Sri Lanka: Leopard Safaris, Tea Highlands & Ancient Temples

Sri Lanka: Leopard Safaris, Tea Highlands & Ancient Temples

• Trip code: 475X008
• Dauer: 11
• Stil: The Geluxe Collection

Sri Lanka rarely does one thing at a time. In Yala, leopards move through the undergrowth as if daring you to look away, while up in Ella and Nuwara Eliya, tea terraces climb into the mist and the pace slows to a crawl. Ancient temples, sun-warmed coastal towns, and home-cooked curry round out an island that somehow fits several countries' worth of character into one.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (10 nts)

Checklist

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Highlights

Track leopards through Yala National Park's dense wilderness, Climb into Ella and Nuwara Eliya's misty tea-covered highlands, Step inside ancient temples and fortresses at UNESCO sites, Wander sun-warmed coastal towns along Sri Lanka's southern shore, Cook and share a traditional meal during a village visit

Introduction

Sri Lanka rarely does one thing at a time. In Yala, leopards move through the undergrowth as if daring you to look away, while up in Ella and Nuwara Eliya, tea terraces climb into the mist and the pace slows to a crawl. Ancient temples, sun-warmed coastal towns, and home-cooked curry round out an island that somehow fits several countries' worth of character into one

Meal Budget

Plane USD175-230 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Kandy
- Tanzvorführung in Kandy (5-8USD pro Person)

Sigiriya
- Minneriya National Park Safari

Start / Finish

Colombo nach Negombo

Transport

Private vehicle, safari vehicle, walking, cycling

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Mittagessen im Handwerksladen und Café Sthree, Kandy
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Reed Weaving Community Project, Dambulla
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Meeting & Dinner - Meet your CEO and Group, Colombo. Madu River boat safari through mangroves and village waterways in Ambalangoda. Traditional mask-making workshop and cultural visit in Ambalangoda. Authentic home-style cooking experience with a local family in Tissamaharama. Visit to the sacred Kataragama Shrine and evening devotional ceremony. Leopard safari and wildlife game drives in Yala National Park. Scenic stop at Ravana Falls and journey through Sri Lanka’s southern highlands. Walk across Nine Arch Bridge and tea country viewpoints in Ella. Trek through Horton Plains National Park to World’s End. Tea factory visit and colonial town exploration in Nuwara Eliya. Cultural exploration and Temple of the Tooth visit in Kandy. Community craft experience and village lunch in Kandy region. Village coconut experience and rural artisan visit in Naula. Climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and exploration of ancient royal ruins. Cycling through Dambulla countryside villages and farmland. Cave temple visit in Dambulla. Arrival and departure transfers. All transportation included between activities. All tips except for CEO and porterage

Meals Included

10 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Mindestalter für diese Reise sind 18 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your tour begins at the Colombo airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and CEO to learn more about the trip ahead, then enjoy a welcome dinner together

Day 2 Southern Sri Lanka

Depart Colombo and travel south to Ambalangoda, enjoying views of Sri Lanka’s scenic coastline along the way. Enjoy a boat ride through peaceful mangrove waterways, including visits to traditional coir rope-making communities. Continue to the Tukkawadu Mask Museum and Conservation Centre to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich mask-making heritage and participate in a hands-on mask painting experience. Travel to the historic city of Galle and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, with time to wander its charming streets, boutiques, and cafés at your own pace

Day 3 Journey to Yala

Travel to Tissamaharama, a gateway to Yala National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration followed by a freshly prepared lunch. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy some free time to relax before an evening visit to Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the temple during the evening pooja ceremony, offering a fascinating insight into the island’s spiritual traditions

Day 4 Your OMG Day

Today is your OMG Day! Choose how you'd like to experience Sri Lanka's remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes this morning by opting in for an early safari in Yala National Park or enjoy a guided nature walk around Debarawewa, featuring birdwatching, a village visit, and a short tuk-tuk ride through the countryside. Return to the hotel to relax and make the most of the property's facilities before heading out for an afternoon safari in Yala National Park

Day 5 Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Journey through Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country to Ella, stopping along the way to admire the cascading Ravana Falls. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, where a scenic nature walk offers spectacular views of one of the country's most photographed landmarks, surrounded by lush tea plantations and jungle-covered hills. After free time for lunch, transfer to your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace before dinner at the hotel in the evening

Day 6 Horton Plains Trek

Set out early for Horton Plains National Park and enjoy a guided trek through one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular highland landscapes. Home to dramatic escarpments, cloud forests, and sweeping grasslands, the park offers breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife

Day 7 Tea Country Journey to Kandy

Travel to Kandy, stopping en route to visit a local tea factory and learn about Sri Lanka’s famous black tea production process. On arrival in Kandy, visit the Sthree Craft Centre, a G Adventures supported project, followed by lunch and a brief panoramic drive through the city. Continue to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural and religious sites. Afterward, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure

Day 8 Naula Village & Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Depart for the Cultural Triangle, stopping in Naula Village for an immersive coconut experience with a local family, including demonstrations of traditional coir-making, toddy tapping, and coconut crafts. Continue to Sigiriya for lunch and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress before heading to Dambulla/Kandalama for hotel check-in

Day 9 Dambulla

Begin the day with a village cycling tour in Dambulla, offering an immersive look at rural life over peaceful countryside trails. Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient rock temples and impressive Buddhist murals and statues. In the afternoon, opt in for a safari at Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large elephant gatherings, followed by a guided game drive through the park

Day 10 Dambulla/Negombo

Depart for a visit to a G Adventures supported project and learn about the traditional craft of reed weaving from local artisans. Continue to Kurunegala for free time for lunch before travelling to the coastal town of Waikkal. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure. This evening, come together for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of your Sri Lankan adventure

Day 11 Departure Day

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for your onward flight, bringing your Sri Lankan journey to a close

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Sri Lanka

Please arrive in Sri Lanka by 3:00 PM for the welcome meeting and included welcome dinner

Day 2 Southern Sri Lanka

Day 3 Journey to Yala

Day 4 Your OMG Day

Day 5 Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Day 6 Horton Plains Trek

Day 7 Tea Country Journey to Kandy

Day 8 Naula Village & Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Day 9 Dambulla

Day 10 Dambulla/Negombo

Day 11 Departure Day