Excursion Overland experience: sri lanka: wild hearts & coastal charms tour at Hambantota

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Sri Lanka Lanka through its wild heart, rich flavours, and living heritage. Encounter majestic elephants amid the open plains of Udawalawe National Park, including a visit to the inspiring Elephant Transit Home. Dive into local life with a market-to-table culinary journey led by the master chef of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, before uncovering cultural treasures at the ancient Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya and enjoying a unique tea experience at the seaside Handungoda Tea Factory. This unforgettable trip combines history, culture, and natural wonders for a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience.

02MIDHMB-A: Sri Lanka: Wild Hearts & Coastal Charms

Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights

Departs from: Hambantota on 19 March 2027

Re-join ship: Colombo on 21 March 2027

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IIMPORTANT 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. A visa is mandatory for all guests entering Sri Lanka. The visa can be acquired online before disembarking the ship. Guests should check norms applicable to their nationality from their home country before embarking on the vessel. To apply and for further details, visit Sri Lankan e-visa website. For the most up-to-date information, it’s advisable for the guests to check with their local embassy or relevant government websites. For Sri Lanka, an Electronic Travel Authorization can be applied online.

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).

FULL TOUR DESCRIPTION

DAY ONE – Friday, March 19, 2027 – Hambantota/ Tangalle

Disembark the Silver Dawn in Hambantota, a gateway to Sri Lanka’s untamed south where nature and heritage converge. This evolving port city offers sweeping coastal landscapes, rural charm, and access to renowned wildlife sanctuaries, revealing a quieter, more authentic side of the island shaped by tradition, nature, and resilience.

Udawalawe National Park

A 1.25-hour drive takes you to Udawalawe National Park, a destination not to be missed for wildlife enthusiasts. Centered around a large reservoir, the open parkland is especially ideal for viewing elephants. If lucky, you may see a herd of adults with their young bathing or frolicking in the water. The park is also home to water buffaloes, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys, and occasionally leopards, making it a great spot for birdwatchers as well.

Lunch at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

After your exciting game drive, enjoy a delicious lunch arranged at the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and recharge amidst natural surroundings.

Elephant Transit Home Visit

Following lunch, continue to visit the Elephant Transit Home, the only facility of its kind in Asia. This sanctuary rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants, many of whom are rescued after conflicts with humans that leave them without survival means. Located within Udawalawe National Park to preserve their natural habitat, the transit home provides food and medical care while limiting human interaction to prepare the calves for reintroduction into the wild. Visit during feeding time to see the baby elephants being given milk before they are returned to the park.

Relax at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle

After a day with the elephants, drive to Tangalle and check in to your hotel - Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. Situated on a rocky outcrop on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the resort overlooks a golden beach fringed with coconut palms and the roaring Indian Ocean. Enjoy leisure time to settle in and unwind in this tranquil setting.

Dinner and overnight accommodation at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.

DAY TWO – Saturday, March 20, 2027 – Tangalle/ Galle

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, begin your immersion into Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary heritage. Meet the hotel’s chef and set out together to explore a local seafood and vegetable market. As you walk through bustling stalls, discover the island’s rich market culture, learn about regional ingredients, and help select the freshest produce for the day’s cooking experience.

Interactive Sri Lankan Cooking Workshop

Return to the hotel with your market finds and take part in an engaging, hands-on cooking workshop. Guided by the chef, learn to prepare traditional Sri Lankan curry dishes using the ingredients selected earlier. Afterwards, enjoy the dishes you’ve created over lunch. The culinary journey continues with a lesson in making Sri Lankan pancakes - a beloved dessert filled with sweet honey and coconut. This memorable session ensures you leave with new skills and recipes to impress friends and family.

Exploration of Galle Fort

After lunch, take a moment to freshen up before continuing your touring. Travel to the historic Galle Fort and step through its centuries-old gates to explore the walled city on foot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort was initially built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch after their 1640 invasion. Today, it stands as one of the finest surviving examples of 17th-century colonial fortification in the world. Remarkably, it withstood the devastating 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which destroyed much of the surrounding town. Spend time strolling through its charming streets, lined with boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries, and enjoy sweeping views from its ramparts before returning to the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight accommodation at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.

