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Negombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Tea Region, Galle, Colombo, and more!
Consider our
India Holi Festival post-tour,
March 12 - 25, 2019!
From the moment you step foot in Sri Lanka, you will be captivated... by its beauty, its history, its cuisine, and certainly its people.
Those with an interest in Buddhism will not only learn but will be inspired. Architecture buffs will be mesmerized by its ancient ruins as well as its modern, stylish buildings, especially our hotels.
Foodies will go crazy over pol sambol and other traditional favorites.
Finally, those who desire a relaxing, pampering vacation, filled with exploration and intrigue, will love having Zoom at the helm, handling all the details so that all guests have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
With optional add-on tour the Maldives.
• Accommodations at the finest 5 star and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka
• Services of a Zoom Concierge throughout your trip.
• Services of an accompanying English speaking local Sri Lankan tour guide for the entire duration of the itinerary
• Private arrival and departure airport transfers
• Buffet breakfast daily and lunch almost daily
• Welcome Beach Dinner
• Visit the spiritual city of Anuradhapura
• Visit Polonnaruwa
• Excursion to Hiriwadunna and experience the local life
• Visit of Historical Temple of Tooth Relic
• Visit the Luxurious Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
• Explore the Tea Plantations / Tea Experience
• Beach stay at Galle Fort Hotel
• Colombo City tour
• Elephant Safari
• Tour the incredible rock fortress of Sigiriya
• Farewell cocktails and evening event in Colombo
• Professionally Guided shopping excursions. Find incredible carvings, beautiful textiles, the best tea in the world, and more
• Much, much more! Contact us for more information
• Consider our add-on to the Maldives!
Day 1 - Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka / Negombo
 ARRIVAL IN SRI LANKA AND TRANSFER TO NEGOMBO (Drive time - Colombo - Negombo - 50 Mins)
Upon arrival and following the airport reception, direct transfer to Negombo. Located within a fairly close range to Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo is a small fishing village transformed to a state-of-the-art beach town and was also the cinnamon hub during the Dutch Colonization.
With quite an attractive beach and a pictorial lagoon watch how Negombo dishes out some of the luscious seafood found around the country. You can even grab your kite board for an enthralling cruise over crashing waves. Traverse along the paths to experience the settings of a georgic fishing village and livelihood, followed by a heritage walk along the busy streets explaining the Dutch and Portuguese architecture.
Enjoy a tasteful welcome beach dinner. Savor the Sri Lankan flavors while enjoying a soothing evening in the beach.
Accommodations: Heritance Negombo Hotel, Negombo, 5*
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Negombo / Anuradhapura
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
After Breakfast transfer to Anuradhapura. (Drive time - Negombo - Anuradhapura - 3 Hrs 45 Mins)
Commanding a rich Sri Lankan heritage, Anuradhapura – one of the greatest and oldest civilization in the world starring 113 kings and spanning over 1300 years in its peak, vows of being the greatest city of ancient Sri Lanka following its reign as the first capital.
The sapphire of its crown is certainly Sri Maha Bodhi, which has the oldest recorded tree in the world, the sacred BO sapling extracted from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Stroll through the sacred trails of the venerated city to adore the legacy that interweaves Ruwanweliseya, a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. The heritage, supremacy and culture arguably make Anuradhapura the strongest kingdom of Sri Lanka.
Accommodations: Ulagalla Hotel by Uga Escapes, Anuradhapura, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3 - Thursday, February 28, 2019
Visiting Ritigala / Minneriya Evening Safari
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
(Drive time - Anuradhapura - Ritigala - 1 Hr) (Ritigala - Minneriya 30 mins)
After having breakfast transfer to Ritigala : the trekking paradise where architecture and history abound. The strict natural reserve resting calmly in its grandeur is basically a forest monastery.
In the evening visit Minneriya National Park. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya is your Colosseum! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants. Minneriya is home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks & flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine.
Watch carefully as herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world - over 300 at a time - which has garnished the park to become a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.
Accommodations: Ulagalla Hotel by Uga Escapes, Anuradhapura, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 - Friday, March 1, 2019
Visiting Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
(Drive time - Ulagalla- Polonnaruwa - 1 Hr 40 Mins) (Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya - 1 Hr 15 Mins)
Channel your spirituality and inner peace with a tranquil morning yoga session in the hotel garden. Rise and shine for a spiritual awakening in a heavenly surrounding.
