Overview
Itinerary
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. (D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
Fly to Australia, arriving home later today or tomorrow. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Explore ancient Sinhalese ruins
- Discover the delights of Colombo
- Visit Kandy's sacred temple
- Spot elephants while on safari
- See Galle's historic fort
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- Dedicated Solo Departures Only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price.
- 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
- Jetwing Sea, Negombo, Sri Lanka (4 star): With the beach at your doorstep, the 4* Jetwing Sea Resort makes for a perfect destination during your tour. Enjoy stunning coastal views of Negombo as the resort is nestled upon the edge of the Indian Ocean. Your room is fully equipped with modern essentials and facilities include but are not limited to a rooftop spa, 24-hour room service, two swimming pools and wine cellar.
- Jetwing Lakeside, Dambulla, Sri Lanka (4 star):
- Earls Regent, Kandy, Sri Lanka (4 star): The 4* Earls Regent Hotel is perfectly located within close proximity to the Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens and boasts a range of modern and stylish rooms. Your room will also feature a private balcony, private bathrooms as well as a minibar. Delight in a wide variety of local Sri Lankan, Chinese and continental dishes during your stay, before enjoying the outdoor swimming pool.
- Jetwing St Andrew's, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (4 star):
- Cinnamon Wild, Yala, Sri Lanka (4 star): Located in the heart of the jungle, the 4* Cinnamon Wild Resort is an extension of the Yala National Park and proudly boasts minimalistic interiors furnished with old vintage furniture. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the wilderness beneath you at the resort's rooftop bar all before delighting at a buffet restaurant.
- Hikka Tranz, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka (4 star): Located on the Southern shoreline of Sri Lanka, 4* Hikka Tranz offers true Southern Sri Lankan hospitality where guests can stay in spacious rooms and enjoy views of the Golden Belt of the South Coast. Each room also has air conditioning, a minibar and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. The resort also houses a pool bar, serving delicious snacks and beverages as well as a 24-hour restaurant offering a delightful buffet experience.
- Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, Sri Lanka (4 star): Overlooking the tranquil Beira Lake, the 4* Cinnamon Lakeside hotel offers modern rooms with a blend of equipped with a safety deposit box, complimentary toiletries, minibar and coffee/ tea making facilities. Enjoy the wide range of hotel amenities at your leisure, whether it be the hotel swimming pool, tennis and squash courts or gym.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023, subject to change.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$110pp (AU$164pp) is paid locally in Sri Lanka.
- Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth
- Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Brochure
Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)
Availability
AUD
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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