DAY THREE – Sunday, March 21, 2027 – Tangalle/ Colombo

Visit to Handunugoda Tea Estate

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a one-hour drive to the unique Handunugoda Tea Estate. Spanning 200 acres, this remarkable plantation not only produces tea but also cultivates rubber, cinnamon, pepper, and coconut. Handunugoda is renowned for crafting small batches of specialty teas, with a strong emphasis on purity, wellness, and exceptional quality. No pesticides or insecticides are used. Its world-famous Virgin White Tea - untouched by human hands and inspired by ancient Chinese imperial rituals - has earned global recognition, including awards for innovation.

During your visit, gain first-hand insight into the art of tea production. Walk through the plantation to see how tea leaves are carefully plucked, then continue into the factory where the leaves are processed, dried, and graded. This immersive experience reveals each step that contributes to the estate’s unique teas. A sales counter within the estate offers the opportunity to purchase your favourite varieties to take home.

Tea Tasting Experience

Conclude your estate tour with a tea-tasting session, observing the meticulous work of expert tasters and packers who evaluate each batch with precision. Before departing, enjoy a special cup of tea—an essential finale to this sensory journey through one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive tea producers.

Visit to Yatagala Temple

Continue your exploration with a 30-minute drive to Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple complex surrounded by tranquil greenery. Dating back over 2,000 years to the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, this sacred site offers a serene introduction to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Inside, admire statues of Lord Buddha and intricate murals that reflect centuries of devotion. The gentle climb to the temple is part of the experience, rewarding you with sweeping views of peaceful villages and emerald-green paddy fields.

Lunch at Radisson Blu Hotel

Another short 30-minute drive brings you to the Radisson Blu Hotel, where a relaxing lunch awaits - an ideal pause before your journey north.

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours to Colombo. Enjoy an en-route panoramic tour of the city, taking in its blend of colonial architecture, urban energy, and coastal charm as you approach Sri Lanka’s bustling capital.

Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and re-join the awaiting Silver Dawn to continue your voyage.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves extensive walking of approximately 3.4 km (2.1 miles), at times over uneven and natural terrain. Several sites require climbing steps, including the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Elephant Transit Home, local fish market, paddy cultivation, vegetable market, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle for the cooking demonstration, Radisson Blu Resort, Galle Fort, Handunugoda Tea Estate, and Yatagala Temple. Guests will also need to negotiate a few steps when boarding and disembarking the coach or aircraft. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who use a wheelchair, and is recommended only for active guests in good physical condition.

During the game drive, guests will travel in basic, open-air 4x4 Jeeps that are uncovered and seat five to six people. Roads in the park are rough, dusty, and bumpy, and guests must remain seated inside the vehicle at all times. Loud talking, standing, the use of cellular phones, matches, lighters, cigarettes, and flash photography are not permitted. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and rangers or trackers are subject to availability; they speak very basic English and may not accompany each Jeep, although guides will provide commentary during stops.

At the Elephant Transit Home, the animals are not tamed. Guests must avoid close proximity and are strictly prohibited from feeding, touching, or posing with the elephants, as they are being rehabilitated for release back into the wild. For medical reasons, it is recommended to avoid carrying any strong-smelling food items. Feeding wildlife at any location is forbidden.

Appropriate attire is required at sacred sites. Guests may not wear shorts or skirts, and women must have their shoulders covered. Shoes and hats must be removed when entering sacred areas, and as pavements can be hot, carrying thick socks is recommended. Photography of Government or Military installations is prohibited, and flash photography is not allowed inside temples or caves. Guests should not pose beside or in front of Buddha statues. As in any large city, precautions should be taken to protect personal belongings, and valuables should be left on board.

The climate in Sri Lanka in March is hot, and guests are advised to wear lightweight, breathable safari clothing and comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, medication, a camera, and binoculars are recommended. Lunch venues at Grand Udawalawe Hotel and some areas of the Radisson Blu Resort are non-air-conditioned. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger shops, though smaller establishments may accept cash only. Alcohol cannot be served on full-moon and certain religious holidays.

Infrastructure in Sri Lanka is basic, and local conditions may be challenging. Flexibility and understanding are appreciated, as the best-available vehicles, guides, hotels, restaurants, and equipment may not match the standards of those on other excursions. Local guides may have a strong accent. Weather conditions may affect the operation of this tour, and sites may be crowded, requiring normal caution.

