Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

Nature

Tailor-made

For those who have the time, Sri Lanka offers a wealth of treasures. These three weeks will allow you to discover all the facets of this rich and authentic destination and to get off the beaten track. The programme includes safaris in national parks, trekking with overnight stays in tents in remote villages and through tea plantations, a cultural triangle with UNESCO sites, accommodation in a temple and meditation, homestays, farms and eco resorts, and of course the seaside for relaxation. This tour is presented here for the winter period but can also be done in summer with small adjustments.

From

3150€

Length of stay

23 days / 20 nights

Minimum number of participants

Privatized trip from 2 persons
Customisable programme

Highlights

A perfect mix of culture, nature, hiking, meditation and relaxation: a whole programme
Professionalism of the driver-guides who will provide that little extra something that will make all the difference
A variety of accommodation to soak up the Sri Lankan welcome (eco lodge, farm, monastery, homestay, tree house but also 4* hotel by the sea)

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Day 1

France , Departure from France

France

France

Departure from France on a regular airline. Services and overnight stay in flight.

Day 2

Colombo , Negombo

Relaxation

Relaxation

Welcome at the airport by your driver-guide (English-speaking in car; French-speaking guide optional). First stop Negombo beach. Transfer to your host in this popular beach resort. Settling in. The owner will welcome you and offer you to share her dinner. Free time in Negombo. Overnight stay.

Day 3

Negombo, Anuradhapura

Entry point for Buddhism

Entry point for Buddhism

Early in the morning, you could visit the fish market in Negombo. A first approach of the local population. Then, departure for the cultural triangle, crossing all types of landscapes. You start with the northernmost city and one of the most striking. This is the holy city of Anuradhapura, whose royal ruins adorn this 50km2 area. Before sunset, you can visit Mihintale, considered to be an entry point for Buddhism, and to get there you will have to climb 1800 steps. It is here that Mahinda, the disciple of Buddha, came to settle down to spread the word of his master. Settle into your guesthouse, where you will be able to assist in the preparation of dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 4

Anuradhapura , Sigiriya

Tropical forest

Tropical forest

Free day to visit the site of Anuradhapura (Buddhist temples still in activity, Sri Maha Bodhi sacred tree). If you choose to take this tour, your driver will show you the most beautiful dagobas and tell you about the prosperity of this city for more than 10 centuries. This tour can also be done by bicycle. Afterwards, head to Sigiriya, and stay in an Eco Lodge, built with traditional materials and located in the middle of the jungle. Take advantage of this wild environment to walk around and discover the fauna and flora. Overnight stay.

Day 5

Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa

Lion Rock, UNESCO

Lion Rock, UNESCO

Early in the morning, we suggest a visit to Sigiriya, and its famous "Lion Rock" which towers 200 metres above the village. Listed by UNESCO, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka. Then, you could go and discover Polonnaruwa. The visit can also be done by bike (ruins of palaces, temples, Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of 4 Buddha statues carved in granite). The archaeological museum is also worth a visit. Return to your Eco Lodge and overnight.

Day 6

Sigiriya, Dambulla , Kandy

Perched in the trees

Perched in the trees

Early in the morning, head for Kandy. You will discover the luxuriant landscapes that pass before your eyes, between rice fields, coconut groves and mountains looming on the horizon. Stop at the Dambulla market, one of the largest on the island. You can also discover the town, a UNESCO World Heritage site: Buddhist caves perched on the top of a hill. Another interesting stop is Matale: Matale, to visit a spice garden. Continue to Kandy, close to the Knuckles Range, in another Eco Lodge in the middle of nature. Settle into your tree house, dinner on your own and overnight here.

Day 7

Knuckles Range

First day of trekking

First day of trekking

Early in the morning, your trekking guide will pick you up by jeep and drive you to the Knuckles range, a protected natural area. Transfer to Meemure, the starting point of the trek. You slowly climb to the first plateau. Picnic break at the foot of the mountains called Knuckles, because of their shape resembling a closed point. Possibility to see a beautiful waterfall on the way. Continue into the heart of the mountains to reach the base camp. Relax and have a barbecue dinner around a campfire. Overnight in tents.

Day 8

Knuckles Range, Kandy

Trek, continuation and end

Trek, continuation and end

The day's trek descends into the valley to reach the lair of the last king of Kandy (Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe). He was captured by the British in 1815. You pass through tea plantations, reforestation areas planted with exotic trees, or enjoy magnificent views of the valley. See the variety of birds that inhabit this area. Picnic lunch. Arrive in Bomure for a transfer back to your Eco Lodge in Kandy. Overnight stay.

