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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sri Lanka Explorer

Sri Lanka Explorer

From $ 2,805 AUD

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Description

Drive along the road in Sri Lanka and you can pass Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, churches and mosques all on the same stretch. This fusion – found in the history, the culture, the Arabian, Indian and European-inspired food – makes Sri Lanka a delicious melting pot to explore. From laid-back Negombo venture through ancient Anuradhapura to the lesser explored north, the secrets and hidden places of Jaffna, and on to the beautiful coastline of Trincomalee. Discover the spiritual heart of the country in the temples of Kandy, and enjoy the natural world too, in a country that overflows with plants and wildlife. Spend time with locals keen to share their homes, food, and stories on an adventure that will leave you with many of your own to tell.

Trip Name
Sri Lanka Explorer
Last Updated
2024-04-24
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Considered to be off-limits for years due to the civil war, the gates to culture filled Jaffna are open to adventurers once more. Discover Tamil culture in this colourful city.
  • Open skies, swaying palm trees and glittering waters – Trincomalee beach is a postcard-perfect landscape for relaxation. Kick back in the sun on this bright and sandy shoreline. Stop by a local village to join the community in making a traditional Tamil meal.
  • Witness ritual and devotion in the spiritual heart of the country during a visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth 
  • Observe wild elephants from basic 'tree houses' and hopefully catch an outstanding sunset in Wasgamuwa National Park, one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Negombo
Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to the international airport. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 5.30 pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Day 2 - Anuradhapura
Travel north by private vehicle (approximately 4 hours) to Anuradhapura along the way visit the Negombo Fish Markets. The grand ruins of Anuradhapura point to its status as Sri Lanka’s ruling city for almost one and a half millennia. Take a guided cycling tour of the large number of archaeological sites – the stupas, citadel and monasteries – and stop by the Bodhi Tree Temple, the second-most sacred site in Sri Lanka.
Day 3 - Jaffna
Travel north by train (approximately 4 hours) to the coastal Tamil town of Jaffna, inaccessible for years due to the civil war. Journey around the Jaffna Peninsula, taking in Point Pedro (Sri Lanka’s northernmost point), the healing waters of Keerimalai Spring, the ruined dagobas of Kantarodai, and Nilawari, a bottomless well where it’s said that the Hindu God, Rama, shot an arrow to get water.
Day 4 - Jaffna
Today we have plenty of time to explore more of Jaffna. Visit Nagadipa Temple on Nainativu Island, the only major Buddhist site in the north of the country (where Buddha himself is said to have visited to settle a dispute between two local kings) and accessible by local ferry. Just by the jetty is also the Naga Pooshani Amman Kovil, a colourful Hindu Temple dedicated to Meenakshi. Back in Jaffna, tour the city including the beautiful library that has been lovingly restored after being detroyed in the war, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, an important local Hindu site. In the evening, visit a local home and learn to cook traditional Jaffna cuisine with a delicious dinner with cuisine delights from the area.
Day 5 - Trincomalee
Leave Jaffna today and travel to Trincomalee (approximately 4 hours). Discover the beach vibes of "Trinco", relax in the shade of a palm tree and try ‘toddy’ straight from its flowers. Trincomalee was one of the world’s finest deep-water harbours, attracting famous sailors like Marco Polo to its shores. There are no activities planned today, so there's plenty of time to relax around the pool or beach.
Day 6 - Trincomalee
Today, visit a local village and witness how local tappers extract toddy from Palmyrah and learn on how palmyrah leaves are weaved to make different items. Then join the local women and see how ‘Odiyal Kool’ are prepared and have a taste of this authentic tamil seafood soup. In the afternoon, enjoy a range of optional activities like visiting the colorful and intricate Pathirakali Amman Hindu temple, or climb aboard a boat for some whale and dolphin watching in the bay. Or just simply sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful beach lifestyle.
Day 7 - Dambulla
Drive from Trincomalee towards Dambulla (approximately 2 hours), your base to explore the colourful Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. This wondrous UNESCO Heritage-listed site is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, many of which are full of colourful, large statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. After returning to Dambulla, there’s the option of going elephant, sambar deer and leopard watching on a safari in the evergreen scrublands of Minneriya National Park.
Day 8 - Dambulla
Today visit Sigiriya's Lion Rock, an ancient carved-rock fortress that rises dramatically above the surrounding plains. Then enjoy a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park, home to Sri Lankan elephants and Sri Lankan sloth bears, and also claimed to be the best National Park in the world to witness elephants in large herds in their natural habitat, especially in the dry season from July to October. Return to Dambulla for the night and enjoy some free time in the evening.