The itinerary, sequence, and timings of the program may vary, and the current program is subject to change. As space on this tour is extremely limited, it is highly recommended to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

Two-night stay in Premier Ocean View Room at the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Reort, Trangalle
Two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners
Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
Non air-conditioned, open safari jeeps for game drive at Udawalawe National Park
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles
Sanitizers and mosquito repellent

Not Included:

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

Note

ment you arrive, Sri Lanka offers ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, wildlife and flavours of this historic island-nation. Begin by exploring the spectacular ancient city of Polonnaruwa, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Royal Palace ruins and splendid statues of Buddha. From here, head for a game-drive at Minneriya National Park to observe a wide array of diverse flora and wildlife species. After dinner and an overnight stay at the Cinnamon Lodge, set off the next morning for a guided tour of the sacred and inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features five cave shrines, and various statues and carvings of Buddha and Bodhisattva. From here, continue on for a stroll in a spice garden, followed by a cooking class with lunch. After lunch, drive to panoramic Kandy for a dinner, private cultural and dancing performance, and an overnight stay at the Cinnamon Citadel. The final day of your journey begins with a visit to the magnificent Temple of the Tooth, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest shrines in the Buddhist world. Next, take an aromatic stroll through the Royal Botanical Garden, then visit an Elephant Orphanage and proceed for lunch overlooking the elephants bathing in the river. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Three with a transfer to the pier in Colombo. Upon arrival, embark the ship. 02MIDTRC-A: Sri Lankan SojournDuration: 3 Days/2 NightsDeparts from: TrincomaleeRe-join ship: ColomboReserve: At least 90 days prior to sailingIMPORTANT 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 someone 18 years of age or older. 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.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).Explore the diverse cultures, wildlife, flavours and history of Sri Lanka during an unforgettable, two-night excursion to this ancient island-nation. DAY ONE - Saturday, March 23, 2019 - Trincomalee/HabaranaAncient city of Polonnaruwa explorationDepart the ship for the scenic, approximately three-hour drive to Polonnaruwa. Upon arrival, a guided tour is made to this ancient city, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second capital city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was built during 11th and 12th centuries, and is one of the best-planned archaeological sites in the country. Royal Palace Ruins, Buddha statues at Gal Viharaya and ancient landmarksView the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya, where a group of splendid statues of Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures are carved out of a rock. Other landmarks to be seen during your guided walking tour of the ancient city include the Shiva Temple, Lotus Bath, Royal Citadel and striking Parakrama Samudraya, an irrigation lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great.Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Game-drive at Minneriya National ParkThis afternoon, get a glimpse of the wild side of Sri Lanka during an approximately three-hour game-drive at Minneriya National Park, which spans approximately 21,965 acres (about 8,889 hectares). Dry zone plant and animal species are common, and elephants are plentiful. 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 unique to this park. Check-in at the Cinnamon LodgeAt the conclusion of your game-drive, re-board your coach and transfer to the Cinnamon Lodge for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.A special barbecue dinner and overnight accommodation at the Cinnamon Lodge.DAY TWO - Sunday, March 24, 2019 - Habarana/Matale/KandyDambulla Cave Temple complex discoveryAfter breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the approximately one-hour drive to the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its compelling and inspirational tranquillity, the Buddhist cave 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, who was driven from Anuradhapura, these rock shelters have been continuously inhabited over millennia. When King Valagamba returned victorious to his kingdom, he expressed his gratitude to the monks by having the site transformed into a temple complex with five cave shrines dedicated to Buddha. Buddha and Buddhisatvas rock carvings, and beautiful wall and ceiling muralsUpon arrival, take a guided tour of the temple complex. Over the centuries, the complex has been expanded and filled with statuary of the Buddha and Boddhisatvas, 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.Spice Garden tour and cooking demonstration with lunchNext, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Matale. Upon arrival, proceed for a truly unforgettable sensory and culinary experience at a Spice Garden. See a variety of spices, and how they are grown and processed. Afterward, witness a short cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Panoramic KandyNext, re-board your coach and continue on for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Kandy, your final destination for today. Nestled in a valley surrounded by hills, Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy. It's appropriately regal location is in a valley surrounded by a ridge of mountains, and dense jungle that borders the city's gardens, tea and rice fields. The town is highlighted by a beautiful artificial lake with a pagoda in its centre. The Dalada Maligawa, or 'Temple of the Tooth', stands here. Check-in at the Cinnamon CitadelUpon arrival in Kandy, head to the Cinnamon Hotel for check in. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. Private cultural and dancing performanceThis evening, a special even