Live Like a Local

Commencing with a journey to a quaint hamlet in Sigiriya, you will gain an authentic experience and insights of the local lifestyle, culture and traditions in and around the Cultural Triangle of the country. Enjoy the simple splendours of Sri Lank, be it the numerous waterfalls or if you are adventurous take on a hike or even get involved in preparing a local meal.

8 Destinations
9 days Round trip
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The view of the sigiriya rock
Ancient Polonnaruwa ruins
A happy girl looking out from the train in Sri Lanka

Highlights

  • Village tour with a local lunch
  • Visit to the Chena farming fields
  • Climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock
  •  Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
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Package Code CMBLOC09
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Tour Effort Level High Level
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Comfort Level Budget
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Internet Available

Itinerary

Negombo city tour/Sigiriya village tour/Sigiriya rock fortress/Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic/Digana village walk/Preparation of a traditional meal/Feeding poultry and cattle/Incense making/Catamaran ride with fisherman/Royal Botanical Gardens/Scenic train journey/Mini Adam's peak/Ella waterfalls/treks/Kitulgala rafting and canoeing/Explore Colombo city and shopping/Beach stay(optional)

Summary

Day 1:  Airport – Negombo
Day 2:  Negombo – Sigiriya
Day 3:  Sigiriya – Kandy – Digana
Day 4:  Digana
Day 5:  Digana – Ella
Day 6:  Ella – Mini Adam’s Peak – Ella
Day 7:  Ella – Kitulgala – Colombo
Day 8:  Colombo
Day 9:  Colombo – Airport

Day1

Airport – Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be welcomed by our representative and then proceed for your stay at the coastal region of Negombo.
Explore Negombo in the evening at leisure and walk along the rustic beaches to have dinner under the stars on the beach. (payable directly)
Overnight at Paradise Beach in Negombo.

Day2

Negombo - Sigiriya

After breakfast at Hotel transfer to Sigiriya.
En-route, take a village tour in Sigiriya where you can have a Sri Lankan village lunch (payable directly).
It is among the best experiences to be enjoyed during your visit to Sri Lanka as it entails a journey within a quaint hamlet where the visitors can bask in the leafy beauty of the surroundings and experience the locals’ simple ways of life.
The journey moves into a lake where the visitors are taken on a catamaran ride with a gorgeous backdrop that includes the Sigiriya Rock Fortress standing majestically in the horizon.
Thereafter, the guests are taken to a Chena cultivation, where the local ways of farm-life can be observed up-close. The experience also includes a delicious Sri Lankan meal offered in a mud-thatched hut in the middle of the Chena.
Once you arrive in Sigiriya, climb to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a kingdom city built in the 5th Century. The amazing view of the cultural triangle can be seen from the top. (payable directly)
If you wish to stay in a rustic village house and or even spend the night on a tree house this is the place to do so.
Overnight at the Back of Beyond Retreat.

Day3

Sigiriya – Kandy - Digana

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and transfer to Digana to Live Like a Local.
Break journey in Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. (payable directly)
The present temple was constructed mainly by Kandyan kings from 1687 to 1707. The temple embellishments of wooden and ivory carvings and elaborate frescoes bear the strong marks of the Kandyan Artist-styles. The Tooth Relic is placed within seven golden caskets and the pilgrims are only permitted to view the casket a few feet away from the altar.
Arrive in Digana and check into Tamarind Gardens.
In the evening you will be taken on a village tour where you will witness the distinctive beauty of the rural villages. (payable directly)
Return to Tamarind Gardens and participate in the preparation of the evening meal. Enjoy a demonstration on how to bake ‘Village Style’ bread or make traditional Sri Lankan sweets. (payable directly)
Overnight at Tamarind Gardens.

Day4

Digana

Early risers can join Ayesha and Nalin at 6.00 AM to feed the poultry and cows. There is a domestic farm and the cows are almost part of the family so breakfast is quite a celebration for all!
Visit the home of the lady who runs the Incense making cottage industry for a ‘hands on’ experience of incense making. (payable directly)
Return to Tamarind Gardens and enjoy a cup of tea and the stunning view of the Victoria reservoir.
After lunch you may take a Catamaran ride with a fisherman. (payable directly)
Enjoy an evening at leisure or if you wish to help the villagers out look at how you can best help them with the issues they face with the water resource.
Overnight at Tamarind Gardens.