Arrive at Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Breathtaking journey to Sigiriya Fortress. The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art and culture. Step through the gigantic "Lion Paws" overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Walk in the shades of an eminent "Mirror Wall" embracing the western face of Sigiriya, with artistic laminated ancient graffiti, hundred of meters long.
Arrive at the Second Kingdom - Polonnaruwa
Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa. The city of Polonnaruwa remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs.
A harmonious cycle ride through the beckoning streets and scattered walls of the World Heritage site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage- which boasts of beautiful stone carvings.
Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statutes found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Gal Vihara and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist Statues.
Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - sea of Parakramabahu and masterpiece of irrigation!
Accommodations: Ulagalla Hotel by Uga Escapes, Anuradhapura, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 - Saturday, March 2, 2019
Visiting the Hiriwadunna Village Trek and Traverse Through the Trails of Matale to Reach Kandy
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
(Drive time - Kandalama- Hiriwadunna - 30 Mins) (Hiriwadunna - Matale - 1 Hr 30 Mins) (Matale - Kandy - 1 Hr 20 Mins)
Hiriwadunna Village Trek Expedition
After having breakfast, pay a visit to Hiriwadunna village track to experience a true Sri Lankan village life. Partake in a blissful visit to the village temple, accompanied by a private blessing and devotional alms-giving. Engage in an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience, followed by a traditional village customs.
Arriving at Matale - Visit a Spice plantation
Matale seldom drops off the map due to its remarkable contribution through flagship spice crops on the island.
Visit the spiritual city of Kandy
Thereafter, transfer to Kandy, last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815. Kandy is a World Heritage Site and the last royal capital of Sri Lankan Kings, crafting an array of culture, history and heritage, and attracting visitors from across the globe.
Experience an ancient Kandyan Legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across the small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Center, as well as a gem museum from tea, rubber and vegetables to spices.
Stop by a spice and Ayurvedic garden - into which you will observe the therapeutic values of spices and processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! You will likely leave, surprised by the treatments provided by Sri Lankan Ayurveda.
Time permitting, we will stroll through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandyan Market.
Accommodations: Kings Pavilion Hotel, Kandy, 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 - Sunday, March 3, 2019
Sightseeing of Peradeniya and Transfer to Hatton - Tea Trails
 Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
(Drive Time - Kandy - Peradeniya - 20 Mins) (Peradeniya 2 Hrs 10 Mins)
Take a walk in the Peradeniya Gardens
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147 acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions and an octagon conservatory. You will be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you immerse yourself in the beauty around you, and enjoy the moment.
Arriving at Hatton - Tea Trails
 Surrounded by number of waterfalls: St. Claire's Falls, Devon Falls, Laxapana Falls - Hatton gives you the vacation you were looking for. Hatton is surrounded by vast tea estates that carpet the rolling hills. To the south east stands the curious pyramidal bulk of Adam's Peak, which is a focal point for Pilgrims.
Enjoy the lush green bushels of Tea Plantations - Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cup of Tea
The tour further gives you the opportunity of experiencing the lifestyle of the plantation community.
Spend 2 days in Hatton while enjoying this cool soothing climate.
Accommodations: Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows, Hatton, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7 - Monday, March 4, 2019
Hatton - Tea Trails
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
Today we take a break from active touring to simply enjoy the beauty of the area. Day is at leisure to soak in the cool soothing climate and your stunning surroundings.
Accommodations: Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows, Hatton, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Transfer to Galle
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
Arrive at Galle
Galle city tour - Galle Fort
Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets, listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. The Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets, bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!
Accommodations: The Galle Fort Hotel, Galle, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Wednesday, March 6, 2019
At Leisure in Galle
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
Spend the day at leisure in Galle.
Accommodations: The Galle Fort Hotel, Galle, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10 - Thursday, March 7, 2019
Arrive to Colombo
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Colombo. This throbbing metropolis - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort.
Colombo City Tour
Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 and World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food, and tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah and tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City- an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes and even an F1 track. Proceed along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing the historic Independence Square.
 Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Colombo. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewellery & handicraft brands.
Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!
Evening: Enjoy our "Until Next Time" event.
