Sri Lanka's Secret Paradise

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 10 nights of 4-star accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner in Wilpattu

• English-speaking national tour guide
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location. (See checkout for details)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary. (See checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)
• Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today depart from Australia for Negombo (Colombo), Sri Lanka. Upon arrival be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel in the nearby beach town of Negombo.

Overnight: Amagi Aria or similar, Negombo

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Wilpattu. In the afternoon visit Wilpattu National Park for a safari.

This is the land haunted by big cats of the island paradise. Recording a vast number of Sri Lankan Leopards - smarter looking than its Indian cousin - Wilpattu National Park has been named due to 'Willus' (Natural Lakes) studded throughout the park. Apart from big cats & precious flora, the park is well known for a healthy population of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, mongoose and water buffalo. Do not be surprised if the squeal of a wild boar pierce through your ears, just observe closer and you might be presented with a fantastic hunt because it is all action that speaks at Wilpattu.

On completion return to the hotel. If you are feeling like an adventure, you may choose to take the optional excursion of “Night trekking for Loris”

Tonight you will enjoy a BBQ themed dinner, outdoors in the wilderness.

Upon completion, check in to the hotel.

Optional activity: Night trekking looking for Loris - $25 USD per person
The hotel is surrounded by a well-preserved ecosystem, making it a home for many animal species. The Red Slender Loris is an absolute highlight out of the list, as they can only be found in Sri Lanka. They are identified as a global conservation priority due to their evolutionary uniqueness and threatened status.
With their characteristic enormous eyes and long thin limbs, Loris is a small nocturnal primate that grows up to 20-22 cm and feeds on insects and berries on top of the trees. Known to be very sensitive creatures with smooth moves, spotting them requires a very quiet approach. Guided by their naturalists, you may take an adventurous night trail through the wilderness, carefully observing the tree tops. It is very important to avoid any disturbances to these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Hence, you'll take a red light-emitting headlamp. This will keep the Loris at ease and get them to respond to you.
(Note: Must be booked directly to the tour operator in the currency specified) 

Overnight: Cloud Nine Wilpattu by Aaradhya or similar, Wilpattu

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel followed by morning at leisure. A variety of optional extras are available for you today. Take either the village cycle tour, search for whales and dolphins by boat, or set off and go snorkelling, marvelling at the wonders of the ocean.

After lunch, leave for Sigiriya and check into the hotel.

Optional activity: Village Cycle Tour - $20 USD per person
Experience the local vibe through the rustic roads. You will be riding through this special route, witnessing the perfect combination of scenic nature trails and local community lifestyles. Surrounded by mesmerising wilderness and people, this will be a memorable ride. Make various stops along the way. The home-based cashew-processing place and the dairy farm have always been the most popular stops of this tour. Visiting these families and seeing the process would surely be a wonderful experience for you, as much as it would be a great encouragement for them.
(Note: Must be booked directly to the tour operator in the currency specified) 

Optional activity: Whale and Dolphin Watching - $60 USD per person
Kalpitiya is one of the best locations in Sri Lanka to see pods of dolphin and sperm whales. Kalpitiya gives you an opportunity to watch hundreds of dolphins swimming alongside and diving under your boat, riding waves, jumping, spinning, twirling and leaping out of the water in a magical display. This is a magnificent experience you will never forget. Varieties that may be spotted are Spinner, Humpback and Bottlenose dolphins. Species of whales which may be found are Sperm whales & Orca (Killer whales).
(Note: Must be booked directly to the tour operator in the currency specified) 

Optional activity: Dutch Bay Snorkelling - $45 USD per person
Set sail from the peaceful village of Serakuliya, about a 30-minute drive from the resort, for a remarkable snorkelling expedition along the historic Dutch Canal, leading to the stunning Bar Reef. This unique adventure offers not just the thrill of snorkelling in clear, turquoise water teeming with rich marine life, but also the chance to encounter the majestic bottlenose dolphins on your journey. To ensuring a safe and an enriching experience, all participants are provided with safety jackets and the tour is accompanied by expert guides who are there to enhance your understanding of the underwater ecosystem plus ensuring your comfort throughout. Dive into an unforgettable exploration of one of nature’s most beautiful underwater landscapes, all under the watchful eyes of an experienced team.
(Note: Must be booked directly to the tour operator in the currency specified) 

Overnight: Tropical Life Resort or similar, Sigiriya

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya to visit the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya was the 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws’, overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens, to comprehend the splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, the Lion Rock is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta-style paintings found in the Ajanta caves of India. Wander into the museum downstairs for an insight into how the citadel floated above citizens and learn about the advanced ponds and irrigation that pumped water right onto its summit through an ingenious hydraulic system.

After visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress, return to the hotel. This afternoon is either at leisure or take part in an optional afternoon safari through Minneriya National Park.

