Sri Lanka for Christmas & New Year

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Tuesday 21 December 2021 - Sunday 02 January 2022

(12 nights)

From £2,225.00

Listed by Spice Escapes

Ayubowan and Welcome to the paradise island of Sri Lanka!

Why Sri Lanka?

Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt. Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  •  Be mesmerized by the ancient wall paintings at Dambulla Caves
  •  Elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park
  •  Sigiriya Rock Fortress 
  •  Temple of The Tooth Relic 
  •  Scenic Train journey through lush green mountains
  •  Spot leopards at Yala National Park 

The tour operator for this flight inclusive holiday is Spice UK Ltd (ATOL 9046) for whom we act as agent. This holiday is protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme in the event of failure of the tour operator. Spice UK Ltd holiday terms and conditions apply, as supplied with the full holiday information pack. Your money is protected via our trust account in compliance with EC travel regulations.

Sri Lanka Hill country

Includes

  • International flights
  • Accommodation as described in itinerary (or similar)
  • 10 breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 BBQ Dinner, Xmas Eve dinner, New Years Eve dinner,
  • Transportation in an air conditioned vehicle
  • Exclusive services of an English national guide
  • Entrance fees for excursions listed
  • Water during transfers

Extras

  • Single supplement £290.
  • Travel Insurance available through Spice UK.
  • Some drinks & some meals
  • Optional excursions
  • Personal extras
  • Covid testing as applicable at the time of travel

Touch down in the paradise isle and hit the coast right away! Meanwhile, Polonnaruwa flanked by Sigiriya are guaranteed to be top tier cultural attractions in your bucket-list. Take some time to admire the heartfelt smiles of the village folk and indulge in the flavours of an authentic Sri Lankan village meal. Spot the marvelous gathering of elephants in Minneriya National Park before heading off to Kandy, the last Royal Capital of Sri Lanka which treasures the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Blessed by its virtues, feel free to spread your arms to the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya as your train will ‘hiss and swish’ through the heats of lush tea estates and hollow tunnels. As you drive away from the hills enter the buzzing wilderness of Yala National Park, the land of the leopard. Finally enjoy some time on the pristine Sri Lankan beaches. 

Sri Lanka SIGIRIYA
Sri lanka temple

Location & Itinerary

Day 1/2: DEPART UK - ARRIVE SRI LANKA– NEGOMBO

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A representative will welcome you & you will be transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure. 

Negombo is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in Western Province, Sri Lanka. The Bandaranaike International Airport is located close to this city. The city is known for its great and olden trawling industry with busy fish markets, sandy beaches, hotels and restaurants. Due to bounty of seafood, the town restaurants are a gourmet’s delight. There are also local handicrafts, batiks and jewelry boutiques on the beaches and shops in the city. Fishing and tourism is the main economy of this city.

Hotel: Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo

Meas: None

Day 3: NEGOMBO – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA

After breakfast, visit a local Fish Market in Negombo. You will then enjoy a drive to the cultural triangle through rice paddy fields, natural and man- made reservoirs that support the agricultural industry of the village folk. En-route stop near a local vendor for a King Coconut. Continue your journey, and upon reaching Dambulla stop to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple. Thereafter, proceed to your hotel in Sigiriya. Rest of your day at leisure.

Fish Market Note - Witness the gathering of local fisherman hauling their days catch. You will see a variety of salted fresh fish and dried fish. Be prepared to welcome quite a loud and busy environment. As one reaches the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land which today houses an important junction in the country’s economic and cultural uplifting.

Hotel: Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya

Meals Breakfast

Day 4: POLONNARUWA – MINNERIYA

After breakfast, join your guide to explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. Thereafter, join with locals for an authentic culinary experience followed by lunch. Optional – You can hop on to bikes and cycle across a series of local villages for a unique village experience accompanied by a Cycling Guide. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya National Park. Rest of your day at leisure.

Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa – medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I – remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site – blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures – while observing the relic house – Watadage – which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a glance and you will realise a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya – sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation! Minneriya is a national park in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth bear which are rare and endangered species also inhabit this area. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary inorder to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area; the tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.

Accommodation: Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Xmas Eve Gala dinner

Day 5: SIGIRIYA – MATALE – KANDY

Early this morning you can enjoy a climb to the Sigiriya rock fortress. Return to the hotel for breakfast and relax before you proceed to Kandy. En-route you have the option to visit the Matale Spice Garden. Upon reaching Kandy, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Sigiriya - It is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. Undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, the most looked forward feature of the fortress is the frescoes. Another fascinating detail is its mirror wall. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings makes the tedious climb to the top easy. Spices are an essential element of the cuisine of Sri Lanka and the Ayurvedic tradition and a visit to a garden specializes in the cultivation of these substances and an excellent way for purposes of new uses of certain ingredients that perhaps though they knew well. Kandy the popular charming hill capital of Sri Lanka is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is the cultural center of the island and a UNESCO heritage city and is a great place for souvenir shopping and to learn about its rich culture and history.