Day 9

Kandy , Maussawa

Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Tooth

Day of discovery of Kandy. You discover the city centre on foot, starting with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist temple. The site is richly decorated and houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Then walk around the lake (about 4km). You will then discover the local market not far from the lake, very lively and sometimes crowded with hawkers but worth the diversions for the diversity of products and the atmosphere. In the afternoon, you will head to Maussawa Estate (Eco Lanka) to settle in this former tea plantation. Dinner at leisure and overnight in your cottage.

Day 10

Maussawa

Tea region

Tea region

In the heart of a luxuriant bio-diverse vegetation, you will be able to choose among many activities proposed by the owners: hiking in the 20 hectares garden of plant species, diversified in the wild (tea, coffee, spices, kitul,...), climbing on the top of the site overhanging a luxuriant frame of tropical greenery, observation of birds, insects and varieties of trees and bio-diverse plants, visit of the village of Pundaluoya. Dinner at leisure and overnight in your cottage.

Day 11

Maussawa, Nuwara Eliya

Colonial stroll

Colonial stroll

Breakfast and departure to Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka, full of charm. Stop at the viewpoint of the large Kothmale Reservoir and the Ramboda Waterfalls. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya. Stroll through the centre, Victoria Park and around Lake Gregory. Settle into your colonial bungalow in one of our selected hotels where you can warm up by the fireplace. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12

Horton Park

Horton Plains Walk

Horton Plains Walk

Your trek begins in Nuwara Eliya. At dawn, transfer by jeep to the entrance of Horton Plains National Park. From here you will trek 10km into the national park, where you can see many birds and enjoy the wilderness. A must-see is the World's End, a sheer cliff drop of over 800 metres. Then continue the hike on a track on the edge of the Hakgala National Reserve. Then it is by tuk tuk (car with a supplement) that you will join the Buddhist monastery where you will spend the night. Settle in, then at the end of the day, meditation at the temple followed by a Rice & Curry dinner at a nearby house. Overnight at the monastery.

Day 13

Horton Park

Second day of trekking in the forest

Second day of trekking in the forest

After breakfast, you walk towards the Bogoda Bridge. This walk through the rainforest will delight birdwatchers. You will cross the rice fields where you will meet the workers. You will then cross an old bridge in the forest which leads you to a river: continuation of the hike to reach a village where you will stay with a local. Dinner with the family and overnight (5 hours walk interspersed with tuk tuk rides).

Day 14

Haputale , Kuda Oya

Agricultural farm

Agricultural farm

After breakfast, you can drive to Haputale for a breathtaking view of the valley below. Or you could take a tuk tuk to Lipton's Seat and walk back down. Or you could take the train for a short one-hour ride to Ella to climb Little Adam's Peak. Depart for Kuda Oya. Stay at a farm. Bike ride around the farm's surroundings: lake, rice fields and agricultural plantations. You will cross the village to meet its inhabitants. Possibility to see many species of birds but also for the luckiest some elephants. Overnight at the farm.

Day 15

Yala Park

Yala Safari

Yala Safari

Jeep safari in Yala National Park. The popularity of Yala National Park is strongly justified by the number of species that can be seen here: more than 200 species of birds, elephants, monkeys, sloth bears, crocodiles or buffaloes, but especially leopards. Return to the farm for the night.

Day 16

Udawalawe Park

Udawalawe Safari

Udawalawe Safari

Departure to Udawalawe. In the afternoon, jeep safari in the Udawalawe National Park, remarkable for its richness of landscapes and wildlife: elephants, macaques, buffaloes, birds, are all animals that you can observe. Overnight in a camp.

Day 17

Kuda Oya , Sinharaja

The most beautiful forest

The most beautiful forest

Breakfast at the hotel. Opportunity to visit an "Elephant transit home" (exclusive to our local partner), a centre that cares for young elephants before releasing them into the wild. Then on to the Sinharaja rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its many endemic plants and animal species. This is the last piece of virgin forest on the island. Some 95% of Sri Lanka's endemic species live here (160 species recorded). You could set off on a trek to discover the flora and fauna or simply relax in these restful surroundings. Dinner on your own and overnight in a cottage in the heart of nature.

Day 18

Sinharaja

Free day in the forest

Free day in the forest

A second day on the outskirts of the Sinharaja forest reserve, where you can take part in the activities mentioned above, wander freely, meet the unusual animals or simply relax. Dinner and overnight at the cottage.

