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Southern Sri Lanka
9 Days
Negombo to Negombo
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What our experts say
Anneka- Tailor-made Specialist
The southern section of Sri Lanka has some of the most beautiful beaches and it is also where Yala National Park is! This tour is great for wildlife-spotting, you can even do whale watching from Unawatatuna.
Reviews
Tour Overview
Visit areas of stunning natural beauty, national parks boasting some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in all of Asia and wander through bustling towns and cities. Southern Sri Lanka has many hidden gems and surprises.
About this tour
- Group Size: Normally 4-16. Average 10.
- Recommended Age: 18-65
- Physical Rating:
- Accommodation:8 night(s) in hotels
- Transportation:Private Vehicle
- Meals:8 Breakfast(s)
- Other:Tucan Travel Tour Leader
- Country:Sri Lanka
Included Activities
- Sight Seeing Tour in Nuwaraeliya
- Entry & trek in Horton Plains National Park, Scenic Train ride to Ella
- Ella Rock or Little Adam's peak, Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana waterfalls
- Game drive at Yala NP
- Visit to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
- Galle City Tour
- Moonstone Mine, Cinnamon Cultivation and Colombo City Tour
What should you expect?
Most temples require you to wear modest clothing and walk around barefoot. Remember to pack shoes that you can slip on and off easily and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.
This trip is operated on private minibuses to get between destinations.
You will be carrying your own luggage between transport and hotels so please pack what you can comfortably carry.
This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You are free to arrive today at your leisure.
Negombo is situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name. Once a Portuguese and Dutch trading port, popular attractions here include the Old Dutch fort gate built in 1672, the Dutch Canal, and the old churches and fishing villages which surround the area. In fact, due to the many ornate Roman Catholic churches scattered throughout, Negombo is sometimes known as "The Little Rome". It also has a huge and rather inviting white sandy beach!
Around 6 pm you will meet the local Tucan Travel representative for your pre-departure meeting and if not too tired after your flight you can join him for an evening meal.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Camelot Beach Hotel or similar
Day 2 - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, we head inland away from the coast towards Nuwara Eliya, located in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country where the higher altitudes and cooler climate offers the perfect environment to grow the world-renowned Sri Lanka tea. Also today we may meet some new faces as we combine with other Tucan Travel customers arriving from the North of the island.
Optional Excursions
Adam's Peak - early morning trek for sunrise at 2,243m on top of one of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks - $18 per person • Hiking through the tea plantation (free)
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Windsor Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 - Nuwara Eliya & Tea Plantations Excursion
Today we enjoy an included tour to enjoy the velvety green tea plantations carpeting the rolling hills and to visit one of the local plantations and tea factory. The rest of the day offers time to be spent at your leisure, and a chance to relax and enjoy the cooler climes.
Included Excursions
Sight Seeing Tour in Nuwaraeliya
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Windsor Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 4 - Ella Gap & Horton Plains National Park
Early in the morning we leave the hotel and head towards the impressive Horton Plains National Park. The park is home to many species of wildlife, including the sambar deer, macaques, leopards, wild boar and mongooses. The area is surrounded by the country's highest mountains, shrouded in cloud and rivers. This is the only National Park in Sri Lanka in which visitors are allowed to walk around freely so we will take the opportunity for a trek through the high mountain vegetation and lakes.
Our goal is 'Worlds End' where the 2000 metre plateau comes to an abrupt end, plunging 700-1000 meters to the valley floor. On the way we will visit Baker's Falls for panoramic views of the waterfalls, see a great deal of wildlife, including with purplefaced langurs, wild boar and barking deer as well as a small number of leopards.
We board a train from Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the slow pace through the mountain scenery as we head to Ella. Ella is a sleepy village in Sri Lanka's Hill Country. Please note that seating is non-reserved on the train.
Included Excursions
Entry & trek in Horton Plains National Park, Scenic Train ride to Ella
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel 88th ELLA or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 - Yala National Park
This morning we enjoy a short 5km trek to Little Adam's Peak. After watching the sunrise we will visit Nine Arch bridge breakfast, followed by the Ravana Waterfalls.
We then continue to Yala National Park where we will spend a night just outside of the park. We will take a game drive for your best chances to see elephants, leopards and bears. Yala National Park was established in 1900 and has one of the densest populations of wildlife in Asia. The park has two important pilgrimage sites, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vilhara and has been the center of past civilisations.
Included Excursions
Ella Rock or Little Adam's peak, Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana waterfalls,Game drive at Yala NP
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Rain Tree Resort or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 - Unawatuna & Elephant Sanctuary
We depart this morning heading towards Unawatuna. On the way we visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, an important sanctuary that aims to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for release back into the wild.
Upon arrival you are free to explore or relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Off the coast, there are excellent diving opportunities, with a number of coral reefs and shipwrecks to be explored. There are a number of optional activities here to enjoy, and with two nights in Unawatuna, there is plenty of time to make the most of the surroundings.
Included Excursions
Visit to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Sanmira Renaissance or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 7 - Unawatuna
Today we include a city tour of nearby Galle, an old fortified city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, and later expanded by the Dutch.
There are also a number of optional activities to enjoy in and around Unawatuna, and with two nights here, there's plenty of time to explore or simply take the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and relax at the end of your enjoyable, activity-packed adventure.