Accommodations: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11 - Friday, March 8, 2019
Departure
Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel
Proceed to airport for departure.
India Holi Festival Gay Tour
March 12 - 25, 2019
Read more!
Negombo
Heritance Negombo Hotel, Negombo *****
 1 night
In the buzzing beachside of Negombo, Heritance Negombo Resort amenities of the cosiest kind are yours at our deluxe rooms with all the comforts you need. Bold colours paint bright cheer in the décor reflecting the vibrant surrounds. When the sun is high, retire to your balcony or terrace for some leisurely sunbathing or watch the waves by moonlight with a little night cap. Restful nights... sleep tight. The sun, returns to the sea – the night closes in. A gust of breeze swishes the palm fronds and shares a whiff of tempting aroma from the BBQ. Eat, sleep, wake, indulge and repeat... life on paradise.
Anuradhapura
Ulagalla Hotel by Uga Escapes, Anuradhapura *****
 3 nights
Once the ancestral estate of local Anuradhapura nobility; Ulagalla Hotel by Uga Escapes in Anuradhapura features a 150-year-old mansion at its centre, with 20 private ecologically-built villas spread across 58 acres of lush greenery. As one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with its own solar farm generating half of its own energy requirements, Ulagalla is truly a unique boutique hotel.
Recognized by many independent reviewers as one of the finest boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, Ulagalla showcases an artfully preserved, chieftain’s mansion and 20 luxurious villas built following earth-friendly principles. The lush environment, stunning landscaping, as well as the exquisite attention to the comfort of guests makes for an unforgettably luxurious experience amidst a green oasis. Ulagalla being only half an hour drive away from Anuradhapura ensures that guests enjoy a cultural and historical experience bound to create a wealth of memories to take back home.
Kandy
Kings Pavilion Hotel, Kandy ****
 1 night
Kings Pavilion Hotel Kandy is an exclusive escape that will offer you an extraordinary perspective on the majesty of the hill capital of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by misty mountains and verdant greenery our Kandy boutique hotel gives you an experience akin to royalty. Revel in the rustic luxury of airy bedrooms styled after bygone eras, enjoy the 360 degree vistas and take a dip in the secluded infinity pool at our Kandy hotel that will give you an incredible insight into the lifestyle of Kandyan kings; savour the decadence of your ultimate retreat.
Hatton
Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalows, Hatton *****
 2 nights
The world’s first tea bungalow resort, Ceylon Tea Trails is an icon for small luxury resorts. Comprising of five restored colonial era tea planter residences, the period furnishings, gracious butler service and gourmet cuisine create an ambience that has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury bungalows in Sri Lanka. Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres near Hatton in central Sri Lanka, the resort borders the World Heritage Central Highlands and offers breathtaking panoramas of mountains and lush tea fields. Each bungalow is unique and exudes its own exquisite ambiance while offering guests the non-hotel, private house ambience that is the hallmark of the award-winning, "all-inclusive" Tea Trails experience. We invite you to take a trail with us through panoramic Ceylon tea gardens or laze in one of the bungalows, watching the mist roll in with a crackling fire warding off the evening chill.
Galle
The Galle Fort Hotel, Galle *****
 2 nights
One of the grand mansions of the fort, this iconic building has been many things to many people; a former gem merchants mansion, RAF barracks, a post office, bakery, lapidary and even a pitch for the forts juvenile cricketers; the Galle Fort Hotel is quintessential Galle, a beautiful, eclectic, eccentric gem of a place in the town that exerts a magnet appeal for history and culture buffs the world over.
In the decade following its brilliant restoration, this 14 suite boutique hotel has gained an impeccable reputation for offering a singular experience; paying deep homage to Galle’s rich cultural and aesthetic values, while combining luxurious surroundings and delectable cuisine with the highest standards of service excellence.
The perfect mix of culture, class and comfort, the Galle Fort Hotel is not to be missed; not just because it’s one of the best hotels in Galle, but because it is simply one of the best holiday experiences, ever.
Colombo
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo *****
 1 night
Sri Lanka’s iconic landmark, the Galle Face Hotel, is situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green. One of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, the Galle Face Hotel embraces its rich history and legendary traditions, utilizing them to create engaging, immersive experiences that resonate with old and new generations of travelers alike. No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without staying at this majestic hotel, built in 1864 and recently restored back to its former glory.
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