Day 19

Sinharaja, Galle

Galle Fort

Galle Fort

This day is devoted to a (free) visit to Galle, an architectural jewel on the south coast. You can take a leisurely stroll, stop off at one of the cafés or hire a bicycle for a one- or two-hour ride around the city. Overnight in one of our selected guesthouses.

Day 20

Galle, Balapitiya

Seaside

Seaside

You can leave Galle whenever you like for a seaside resort on the south coast. Very popular with tourists at this time of year, this coast has some hidden beauties, such as Balapitiya beach. Settle into your comfortable villa offering good service and direct access to the beach. Dinner on your own. Night at the hotel.

Day 21

Balapitiya

Whale watching

Whale watching

Another day free to relax in Balapitiya, between your hotel swimming pool and the beach. You can also plan a boat trip on the Madu Ganga river. Other water-based activities will be available from your hotel. Alternatively, you can ask your driver to take you out to meet the fishermen. In winter, whale and dolphin watching is also possible from various seaside resorts (Mirissa, boat trip optional). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 22

Balapitiya , Colombo

Take-off for France

Take-off for France

Transfer to the airport. Services and overnight on board (optional day-use room available until departure).

Day 23

France

Arrival in France

Arrival in France

Arrival in your city.

Price per person from €3,150 including VAT

- Based on 2 participants

This price includes :

  • Transport including VAT from Paris (from other cities, please contact us).
  • Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide (French-speaking guide optional).
  • Accommodation in double rooms (dormitory in the monastery).
  • Breakfasts in hotels and meals as per programme.
  • A 2-day trek in the Knuckles Range accompanied by a guide, with full board and overnight accommodation in tents.
  • A 2-day trek through the tea plantations accompanied by a guide, with full board and overnight stays in temples and with local people.
  • A guided walk in Horton Plains National Park.
  • A half-day jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park.
  • A one-day jeep safari in Yala National Park.
  • 24/7 assistance from the local English-speaking team based in Colombo.

At your expense :

  • Optional comprehensive cancellation, assistance and repatriation luggage insurance
  • Tips for local staff.
  • Drinks and all personal extras.
  • Entrance fees to sites, visits and activities not mentioned in the "Services included" section.
  • Meals not mentioned.
  • Visa fees: can be obtained online at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/.

* Price from Paris, estimated low season price, excluding school holidays. Please contact us for any other departure city.

For a group request (from 10 people) or to customize your trip, please contact us.

Comfort

The accommodation is all very comfortable (double room, private bathroom, etc.). Accommodation on the farm, in tents and on the farm is a little more rustic.

Climate and equipment

The summer tour is suitable for the period from November to April, but can be done all year round with minor adjustments. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Bring warm clothing for the mountainous region and light clothing for the rest of the trip. Beware that January can record very cold temperatures in the highlands. The cultural triangle can be visited all year round. Winter is also the high tourist season.

Health

Be in possession of a certificate of good physical health.
No vaccinations required.
Hepatitis A vaccination and anti-malaria treatment recommended.
Water: drink only bottled mineral water.
More information on the Pasteur website.

Formalities

PASSPORT & VISAS
Since 1 January 2012, travellers wishing to stay in Sri Lanka for less than 90 days, including tourists, are only allowed to enter the country if they have first obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Application for ETA authorisation is compulsory and subject to a fee. It can be applied for online at www.eta.gov.lk or at a Sri Lankan embassy if the planned stay in Sri Lanka is less than 30 days. The ETA does not constitute a right of entry: on arrival in Sri Lanka, visitors must carry a passport valid for more than 6 months, a return ticket and proof of means for the duration of their stay.
More information on the France Diplomatie website.

Our opinion

A rich and comprehensive programme for a perfect immersion experience. The hikes do not present any major difficulties, but you need to be a good walker and properly equipped for this activity. You'll spend a few nights in basic accommodation, but it's well worth it to get close to the local people and their daily lives.

The + humans trip

- The programmes can be customised to suit your interests.

- A local French-speaking team.

- Carefully selected accommodation.

- A wide range of optional activities are available (hot-air balloon flights, an exclusive visit to an elephant sanctuary, whale-watching outings, etc. ).

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  • respect for human and responsible values
  • the guarantee of a tailor-made trip
  • seamless support from our teams
  • the useful journey allowing the development
  • a safe journey
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