Included Excursions
Galle City Tour
Optional Excursions
Whale & Dolphin watching – US$58
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Sanmira Renaissance or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 - Negombo
Upon arrival to Colombo, expect a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings. Enjoy driving through the Commercial area or the 'Fort', so named because both the Portuguese and Dutch had a fort here. We drive past 'Pettah', a hectic bazaar full of ancient vehicles, bargains, mosques and temples, then visit a Hindu temple and drive past Jumi-UL Alfar Jumma Mosque. We continue through the Wolvendaal Dutch Church, Hultsdorf Law courts, to the residential area of Cinnamon Gardens and on to Independence Square and Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall.
Included Excursions
Moonstone Mine, Cinnamon Cultivation and Colombo City Tour
Optional Excursions
Madhu Ganga River Cruise – US$10
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Camelot Beach Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 9 - Depart Negombo
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Booking Tip
Don't delay! Book today to guarantee the price you see below as our prices can change day to day as a result of availability. Tours are departing from early 2021 through to 2022.
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25% off
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US$ 1,049
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Your Savings:
25% off
US$1,049
+ Local Payment of US$150
Your Savings:
US$350
Essential Information
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
Joining your tour in Negombo
Your joining location is:
Camelot Beach Hotel
No345 Lewis Place, 11500
Negombo
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 312 235 881 / +94 312 235 882
There are safe deposit boxes for your use in the room. Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you. There is a laundry service, a money exchange service and free wifi available in the hotel. It is advisable not to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety.
Arriving in Negombo
When arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport we recommend that you obtain some Sri Lankan rupee as soon as you arrive. There are international ATMs inside the airports, as well as money exchange offices offering a good rate. The rate will always vary slightly depending on where you go, it may be worth changing a small amount of money at the airport for your transport, and then finding a bank or money exchange within the town centre.
The airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka and also services the capital, Colombo. However it is closer to Negombo, where our hotel is, than it is to Colombo. Please make sure when transiting from the airport you travel to Negombo and not to the capital.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact details below if you are likely to be delayed.
Contact your arrival transfer:
Contact: Priyantha
Call: 0094773788334
Email: sunrisesrilanka@gmail.com
Making your own way
If you would prefer to make your own way to and from your hotel, an official taxi to our hotel in Negombo will cost approximately 1,000-1,200 rupees (US$10-$11). The taxis should work on a metered system, please make sure they set the meter when you first enter. If they refuse or do not have one, you must set the price before you begin your journey. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes to reach the hotel.
Accommodation on tour
You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.
Alternative Accommodation
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Twin Share
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless. If you are a solo passenger you will be sharing a room with another group member of the same sex. If you are travelling with a partner and wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
Check-in Time
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a variety of hotels. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
Alternative Accommodation
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Twin Share
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
I'd like my own room
If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on most occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.
Check-in Time
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
Transport
This tour uses private vehicles to get between each destination.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. You must be able to comfortably lift your luggage off transport and into hotels, perhaps up stairs.
Luggage and Packing
All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cooler depending on the season you are travelling, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus a thinner sweater which you can layer.
In general, Sri Lanka is a conservative country and you should keep your legs and shoulders covered when out in public.
What essential items should I bring to Sri Lanka?
- A small daypack - This should have enough room to carry food and snacks for day trips.
- Good, comfortable trainers and sandals.
- Insect Repellent (DEET 35% min) and bite cream.
- A sarong/cover-up or long trousers.
- A light anorak - tropical downpours can happen at anytime in this region.
Clothing
- A lightweight and waterproof jacket
- Jeans/trousers
- Underwear and pyjamas
- T-shirts/tops/shirts
- Shorts/dresses/skirts
- Trainers or walking shoes
- Sandals
- Jumper/cardigan/fleece
- Swimwear/sarong/coverup
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera and charger
- Worldwide adaptor
- Portable battery pack
- Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent and bite cream
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
- Antiperspirant/deodorant
Other
- One small day bag
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Cloth bag for shopping
- Ear plugs and sleep mask
Documents
- Passport
- Visas
- Insurance
- Printed copy of your passport
- Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
Meals and Dietary Requirements
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the "about this tour" section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost unless stated as included in the itinerary. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In Sri Lanka, there is a huge choice of incredible food.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
Money and Budget
Currency
This tour uses the Sri Lankan rupee.
Local Payment
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
Cards
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in the larger cities will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
Spending Money
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities. In general, Southeast Asia is a cheap destination.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping
Tipping is not a big part of Sri Lankan culture however it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Budget
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Backup Funds
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
Health and Safety
Emergency Contact
If you require urgent assistance before meeting your tour please call (+66) 633 21 0066.
Safety in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is generally safe, even more so in a group tour. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
- Do not travel with valuables. While phones and cameras are inevitable, leave the expensive jewellery and watches at home.
- Make sure your handbag/daypack has a zip and is closed at all times.
- When in crowded areas keep your bag on your front.
- Do not walk alone after dark.
- Only use registered taxis and if possible have the hotel phone one for you.
- Do not take out large sums of cash at once and avoid keeping it all in the same place. Only take what you need for the day and leave the rest in a safe. Ideally, take more than one credit/debit card in case one is lost or stolen.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
Pack a Medical Kit
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
Vaccinations
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. If you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera, Diphtheria and influenza.
Horse Riding
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Age Restrictions
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
Physical Rating
Physical rating on your tour
The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.
- Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
- Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
- Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
- Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
- Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.
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Extra Services
I'd Like My Own Room
From US$439.00