Optional – Join your tour guide on a local pub experience in Kandy

Accommodation: Thilanka Resort & Spa, Kandy

Meals Breakfast

Day 6: KANDY

After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the much famed Temple of the Tooth. After visiting the temple, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Royal Botanical Garden. Optional – You could also stop for lunch at the Garden Cafe Return to the hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined at the Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth. During Pooja (offerings or prayers) times, the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. Peradeniya Botanical Garden is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and visited approximately 2 million people annually. The unusual name is Sinhalese translation of guava plain. The garden is notable for its collection of a variety of Orchids. It is home to various species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is also one of the largest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, An artificial lake with water plants including giant water lily and papyrus seeds in found in the centre of the garden.

Accommodation: Thilanka Resort & Spa, Kandy

Meals Breakfast

Day 7: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast, enjoy your drive to the hill country – Nuwara Eliya. Subject to availability – Enjoy a scenic local train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya (please see description below and the special notes in the when you get there section). Upon reaching Nuwara Eliya, proceed to your hotel. En-route stop to visit a Tea Plantation and Factory followed by tasting a warm cup of Ceylon Tea! Rest of your day at leisure.

Optional local train experience - Board a local train at the Kandy Train station and enjoy a scenic journey through mountains, waterfalls and tea estates...

Nuwara Eliya is a city, in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city is the most important locations for tea cultivation and well known for its cool climate being the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Many of the buildings have still preserved features from the colonial period. Many private homes have also maintained their old English-style lawns and gardens. Tour a Tea Plantation and Factory and meet with the tea pluckers busy plucking tea amongst the tea bushes. Visit the factory and learn the art of preparing a Ceylon tea, followed by tea tasting at the end of the session.

Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage, Nuwara Eliya

Meals Breakfast

Day 8: NUWARA ELIYA

Early this morning join your tour guide on a soft trek to Horton Plains National Park with a packed breakfast. After completing your walk, return to the hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure, enjoying the beautiful landscapes surrounding your hotel.

Experience the micro climatic zone of highlands at World's End which is a high windy plateau at an elevation of 2100m from sea level consisting of beautiful grassland and cloud forests. Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region.

Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage, Nuwara Eliya

Meals Breakfast

Day 9: NUWARA ELIYA – YALA

Today, you will drive away from the hills and enter the wilderness spread across Yala. En-route make a stop at the Ella Gap and the Ravana Falls for magnificent views. Continue your journey to Yala. Upon reaching Yala, check in at your campsite and relax. This afternoon, hop on to a jeep and enjoy a game drive to Yala National Park. Return to the campsite and relax. Join your group for a BBQ dinner near a campfire. After dinner, you could join the camp naturalist and take a guided night wilderness walk in the forest within the camp premises

Ella is a small village in the highlands of Sri Lanka which is filled with tea estates, mountains, waterfalls, and of course with some good air to breath. Lots of people make Ella as one of their must visit destination just to witness the breathtaking views it creates. It is a dream place for many trekkers with some of the best hikes the Island provides. This hidden village got vastly popular among the tourists lately. The campsite is located adjacent to the Park’s boundary which offers a similar experience of living inside the park. There is plenty of wildlife within the campsite, and the tented camps are non-air conditioned (fans are available) and are equipped with bathroom facilities. Yala National park is one of Sri Lanka‘s premier eco-tourism destinations and is among the oldest and best known of Sri Lanka‘s National Parks. Here you will witness the wonder of Sri Lankan Wildlife for it is a sprawling paradise of birds, reptiles, leopards and more! You will also see families of deer, wild boars as well as monkeys crashing through the trees, peacocks in their finest frocks and elephants ambling about as you go along.

Accommodation: Big Game Camping, Yala

Meals Breakfast and BBQ Dinner

Day 10: YALA – SOUTHERN COAST

After breakfast, enjoy your drive along the southern coast to your much-awaited beach stay. Upon reaching your beach resort, check in and relax. Later towards the afternoon, explore the Galle Dutch Fort at sunset. Return to your hotel. Rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight stay in the Southern Coast (Ahangama or Dickwella) Galle the beautiful colonial town along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka is a city that cannot be missed. Galle is popular for the 300-year-old fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 36-hectare fort was built by the Dutch in 1663, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The streets within the fort are crammed with colonial remnants from the Dutch clock tower, Reform church and the commander’s house to the British coat of arms on the outer wall.

Accommodation: Insight Resort, Ahangama

Meals Breakfast

Day 11: SOUTHERN COAST

Free Day. Relax by the beach/pool. The following optional activities are available –

- Whale watching experience in Mirissa

- Traditional Mask painting experience

- Other thrilling experiences include snorkeling, diving, surfing, sea kayaking, etc.

