SHW -EU03 - S24 - EC

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Heritage Gems Tour

The "Heritage Gems Tour" in Sri Lanka offers a captivating journey through the island's rich cultural and historical landscapes. This tour features visits to ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Travelers will also explore the vibrant colonial-era Galle Fort and delve into the gem industry in Ratnapura, known as the "City of Gems." Alongside these historical and cultural experiences, the tour showcases Sri Lanka's stunning natural beauty, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1 Arrival - Relax

Day 2 Anuradhapuraya Ancient Sites - Mihintale Temple

Day 3 Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Dambulla Cave Temple - Local Village Visit (Optional - Game Drive in Minneriya National Park)

Day 4 Polonnaruwa Ancient Sites - Enjoy the beach at Passikudah

Day 5 Beach at Passikudah

Day 6 Beach at Passikudah

Day 7 Beach at Passikudah

Day 8 Kandy Sight-seeing

Day 9 Nuwara eliya by Train

Day 10 Tea Experience - Ella

Day 11 Discover nature rich Ella

Day 12 Afternoon Game Drive in Udawalawe National Park

Day 13 Galle Fort – Beach (south coast) (Mirissa / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa / Benthota)

Day 14 Beach (south coast)

Day 15 Transfer to Airport for onward flight

HIGHLIGHTS

Anuradhapura – Archeological sites
Mihintale – Buddhist Temple
Sigiriya – Rock Fortress a
Sigiriya Village tour
Cookery demonstration on local kitchen
Dambulla – Cave Temple
Polonnaruwa – Archeological sites
Passikudah (east coast) – Beach stay
Sight-seeing tour of Batticaloa
Kandy Sight-seeing Tour
Temple of the Tooth relic
Botanical Gardens
Tea Plantations and waterfalls
Nuwara eliya Sight-seeing tour
Tea Plantation and factory
Ella Gap
Rawana Ella Waterfall
Nine Arch’s Bridge
Little Adam’s peak
Udawalawa National Park – Game Drive
Galle Dutch period Fort
The Ancient Dutch Reformed Church
Beach (south coast) – Mirissa / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa / Benthota
Sea Turtle Hatchery

OPTIONAL

Game drive in Minneriya National Park
Polonnaruwa – Visit to Archeological sites
Drive to Trincomalee / Nilaveli for a City Tour
Visit to the Pigeon Island, Snorkeling.
A Whale Watching
Kandy – Udawatta Kele Nature walk
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Ella – Trek, mountain climb etc
Udawalawa National Park – Extra Game Drive
Camping at the boarders of the national park
Madhu River Boat Safari

Proposed Round Tour Packages

All Rates Are :

In United States dollars, Per Person

Round Tour Rates Includes:

Meeting at the Airport upon arrival and assistance during the stay
Private transport in Air con Car / Coach – Airport to Airport
Bottle of mineral water on arrival
Service of English Speaking Guide (European, Russian, Tamil, Malay, and Chinese speaking guides on request)
Accommodation in mentioned or similar hotels in air condition rooms
Meal Plan offered is Bed and Breakfast basis. Can be amended to suit

Round Tour Packages Excludes:

Lunch, Dinner and beverages
Meal Plan – if to be as Half Board or Full Board (Supplements are given)
Extras of personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Extra services other than those specified
Entrance Fees at places of interest(Given as a supplement)

Children Policy

Infants 0 – 2 years: Free of charge (Baby cot on request)
Child 2 – 12 years: 50% of adults rate sharing a room with parents including extra bed

25% of adults rate sharing a room with parents excluding extra bed

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please Note:

The rates quoted are based on the mentioned or similar category hotels.
The rates are net and include government taxes (VAT, TDL & NBT)
These rates are subject to change without prior notice in the event the government changes the tax policy, if the hotels change their rates, or for any situation beyond our control.
These rates are applicable for tour operators/travel agents working exclusively with us, in Sri Lanka.
All hotel classifications are as per Sunway Holidays classifications.
Confirmation of hotels will be subject to availability at the time of final confirmation.
Meal plan will be on a booked basis.
Half Board will be from arrival day dinner to departure day breakfast
Full Board will be from arrival day lunch to departure day breakfast

Other Conditions:

Optional excursions and additional services could be provided at extra costs.
Visits to wildlife parks, adventure activities, etc will be at the client's own risk.
Payment by credit cards will be subject to 3% bank charges

Cancellation charges (Sri Lanka):

Within 07 - 00 days - 100% chargeable from the total package price as a cancellation charge.
Within 14 - 08 days - 75% chargeable from the total package price as a cancellation charge.
Within 21-15 days - 50% chargeable from the total package price as a cancellation charge.

Children Policy

Below 2 Years – On a complementary basis.
Age between 2 – 12 – With Extra Bed - Will Pay 50% of adult rate (when sharing a room with parents).
Age between 2 – 12 – Without Extra Bed - Will Pay 25% of adult rate (when sharing a room with parents).