Day5

Digana – Ella

After breakfast set off on a journey to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens which was once used as a hospital during the World War II as well as the Royal Pleasure Gardens of the Last Kingdom of Ceylon. (payable directly)
Its best known attraction – the Orchid House is home to some 300 varieties of orchids, the extensive well-kept lawns, the avenue of Royal Palms, fernery, banks of giant Burmese bamboo and the myriad of colour that pops off the varied blossoms including cannas, hibiscus, chrysanthemums, crotons and bougainvillea are among the details that add to the splendour of the gardens, further uplifted by the Mahaweli river that flows through its fringes.
After the brief visit you can catch a local commuter train (payable directly) which will take you through some of the most picturesque train rides in the island. You have the option of travelling in the comfort of a Comfortable A/C compartment or to Travel like a Local with the wind in your face looking out your window at the amazing view which has been painted meticulously by Mother Nature. This journey will get you to Ella by sundown.
Upon arrival check in to Waterfall Home Stay where you get to live with a family in these hilly climes.
http://waterfalls-guesthouse-ella.com/

Day6

Ella Mini Adam’s Peak - Ella

This morning set off on a hike to Mini Adams Peak to witness the amazing views of the famous Ella gap and beyond.
Enjoy the simple splendours available in this area, be it the numerous waterfalls or if you are adventurous and full of energy brave a three trek to for views that are worth the effort.
An evening to recover after a very long and active day.
Overnight at Waterfalls Home Stay.

Day7

Kitulgala – Colombo

After breakfast depart to Colombo via Kitulgala.
A must do for any thrill seeker are the rapid’s and the canyon jumping in Kitulgala which will be followed by a lunch along the banks of the river. (payable directly)
Upon your arrival in Colombo after a very tiring day a goodnight’s sleep would get you ready for what we have in store for you in Colombo.
Overnight at Cinnamon Red hotel.
http://www.cinnamonhotels.com/CinnamonRedColombo.htm.

Day8

Colombo

Enjoy your breakfast and get ready to explore this vibrant city by a Tuk Tuk (Three Wheeler), which will take you to the little known sites of Colombo which are not as frequented by most. (payable directly)
Upon finishing this tour you can return to the hotel to freshen up or get dropped off at a shopping mall which you can have your lunch at(payable directly) and maybe grab a few souvenirs if you haven’t done so already.
Towards the afternoon we have organized an old open air jeep which will be either a World War II Willys or Land Rover Series I Jeep. This tour takes you through the city to all the main highlights and there after will take you to a Wetland at the outskirts of the city. If you wish or dare to drive these classics you may do so as the eagle-eyed owners watch and guide you along the way. (payable directly)
Upon returning to the hotel you can brave the streets of Colombo to try out the must-have Street food of Sri Lanka, like our infamous Kottu Rotti (which is made with a roti (flat bread) called Godhamba roti and vegetables, egg, and/or meat, and spices) (payable directly).
If these memories you’ve made have not worn you down enjoy the trendy bar at your hotel to unwind after this whirl wind of a tour of this island.
Overnight at Cinnamon Red hotel.

Day9

Colombo - Airport

Breakfast at the hotel. Then you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Optional Don’t feel like leaving this island yet?
Why not extend your stay and enjoy a couple of days by the beach to rest and recuperate at any of the following beaches that will let you relax and enjoy the rest of your Holiday in peace and Tranqulity.
– Mirissa
– Unawatuna
– Bentota
– Negombo
– Kalpitiya
– Or any other beach of your preference

Fisherman smiling on the beach

Live Like a Local

Customize this package to your personal liking

Inclusions

1. Services of a licensed an English speaking chauffeur guide.
2. Meals mentioned in the programme
3. Admission fees and activities at places mentioned in the itinerary
4. Accommodation at a deluxe property
5. Applicable government taxes

Exclusions

1. Transfer from other destinations to start the tour
2. Meals on half board basis
3. Optional tours
4. Drinks during meals
5. Admission fees or activities not mentioned in our itinerary
6. Personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, souvenirs etc., tipping at restaurants, drivers, and guide (at client’s discretion)
7. Personal travel insurance.

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