Highlights of Sri Lanka

Asia
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EXCLUSIVE SAVE $445*PP

Departure dates

Selected travel dates between 31 Jan-07 Nov 25.

What's included

15-day escorted tour with Wendy Wu Tours.
Accommodation: 14 nights 4 star accommodation.
Trip Leader: Fully escorted by expert guides.
Transport: Return International economy class airfares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, domestic transportation.
Meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners.
Included activities: Marvel at magnificent temples, see the World Heritage Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, search for elephants and other wild animals at Yala National Park, discover the fascinating caves at Dambulla and explore the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Please note: All other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurances and items of a personal nature are not included.

Itinerary / more information

  • Day 1 and 2 Fly To Colombo. Fly to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo.
  • Day 3 Explore Sigiriya. This morning travel to Dambulla, and in the afternoon visit Sigiriya, home to the 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Fortress, 'Lion Rock'. Built by King Kassapa as the centre of his short-lived kingdom, pass between a pair of colossal lion's paws and climb to the top for panoramic views. Explore the surrounding gardens as well as admiring the world-renowned Heavenly Maidens frescoes.
  • Day 4 Discover Polonnaruwa. Visit the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 12th-century, it is a well-preserved city of stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the Gal Viharaya, a magnificent group of rock temples and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings. Return to Dambulla.
  • Day 5 Anuradhapura Drive to celebrated Anuradhapura. The city's greatest treasures are its dagobas; domes enshrining sacred relics. The most notable is the Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, dating back to the 2nd-century BC, which you will visit today along with the Thuparamaya, said to contain the collarbone of Buddha. Discover the city's most renowned relic, the 2,250-year-old sacred Bo Tree. Emperor Asoka's daughter brought to Anuradhapura a branch of this tree, under which Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment.
  • Day 6 Dambulla Rock Temple. After breakfast, travel to visit Dambulla Rock Temple. Dating back to the 1st-century BC, the temple is made up of five cave sanctuaries where you'll find some of Sri Lanka's most important Buddha images. Visit a spice garden in Matale where you can see cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers and other spice trees growing and watch a cooking demonstration. Continue through majestic hill country to the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural hub.
  • Day 7 Cultural Kandy. This morning, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Stolen at Buddha's funeral, the tooth was smuggled into Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess who fled from India. Explore the remains of the Royal Palace, now a museum. This evening you will watch a colourful cultural dance performance.
  • Day 8 Nuwara Eliya. After breakfast travel by train to Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka. Situated at 2,000m above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the main hill station of Sri Lanka and is known for its excellent tea production due to the cool climate which creates tea with a unique flavour.
  • Day 9 Tea Plantation. This morning visit a tea plantation and tea factory, learning how the tea is graded. This afternoon explore the city center to see the colonial buildings, race course, Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and Sita Amman Kovil.
  • Day 10 Udawalawe. Travel to the Elephant Transit Home located near Udawalawe National Park, where abandoned baby elephants are cared for before they are released into the park. Continue to Yala, Sri Lanka's premiere national park.
  • Day 11 Yala National Park. Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safaris around the park. It is home to elephants, deer and the elusive leopards, of which one of the world's largest populations can be found.
  • Day 12 Coastal Drive To Hikkaduwa. Depart Yala and drive to Hikkaduwa. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Hikkaduwa, check into your hotel for a two night stay.
  • Day 13 Old Galle. Explore the Southern capital city of Galle, Sri Lanka's finest colonial treasure, and once the greatest port in Ceylon. See the lighthouse, the Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, before wandering narrow streets dotted with Dutch colonial villas, museums and antique shops.
  • Day 14 Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project, established in 1981 to protect the local turtle population.
  • Day 15 Explore Colombo. Tour the vibrant city of Colombo today. Discover the Fort District, stroll Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal. Also, explore the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and the Colombo and Natural History Museums. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Depending on the time of your flight tomorrow, you may be transferred to the airport after dinner in time for your flight scheduled to depart very early tomorrow morning.
  • Day 16 Fly Colombo To New Zealand. Fly home, arriving home later today or tomorrow.
  • Tour on sale until 13 Nov 2024, unless sold out prior.
  • You must book in store and have paid a deposit, or in full where deal requires payment in full, prior to close of business on sales end date.
  • Prices are per person, and are based on twinshare occupancy unless otherwise specified.
  • Prices are correct at time of publication to the web, but are subject to change without notice, and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
  • All pricing is subject to availability.
  • Prices do not include local gratuities unless stated otherwise.
  • We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions.
  • Stopovers and alternative routes may incur additional costs.
  • All prices are based on payment by cash or eftpos only.
  • Any bonus inclusions, additional nights or special offers are already included in the advertised price.
  • Blackout dates and seasonal surcharges may apply depending on date of travel.
  • All components included in your holiday are provided by carriers, hoteliers, and other providers with their own terms & conditions.
  • Travel Insurance maybe compulsory for some tours please check with your consultant.
  • All other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurances and items of a personal nature are not included.
  • Flight Centre Excusive BIG RED SALE offer: Book with Flight Centre between 17 Oct-30 Nov 24, and save 5%. Valid on Magnificent China, departing before 31 Dec 25. Deposit Due 3 days after booking. Non combinable with any other offer or discount, except loyalty. Valid on Flight inclusive or Land Only group tours, subject to availability. Flight supplements may apply. Wendy Wu Tours standard terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability at time of booking..

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