Excursions & day trips in Negombo
Yala Safari & Galle Two-Day Tour
This two-day tour ticks off everything you've come to expect from Sri Lanka – from animal sanctuaries to ancient temples. Explore the walled city of Galle, visit a turtle hatchery and discover Yala National Park and Udawale elephant transit home. Half-board accommodation is included.
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Like four cities in one, Colombo is a grand mix of colonial architecture, verdant cricket greens and gleaming skyscrapers. Discovering all its contrasts, you'll visit the bustling shopping district of Pettah and the British monuments of the Fort area as well as Galle Face and the Cinnamon Gardens – all the must-sees of Sri Lanka's capital.
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Madu Ganga Boat Safari and Galle City Tour with Lunch
Galle, the jewel of Sri Lanka, is an intoxicating blend of cultures and architectural styles. As our guide Dinesh puts it, ‘In common with its eclectic building styles, Galle Fort is home to many nationalities and faiths. Still today there's a melting pot of cultures within the ramparts, reflecting its historic role as a place of trade and transit.' As well as exploring old Galle, you will spot wildlife on a River Madu boat ride and visit a mask museum.Our journey begins at Balapitiya with a boat ride on the River Madu to see the biodiversity of the surrounding wetlands, which are home to almost 20 species of birds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, too. With luck, you should be able to spot a range of species during a river safari that'll also take you through mangrove forests. The Madu is dotted with 64 islets, and island hopping is part of the tour. Next up it's the Ambalangoda Mask Museum, a testament to Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. ‘The museum showcases traditional masks used in rituals and dramas – each one tells a story,' says Dinesh.After the museum visit we'll head to historic Galle. It will enchant you with its layered heritage, quaint streets and hives of artistic activity. Check out the old Dutch church and the beautiful white mosque at the ramparts by the sea. Oh, and the beaches aren't bad, either. Lunch will be in Galle, and you'll be able to visit a moonstone mine in Meetiyagoda if you'd like, before a final stop at a turtle hatchery.
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It says a lot that in a country with such a rich variety of flora and fauna, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. That's because as the island's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, it is home to almost two-thirds of its endemic trees.
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Galle epitomises Sri Lanka's multicultural history more than any other city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts an exotic mix of architecture. On this small group excursion, you'll enjoy a puppet show and a walking tour of Galle Fort, followed by sunset watching.
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Wilpattu National Park Lakes and Wildlife Safari
Its name means the ‘Land of Lakes' and Wilpattu National Park really does live up to its billing. Occupying a large swathe of northwestern Sri Lanka, it is famous for its varied wildlife and more than 50 lakes. You'll hop on a 4x4 vehicle and go on safari through the park, with the chance to spot wild animals such as leopards and water buffalo.On your way Wilpattu, we stop at Puttalam lagoon – an expanse of mangrove forest, seagrass and salt marshes. Then, in the park, you'll be able to soak up the peace and tranquillity of Sri Lanka's largest national park – it's so big and densely forested that its vast wilderness has a primeval feel to it.Wilpattu is characterised by its string of ‘villus' – natural basins filled with rainwater. These sand-rimmed depressions are a magnet for thirsty wildlife and among the best places to spot sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, axis deer and, with a bit of luck, the endangered and elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Other species that call Wilpattu home include owls, eagles and painted storks.
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A train ride through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is one of the most scintillating ways to discover the country. You'll trundle through the verdant hills to discover the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, as well as a few other green delights on this full day tour.A scenic train ride through the Central Highlands sets the tone for a great day of exploration. Watch the rolling hills, tea plantations and lush wilderness pass as you make tracks towards Kandy. Once you're there, it's off to the Temple of the Tooth Relic – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's Sri Lanka's most sacred temple, and the complex also includes a royal palace.And you can also look forward to visits to a botanical garden, a tea plantation and factory in Giragama, and a spice garden in Mawanella. What's more, lunch is included.
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Kandy Day Tour with Temple of the Tooth Relic
Cultural hotspot Kandy, the last capital of a pre-colonial Sri Lankan kingdom, is a must-visit. As well as touring the city, you'll also visit a spice garden, a tea plantation and botanical gardens. Aashvi, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kandy's most famous and magnificent temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, one of the most revered artifacts in Buddhism. The temple complex is a tranquil contrast to the city itself, which is a hive of activity with tree-lined streets crammed with hawkers, tuk-tuks, and vintage buses.'It's almost non-stop action on this cultural tour. As you weave through the central highlands, you'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cuppa of Ceylon tea – in Giragama. The sight of undulating hills covered in row after row of tea plants is one of the most emblematic images of Sri Lanka. Aashvi adds, ‘Tea is the world's favourite drink if you discount water, with the highest consumption of any beverage. Good quality tea like that found in Sri Lanka contains a high level of polyphenol, which is a health-promoting antioxidant.'As part of your city tour of Kandy, you'll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to Buddha's tooth – and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which are home to more than 4,000 species of plants. To make the day extra special, a traditional lunch is included.
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Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla Two-Day Tour
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 48 hours. As calling cards go, few can beat this history-drenched two-day tour of Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla in central Sri Lanka. You'll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Rock Temple and the ‘Lion Rock'. Half-board overnight accommodation and lunches included.
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Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple Guided Tour
Admiring any UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treat. But seeing two in one day is positively spoiling yourself. This history-rich tour takes in two of Sri Lanka's standout sites – the Lion Rock of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Tharindu, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Sigiriya is a fascinating time capsule of a place. It was once home to King Kasyapa who built a royal citadel and palace complex on top of the rocky outcrop.'First up is the Lion Rock of Sigiriya – Asia's answer to Machu Picchu. Rising 200 metres above the jungle, it boasts ancient frescoes, terraced gardens and stunning views. Climb the stairs cut directly into the rock and pass through the impressive lion-shaped gateway to explore the ruins of a 5th century royal palace. Tharindu adds, 'The panoramic views from this 200-metre-high rock fortress are nothing short of spectacular, and make the walk up worthwhile.'After lunch, we'll continue to the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple. Created inside five caverns, this Buddhist cave temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a major cultural landmark in Sri Lanka. Adorned with ancient murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales, and various deities, you'll get a close-up look at the artistic traditions of ancient Sri Lanka. As well as frescoes, the caves contain more than 100 statues of Buddha including a vast 14-metre-long reclining Buddha – there is an abundance of beauty here and it makes a serene end to your trip.
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