinner and overnight in Trincomalee.

10th July: Trincomalee - Pigeon Island

With a packed breakfast, you will set off for Pigeon Island Marine National Park, where you can enjoy time for a snorkeling adventure among vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life or walk around and explore the lovely little island. After an exciting morning, return to your hotel to relax and recharge. In the evening, embark on a complete city tour of Trincomalee, exploring its rich history, cultural landmarks, and stunning coastal views We will visit the historic Fort Frederick and the Koneswaram Temple with amazing views of the ocean Walk through the bustling local market and vibrant main street. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Trincomalee.

11th July: Trincomalee - Hiriwadunna - Minneriya - Habarana

After breakfast, we check out and head to Habarana. (Approximately 1 ½ hours drive).

Experience a typical village tour in Hiriwadunna where you will start with a bullock cart ride to the village, followed by a guided walk through the landscapes and a serene boat ride to the local farm Take part in a cooking demonstration, preparing some of Sri Lanka’s authentic dishes and enjoy a delicious lunch. This tour beautifully showcases the simplicity of rural life in Sri Lanka as you mingle with the locals.

Check in at our hotel after lunch and in the late afternoon, we will depart for Minneriya National Park. This park is most famous for the gathering of elephants. Visiting at this

12th July: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambula Cave Temple

Early rise for those who want to climb Sigiriya, better known as the Lion Rock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient rock fortress dating back to the 5th century AD. We head out early before sunrise so that we can take in the breathtaking views as we watch the sunrise This impressive rock features the ruins of a royal palace that was once perched on top of the rock. You will enter through the lush gardens that surround the rock and before your climb take a photo with the Lion’s paw entrance. Return to the hotel for breakfast and rest.

In the afternoon, we head to Dambulla, to see the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. An ancient rock temple with an impressive collection of Buddhist art. Dating back to the 1st Century BC, it features over 150 Buddha statues in 5 main caves including a 14-metre reclining Buddha. Dinner and overnight in Habarana.

14th July: Discovering Waterfalls - Knuckles Forest Reserve

Today, begin your day with a packed breakfast before embarking on a journey to explore seven scenic waterfalls nearby. Discover the stunning beauty of Sri Lanka's central highlands, surrounded by majestic mountains and immersed in the breathtaking scenery of cascading waterfalls throughout your excursion. Experience the thrill of witnessing Huluganga Ella, Thaliya Watuna Ella, Lebanon Estate Waterfall 1, Lebanon Estate Waterfall 2, Saree Ella, Jodu Ella, and Knuckles Waterfall, each with its unique charm and natural allure. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

15th July: Kandy-Temple of the Tooth Relic-Tea Factory and plantations - Nuwara Eliya

Begin your day with an early morning visit to the Temple of the Tooth, experiencing its serene Thevava ceremony. Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, then set off on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya (approximately a 3 ½ hour drive) Along the way, witness the stunning Ramboda Waterfall and stop at a tea factory and plantation, where you can try tea plucking alongside local experts and learn about the art of teamaking. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check into your hotel, relax, and enjoy the cool charm of this picturesque hill station. Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

16th July: Free day for optional activities

Today, you can decide whether you want to embark on some adventure in Kitulgala and go for a white- water rafting adventure on the Kelani River, or go for a hike in the Horton Plains National Park (moderate walking), or take it a bit easier and explore the Hakgala Bontanical Gardens.

(All optional tours are priced below) Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Horton Plains Hike - based on a minimum of 6 participants - €50 per person

Includes entrance and return van transfers. This is an early start departing at 5am with a packed breakfast. It takes 1 hour to get there and 1 hour back and the trail is 9km long

Water Rafting in Kitulgala - €85 per person

Includes the rafting. It takes 2 hours to get there and 2 hours back with 1 hour of rafting along the Kelani River

Hakgala Botanical Garden - €15 per person

It takes 30 minutes to get there and 30 minutes return with 2 hours there exploring the gardens.

17th July: Nuwara Eliya - Ella by the scenic train

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading to Nanu Oya Railway Station to board a picturesque train to Ella, celebrated as one of the world’s most scenic routes (approximately a 3-hour ride). Your guide will accompany you throughout the journey, adding insights to the stunning views. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure Dinner and overnight at the famous 98 Acres Hotel in Ella.

18th July: Ella - Ravana Falls, 9 Arch Bridge and Little Adams Peak (Zipline and swing optional)

After breakfast, embark on a tour, exploring the stunning Ravana Falls and the famous Nine Arch Bridge. For the adventurous, optional thrills like the zipline and Ella swing add excitement to the day. Return to the hotel for some relaxation, and in the evening, ascend Little Adam’s Peak to witness a breathtaking sunset over Ella’s scenic landscape. Dinner and overnight in Ella.

Optional:

Swing - includes photos, €30 per person

Ziplining - €35 per person

19th July: Ella - Yala

Checkout after breakfast and drive to Yala (approximately 2 ½ hour drive time). Time to relax at your lodge before embarking on an unforgettable safari adventure in Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife reserve Known for its diverse habitats and dense forests, we will be on the search for the iconic leopard, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles, and a myriad of birdlife. Dinner and overnight in Yala.

20th July: Yala - Coconut Tree Hill - Stilt Fishermen - Weligama

After breakfast, set off for Weligama (approximately a 3-hour drive) with a scenic stop at the iconic Coconut Tree Hill, offering breathtaking views with a cluster of coconut trees overlooking the ocean. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and unwind at your beautiful oceanfront resort. At sunset, we will go to witness the captivating sight of stilt fishermen gracefully balancing by the shore perched on wooden poles planted in shallow waters a unique cultural experience. Dinner and overnight in Weligama.

21st July: Galle City

After breakfast, we head west to explore the historic charm of Galle. Stroll through the colonial streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the impressive Galle fort built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. As you wander along its cobblestone pathways, admire the colonial architecture, charming boutiques, and art galleries that line the streets. Visit the iconic lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the coastline, and learn about the area's rich maritime history at the National Maritime Museum. In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind, relax by the pool, or enjoy the serene beach and sunset Dinner and overnight in Weligama

22nd July: Weligama – Madu River – Turtle Hatchery-

Colombo

We check out after breakfast and start our journey back north towards Colombo. (approximately a 3-hour drive), making two enriching stops along the way. Enjoy a serene boat tour on the Madu River, where you can admire the lush mangroves. Here we stop at Cinnamon Island, providing a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of the inhabitants while witnessing a demonstration of how cinnamon is grown and exported Next, visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts and various turtle species native to the region. The hatchery nurtures baby turtles until they are ready to be released into the ocean, promoting awareness and protecting their natural habitat.

Upon arrival in Colombo, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax In the evening, set out for a captivating city tour, exploring the vibrant streets, historical landmarks, and cultural highlights of Sri Lanka's bustling capital. Dinner and overnight in Colombo.