SRI LANKA ELEPHANTS & TEA TOUR
A round the island trip of the “Pearl of the Ocean”, which incorporates many activities such as spice gardens and tea processing. The tour encompasses a bit of everything. You have the historical UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy; orphaned elephants bathing in a river and also on safaris to see them in their natural habitat; other natural visits of botanic gardens and parks to see herbs and spices; a famous train trip with views of tea plantations; and don’t forget partying in party town Negombo. One thing that will memorize you is the absolute warmth of the Sri Lankan people. True, they live more for today than tomorrow, but they smile and their smiles warms up anybody’s heart. Lap up the luxury, enjoy the adventure and meet new friends.
December 22, 2023 – January 3, 2024
US$1,495 per person
Register Your Interest in the Sri Lanka Elephants & Tea Tour
Use the Booking Form as an Inquiry Form. Simply register your interest. Click on the Book Now and enter your details, without any commitment on your part.
QUICK FACTS
- Who’s it for?: Gay men only
- Duration: 12 Nights/13 Days
- Arrival: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Departure: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Group size: minimum 4; maximum 12
- Accommodation: 4+/- star hotels
- Activities: UNESCO Heritage sites, elephant orphanage, tea factory, safaris, train trip, beach, party town
HIGHLIGHTS
- Party Town: enjoying Negombo nightlife accompanied by Chaminda
- Sigiriya Rock: info & climbing this former rock palace, or nearby hill with impressive Sigiriya Rock views
- Kandy: Temple of the Tooth
- Train trip: riding on the famous train to Ella amongst tea plantations
- Tea factory: see the process of making tea
- Yala Safari: spot the leopards and elephants of Sri Lanka
- Galle fort: oldest remaining Dutch fort in South East Asia
DATES & PRICES – SRI LANKA ELEPHANTS & TEA TOUR
Duration: December 22, 2023 – January 3, 2024
Price: US$1,495 per person
No Single Traveler Supplement
Deposit (non refundable): US$750 per person by Paypal (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX)
2nd Payment: 50% due before 60 days of the tour start date
Balance: balance due before 30 days of the tour start date
Discount: 5% off any payments made by US bank transfer paid before the due payment date
Cancellation: No payments are refundable but amounts received are transferable as a credit against any other tour within 365 days of the original tour start date less payments non recoverable (eg. hotel bookings), all subject to the discretion and approval of Holiday Houseboy Tours.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
- Day 1 – Arrive COLOMBO, airport transfer to NEGOMBO
- Day 2 – SIGIRIYA
- Day 3 – SIGIRIYA
- Day 4 – KANDY
- Day 5 – KANDY
- Day 6 – NUWARA ELIYA
- Day 7 – train to ELLA, ELLA
- Day 8 – ELLA
- Day 9 – YALA
- Day 10 – MIRISSA/WELIGAMA
- Day 11 – WELIGAMA
- Day 12 – GALLE/NEGOMBO
- Day 13 – NEGOMBO, depart COLOMBO
ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA ELEPHANTS & TEA TOUR
12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYS
Day 1
Arrival
- warm welcome at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
- transfer to your hotel in Negombo
- “Meet and Greet” session at 8 pm in the hotel reception
- rest or party (Negombo is known as party town)
Day 2 and 3
SIGIRYA
- private travel to Sigiriya for 2 nights stay
- pineapple plantation
- Pinnawela elephant orphanage
- Dambulla cave temple
- village tour
- Dambulla vegetable market
- Polonnaruwa old city
- Sigiriya or Pindurangala rock climbing (suitable for the average person in good health)
- Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (3 pm to 5.45 pm)
- aryuvedic massage (6 pm to 7 pm)
Day 4 and 5
KANDY
- private travel to Kandy for 2 nights stay
- Mathale spice and herbal garden
- Mathale hindu temple
- Kandy cultural dance show (5.30pm to 6.30pm)
- Kandy tooth temple
- Kandy lake and city shopping
Day 6
NUWARA ELIYA
- botanical gardens
- Ambuluwawa temple by tuktuk
- waterfalls Ramboda
- tea plantation & factory visit
Day 7 and 8
NUWARA ELIYA morning then to ELLA
- Nuwara Eliya city walking
- Victoria Park
- Gregory Lake View
- train trip at 12.45 pm from Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, arriving 3.30 pm
- Little Adam’s Peak hiking
- Lipton seat walking tea estate
- Nine arch bridge views train crossings
- Staying 2 nights in Ella
Day 9
YALA
- travel to Yala
- Yala safari at 2 pm until 6 pm
- staying overnight in Yala
Day 10 and 11
MIRISSA/WELIGAMA
- travel to Weligama via Mirissa
- Mirissa palm hill
- fishermen on poles
- staying 2 nights in Weligama
Day 12
GALLE/NEGOMBO
- Dalawella beach swing
- Galle Dutch fortress
- evening travel to Negombo
- staying overnight in Negombo
Day 13
NEGOMBO
Departure
- farewell at your hotel
- airport transfer
INCLUDES
- warm welcome at the airport on arrival
