Sightseeing & traditions in Negombo
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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Kandy, Ella, Yala Park Safari and Galle Four-day Tour
This four-day adventure is jam-packed full of not-to-be-missed places in Sri Lanka. You'll tour the cultural hub of Kandy, hike to Ella's Rock, set off on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park and see the UNESCO-listed fort in Galle. All of that, combined with a few more surprises, and you've got yourself a trip you're likely to never forget. Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Starting at the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. See the Tooth Relic temple before ending the day with a show. Day two starts with a scenic train to Ella, where you can hike to see Little Adam's Peak and Ella's Rock.Ramp up the fun with a thrilling wildlife safari in Yala National Park on day three – this huge park is home to leopards, elephants and more. Your final day will see you explore the historic city of Galle. Here, you'll visit its impressive fort, visit a turtle hatching centre and have some lunch and free time in a beach resort.
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Kandy is jam-packed with things to see and do, so look no further than this overnight stay, giving you two days to explore the cultural capital to its fullest. Not only will you get to see the city, you'll have ample chance to visit its surrounding gems, including a spice garden, botanical gardens, museums and more.Day one starts with a scenic train ride into the city, and your first stop will be at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. It's home to more than 4,000 species of plants – including orchids and spices – and a hefty collection of trees, too. Stretch your legs and try to spot the garden's cheeky residents – toque macaques, a monkey species native to Sri Lanka. After lunch, you'll visit the Gem Museum, and there's a cultural show to look forward to before the evening at your leisure.It's an early start on day two, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of Kandy and some free time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. And as we continue through the Central Highlands, we'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cup of Ceylon tea – in Giragama.
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