Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: unesco wonders & wildlife of sri lanka tour at Colombo

Discover why Sri Lanka is home to a treasure trove of spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wildlife species during this immersive, three-night overland adventure. Experience scenic and exhilarating game drives at the National Parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla, home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, mammal, reptile, and bird species. Step back in time with an ascent of Sigiriya Rock and visit to Lion Rock, with its imposing, 1,600-year-old frescoes. Explore the captivating ancient city of Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. At ancient Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, tour the Monkey Kingdom, Royal Palace and Citadel, Gal Viharaya, with its Buddha statues carved from rock, Buddhist temples, stupas, and more. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla, a Buddhist cave shrine temple complex with five shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha, statuary, rock-cut carvings, and beautiful murals. A Sri Lankan cooking demonstration, sumptuous local cuisineround out this unrivalled journey to the 'Teardrop of India' in grand style.

FULL DESCRIPTION

(03MIDCMB-E) UNESCO and Wildlife Marvels of Sri Lanka

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights

Departs from: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Re-join ship: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Sri Lanka. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising. Please ensure to secure a Sri Lanka Tourist Visa, not a Transit Visa, at www.eta.gov.lk .

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee; however, Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

Discover why Sri Lanka is home to a treasure trove of spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites and wildlife species during this immersive, three-night overland adventure.

DAY ONE - Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Colombo/Sigiriya/Kaudulla/Sigiriya

Disembark the ship, meet your guide, and depart for the scenic drive to Sigiriya

After disembarking the ship in Colombo, the capital city and major port of Sri Lanka, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately four-hour drive to Sigiriya.

Transfer to the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel for check-in and lunch

Upon arrival at Sigiriya, proceed for check-in and lunch at the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel. A uniquely beautiful and delicate blend of luxury and nature, this tranquil haven is surrounded by lakes and water streams, and boasts a modern-day, water-harvesting design revisiting the 2,000-year-old Water Garden on the neighbouring Sigiriya Rock.

After lunch, meet your guide and transfer to Kaudulla National Park

After lunch, an hour's transfer takes you to Kaudulla National Park. Designated a National Park in April 2002, Kaudulla became the 15th protected area in Sri Lanka. The park was historically one of the 16 irrigation tanks built by King Mahasen. Following a period of abandonment and subsequent reconstruction in 1959, Kaudulla is now home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 24 mammal species, 26 fish species, 25 reptile species, and over 160 bird species.

Take a scenic and exciting game drive through Kaudulla National Park

Upon arrival, leave your coach and transfer to a 4X4 Jeep safari vehicle. After receiving your tour and safety instructions, begin your guided game drive through Kaudulla National Park. Elephants, Sri Lankan sambar deer, axis deer, chevrotain, wild boars, leopards, and sloth bears are amongst the many mammals you may spot. Avifauna, such as spot-billed pelican and lesser adjutant, visit the water tank in the park. Freshwater turtles, Indian flap-shelled turtles, and Indian black turtles are the noteworthy reptiles found here. Following your game drive, re-board your coach for the approximately one-hour transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Superior Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool at the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel - Sigiriya

DAY TWO - Sunday, February 18, 2024 - Sigiriya/Minneriya/Sigiriya

After an early breakfast at the resort, meet your guide and depart for Sigiriya

After an English or Sri Lankan breakfast of your choice at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Sigiriya.

Climb Sigiriya Rock and visit the ancient city of Sigiriya, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Upon arrival, your approximately 1.5-hour, guided ascent of Sigiriya Rock en route to the captivating ancient city of Sigiriya, one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka and perhaps its most popular tourist destination. With over 1,200 steps, this site is for active guests only. Trekking to this 5th-century rock fortress is an incredibly rewarding experience for history and culture buffs. A site of great historical and archaeological importance, the ancient city of Sigiriya is amongst the first examples of urban planning in the world, and features a web of gardens, tanks, and structures.

Marvel at Lion Rock and its beautiful and intricate, 1,600-year-old frescoes

The main attraction to be seen during your visit is an unusual rock formation named 'Lion Rock', which rises approximately 656 feet (200 metres) from the scrub jungle. Worthy of special mention are the exquisite, 1,600-year-old frescoes housed within Lion Rock. Whilst their origins are long obscured by passage of time, the painted 'Damsels of Sigiriya' continue to dazzle visitors with their beauty and intricate detailing.

Enjoy lunch and some free time at leisure at the hotel

Following your visit to the ancient city of Sigiriya, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and some free time at leisure.

This afternoon, meet your guide and drive to the expansive Minneriya National Park

This afternoon, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to see the wild side of Sri Lanka at the expansive Minneriya National Park, which spans over 21,965 acres (about 8,889 hectares).

