Bird watching Safari
Highlights
Spot Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Cormorant and Water-cock
Explore Kitulgala Forest Reserve and Horton Plains National Park
Discover the architectural remains of Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO site
Admire the beauty of nature at Herbal Garden and Tea Plantation field
Visit the Yala National Park and Wilpattu Bird Sanctuary
Meet varied species of birds in Udawalawe and Minneriya National Park
Tour across the beautiful Gampaha Botanical Garden and Anawilunda wet water zone
Travel to Sigiriya Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock
Seek blessings at the Sacred Temple of Tooth Relic
Sightsee the majestic Ramboda waterfalls
Negombo, Gampaha, Wilpattu National Park, Minneriya National Park, Yala National Park, Colombo, Galle, Bundala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
Locations Covered
Negombo, Gampaha, Wilpattu National Park, Minneriya National Park, Yala National Park, Colombo, Galle, Bundala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
bird, nature, sightseeing
Group Tour
18 Days
Easy
English
Description
Embark on an exciting birdwatching safari to several Sri Lankan National parks, including Kitulgala Forest, Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Horton Plains National Parks. Go on multiple safaris and spot a variety of endemic and migratory bird species. Also, explore some attractions like Tooth Relic Temple, Galle Dutch Fort, Spices Garden and Gangaramaya temple.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Negombo
- On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality from your tour representative.
- Then, transfer to Negombo accommodation for an overnight stay.
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Day 2: Gampaha Botanical Garden
- After breakfast, we will visit Gampaha Botanical Garden. Gampaha Botanical Gardens spreads over 43 acres of beautiful landscape with the lake developed beside the garden. It is generally a well-tended garden displaying a wide range of plants. This garden possesses an array of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of the wet zone.
- Next, visit the first Rubber plant of Sri Lanka.
- Explore Fisherman village, enjoy beach life & relax. See Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Negombo is one of the major commercial hubs in the country and the administrative centre of Negombo. It is known for its long sandy beaches and centuries-old fishing industry.
Relax in the hotel and overnight.
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Day 3: Wilpattu Sanctuary
- Leave early from the hotel and transfer to Wilpattu.
- Enroute, visit Anawilunda wet water zone, which includes endemics such as Fowls, Pigeons, Parrots, Parakeets, Malkoha, Coucal, Owl, Owlet, Hornbill, Barbet, Magpie, Bulbul, Warbler, Babbler, Thrush, White-eye, Mynah, Starling, Flycatcher, Flowerpecker, Pigeon, Barbet, Flareback, Wood shrike, Drongo and Swallow.
- In the evening, head to Wilpattu Sanctuary, which was declared as a National Park in 1938.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 4: Minneriya National Park
- Early morning, leave to visit Minneriya National Park.
- Enjoy afternoon game drives and an elephant ride.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 5: Sigiriya
- After breakfast, leave for Sigiriya Lion Rock & Pidurangala Rock climbing.
- Engage in challenging climb Rock Sigiriya and see the incredible view of the majestic Sigiriya Rock from Pidurangala.
- Get the most valuable experience of the Srilankan Village lifestyle.
- Engage in fun activities such as Bull cart driving, river safari and paddy field activities.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 6: Sigiriya - Kandy
- Transfer to Cave temple and golden temple of Dambulla heritage city.
- Then, head to Kandy.
- Spend the evening within the mesmerizing interiors of Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by a concert showcasing traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, the garden which includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.
- Next, move to Scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake),
- Afterwards, enjoy watching the Kandyan dance show.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 7: Knuckles Range Kandy
- At 7:00 am, our trekking guide will provide a brief description of the village and trekking.
- Midway, take a tea break at Game Gadara.
- Start the trek by 8:00 am. You are encouraged to work and become part of the village life.
- Witness Heeloya waterfall and a nice river bath.
- Then, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a village house.
- Head back to Kandy Hotel for an overnight stay.
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Day 8: Nuwara Eliya
- Today, drive about 80km (approx. 3hrs) along winding roads lined by green slopes of tea plantations and reach Nuwara Eliya, the heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm.
