SRI LANKA DISCOVERY 2025

Mid afternoon departure from Auckland (ask about other centres) on Singapore Airlines to Singapore.  Our luggage is tagged through to Colombo.

On arrival in Singapore, we change aircraft for our onward flight. (approx. two-hour layover).

We arrive in Colombo late evening where we join our coach for the transfer to          Negombo.

An easy day today after our late arrival. We experience the charm and beauty of Negombo with the exciting Negombo city tour. This tour takes you on a journey through the bustling streets of this major city in Sri Lanka, where you will discover its rich history and vibrant culture. Explore the centuries old fishing industry and learn about the local way of life. Visit the iconic Negombo Fort, a historic stronghold that once defended Colombo. Marvel at its architectural beauty and learn about its fascinating past. The tour also includes visits to other points of interest, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Negombo. You will have the opportunity to meet the friendly locals and experience the multicultural atmosphere of this charming city.

Afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own or relax at our beautiful hotel.

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and we proceed to Dambulla, enroute visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2023, there were 71 elephants, including 30 males and 41 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala. The orphanage was founded to care and protect the many orphaned  unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. Later continue your drive towards Dambulla.  On arrival check-in at your in Dambulla.  Rest of the day is free for independent activities.

This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel lobby for a half day guided Hiriwaduna Village tour, walk around Hiriwaduna lake, spotting wildlife.  We cross the rivulet by Catamaran. Visit a traditional “wattle and daub” house and learn about rural life. Take a bullock cart ride through the paddy fields and have a cooking demonstration and local lunch in the village.

Afternoon is free at leisure.

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and proceed to Kandy, en-route visit a spice garden in Matale and learn about different spices, enjoy a free head massage. After the visit, continue to Kandy and on arrival check-in at your hotel.  This afternoon we visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD. Situated adjacent to the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine overlooks the vast expanse of the Kandy Lake.  This evening we enjoy a cultural dance show with dinner at your hotel

Today we coach to Nuwara Eliya, enroute we visit a tea factory in Ramboda and learn about tea production and enjoy a tea tasting. After our visit,  continue to Nuwara Eliya. This afternoon we explore the city, visiting Gregory Lake, Victoria Park or take a walk through the tea plantations. Lake Gregory sometimes called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in the heart of the tea country hill city of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was created during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.  Victoria Park is a public park located in Nuwara Eliya, next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

We have left today free for you to enjoy some personal sightseeing or relaxing at our hotel.  Your Tour Manager will offer suggestions and assist with arranging anything extra you would like to do.

Our hotel is nestled in wonderful gardens and reminds us of why this area is called “Little England”.

After a delicious breakfast we travel on to  Yala.  This afternoon—another highlight! a safari in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is an unforgettable experience to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from May to September, and in early October.  Yala National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, jackals, spotted deer, crocodiles, and many species of birds.  We join our 4WDs with a guide.  Keep your eyes peeled for sightings!

Today, an early morning as we are picked up by our guides for the morning safari in Yala National Park. Hopefully we catch sight of some of the wonderful wildlife in their natural habitat.  On your return back to our hotel, check-out and proceed to Galle. On arrival after checking in to our hotel the rest of the day is free at leisure to explore the Galle Fort area or enjoy time at the beach.

Today, you will be met by your local guide in the Hotel lobby for Galle sightseeing and a visit to Galle Fort, Dutch Reformed Church, The Gale Lighthouse and the ramparts. Galle Fort in Galle, Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the city’s colonial history and culture. The Portuguese built the fort in 1588, and the Dutch fortified it in the 17th century. The British also ruled the fort.

The fort is a prime example of European architecture interacting with South Asian traditions. It features age-old and colonial-style architecture, including massive bastions, pepper pot towers, and ramparts. The Dutch Reformed Church, also known as the Groote Kerk, is an historic Protestant church in Galle. Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ, and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy. After the visit, we enjoy a boat ride on the Madu River, the watercourse will lead you past mangrove forests and small islands. These bird-watching rides will be accompanied by local fishermen or professional guides. You can sometimes see crocodiles, water snakes, wild boars, and tree snakes in their natural environment.

After breakfast we join our coach and travel through to Colombo. On arrival in Colombo, we enjoy a city tour including key landmarks, the Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum and Independence Square.  Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, is a prominent Buddhist temple and popular tourist attraction. The temples architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings and is situated not far from the placid waters of Beira Lake on a plot of land that was originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land. The Colombo National Museum, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, is the largest museum in Sri Lanka and tells the story of the country’s history and culture. it was built in 1877 modelled on Italian architecture. Here there are thousands of artifacts, paintings, statues, and royal objects on show in its two-storied building.  Independence Square is in the prestigious Cinnamon Gardens district of Colombo where spacious tree-lined boulevards remain from colonial days, and it takes its name from the Independence Memorial Hall built there to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule in 1948. After the city tour, we will be taken to our hotel for our overnight.  Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner including a beer or wine with our dinner. Our hotel is iconic in Colombo and is along the seafront facing the famous Galle Face Green.

Today is free to enjoy some personal sightseeing or relaxing at our stunning hotel.  We leave for the airport in the evening.

12.50 a.m. Depart Colombo on Singapore Airlines via Singapore for Auckland

(approximately 14 hr flight).  (1.5 hour layover in Singapore)

10.10 p.m. Arrive Auckland.  You will be transferred home if your address is within 25k of the airport. Please check with the office if you are from another centre.