How to Plan Your 12 Day Grand Tour of Sri Lanka in Negombo

Sri Lanka is a country full of wonders waiting to be explored, with many exciting destinations and hidden gems. If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable tour of Sri Lanka, there’s no better way to do so than with the 12 day Grand Tour of Sri Lanka. This tour will take you on an adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks of Sri Lanka, and let you experience its vibrant culture and local life.

As you plan your trip, here are some of the details you’ll need to know about the tour:

Overview

The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka is the ultimate introduction to this island nation. This multi-day small-group tour package includes a mix of adventure, relaxation, wildlife, and cultural and historical sights. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the chance to see panoramic mountain views, rock-cut Sigiriya by catamaran, and have lunch in the home of a local farmer. You can go river rafting, elephant-spotting on a Jeep safari and attend traditional dance performances. With luxury accommodation, transportation, and select meals provided, you’ll have nothing to worry about as you enjoy all the highlights Sri Lanka has to offer.

Itinerary

The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka takes 12 days and 11 nights, with travel and sightseeing taking place from Day 1 to Day 12. Here is the day by day itinerary to help you plan your tour.

Day 1: Negombo

Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo, your guide will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Later in the day, there will be a welcome dinner for you to meet your fellow travelers and go over the itinerary.

Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya

After an early breakfast, you will head to Sigiriya by private vehicle. En route to Sigiriya, you’ll visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. After this, continue on to Sigiriya, where you will climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress for some of the best views of Sri Lanka.

Day 3: Sigiriya – Kandy

Following breakfast, you’ll head to Kandy, visiting Dambulla Cave Temple and Spice Garden on the way. Once in Kandy, you’ll enjoy a city tour in this former capital of Sri Lanka, which includes the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Day 4: Kandy – Pinnawala – Kandy

As your journey continues, you’ll head to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage once again while getting a chance to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. This time, you can accompany elephants to the river for a bath.

Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Prepare for a scenic train journey and make your way to the mountainous area of the tour. The journey meanders through hillside tea plantations, gives panoramic views of the mountains, and lets you immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Tissamaharama

You’ll continue your journey towards Tissamaharama and go on a safari in Yala National Park, where you can explore Sri Lanka’s wildlife. You might be able to spot elephants, deer, wild boars, and more.

Day 7: Tissamaharama – Mirissa

Today, you will head towards Mirissa, stopping on the way to visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for a fusion of modern and colonial architecture.

Day 8: Mirissa – Hikkaduwa

Enjoy a catamaran ride through the Indian Ocean today. You will see Dondra Head Lighthouse, Weligama Bay, and more. After lunch will be a visit to Koggala turtle hatchery.

Day 9: Hikkaduwa – Colombo

Proceed towards Colombo visiting the historical city of Galle Fort, the city of Colombo, and various other landmarks.

Day 10: Colombo

Today you will explore and tour the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, visiting landmark destinations such as Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and Colombo Fort.

Day 11: Colombo – Negombo

On the last stretch of the journey, you’ll be heading back to Negombo. You’ll have plenty of free time to relax on the beach, enjoy the hotel’s facilities, and soak up Sri Lanka’s vibrant life.

Day 12: Negombo

On the final day of your tour, enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to your fellow travelers, and get taken to the airport for your departure.

What’s Included

The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka includes everything you need to enjoy your time in Sri Lanka to the fullest. Here are some of the inclusions:

• Lunches
• Airport pick-up and drop-off on the first and last day-24/7
• Cultural village tour with authentic local lunch in a farmer’s house

Please note that Any entrance/excursion fees not stated as included and late check-outs & early check-in charges are excluded.

Conclusion

The Grand Tour of Sri Lanka is the perfect way to explore this amazing country, with its diverse and stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming locals. If you join this tour, you’ll get to experience the best of Sri Lanka in just 12 days while being taken care of every step of the way. Ready to book your tour? Book the tour here and let this adventure of a lifetime begin!

Discovering Negombo: Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions About this Sri Lankan City

Negombo is a bustling city situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka, near Colombo. It is well known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and fascinating culture. If you are planning a trip to this part of the world, you might have a few questions about Negombo, its landmarks, and its culture. In this blog post, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Negombo to help you plan your trip better.

1. What is the best time to visit Negombo?

Negombo is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from December to March when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant. The months of July and August are also a good time to visit Negombo as these are the off-peak months; you can enjoy great deals and lower prices.

2. What type of clothes do I need to pack for a trip to Negombo?

Negombo has a tropical climate, so it is recommended to wear light, breathable clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Pack comfortable, casual clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock to protect yourself from the intense sun.

3. What are the popular tourist attractions in Negombo?

Negombo has several popular tourist attractions, including:

Negombo Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches in Negombo, known for its golden sand, clear water, and magnificent sunsets.

Dutch Fort

Built-in 1672 by the Dutch, this fort is a prominent landmark in Negombo. It is well preserved and is now used as a prison.

St. Mary’s Church

This is a beautiful church that showcases the religious and colonial history of Negombo. The church was built in 1874 and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.

4. How can I get around Negombo?

Negombo is well connected by public transport. Tuk-tuks, buses, and taxis are readily available. Walking is also a great way to explore the city, especially in the areas near the beach.

5. What are the popular food dishes in Negombo?

Negombo is a hub of seafood, and the city boasts several popular seafood joints. Some of the must-try seafood dishes are:

Crab curry

This is a spicy, aromatic dish made with succulent crab meat, onions, garlic, and curry leaves.

Seer fish curry

This is a coconut-based curry made with seer fish (a type of mackerel). It is seasoned with chili powder, turmeric, and cumin.

Prawn curry

This is a fiery curry made with juicy prawns, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.

6. What are some of the cultural festivals celebrated in Negombo?

Negombo is a melting pot of cultures, and the city celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals celebrated in Negombo are:

Sinhala and Tamil New year

This is one of the biggest cultural festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka. It is usually held in April and marks the beginning of the new year according to the Sinhala and Tamil calendars.

Feast of St. Sebastian

This is a major religious festival celebrated by the Catholic community in Negombo. It is held in January every year and features a grand procession, fireworks, and cultural performances.

Vesak Festival

This is an essential Buddhist festival celebrated all over Sri Lanka, and Negombo is no exception. It is usually held in May and marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Buddha.

Conclusion

Negombo is a vibrant and exciting city that has much to offer visitors. From historical landmarks to pristine beaches and mouth-watering seafood, there’s never a dull moment in Negombo. We hope this FAQ guide helped answer some of your questions about this fascinating city and inspires you to plan your next vacation to Sri Lanka.