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Gems of Sri Lanka

Tour Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Private Tour
Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as it was known for many years, is an ancient land with a recorded history that began around 4th century BC when people settled in Anuradhapura. History, however, is just one small part of what this country offers to travel enthusiasts.  Breathtaking landscape, a calm yet dynamic culture, and warm people that reflects in their hospitality. This destination is heavily influenced by Buddhism, and thereby one experiences this culture and its allied things on this island country off the coast of India. Explore tourism to its potential in this trip involving visits to Buddhist and Hindu temples, rich flora in the lush green tea estates, amazing sandy beaches and an overall captivating cultural experience.
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Tour Highlights

Tour highlights comes here

World Heritage Sites

Tour Itinerary at Glance

Day 1: Arrive Negombo
  • Dinner
Day 2: Negombo
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 3: Negombo – Habarana (Drive)
Day 4: Habarana – Hiriwaduna Nature Trek – Polonnaruwa - Habarana
Day 5: Habarana – Sigiriya – Dambulla Cave Temple - Kandy
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 6: Kandy
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 7: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya – Ella - Yala
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 9: Yala National Park
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 10: Yala - Weligama
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 11: Weligama – Galle - Weligama
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 12: Weligama – Balapitiya - Colombo
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 13: Depart Colombo
  • Breakfast
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

  1. Whats included in this tour
    • English speaking chauffeur guide from 01 – 06 pax /English speaking guide from 07 pax and above 
    • All sightseeing and transfers by Air-conditioned transportation
    • Mineral water in the vehicle - 02 bottles per person per day  
    • Meet & greet by Bestway Tours representative on arrival 
    • Accommodation for 12 nights including breakfast & dinner as per the itinerary
    • Last night special dinner at a local restaurant in Colombo. 
    • Entrance fees of Sigiriya, Anuradapura, Polonnaruwa Tempel of the Tooth Kandy, Madu river boat Safari, Yala national park safari & Jeep (1 Safari)
  1. Whats not included in this tour
    • Lunch throughout the tour  
    • Miscellaneous expenses including tips for driver/guide, porterage at airports 
    • Any Entrance fee or service which is not mentioned above includes list
    • All optional visits   
    • Any expense of personal nature 
    • Compulsory Christmas & New Year Supplements 
The tour package booking terms and conditions

Before you book a trip with “Bestway2india.com”- An online trading entity of Bestway Tours and Safaris Pvt Ltd , please take the time to read and understand the booking terms and conditions & additional special conditions which apply to certain trips ,themes and promotional offers. These booking conditions form the basis of your contract with “Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt. Ltd, Suite 403, Suncity Trade Tower, Sector 21, Gurgaon (National Capital Region), Haryana – 122016, (India) , A company incorporated under Indian companies ACT 1956 vide registration number 55-51646

By asking us to confirm your booking, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read and have read these booking conditions, Essential trip information, Inclusions & Exclusions and cancellation & refund policy and agree to be bound by them.

These booking conditions only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us on https://www.bestway2india.com (An online trading entity of Bestway Tours & Safaris Pvt Ltd) and which we agree to make , provide, or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All references in these booking conditions, to “holiday”, “booking”, “contract”, “package”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements unless otherwise stated.

Essential Trip Information

  • The price is only valid for the mentioned departure date.

  • Please note that smoking is prohibited in public and all parts of the hotels except in designated areas and bedrooms, where smoking is permitted.  Should you desire a smoking bedroom, please let us know.  The fulfillment of this request is subject to availability of smoking rooms and is not guaranteed. 

  • Unless specified, check-in at hotels in India is at 14:00 Hrs and check out is at 12:00 Hrs

  • Our liability does not arise in case of Force Majeure (political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.)

  • Reporting time at the International at the airport is generally 3 hrs prior to departure of the flight.

  • Check-in counters of most flights close approximately 45 minutes before departure and boarding gates close about 15 minutes prior departure.

  • Reporting time at the Domestic airport is generally 2 hrs prior to departure of flight

  • For booking domestic air seats we need names as per passport.

  • Baggage allowance in internal flights with in India is 15 Kg per person 

  • Kindly note that the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.

Booking Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policy

The following booking deposit and cancellation policy applies. 

