Whale & Dolphin Watching in Sri Lanka

ABOUT TOUR

Whales in Srilanka

Whales prefer to stay in warm water. So they travel though cold current to warm water. And the whales stay where they find plenty of feed. In southern sea around weligama and mirissa is a paradise of small fish which whales like to feed. As the elephant is the largest animal on the land, the whale is the largest creature in the sea. Though the whale lives in the sea, look like a fish and lives like one, it is not really a fish so, we cannot call it the largest fish in the sea. It is an animal like the elephant but as it is in the sea it can be called a sea animal.

A full grown whale is 15 Meters long and it is round and fat, it looks very huge. Whales do no breathe in the water like fish. Whales cannot stay under water all the time, but whales are every 10 to 15 minutes come up to blow.

Whales blow out the water which rises in a big fountain and breathe in air. Then whales sink down again under the surface. While traveling on a ship, one could see a whale at some distance with its long black back above the surface of the sea and the fountain of water spouting up from its head. Blue whales growing up to some110 feet in length weighing up to some 180 metric tons. Sperm whales, the largest carnivore mammals, mostly feed on squid and octopus in the deep sea bed.

Hot spots in Srilanka

MIRISSA

The sea off the South coast from Dondra Head is one of the best places in the world to see Blue Whales and Sperm Whales. The continental shelf is at its narrowest near Dondra Head, the southernmost point in Sri Lanka. As a result both Sperm and Blue Whales can be seen relatively close to shore. December to April are good months in which to observe whales. There is a theory
that the numbers may be higher in December and April because of a migration of whales passing by during those months

TRINCOMALEE

Alongside Mirissa in the south, Trincomalee in North-east Sri Lanka is regarded as one of the best places in the world to watch Blue Whales. Along with its rich natural diversity trincomalee also has a rich cultural ad historical heritage which includes Kovils and temples which are of great religious significance. At Nilaweli go by boat to Pigeon Island to see the coral formations and for sea bathing in the safe and shallow water. Passing Trincomalee on the way to Nilaweli British war cemetery for the Navy and Army soldiers that died during the Second World War

ITINERARY

Day 01 – Airport/Dambulla /Sigiriya

Highlights: Cultural Triangle

Evening Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress – is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colours. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

Over Night stay at Dambulla.

Day 2 – Dambulla/Trincomalee

Highlights:-Coastal-Journey

165 miles from Colombo, is one of the largest and safest Natural Harbours in the World. Trincomalee is connected by Rail and Road. It has sunny weather throughout the year, with white sandy beaches, calm, placid and warm waters, ideal for underwater activities and for Whale watching. Trincomalee was a Buddhist Center known as “Gokanna” from very early times and later a Hindu Kovil was constructed at the site.In 1617 five (5) Danish ships entered Koddiyar Bay, but the negotiations with the Kandyan King was fruitless and they sailed away.In 1624 the Portuguese completed the construction of a Fort here after destroying the Hindu Temple at Swami Rock in the Fort.The Fort, which had only 3 Bastions was taken by the Dutch in 1639, but abandoned, re-fortified in 1675 and named it Fort Fedrick. In 1795 the British captured it after a 4-day bombardment and it became the first possession of the British in Sri Lanka.Nilaveli-10 miles away are the finest beach in Trincomalee starting at Uppuveli- 5 miles away extending all the way to Nilaveli..

Over Night stay at Trincomalee

Day 3 – Trincomalee Boat cruise

Highlights: Dolphin & whale watching boat cruise

One of Sri Lanka’s finest secrets is that the town of Trincomalee, one of the world’s best locations for watching blue and sperm whales as well as pods of dolphins. This is because the continental shelf is closer to surface at this point and hence, it is more likely to sight the world’s largest animal in nature. Set off early morning on your expedition accompanied by the local naturalist guide. Don’t forget your camera to catch their tails flip. After an exciting experience return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.

Over Night stay at Trincomalee

Day 4 – Trincomalee/Kandy

Highlights: Hill Country

Kandy The hill capital is another “World Heritage Sites”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally lost to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summer house. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture. Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places
in the city.

Overnight stay at Kandy

Day 5 – Kandy /Colombo

Highlights: City Tour/Shopping tour.

Colombo: a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Overnight stay at Colombo

Day 6 – Colombo/Airport

As all good things must come to an end, your chauffeur guide with comfortable take you back to the international airport for a safe return journey alternatively; you are welcome to continue your journey learning of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, endemic flaura and fauna and much more.

AVAILABILITY

We at Global Bee Holidays provides tailor-made tours for you. You can contact us anytime to get the best deals for yourself.

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Price starts from Rs. 56500

ADDITIONAL INFO

Price includes:

- Return economy class airfare (Ex Delhi) calculated on 31 st Jul 2017
- Visa charges
- Accommodation on Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner) basis at the above mentioned Hotels or similar.
- Whale watching excursion boat cruise,
- Entrance for Sigiriya rock fortress, Kandy Temple
- Transportation by A/C vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur guide for till 08 Pax and a separate

English speaking national guide for 09 Pax onwards.

Valued added Tax
GST

Does not include:

Lunch on tour.
Early check in & late check out.
Camera/video permits
Expenses of a personal nature.
All applicable entrance fees.
Peak period supplements

CHILD POLICY:

CHILD UNDER 12 YEARS SHARING WITH PARENTS WITHOUT AN EXTRA BED WILL BE GIVEN A 70% DISCOUNT AND WITH AN EXTRA BED 70% DISCOUNT ON THE PER PERSON DOUBLE SHARING RATE

IF TWO CHILDREN UNDER 12 TRAVEL WITH PARENTS THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED AS ONE ADULT AND WILL BE GIVEN ONE EXTRA BED TO SHARE

Peak Season supplements,

Jetwing Lake Dambulla

USD 60 per room per night from 16 th of Jul to 31 st Aug 2017

Chaaya Blu, Trincomalee

USD 125 per room per night from 01 st Jul to 31 st Aug 2017

Earls Regent Hotel, Kandy

USD 25 per room per night from 01 st Jul to 31 st Aug 2017