MILLENNIALS IN TRAVEL INVITES YOU TO EXPERIENCE the MYSTERY OF SRI LANKA with WANDERLUXE DESTINATIONS
SEptember 7-16, 2022
Join Millennials in Travel and Wanderluxe Destinations in conjunction with Cuurate Sri Lanka on this immersive Sri Lanka adventure.
From the architecture wonders of Anuradhapura to Sigiriya, the home of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, you'll learn about the history and culture of the island. A visit to the Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a tea experience in Hatton and a game drive in Sri Lanka's most famous national park, Yala, accompanied with the vibrant city of Colombo, you'll spend 9 nights exploring the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Your trip begins at the airport in Colombo, where you’ll meet your transfer to Negombo, a modest beach town formerly controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The center of Negombo town still has European reminders and most of the places to stay are along the beachside hotel strip north of town. Check-in at your resort in Negombo and relax for the evening.
The following day you’ll drive towards the historic capital of Anuradhapura after breakfast to explore this archaeological city. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most noteworthy sights and the sprawling complex includes a rich collection of architectural wonders including ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Many of these sites are still in use today as temples and holy places with frequent ceremonies. You’ll spend 2 nights in this historic city.
After your first night in Anuradhapura, you’ll have an early breakfast and drive towards the cultural heart of Sri Lanka – Sigiriya. Rising from the central plains is the rocky outcrop of Sigiriya that is one of the most dramatic sights in the country. The summit of this rocky outcrop contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant here before heading back to Anuradhapura in the evening.
You’ll check out of your hotel in Anuradhapura and begin the drive towards the hill capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy. On the way, visit the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple. Kandy is another World Heritage site and it was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings which finally ceded to the British in 1815. Today, it’s an arts and cultural center of the country. Check in to the stunning Ceylon Tea Trails and in the evening, visit the Dalada Maligawa temple.
After your overnight stay in Kandy, you’ll have breakfast and drive towards Hatton – the tea capital of the island. Hatton is one of the busiest cities in the hill country and is a central point for most upcountry tea growing regions like Maskeliya and Bogawantalawa. Hatton sits at an elevation of 1271 meters above sea level and was founded during British colonial times in order to serve the coffee plantations. Over 48% of the town’s population works in the tea industry. The rest of this day is free for you to relax and unwind at your resort. You’ll spend 2 nights in the tea capital of Hatton.
The next day in Hatton includes a guided tour of the Tea Factory, a quintessential tea experience in Sri Lanka. As some of the methodology and machinery are over a century old, it is believed that Ceylon Tea itself is part of the world’s living heritage. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy in Hatton and take in the infinite views of the tea estates.
On day 7 of your trip, you’ll have a leisurely breakfast and then continue your journey towards the deep south of the island, Yala. This area is famous for it’s wild beauty and is also the most famous national park in Sri Lanka. The national park is comprised of scrub, light forest, grassy plains, and brackish lagoons, making it rich in wildlife. You’re likely to encounter crocodiles, monkeys, buffaloes and elephants while here. You’ll check in to your resort and spend 2 nights here. You’ll start the following day with a thrilling game drive in Yala National Park and have the rest of the day free to relax on your own.
On the last full day of your trip you’ll drive back towards the commercial capital of the island, Colombo. Visit Galle Dutch Fort en route and enjoy a city and shopping tour upon arrival in Colombo. This is a must see stop in Sri Lanka with the ongoing restoration of the landmark colonial architecture and Pettah brims with markets and commerce. The cosmopolitan side of the city has plenty of eateries, galleries, and shops to visit as well. Check in to your resort for your final night in Sri Lanka. Enjoy one last Sri Lankan breakfast at your resort before your return transfer to the airport in Colombo.
