How to Plan Your Sri Lanka Classic Tour: 8-Days with a Private Driver, Vehicle, and H/B Accommodations
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, one of the best ways to see the country is on an organized tour. Luckily, Viator offers a private 8-day tour of Sri Lanka that will take care of everything from transportation to accommodations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your Sri Lanka classic tour so you can enjoy a hassle-free adventure.
Overview of the Tour
This private 8-night tour of Sri Lanka features many of the country’s top attractions, allowing you to check off the highlights from ancient ruins to vibrant cities. You’ll travel by private car or minivan with a driver-guide and with half-board accommodations and many admission tickets included. This means you can concentrate on what you see undistracted by logistical worries.
Some of the highlights of the tour include:
– Kandy, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic
– Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture
– Ella, a small town in the central highlands famous for its scenic views and hiking trails
– Pinawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can see elephants up close and learn about their conservation
– Minneriya National Park, where you’ll go on a safari drive to see wild elephants in their natural habitat
– A scenic train ride through the Sri Lankan countryside
Logistics and Accommodations
One of the great things about this tour is that you don’t need to worry about logistics. You’ll be traveling by private car or minivan with a driver-guide who will take care of all the details. This means you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with public transportation.
The tour also includes half-board accommodations, so you don’t have to worry about finding meals or booking hotels. Depending on your selection of standards, you can choose from Budget/Economy, Standard, or Luxury hotel options. This provides extra flexibility, allowing you to tailor the tour to your specific needs and preferences.
What’s Included
The Sri Lanka classic tour includes the following:
– 7 nights of hotel accommodation (depending on your selection of standards)
– Half-board (breakfast and dinner) at the hotel
– Admission tickets to most attractions, including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and more
– Transportation by private air-conditioned car or minivan with a driver-guide
– Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park
– Train ride from Kandy to Ella
– Taxes and service charges
Please note that lunch, coffee/tea, and alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price.
Booking Your Tour
If you’re interested in booking the Sri Lanka classic tour, you can do so through Viator’s website. The tour is currently priced at $857 per person, but prices may vary depending on your selection of hotel standards.
To book the tour, simply visit the tour’s webpage on Viator’s website (https://viator.com/tours/Colombo/8-Day-Sri-Lanka-Classic-Tour/d4619-91905P15) and select your preferred travel dates and hotel standards. You can then pay for the tour online using a credit card or PayPal. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a voucher that you can present to your driver-guide at the beginning of the tour.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka can be overwhelming, but with Viator’s Sri Lanka classic tour, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer. With a private driver, vehicle, and half-board accommodations included, you won’t have to worry about the logistics and can enjoy a hassle-free adventure. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka.
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gems
Sri Lanka is a country of many surprises, and its city life provides a plethora of hidden gems for tourists to explore. To make the most of your trip, look beyond the usual tourist spots and seek out experiences that are unique to the city. Here are some insider tips that will make your trip truly unforgettable.
Local Attractions: Beyond the Beaten Path
While Sri Lanka has many popular attractions, including temples, markets, and stunning beaches, there are also hidden gems that are worth exploring. For example,
– The Jaffna fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, is a lesser-known and stunningly preserved architectural masterpiece.
– The Colombo Museum, which houses ancient artifacts dating back to the country’s colonial era, is a lesser-known but fascinating stop for history buffs.
– If you’re a nature lover, pack a picnic and head to the picturesque Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. They house over 4000 species of plants and are a relaxing respite from the city’s hustle-bustle.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink
Sri Lanka’s cuisine is a fusion of spices, flavors, and cultural influences. For a true gastronomic adventure and to truly experience Sri Lankan culture, ditch the well-known chain restaurants and eat like a local.
– Try out kottu roti, a popular street food that is made by frying chopped roti bread with vegetables and meat.
– Head over to the iconic Galle Face Green in Colombo and sample some delicious seafood, prepared in traditional Sri Lankan style.
– For a twist on traditional cuisine, visit Poonie’s Kitchen. A quaint, family-owned restaurant in Galle, that offers nutritious organic options for vegans and non-vegans.
Experiencing Culture
Sri Lanka’s traditions and customs are an essential and vibrant part of their identity and history. For cultural experiences beyond the usual tourist spots, consider:
– Attending the Kandy Esala Perahera, Sri Lanka’s most famous and colorful festival.
– Visiting an art gallery to witness the artistic brilliance of mural art, and Kandyan dancing and music.
– Going to the Parampara Museum, where visitors can gain insight into the island’s cultural heritage from ancient times to the present day.
Local History and Legends
Sri Lanka has a rich history spanning over 2500 years. Its intricate folklore and legends offer a compelling glimpse into its past.
– Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which served as Sri Lanka’s political and religious center for more than a millennium.
– Explore the fortified city of Galle, where you can view the iconic landmark, the Galle Lighthouse.
– Head over to the nine-arched bridge in Ella, which was built 100 years ago, and hear the stories locals love to tell about it.
Off-the-beaten-path suggestions
Finally, to enjoy unique experiences while visiting the city, consider venturing off the beaten path and exploring:
– A guided tour of cinnamon production, where you can pick cinnamon leaves, see raw cinnamon being peeled, and learn about the industry’s history.
– Watching a cricket match at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, where you’ll get to witness the locals’ favorite sport in action.
– A visit to the Randenigala Dam, where you can hike and bird-watch, and experience nature on spectacular levels.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka is replete with hidden gems that offer a deep and unforgettable cultural experience. Whether for the excellent cuisine, ancient history, or the great outdoors, Sri Lanka and its cities are a must-experience destination for travelers seeking new experiences beyond the routine tourist spots.
Table of Contents