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

For Departure Dates 

12-Dec-2020 , 25-Jan-2020 , 31-Mar-2021 ,

Booking Deposit : 15 % of the Tour amount. 

If you cancle the tour the following cancellation policy will apply

Cancellation received 

45 days or more - 15 % including deposit

44 days - 33 Days - 25 % including deposit.  

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  1. Day 1 - Arrive Negombo
    Enna vishayam! (Welcome in Tamil) Upon arrival in one of the world's oldest countries we are welcomed in traditional Sri Lankan style and transferred to Negombo - sometimes known as “Little Rome” due to the profusion of Christian Churches, this archetypical fishing village has now grown to a major beach resort on the west coast, north of Colombo and 15 minutes from the International Airport. The wide sandy beaches and safe sea bathing are major attractions, as is the fish market where busy trading of a variety of fish, prawns and crabs takes place each morning (except Sunday) when the fishing craft return to shore. Traditional large sailed outrigger canoes are a picturous sight in this village which was once a trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch. Other attractions are the Old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison and the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route for the Dutch administration. 
    Meals Included
    • Dinner
  2. Day 2 - Negombo
    Breakfast and do a Beach walk including a visit to the Negombo Fish Market. Rest of the day is free for relax.
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  3. Day 3 - Negombo – Habarana (Drive)
    After breakfast we drive to Habarana & check in our hotel. In the afternoon we visit PM – Minneriya Jeep Safari - Minneriya National Park - is nevertheless home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. If numbers interest you, there are nine species of amphibians, 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish (three of which are endangered), 75 species of butterflies and 160 species of birds. Making your way through the park, you will see elephants, Spotted Deer and the Sambar, which is a deer with no spots and an apt scientific name, carves unicolor.
  4. Day 4 - Habarana – Hiriwaduna Nature Trek – Polonnaruwa - Habarana
    Breakfast and proceed with the Hiriwaduna Nature Trek. Lunch at a Local House in the Village. Drive to Polonnaruwa to visit the “Medieval City of Polonnaruwa” - In the 12th century AD, the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa was one of the great urban centres in South Asia. Polonnaruwa was the island's second ancient capital. Many of the existing ruins owes their construction to Parakramabahu the Great, the last in a sequence of warrior-kings, who developed the city on a lavish scale. He is also credited with the massive artificial lake that lies to the west of the city, The Sea of Parakrama. Remains of the vatadage or relic house, a beautifully decorated circular structure with an uncanny resemblance to Stonehenge and the supremely graceful Buddha statues at Gal Vihara prevails the pinnacle of Sri Lankan rock carving. Polonnaruwa's ancient splendour cannot fail to inspire, as even 1980s pop group Duran Duran were obviously impressed to feature Polonnaruwa in their music video, Save a Prayer.  
  5. Day 5 - Habarana – Sigiriya – Dambulla Cave Temple - Kandy
    After Breakfast leave for Sigiriya & climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress - this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head.  Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site. Lunch – own arrangement. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple - with 5 caves under a vast over hanging rock. The ceilings of the caves are painted with intricate patterns of religious images. Leave t0 Kandy en route visiting a Spice Garden which will have a Cookery Demonstration on Sri Lankan cuisine. Continue to Kandy - a lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold.
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  6. Day 6 - Kandy
    sacred-city-kandy After Breakfast visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic Lunch – own arrangement. PM – a walk on around the Kandy City including a Kandy Market
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  7. Day 7 - Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
    tea-gardens-nuwara-eliya After Breakfast leave to NuwaraEliya en route visiting the Glenloch Tea Factory. Lunch – own arrangement. PM - city tour of Nuwara Eliya – with a short drive around St. Gregory’s Lake & horse race course area and a visit to the market place in the Nuwara Eliya town by foot.
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  8. Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya – Ella - Yala
    tea-gardens-nuwara-eliya After breakfast leave to Yala en route visiting Ella. Upon arrival we check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free for relax
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  9. Day 9 - Yala National Park
    Morning safari by 4x4 jeeps to Yala National park - Sri Lanka’s most known national park is popular for Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile and Wild Boar. More than three times larger than Undawelewe at 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lanka’s national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also received much fame through publicity by National Geographic and the Discovery TV channels, which focused on a leopard research/conservation and identifications project. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the world’s highest concentration of leopard per square kilometre. (During the park closure in Sep & Oct, we will offer a Safari to the Bundala National Park) – Exact park closure dates to be advised, usually it’s from 01st Sep to 15th Oct.) 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  10. Day 10 - Yala - Weligama
    After breakfast we drive to Weligama & check in our hotel. Rest of the day is free. 
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  11. Day 11 - Weligama – Galle - Weligama
    After breakfast leave to Galle for a city tour - said to be the famous Tarshish of the Bible where King Solomon obtained gems and spices, this “Living” UNESCO World Heritage Site is the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505.  Captured and fortified by the Dutch who ruled maritime Sri Lanka in the 17th and 18th centuries, the city still retains the air of old Holland. Within the well preserved 90 acre fort and ramparts built in 1663 are Old Dutch churches and monuments with armorial bearings, an imposing crested and monogrammed gateway dated 1669, many well preserved Old Dutch houses and narrow alleys still bearing Dutch names.  The New Oriental Hotel, built for a Dutch governor in 1684, a colonial gem now converted to the internationally renowned Amangalle Hotel and several other excellent boutique hotels are testimony to the importance of this location
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  12. Day 12 - Weligama – Balapitiya - Colombo
    orphanage-colombo After breakfast leave to Balapitiya to proceed with a Boat Safari on the Madhu River.
    Lunch – own arrangement. 
    Leave to Colombo – like many capital cities in developing countries Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood, yet in some parts; the old-world charm is retained. A 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings are still to be seen in the city.  The Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargains, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo museum, the Bandaranaike memorial international conference hall – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the people’s republic of china, the new parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura and the folk-art centre are some of the places of interest that one can visit to
     