Peak Period Supplement

Stays in between 1st July 2024 to 31st August 2024 following supplements will apply.
- In 3* Hotels – USD 15 per room, per night
- In 4* Hotels – USD 25 per room, per night
- In 4/5* Hotels – USD 30 per room, per night
- In 5* Deluxe Hotels – USD 40 per room, per night

Annual Kandy Esala Perahara Supplement

Stays in Kandy between 10th August 20th August 2024 following supplements will apply.
- In 3* Hotels – USD 30 per room, per night
- In 4* Hotels – USD 40 per room, per night
- In 4/5* Hotels – USD 45 per room, per night
- In 5* Deluxe Hotels – USD 50 per room, per night

Hotel Rules & Regulations:

The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1200hrs.
The official check-out time at all hotels will be 1100hrs.
Early check- in / late check-out is subject to availability from the hotel
Cancellation policy will also be applicable for any reduction of rooms after the release period.

Tipping :

Recommended minimum tipping per person, per day for groups above 15 pax -Guide USD 3 & driver USD 2

Day 01 : Arrival - Relax

Anuradhapura Dambulla

A warm welcome to Sri Lanka by our representative / your guide, at the Bandaranaike International airport, 30 KMS North of Colombo, the Island’s capital. You will be transferred to your hotel for the next four night’s stay in the cultural triangle area, which is about a 4 hours’ drive. This area formed the heartland of the powerful Sinhalese Kingdoms who ruled the Island for most of its history, and who left in their wake some of Asia’s most remarkable monuments, the most impressive of which you’ll be visiting over the coming days. These consist of spectacular fortified palaces, huge dagobas, giant, serene-faced Buddhas and massive water tanks built to irrigate the surrounding fields, the ruins of these great urban centers are mostly scattered around here. Check in at your hotel where you will spend the next 3 nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the poolside at your hotel.

Day 02 : Anuradhapuraya Ancient Sites / Mihintale Temple

Anuradhapura

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the first capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, the greatest and most resilient of all Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, and Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura, was founded in 377 BC and thrived until its destruction by Indian invaders in 993AD. Today, its monuments attract tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from across the globe. The most revered monument on the site, however, is of more modest proportions: enclosed within tiers of gold railings, the Sri Maha Bodhi, or Sacred Bodhi Tree, is believed to have grown this tree from a cutting taken from India over 2,500 years ago and from the tree under which the Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is considered to be the oldest tree in the world! Mihintale Temple holds immense cultural and religious importance for the people of Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the poolside at your hotel.

Day 03 : Sigiriya Rock Fortress / Dambulla Cave Temple / Local Village Visit with a Cookery Demonstration

Dambulla Sigiriya

It’s going tom be a long day. Enjoy an early breakfast and visit the UNESCO-listed 5th century site of Sigiriya. Accessed by a steep 600 feet hike up to the ancient natural rock fortress that dominates the surrounding landscape. Make a pause at the huge lion paws carved in to the rock, the original gateway to the fort. Marvelous views across the countryside of the Cultural Triangle are your reward for the haul to the top. Make a stop at Dambulla Cave Temple and yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sri Lanka’s greatest cave-temple complex, the walls and ceiling of this Buddhist site are resplendent with frescoes and there are hundreds of statues of Buddha, Dambulla is located on a huge granite outcrop in the Dry Zone, with views extending over the tropical canopy to distant Sigiriya and beyond. Make a visit to a nearby village and get a glimpse of an authentic local experience, gaining insight into the daily activities of the villagers, and enjoying a catamaran ride on the lake. Take a tuk-tuk ride to a village house where you will interact with a local family and learn the art of preparing an authentic Sri Lankan lunch. Tasty traditional sweet meats for dessert and warm Ceylon tea will enrich the experience. Optional - Later in the afternoon take a Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park. Its renowned for large herds of elephants. The Minneriya Tank, a reservoir built by an ancient civilization, attracts large herds of elephants, deer, and water buffalo to its shores, particularly during the dry season (June to September) when Minneriya National Park gains fame for the “the Gathering”, when you as many 300 wild elephants around the reservoir.

Day 04 : Polonnaruwa Ancient Sites / Enjoy the beach at Passikudah

Pasikudah Polonnaruwa

Enjoy the breakfast and visit Polonnaruwa, ranged around a huge man-made lake, Polonnaruwa, is the most impressive and compact of the island’s ancient sites. Its vestiges – comprising finely sculpted statues, frescoes, colossal Buddha images and immense stupas. Look out for the famous Gal Vihara or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity, and strength. Optional - Cycling around the sites 3-4 KMS is an ideal way to explore the historic site Later leave for Batticaloa (Passikudah) in the east coast of the island. Check in at your hotel in Passikudah, where you will stay 4 nights and relax by the sand beach

Day 05 : Beach at Passikudah

Pasikudah

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the days relaxing by the Indian Ocean. Make a morning visit to Batticaloa to see the village life. Optional – Drive to Trincomalee / Nilaveli for a City Tour, a visit to the Pigeon Island and Snorkeling can be arranged.

