Buddha and Beach - 12 days
Buddha and Beach - 12 days
Buddha and Beach - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting: Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Bentota
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1060/BAB
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Sri Lanka with the "Buddha and Beach" tour. Begin your adventure in Colombo, exploring the city's vibrant culture and historic sites. Discover the ancient wonders of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, and marvel at the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Immerse yourself in local life with a canoe trip to Kayanwala Village, where you'll enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch. Experience the charm of Kandy, with its famous Temple of the Tooth, and take a scenic train ride through lush tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya. Encounter wildlife on a thrilling safari in Udawalawe National Park, and unwind on the idyllic beaches of Bentota and Beruwala. With guided sightseeing, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences, this tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Colombo
Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival transfer and the remainder of today is at leisure. Our hotel is located on the seafront and is a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and independently explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail whilst you watch the sunset over the Laccodive Sea.
Day 2: Dambulla
Location: Dambulla
Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast
Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock Temple is an incredible ancient complex of caves which dates back to the 1st Century BC. The five caves contain over 150 images of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre carved statue.
After exploring this ancient site, we continue to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century city is home to many interesting ruins and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was once the capital and is also the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, we return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Sigiriya
Location: Sigiriya
Accommodation Name: Jetwing Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and was an important stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. It can be viewed from miles around and is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.
From Sigiriya, we take a local hand tractor ride and short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and more. En route to Kandy we stop at a spice garden in Matale to see the different herbs and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Day 4: Kandy
Location: Kandy
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Kandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we take a sightseeing tour of Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and our first stop will be the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After driving around Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king, we visit the local bazaar and a gem museum, we then take Tuk Tuk ride up into the surrounding hills. This afternoon we stop at the Geragama Tea Factory, manufacturing 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. This evening, we watch a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation Name: Jetwing St Andrew's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers free time, before transferring to the railway station for a scenic train trip. Passing kilometre upon kilometre of verdant tea plantations that hug the winding mountain passes, we'll see waterfalls, suspension bridges and tea pickers on our journey up to Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea.
Upon arrival we embark on a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - an area known locally as 'Little England'.
Day 6: Udawalawe National Park
Location: Udawalawe National Park
Accommodation Name: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan elephant, the biggest of all the Asian elephants in the wild. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the cheeky langur monkey and varies types of deer. We enjoy an afternoon game drive here before returning to our hotel.
Day 7: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Lakeside
Meals Included: Breakfast
Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. We travel back to Colombo this morning with a visit to the Gem Mine and Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the 85 types of gems that exist in the world.
Arriving to Colombo, we commence a city tour, seeing the Fort area in the north of the city which is famous for its government buildings and interesting shops. We'll also see the somewhat unusual Gangarama Temple and take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a popular spot for kite flying and games of cricket.
Day 8: Bentota And Beruwala
Location: Bentota
Accommodation Name: Blue Water Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Colombo - Kalutara. After breakfast, we head south along Sri Lanka's idyllic West Coast to spend the final four nights relaxing by the beach in this picturesque holiday location.
Day 9-11: Bentota And Beruwala
Location: Bentota
Accommodation Name: Blue Water Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw cards, and once you set eyes on them you’ll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters, Beruwala and the neighbouring town of Bentota offer travellers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing – the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy – a local coconut flavoured tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
Day 12: Colombo
Location: Colombo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wednesday. Kalutara - Colombo. Today our tropical island adventure comes to an end. Departure transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward international flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5 star & heritage hotels -
Breakfast daily and 1 lunch
Enjoy daily breakfast and one lunch during the tour.
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11 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties
Stay in 4-5 star hotels and heritage properties for 11 nights.
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Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe NP and Colombo
Experience guided sightseeing tours in Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, and Colombo.
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Scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, canoe and Tuk Tuk trips
Take a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and enjoy canoe and Tuk Tuk trips.
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Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park
Go on a jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park.
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Escorted by an English speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more (professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less)
Be escorted by an English-speaking national guide for groups of 6 or more, or a professional chauffeur guide for groups of 5 or less.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 12
Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 12.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
Enjoy all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees ranging from USD$150-$170 per person, paid in USD, are not included.
Age Policy
Over 15 if accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at top hotels like Radisson Hotel Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside, Jetwing Lake, Radisson Hotel Kandy, Jetwing St. Andrew's, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, and Blue Water Hotel and Spa. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and exceptional dining options, ensuring a memorable stay throughout your journey.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles, scenic train journeys, and tuk-tuk rides. Enjoy airport transfers and guided sightseeing tours, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience across Sri Lanka's breathtaking landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can be seen in Udawalawe National Park?
Udawalawe National Park is home to the largest herd of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka, and you may also spot leopards, sloth bears, langur monkeys, and various types of deer during the game drive.
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What activities are available in Bentota and Beruwala?
In Bentota and Beruwala, you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, and surfing. You can also indulge in a local coconut-flavored drink called Toddy, visit a spa for an Ayurveda treatment, or relax on the beach with a cocktail.
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What is special about the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy?
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is famous for housing one of Buddha's teeth, which was smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It is a significant pilgrimage site where visitors can see daily offerings of lotus flowers and frangipani.
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What can I expect during the visit to the spice garden in Matale?
During the visit to the spice garden in Matale, you will learn about various herbs and spices that Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how they are grown and processed.
-
What is the significance of Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress?
Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress is a 5th-century citadel that stands 200 meters high and is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic sites. It features world-famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens and offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
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What is the experience like at Kayanwala Village?
At Kayanwala Village, you will take a local hand tractor ride and a short canoe trip to reach the village. There, you will participate in a cookery demonstration in a local mud brick home and enjoy a freshly prepared traditional Sri Lankan lunch.
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What is unique about the train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
The train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is a scenic trip through Sri Lanka's tea country, offering views of verdant tea plantations, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and tea pickers along the way.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
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