Day 9 - Kandy
Leave Dambulla and head onwards to Kandy (approximately 3.5 hours), the last capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings era. As you continue on, a stop in at a spice garden might yield scents of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, vanilla and more as you learn the secrets of cultivating these palate pleasers. After arriving in Kandy, visit a Kandayan dance show to experience the colourful traditional costumes and evocative performances live in action.
Day 10 - Kandy
Start the day off in Kandy with a visit to the Giragama Tea Factory for an insight into local production techniques, then head to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This golden roofed temple is home to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day with free exploration of the city. Perhaps take a walk around the beautiful lake in the centre of town, explore the local Buddhist temple or while away the afternoon amongst the trees and flowers of the Royal Palace Park.
Day 11 - Colombo
Drive on towards Colombo today, the nation's capital. Stop by some of the city's main sights on a bus tour including Independence Square, Parliament, and past the National Museum, finishing with a shopping opportunity for a good cause at the Barefoot Fair trade Store. Here you can find a collection of handicrafts from around the country and support small cottage industries. If you are lucky enough to be in Colombo on a Saturday, visit Good Market, a local market full of stalls showcasing social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight there's an optional final group dinner to celebrate your journey together.
Day 12 - Colombo
There are no activities planned for day 12 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Additional accommodation is available through your booking agent at the time of booking your trip.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-06-202427-06-2024AUD $ 3,095-
30-06-202411-07-2024AUD $ 2,815-
07-07-202418-07-2024AUD $ 3,095-
14-07-202425-07-2024AUD $ 2,930-
21-07-202401-08-2024AUD $ 2,960-
28-07-202408-08-2024AUD $ 2,960-
11-08-202422-08-2024AUD $ 2,840-
18-08-202429-08-2024AUD $ 2,805-
25-08-202405-09-2024AUD $ 2,955-
01-09-202412-09-2024AUD $ 2,805-
08-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 2,870-
22-09-202403-10-2024AUD $ 2,815-
29-09-202410-10-2024AUD $ 2,805-
13-10-202424-10-2024AUD $ 2,815-
27-10-202407-11-2024AUD $ 2,930-
03-11-202414-11-2024AUD $ 2,930-
17-11-202428-11-2024AUD $ 2,930-
24-11-202405-12-2024AUD $ 3,040-
08-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 3,040-
15-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 3,040-
22-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 3,040-
27-12-202407-01-2025AUD $ 3,040-
29-12-202409-01-2025AUD $ 3,040-
05-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 3,210-
12-01-202523-01-2025AUD $ 3,210-
26-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 3,210-
09-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 3,210-
23-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 3,210-
09-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 3,210-
16-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 3,210-
30-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 3,090-
06-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 3,090-
13-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 3,090-
20-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 2,970-
27-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 2,970-
11-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 2,970-
25-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 2,970-
15-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 2,970-
06-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 3,090-
13-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 3,090-
20-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 3,090-
27-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 3,090-
03-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 3,090-
10-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 3,090-
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 2,970-
24-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 2,970-
31-08-202511-09-2025AUD $ 2,970-
07-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 2,970-
14-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 2,970-
21-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 2,970-
28-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 2,970-
05-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 2,970-
12-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 2,970-
19-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 3,090-
26-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 3,090-
02-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 3,090-
09-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 3,210-
16-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 3,210-
23-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 3,210-
30-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 3,090-
07-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 3,090-
14-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 3,210-
21-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 3,210-
28-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 3,210-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Train

Map

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