- En route visit Ramboda water falls.
- Then, enjoy the experience of tea flauckersteyle.
- Go for a city tour of Nuwara Eliya and visit victoria Hakgala National Park.
- Next, head to Seetha Amman Temple.
Relax overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 9: Horton Plains Nuwara Eliya
- Today, travel to Horton Plains and Brake's Falls.
- En Route, visit Ambewela New Zealand farm vegetables farm and strawberry farm.
- Then, proceed to Hakkgala Botanical Garden to see spice plants.
- Explore Lake Gregory and enjoy cool weather.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 10: Kithulgala Forest Reserve
- Arrive at Kitulgala Adventures Camp by 11 am, where a welcome drink will be served.
- Eat lunch at the camp and go for natural rock pool sliding and confidence jumps.
- Head back to the camp and enjoy a cup of tea with snacks.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kitulgala Adventures camp.
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Day 11: Udawalawa National Park
- Transfer from Kitulgala to Udawalawa National park.
- In the afternoon, go for a game drive in Udawalawe National Park.
Overnight stay at Udawalawe Safari hotel.
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Day 12: Yala National Park
- Early morning, transfer via Tissamaharama to Yala National Park for a full day game drive.
- Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch.
Overnight stay at Eco Hotel.
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Day 13: Bundala National Park
- Early morning, leave for Bundala National Park.
- Watch some of the migrants, including the Openbill, Ibis, Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Cormorant, Water-cock, Swamphen, Watermen, Stilts, Duck and Grebe.
- Then, visit the Katharagama Hindu temple.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
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Day 14: Kumana National Park
- Early morning, leave for Kumana National Park.
- Watch some of the migrants, including the Openbill, Ibis, Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Cormorant, Water-cock, Swamphen, Watermen, Stilts, Duck and Grebe.
- Eat a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at the park.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 15: Galle
- After breakfast, visit Dutch Fort Galle.
- Go for a River safari at Madugamga.
- Explore Castle farm and Mask factory in the morning.
- Spend a free afternoon and relax on the beach.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 16: Galle
- Today, head to Galle Spices Garden.
- Visit Moonstone Mine Meetiyagoda Moon center point in Sri Lanka.
- Then, proceed to Castle farm Ahungalla and mask factory in Ambalangoda.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 17: Colombo
- Leave for Colombo city tour in the morning.
- Visit Gangaramaya temple (water lake Temple).
Overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 18: Departure
- Transfer to the airport to board your return flight.
Tour ends.
What's Included
Accommodation for 16 Nights (in different cities as per the itinerary) star hotels accommodation
First night's arrival day our company supplements accommodation provide to you
Guide service English speaking guide who will also act as your driver
We offer expert site guides Reliable, Experienced and friendly with excellent knowledge about nature, ancient archaeological and cultural sites
On day to day basis, monitoring and communicating with drivers and guests for smooth operation
HB meal plans in the hotels which you will be spending the night in. and snacks are not included
Safety, Quality and Customer Satisfaction Experience driver & Luxury van, Car, a bus with A/C
Free Entrance Spice Garden / Gem Museum / Wood Carving center / Tea Factory & Plantation
What's Excluded
Tickets for various activities
Medical and insurance tickets to gardens
The orphanage, boat rides, Safaris, massage, laundry, trips mini bar, shopping lists etc
Any phone calls made locally or internationally. If you prefer to call us, it will be free of charge, and for others, the hotel will charge
Price list for entrance tickets per 1 person (does not include in the tour cost)
Know Before You Go
We will follow Covid-19 Rules & regulation guidelines WHO & Tourist Board protect our Client and country. Travel is a vital part of the human experience. It expands our understanding of people and cultures exponentially. Re-establishing confidence in tourism is crucial for the Industry, the destinations and communities visited, and the travelling public.
With global recognition, Sri Lanka has gained by effectively managing and controlling the spread of the COVID-19 within the country, potential travellers and tour groups have already inquired regarding travel into the country. While welcoming such gestures of good faith by tourists, Stelaranholidays (Pvt) Ltd, realizes the importance of implementing planned, organized and well-structured health protocols when resuming tourism in the country, so as to ensure the safety and good health of all guests, industry stakeholders and the general public.
