Mindful Journeys – Thrilling Offbeat Tour in Sri Lanka
ICS Travel Group
Sri Lanka, Land of Serendipity
15 Days
Sneak peek of a few highlights
Colombo
Colombo is the country's largest city in terms of population. Located on the west coast, it is a beautiful city surrounded by white sand beaches and an impressive harbourfront.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
The temple houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and is an important landmark in Kandy. The Tooth is kept in a two-stories shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks and rests on a gold lotus flower, encased in jeweled casket that sits on a throne.
Jaffna
Jaffna is known for its predominant Tamil population and recognized as the cultural capital for Tamilians in Sri Lanka. The hospitality of the locals will surely impress any visitor to this place.
- Day 01: Airport – Colombo
- Day 02: Colombo
- Day 03: Colombo – Galle – Hikkaduwa
- Day 04: Hikkaduwa – Yala
- Day 05: Yalla – Katharagama – Ella
- Day 06: Ella
- Day 07: Ella – Nanu Oya – Kandy
- Day 08: Kandy
- Day 09: Kandy – Dambulla
- Day 10: Dambulla – Pindurangala – Jaffna
- Day 11: Jaffna
- Day 12: Jaffna
- Day 13: Jaffna - Anuradhapura
- Day 14: Anuradhapura – Negombo
- Day 15: Departure from Negombo
DAY 01. ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
If golden beaches, misty mountains, mighty elephants, giant whales, a majestic past, lovely tea and warm smiles could sum up a country that would be Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has often been described as a tropical paradise. The vegetation of the coastal belt is lush and dramatic, and the mountainous areas of the interior are spectacular. Pleasant sea breezes temper the coast’s tropical climate through most of the year; the hills and mountains in the island’s center are cool at night. Arab traders of long ago knew the island as Serendib, which is the origin of the word serendipity, reflecting the unexpected pleasures of the land.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative and directly transferred to Colombo.
Check-in and time at leisure.
Overnight in Colombo
Meal(s): Dinner
DAY 02. COLOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure.
Afternoon enjoy a Food Walk Tour in Colombo.
The tour will consist of a 2.5hour food tour through Pettah. 10+ types of local food varieties will be included which are predominantly found in Colombo. The tour will start from YMBA and wind down the streets of Pettah returning to the start point. Preferable time of the tour will be during the afternoon. The tour will start 14330 at the Fort.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Colombo
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 03. COLOMBO – GALLE – HIKKADUWA
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Galle.
Experience a Mask Carving in Galle:
Learn the ways of painting a traditional Sri Lankan mask with the help of a renowned artist from Ambalangoda, an area in the South known for traditional masks. Hosted at his gallery in Galle Fort, you will learn much about these masks that are ingrained in Sri Lankan culture and the paintings methods that have been used by traditional artists for generations. Transfer to your hotel in Hikkaduwa.
Overnight in Hikkaduwa
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 04. HIKKADUWA – YALA
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Yala. Check in at the hotel. After refreshment at the hotel.
In the Evening, transfer to the Yala National Park & safari at the Yala National Park by 4wheels jeep.
Yala National Park is the most popular wildlife destination in Sri Lanka because of the high chance of encounter and variety of animals. Its diversity of bird, mammal and reptile life is unrivalled in the country and there are particularly high densities of its two keystone species: elephants and leopards. Current estimates suggest there are around 70 leopards and, as the apex predator in the park, they’re top cat here so less fearful than in countries like Africa where lions rule the roost. This means you’re more likely to see a leopard here than anywhere else in the world.
Transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Yala
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 05. YALA – KATHARAGAMA – ELLA
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Katharagama Temple.
Kataragamam Temple in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, is a temple complex dedicated to Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and Hindu War God Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people. For most of the past millennia, it was a jungle shrine very difficult to access; today it is accessible by an all-weather road. The shrines and the nearby Kiri Vehera are managed by Buddhists, the shrines dedicated to Teyvāṉai and Shiva are managed by Hindus and the mosque by Muslims. And continue drive to Ella. Upon arrival at the Ella check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Ella
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 06. ELLA
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your tour in Ella.
Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella. (near Little Adams Peak - Ella's main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer (Length 550m), slides at max 80 kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is true - Ella in all its glory.
The peak can be hiked easily without a guide, as there is a marked path that leads you up the mountain, with plenty of signposts to show you the way. Walk up to the Little Adam`s Peak. It is not a challenging hike and it`s quite short, but gives you a good impression of the landscape around Ella and the view is fantastic! So absolutely worth the climb!