- air-conditioned transport within Sri Lanka
- English speaking tour guide 24/7
- hotel accommodation (4+/- star)
- all breakfasts
- airport transfers from/to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
- activities mentioned as per the itinerary
- all entrance tickets
- jeep wild life safari
- fuel & car parking fees
- driver’s meals and driver accommodation
- all government taxes
- unlimited km according to plan
EXCLUDES
- lunch and dinner
- personal expenses and shopping
- International flights to and from Colombo
- Sri Lankan Tourist Visa (you can order online via ivisa.com )
Note: Americans need a tourist visa to visit Sri Lanka - Travel Insurance (compulsory)
CANCELLATION POLICY
All funds paid are non refundable. Any costs that can be recuperated for you will go as a credit towards any of our other tours to be used within 12 months of the original start date of this tour, and such a credit is only given at our discretion. Hence the importance of ensuring that your travel insurance covers CFR (cancellation for any reason).
Please note the tour may be subject to change at the discretion of the tour guide.
Notes on Travel Insurance
You should purchase travel insurance that includes medical coverage of US$50,000 and emergency repatriation coverage of minimum US$200,000. Please note it is also recommended to cover isolation costs if testing positive for covid-19, and trip cancellation for any reason (CFAR). You will probably need to purchase this within 24 hours of paying your deposit. Please make sure that you contact your insurance provider directly to understand any impacts of covid. Any government related travel advisories may also impact your coverage. We cannot recommend or endorse any travel insurance company and the choice of your insurance provider is your own personal choice.
Please note the tour may be subject to change at our discretion.
YOUR GUIDES FOR
THE SRI LANKA ELEPHANTS & TEA TOURDANUSHKA
Danushka is one of 4 brothers who have a 15 year old Sri Lankan tour business. Well appreciated by their guests, and with an excellent safety record, Danushka or one of his brothers will be able to show you around Sri Lanka like no other.
Testimonials:-
It was my second time visiting this beautiful country and my second time using this tour company, who are truly incredible. Both times we’ve had an unforgettable experience. The tour guide has great knowledge of his country, he knows the best spots and even the hidden gems. He is kind, always on time and will go above and beyond to make sure you have the most incredible time. He has become a good friend who we keep in touch with and we can’t wait to visit Sri Lanka again. It is our favourite country!
Highly recommend travelling with this tour company. The tour guide was with us for 6 days and went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable all the time. Not only was he our driver, photographer and friend but he made our trip super easy by organising our daily activities ensuring we got the full Sri Lankan experience. For someone to be so dedicated to us despite the current situation in SL was truly amazing. In fact, if anyone is unsure about travelling to SL please support the country by going as you won’t be disappointed! Above all rest assured your happiness is their happiness. Thank you so much for all the fun times.
I recommend traveling with them. It was the best part of our trip in Sri Lanka. The tour guide was not only our driver, but also a great guide and friend. He proposed to modify our plan and we saw more places! He guided us to some local food places where we tried Sri Lankan meals. He pointed which food is spicy and which are not, so do not worry about that. He also helped us with a lot of stuff. If you looking for great, safe driver is the best choice! Highly recommended!
CHAMINDA
Chaminda is your party guy for Negombo. He will accompany to the bars, hopefully to ensure you have a great time, and assist you back to your hotel. All to ensure your safety whilst you have some night life fun.
Testimonials:-
Chaminda has a kind quiet nature. Nothing is too much for him. He relates well with tourists, and wants to ensure that you enjoy yourself. Much appreciated by our guests, you are in safe hands – Alan, Founder of Holiday Houseboys
LGBT RIGHTS in SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is well behind India when it comes to LGBT rights. In Sri Lanka, from the statutes of Colonial times, it is illegal to practice any homosexual act. That is right, blame the British! As such basically avoid any form of physical display of affection in public. A deeply Buddhist country, the majority hold Buddhist beliefs and it is best not to offend. What can be said is things are changing. There is for example a Gay Group in Colombo, but the legal system of Sri Lanka is way behind.
Click here for more info on LGBT rights in Sri Lanka.
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