Take panoramic game drive through Minneriya National Park in search of abundant flora and fauna

Upon arrival, leave your coach and board a 4X4 Jeep safari vehicle. After receiving your safety and tour information, begin your guided, approximately 3.75-hour game drive through Minneriya National Park. Dry zone plant and animal species are common, and elephants abound. Unlike in other national parks, elephants can be spotted here at very close range. Approximately 160 bird species, nine amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. There are also rare bamboo trees endemic to this park. At the conclusion of your game drive, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the hotel.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Superior Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool at the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel - Sigiriya

DAY THREE - Monday, February 19, 2024 - Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa/Sigiriya

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, an UNESCO World Heritage Site eulogised by Disney's Monkey Kingdom movie. Upon arrival, begin your guided visit with a look at the Monkey Kingdom, a vast monkey population living amongst the ruins. Species found here include the purple-faced leaf monkey, torque macaque, and grey langur, amongst others.

Discover the Royal Palace ruins and Gal Viharaya, with its Buddha statuary carved from rock

Next, discover why Polonnaruwa, the second capital city of Sri Lanka built during the 11th century A.D. and 12th century A.D., is one of the best planned archaeological relic locations in the country. During a guided walking tour, view the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya, where a group of splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures are carved out of a rock.

Visit the Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel, a striking irrigation lake, and temple and stupa ruins

Afterward, visit the Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel, and striking Parakrama Samudraya. an irrigation lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great. In addition, view the remains of some famous places of worship, including a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Buddhist temple, stupa, and the former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Apart from its cultural heritage, the city is rich in natural beauty, too.

Enjoy lunch at the EKHO Lake House, then transfer back to the hotel

Following your tour, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at the EKHO Lake House, a local hotel. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the Winter Garden Sigiriya Hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Experience an open-air cooking demonstration

This evening, experience an open-air cooking demonstration of some of Sri Lanka's favourite dishes has been arranged. Along the way, garner a first-hand insight into the nation's uniquely rich and satisfying flavours.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Superior Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool at the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel - Sigiriya

DAY FOUR - Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Sigiriya/ Dambulla/Trincomalee

After breakfast at the hotel, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Dambulla. Upon arrival, ascend 400 steps to the entrance, then begin a guided walking tour of this acclaimed, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore this Buddhist cave shrine temple complex, and its five shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha

With its compelling and inspirational tranquillity, the Buddhist cave shrine temple complex of Dambulla has touched the spirit of millions of visitors who have passed through its sacred spaces through the centuries. A former refuge for the fugitive King Valagamba, driven from Anuradhapura, these rock shelters have been continuously inhabited over millennia. When a victorious King Valagamba returned to his kingdom, out of gratitude to the monks he had the site transformed into a temple complex with five cave shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha.  

View Buddha and Boddhisatva statuary, rock-cut carvings, and beautiful wall and ceiling murals

Over the centuries, the complex has been expanded and filled with statuary of the Buddha and Boddhisatva, rock-cut carvings of events from Buddha's life, and beautiful murals on walls and ceilings in the style of the 18th-century Painting School of Kandy. Following your guided visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

After lunch and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the drive to the port of Trincomalee

After lunch, meet your guide and depart for the approximately two-hour drive to the port of Trincomalee.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.9 miles (about 3.1 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, sandy, bumpy, dusty, slippery, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coaches and Jeeps, two steps at Minneriya National Park, 15 steps at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, 400 steps at the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, and 1,200 steps at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress; lifts are available at the hotels only. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck/back problems, guests with heart/respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sneakers, and bring sun protection, sunglasses with a strap, insect repellent, a light, weatherproof jacket, raingear, umbrella, small backpack for land visits (for cameras, bottled water, etc.), camera, plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry, medications, binoculars, and US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, local currency, or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should not wear anything remotely revealing (mini-skirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Hats and shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; bring an extra pair of thick socks for comfort, as the pavement may be very hot. Female guests must cover their heads and shoulders to enter religious sites; please bring a scarf from the ship. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Serving alcohol is prohibited in Sri Lanka on full moon days and certain religious holidays; alcohol will not be served on excursions on those days.

Each 4X4 Jeep utilised on the game drives is basic, open-air, opens from the sides, and seats five-six guests. The Jeeps are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. Guests must remain inside the Jeep at all times during the game drives. Due to very few trackers being available at the National Parks, they will be subject to availability. Rangers are locals who speak very basic English and won't be able to ride in each Jeep, but your guide provides commentary during stops. Matches, lighters, cigarettes, and flash photography are all strictly prohibited inside the park. For personal consumption, it is recommended to avoid carrying any food items with a strong smell. Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones during the game drives. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Infrastructure in Sri Lanka is basic, and local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in Sri Lanka is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Vehicles, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guides in Sri Lanka have a strong accent. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Guests should not pose beside/in front of statues of Buddha. Photography of Government or Military installations is prohibited. Flash photography is prohibited inside the temples and caves. As in any large city, please take precautions to protect your belongings. Leave all valuables on board. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

·Three-night stay in a Superior Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool at the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel - Sigiriya

·Three breakfasts, four lunches (including lunch at EKHO Lake House), and three dinners, with drinks included

·Game drive at Kaudulla National Park - Kaudulla  

·Climb Sigiriya Rock and visit ancient Sigiriya City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sigiriya  

·Game drive at Minneriya National Park - Minneriya

·The Monkey Kingdom and ancient Polonnaruwa City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Polonnaruwa

·Local cuisine cooking demonstration at the Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel - Sigiriya

·Tour of the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Dambulla

·All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Sri Lankan visa, any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.