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  13. Day 13 - Depart Colombo
    Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to onward destination
    Meals Included
    • Breakfast
  • - Breakfast
  • - Lunch
  • - Dinner

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED

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  1. FAQ 1 Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

    Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion.

  2. FAQ 2 Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

    Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact our Specialist for price information. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.

  3. FAQ 3 Who are my travelling companions?

    For privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share a traveling passion and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travelers from Canada, North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

  4. FAQ 4 How many people can join a tour?

    We keep our group sizes very flexible. So a group of 7 or a group of 70, we welcome all with the same zeal and fondness.

  5. FAQ 5 What are the age restrictions on your tours?

    There are no upper age limits for most of our tours (although for tours under ‘Trekking in the Himalayas’ and ‘Himalayan Panorama’ requires a fit medical condition. For the same, we have a ‘Medical Form’ which is mandatory to be filled by all age groups). For children below the age of 12 years, a parent/guardian should be present. If an assistance is needed, it is to be mentioned at the time of booking. The same will be chargeable.

  6. FAQ 6 I'm a single traveler, will I be charged a single supplement?

    All of our trips have a single supplement. The cost and the details vary by trip, so please refer to each tour page for details.

  7. FAQ 7 Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?

    We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels is provided for your tour. Hotel voucher of each hotel registered for the tour is shared too.

  8. FAQ 8 Can I join a tour late or leave it early?

    It is possible to join a tour late or leave a tour early. Though you would be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult our Specialist before you book your tour.

  9. FAQ 9 Are airport transfers included?

    All of our tours include airport transfers and the prices for the same are included in our tour rates.

  10. FAQ 10 What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

    Our ‘General Conditions’ includes the details of all the transports used during the entire service. The details can be found on each individual tour page.

  11. FAQ 11 Do your tours include international airfare?

    Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. We would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

  12. FAQ 12 What clothing should I pack for one of your tours?

    We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our 'General Conditions' includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual tour page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.

  13. FAQ 13 What vaccinations are recommended for this tour?

    It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Below are the links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless, these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional. For Canadian Citizens: www.travel.gc.ca For American Citizens: www.nc.cdc.gov For UK Citizens: www.travelhealthpro.org For Australian Citizens: www.travelvax.com For EU Citizens: www.healthhype.com

     

  14. FAQ 14 What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

    We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or a duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases.

Overall Rating 5/5
Magical Gems of Sri Lanka Tour
Reviewed by on Aug, 2018
5/5
It is an absolute privilege to write a review for this travel company. Because we had a trip of a lifetime in Gems of Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka
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