Nine Arches Bridge - The Nine Arch Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.
Transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Ella
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 07. ELLA – NANU OYA – KANDY
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Ella station.
Enjoy a Scenic Train Journey from Ella to Nanu Oya.
Upon arrival at Nanu Oya station, overland transfer to Kandy (approx. 3 hours to Kandy from Nanu Oya). Check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Kandy
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 08. KANDY
Early morning transfers to Kirinda Walauwa.
Enjoy a day at Kirinda Walauwa. Arrive at the Walauwa at 0700. After a cup of tea or coffee we will leave on a Village Walk through the paddy fields and the stream. On the way, guests will be taken to the village bakery which supplies the entire village, which is baked in a firewood stove, built out of clay. Guests are entertained with a traditional bun or a ‘malu paan’.
After returning to Kirinda Walauwa, we will proceed to the local Gampola market (about 5 km, 15 minutes’ drive) in a Tuk-Tuk where you will have an opportunity to get a glimpse of the local stalls offering fruits, vegetables, fish and meat.
Return to the Kirinda Walauwa for the cookery demonstration where you would take part in the traditional way of Sri Lankan cooking.
Thereafter transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Kandy
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 09. KANDY – DAMBULLA
After breakfast at the hotel, visit to Kandy temple of tooth relic.
Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is an important landmark in Kandy. The Tooth is kept in a two-stories shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks and rests on a gold lotus flower, encased in jeweled casket that sits on a throne. The temple is decorated with beautiful local paintings and architectural features.
After the sightseeing, drive to Dambulla. Check in at the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Dambulla
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10. DAMBULLA – PIDURANGALA – JAFFNA
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Pidurangala.
Climb Pidurangala Rock:
Discover one of Sri Lanka’s most talked about places of interest; Pidurangala. Located in close proximity to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, has a proud ancient heritage which is often overlooked by many who visit. From the rich history to the adventurous climb and glorious views at the peak, you’ll find all that you need to know right here!
Thereafter leave for Jaffna | Approx. 5hrs drive to Jaffna. Check in at the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Jaffna
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 11. JAFFNA
Early morning visit to the beautiful Delft Island, Explore the island and enjoy a delicious Crab curry lunch.
Delft Island as it is popularly known now, was also known by its Tamil name Neduntivu. It is another island placed a few miles away from the Jaffna peninsula and it is populated by Tamil speaking people. It is also surrounded by shallow waters, coral and sand. The island comprises of around 50 square kilometers of flat land being the largest of the small islands.
From: 0630hrs to 1600hrs
Duration: ca. 10 hours
Drive to dock with packed breakfast – 1hr
Take the ferry to Delft Island – 1hr
Explore Delft Island – 4.5hrs
Take a tuk tuk to the coast.
Enjoy picnic breakfast by the sea.
Check out the sights at Delft (Baobab trees, stables, lighthouse, Dutch hospital, pigeon lofts, ponies, etc.)
Enjoy a local crab curry lunch. Relax by the beach. Transfer back to your hotel.
Overnights in Jaffna
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12. JAFFNA
After breakfast, enjoy your city tour in Jaffan which is a city was once closed for visitors, has made a comeback, full of colour and vibrancy. A full day tour of the rising city covering all the main attractions and historical landmarks that define the city bearing an identity of its own. You will get to visit places such as Nallur Kovil, Jaffna Fort, Point Pedro and more.
Visit some of the best places in the city in terms of historical landmarks and places. Explore and learn about the different places. Capture the colorful fishing boats and the beautiful sunset. Experience traditional Jaffna style food. Learn about the Hindu culture and their traditions.
Transfer back to hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Jaffna
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 13. JAFFNA – ANURADHAPURA
After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Anuradhapura
Approx. 4hrs drive to Anuradhapura
Mihintale is revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, but, regardless of your beliefs, it is unforgettable: a sequence of beautiful shrines, stupas and caves strung out across wooded hills, usually busy with crowds of devout, white-robed pilgrims.
Overnight in Anuradhapura
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 14. ANURADHAPURA – NEGOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure.
Afternoon leave for Negombo. Check in at the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Negombo
Meal(s): Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 15. DEPARTURE FROM NEGOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel.
According to flight details, transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home. End of services.
Meal(s): Breakfast
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Negombo
| Jetwing Beach, Deluxe Room |
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Lufthansa City Center