Optional Activity: Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park - $70 USD per person
Experience an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya is the place to go! Spread over 8800 hectares, it's a sanctuary for elephants and home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks and flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine. Have the opportunity to see herds of elephants - one by one - roll onto the grass-covered banks to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world (over 300 at a time) – it's an absolute must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.
Please note: If Minneriya National Park is flooded during the rainy season, you will visit Kaudulla or Eco National Parks as alternative options.
(Note: Must be booked directly to the tour operator in the currency specified) 

Overnight: Tropical Life Resort or similar, Sigiriya

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, proceed to Pasikuda and check-in to the Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy this beautiful beachside accommodation.

Overnight: The Calm Hotel or similar, Pasikuda

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the day at leisure.

Overnight: The Calm Hotel or similar, Pasikuda

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Following that, proceed to Arugam Bay, check-in to the hotel and relax.

Arugam bay is an international surf spot and rated in the top ten surf destinations in the world. Enjoy the local beaches, lagoons and historic temples of the area. If you are feeling up for it, why not try your hand at one of the world class surf breaks?

Overnight: Blue Wave hotel or similar, Arugam Bay

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Blue Wave hotel or similar, Arugam Bay

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast proceed to Galle.

After arrival at Galle, check-in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Radisson Blu or similar, Galle

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour in Galle.

The epic Southern capital, Galle is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets, listening to the creaking wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today, flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions, preserved up to date, showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 350 years. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse, standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerised by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!

Overnight: Radisson Blu or similar, Galle

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast today, get ready for checkout and your transfer to Negombo. Since your flight will not depart until late evening, access to common areas will be provided so you may relax before transferring to Negombo in the afternoon to the airport for your departure flight home.

Today’s distance and drive time is approx 120 kilometres / 3 hours.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
 
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 7th December 2025.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $700 applies. 
 
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.
 
Departure Dates
2025
January: ^19
February: 16
March: 9
April: *6
May: 11
June: 1
July: *20
August: 10
September: 7
October: 12
November: 9
December: ^7
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Surcharges
Please note: 
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $200 per person.
• Dates/months with a ** incur a high season surcharge of $300 per person.
• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $550 per person.

Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, Perth and *Auckland
 
Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane and Adelaide: $150 per person
Auckland: $450 per person
 
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: Qantas, Sri Lankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Air India and airline partners (subject to availability).
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
 
Missed Flights  
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 
 
Preferred Airline surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Singapore Airlines: $300 per person 
Please note: 
• Preferred airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Preferred airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners. 
 
Arrive Early Options
Colombo, Sri Lanka - $300 per person
High season dates: up to $700 per person, subject to availability 
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season arrive early can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
- 23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
- 6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
- 28th March 2025 – 27th April 2025
- 16th June 2025 – 20th July 2025
- 15th September 2025 – 12th October 2025
- 1st December 2025 – 31st January 2026
 
Stay Behind Options
Colombo, Sri Lanka - $300 per person
High season dates: up to $700 per person, subject to availability 
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high season stay behind can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
- 23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
- 6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
- 28th March 2025 – 27th April 2025
- 16th June 2025 – 20th July 2025
- 15th September 2025 – 12th October 2025
- 1st December 2025 – 31st January 2026
 
Stopover Packages
* Singapore
* Kuala Lumpur
Includes:
• 2, 3 or 5 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers
For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
2024
Christmas and New Years Eve - 23 December 2024 to 3 January 2025 

Flight Class Upgrades
Business or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout. (Premium Economy Class is only available from Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland).
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed.

Accommodation Used:
4 star properties (Self-Rated)

• Negombo: Amagi Aria 
• Wilpattu: Cloud Nine Wilpattu by Aaradhya 
• Sigiriya: Tropical Life Resort 
• Pasikuda: The Calm Hotel 
• Arugam Bay: Blue Wave hotel 
• Galle: Radisson Blu 

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
  
Extra Nights
Not available 
  
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
  
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
  
Triple Share
Not available
  
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double Bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 8, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.
Please note: A Small Group Tour is defined as a tour with no more than 20 travellers per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours/Activities
Day 2: Night Trekking looking for Loris - $25 USD per person
Day 3: Village Cycle Tour: $20 USD per person
Day 3: Whale and Dolphin Watching: $60 USD per person
Day 3: Dutch Bay Snorkelling $45 USD per person
Day 4: Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park - $70 USD per person
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified. 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Optional gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Mandatory city tax
 

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with two monsoon seasons so there is a lot of confusion about the best time to visit. The weather doesn’t run like clockwork here! However, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine. The temperature is constant at around 27°C on the coast, both in the air and the water!
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities/Tipping
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is 2000 LKR per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
 
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa for Sri Lanka is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian Passport.

Important: 
• Visa rules have temporarily changed as of 2nd August 2024 and an online e-visa application is temporarily suspended. You will be able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Please check with the nearest Sri Lankan embassy, consulate or immigration department for the current tourist visa requirements and any updates regarding the e-visa for Sri Lanka.

Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.