Mirissa is situated on the south coast of Sri Lanka in the Matara District. It is a fishing port and one of the island's main whale and dolphin watching locations. Sri Lanka’s best and most stunning sunsets and sunrises could be witnessed on this small tropical sandy beach, the best and only boutique hotel on the southern beach of the country is also found here. Weligama, translated as sandy village, is a great place to learn to surf, about a 2 km stretch of shallow sandy beach. One of the best places in south Sri Lanka to discover a connection with the ocean and catch your first wave.

Sea Kayaking is another thrilling experience to look forward to in Weligama. Hop on to your kayaks and paddle across the waters making couple of stops including Mirissa fishing harbor, the clay cliffs of the southern end of the bay and the many reefs and small islands.

Accommodation: Insight Resort, Ahangama

Meals Breakfast & New Years Eve Gala dinner

Day 12/13: SOUTHERN COAST – AIRPORT

Today you will head off to the Airport for your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Food & Meals

Food

All breakfast, one lunch, one evening BBQ and Gala dinners on Xmas and New Years Eve are included in your stay. Sri Lankan cuisine offers a unique fusion of fresh local produce and Sri Lankan cooking delivers an abundance of incredible dishes. Rice and curry is the Sri Lankan staple and Sri Lankans enjoy spices and food that explodes with flavor. Being an island with a tropical climate, coconut and fish are common components of Sri Lankan cuisine. Ceylon Tea can be enjoyed anywhere in the country including small stops on the roadside.

Drinking water

Hotel rooms will offer bottled water. In order to reduce single use plastic we use large water cans with pumps so please bring your own water bottle

Sri Lanka dambullacavetemplephoto001
Sri Lanka Elephant
Sri Lanka train
Sri Lanka Wildlife
sri lanka shopkeeper

Travel & Stay

Sri Lanka galle

On this tour we stay in good boutique accommodation, all hotels are mentioned in the itinerary. All with a local flair and great locations the variety of accommodation will impress!

Getting There

Provisional Flight information

21/12/2021 London Gatwick to Colombo Dep: 1405 Arr: 0920(+1)

01/01/2022 Colombo to London Gatwick Dep: 2020 Arr: 0620(+1)


21/12/2021 Manchester to Colombo Dep: 1410 Arr: 0920(+1)

01/01/2022 Colombo to Manchester Dep: 2020 Arr: 0600(+1)


Availability & Pricing

Sri Lanka for Christmas Accommodation

TypePrice
Place in a twin share room£0.00Sold Out
Place in a single room£290.00Sold Out

Sri Lanka for Christmas

TypePrice
Own flight including transfers£1935.00Sold Out
London Gatwick£2935.00Sold Out
Manchester£2935.00Sold Out

Not enough spaces left for you? Join the waitlist

Passport validity

You should have at least 6 months remaining on your passport from the start date of your holiday.

Passport, visas & insurance

A tourist visa is required to enter Sri Lanka. This can be applied for online and costs $20. more information on where to apply for this will be provided. All visitors pay mandatory local Covid insurance,

Health

You will need to consult your doctor 6-8 weeks prior to departure. You can visit https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home for guidance.

Money

Sri Lankan Rupee is used and ATMs are available in most large cities and towns.

Tip kitty

A £100 tip kitty will be added and taken with balance

Average Prices

Lunch   - approx. USD 9 – USD 12 per person at local restaurants

Dinner - approx. USD 12 – USD 16 per person at local restaurants

Beer     - local beer approx. USD 3 – USD 5 per bottle/can

Wine    - Red/white wine approx. USD 15 – USD 30 per bottle

Electricity

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

The latest FCO travel guidance for Sri Lanka

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka

Sri Lanka negombo beach view

Host & Everything Else

Sri Lanka's climate is quite tropical and has very obvious wet and dry seasons. The coastal areas of Sri Lanka generally enjoy temperatures of around 28°C (82°F) while the upland areas are cooler and have a yearly average of around 16-20°C (60-68°F).

This is a non-exhaustive list of things to take with you -

  • Light casual clothing
  • Warm sweater/fleece (during Nuwara Eliya)
  • Comfortable shoes or sandals
  • Trainers/ walking shoes (Horton Plains trek)
  • Light waterproof
  • Sarong - handy for covering up at temples
  • Swimming costume
  • Sun block
  • Sun hat
  • Re-useable water bottle
  • Hand washing gel
  • Insect repellent (especially when camping in Yala)

When visiting temples, it is best to dress in full length clothing (with sleeves and below knee level). Clients are advised to dress in pastel coloured clothing when entering national parks

OUR LOCAL GUIDES

You will be accompanied by a local tour leader for the duration of your tour. Our partner in Sri Lanka prides itself on the quality of the guides and they are fully trained in customer service and first aid. Local guides will be used where appropriate in addition to the tour leader.

SPICE CO-ORDINATOR

Lauren Fawkes, Spice Manchester Coordinator

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