Day 06 : Beach at Passikudah

Batticaloa

Day 07 : Beach at Passikudah

Batticaloa

Day 08 : Kandy Sight-seeing

Kandy

Enjoy your breakfast and depart for Kandy. Make a city tour of Kandy, the island’s cultural capital and the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy, Kandy is encircled by jungle-covered hills. Located in the refreshing highlands, Kandy is easy to fall in love with. Stop at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the island’s most revered Buddhist shrine. Pilgrims dressed in white clothes come to worship throughout the day, carrying lotus blooms and frangipani flowers to present at the shrine. Proceed exploring Kandy’s colorful Bazar, Upper Lake, arts centers, museums etc. Visit the Kandy’s Royal Botanical Gardens famed for the world-class collection of orchids, palms and, the real showstopper, a giant Javan fig tree. Optional - Make a visit the Elephant orphanage at Pinnawala. Visitors can view the care and daily routine of the elephants, such as bottle-feeding of elephant calves, feeding of all other elephants, and bathing in the Ma Oya River. Later attend a cultural dance performanc.

Day 09 : Nuwara eliya by Train

Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy the breakfast and board the train from Peradeniya railway station to Nanuoya, nearby to Nuwara eliya, on a scenic three and a half-hour train journey (dependent on the local railway regulations) through Sri Lanka’s beautiful highlands. The drive is scenic, nature rich, with mountains covered with tea bushes. Your driver guide will meet you at Nanuoya and bring you to the hotel for the night’s stay.

Day 10 : Tea Experience / Ella

Ella

Enjoy your breakfast and make a visit to a tea factory to learn how the region’s most fragrant brews are produced. The Tea experience starts with a guided tour of a local tea factory, where you’ll be shown how the top best leaves are picked and processed. Taste a cup of freshly brewed pure Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Tea. You can also buy fresh tea from the factory outlet. Explore the city center to see the colonial buildings, Race Course, Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and Sita Amman Kovil. Leave for Ella a nature rich village. Ella is a beautiful small town in the hill country. It is a great base for tourists who want to explore the surrounding hills and enjoy the breathtaking views of Badulla's green valleys. Look out through Ella Gap, a deep valley connecting the city of Ella with the low country. See the beauty of the broadest Rawana Ella water fall. Check in at your hotel for the night’s stay.

Day 11 : Discover nature rich Ella

Ella

Day 12 : Afternoon Game Drive in Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawa

Take the morning at ease enjoying the breakfast and a taking a walk in Ella. Head south to Embilipitiya, our base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. We will take the afternoon game drive. This national park is probably one of the best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Elephants. It is thought that there are around 400 elephants here. The Park is also home to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and varies types of deer. The Park, which centers on the Udawalawe Reservoir, is lightly vegetated, but it has a stark beauty. The lack of dense vegetation makes your game watching easy. Visit the Elephant Transit Home located near Udawalawe National Park, where abandoned baby elephants are cared for before they are released into the park.

Day 13 : Galle Fort – Beach (south coast) – Your choice from Mirissa / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa / Benthota

Bentota Hikkuduwa Mirissa Unawatuna

Wildlife lovers can make an optional game drive early in the morning. Enjoy the breakfast at leisure and drive to Galle. A stop at Kataragama Hindu Temple where both Buddhist and Hindu devotees worship is suggested. Explore the Southern capital city of Galle, Sri Lanka's finest colonial treasure, and once the greatest port in Ceylon. Galle Dutch Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, It mixes the exotic with the colonial. The architectural legacies of Portuguese and Dutch settlers alongside more traditional Sri Lankan styles are visible. Visit the Galle Fort, the Light House, the Maritime Museum, the ancient Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions and many other fascinating sights. Later after wandering the narrow streets in the Fort, dotted with Dutch colonial villas, museums, restaurants, pubs and antique shops, leave for your beach hotel in the south / west coast. Sri Lanka’s serene south / west coast is a non-stop parade of beautiful, wave-lashed beaches, backed by stands of gently inclined coconut palms and pretty, low-rise fishing villages and resorts. Stop at a turtle Hatchery and release a few baby Turtles to the sea.

Day 14 : Beach (south coast)

Bentota Hikkuduwa Mirissa Unawatuna

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the days relaxing by the Indian Ocean. Short excursions to neighborhood interests can be arranged.

Day 15 : Transfer to Airport for onward flight

Enjoy your breakfast and later make the transfer to the airport for your onward flight

Day 01 : Arrival - Relax

Silver Packages

Three Star Hotels

Dambulla

Pelwehera Village Resort

Anuradhapura

Miridiya Lake Resort

Four Star

Dambulla

Occidental Paradise

Anuradhapura

Rajarata Hotel