PERSONAL SAFETY MEASURES
Ensure the use of the traditional greeting of Sri Lanka, ‘Ayubowan’ at all times instead of hugging or handshaking.
Before entering Hotel we will be Need to get the required Covid -19 Vaccines Reports.
The Driver / Tour Leader should maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times.
Ensure all tourists wear face masks and maintain the safe 1.5-meter distance at all times.
The driver / Tour Leader should wear face masks and gloves when interacting with passengers.
Travellers are requested to sanitize hands frequently during the tour and site visits; further they should wash hands with soap and running water at the end of each site visit.
Personal protection equipment is available in the vehicle, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes available for passengers when needed.
All outside Country visitors Pre-departure Covid-19 PCR testing
A negative PCR test is required prior to boarding your flight and on arrival in Sri Lanka. The test should be no older than 72 hours prior to boarding.
The Kithulgala forest is a secondary rain forest situated beside the Kelani River, one of our longest rivers. There is a tributary flowing through the forest to this river. The forest reserve has a high biodiversity. Though it is mostly secondary forest, it’s faunal and floral diversity is very similar to a primary forest. Wild boar, Toque Macaque, Purple faced leaf monkey, and Barking deer are some of the interesting mammal species. Among the interesting bird species Red faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Frog Mouth and Layard’s Parakeet are outstanding. Kithulgala is ideally located as a stop-off between Kandy Nuwaraeliya , and the Tea Country. This beautiful landscape is home to jungle, tea and rubber plantations and spectacular mountains looming in the distance, and was the backdrop for the Academy Award-winning ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ which was filmed on the Kelani River – although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene. A few kilometers upstream are the bases from which white-water rafting expeditions take place – Kithulgala is the best place to go in Sri Lanka for those seeking out adventure travel. You can also go canyoning, trekking and canoeing on the river. Sinharaja Rainforest is within reach from Kithulgala – trek through this mysterious land of tropical plants and stay on the look-out for colorful birds, exotic butterflies and a variety of other creatures.
Yala national Park most popular animal leopard in country and they are the Lords of the Jungle! With a leopard density that's higher than anywhere else on this planet, these menacing predators prowl majestically in Yala, while elephants roam in their numbers with cautious deer scampering by their side Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. Its home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Yala National Park gives the best opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s broad variety of wildlife: colorful painted stork in troops are seen perched at the shores of lagoon where the crocodiles too have chosen to doze off; lovely fantailed peacocks in their resplendent blues and greens parade about amidst the woods where monkeys hang, leap and chatter; in the bush jungle are the Elephants; crossing the tracks and wandering off into the thorny scrub jungle is the star attraction of the park: the leopard. A total of 32 species of mammals have been recorded. The threatened species include sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), elephant (Elephas maximus), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), spotted deer (Axis axis ceylonessis), sambar (Cervus unicolor) and golden jackal (Canis aureus).
Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera Pardus Kotiya) are said to be a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbors. Leopards can be seen throughout the park, though best period for enjoying the sights of leopards is during January to July.Bird Life, Birds around 130 species have been recorded. Raptors include crested serpent eagle and white bellied sea eagle. Among the water birds attracted to the lagoons are Lesser Flamingo, Pelicon, Spoonbill, painted stork, rare black necked Stork, grey heron, purple heron, night heron and Darter.During the north-east monsoon the lagoons are visited by thousands of migrating waterfowl, including Pintail, Garganey, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel and turn stone, which mix with the residents such as whistling duck, Yellow Wattled Lapwing, Red Wattled Lapwig and Great Stone Plover. The forest is home to Orange Breasted Green Pigeon, Hornbills, and Flycatchers, including Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Barbets and Orioles
Reptiles, Notable reptiles are Mugger Crocodile, which is abundant in the abandoned tanks, Estuarine Crocodile, found in the main rivers, and Common monitor. Other reptiles include Cobra and Russel’s Viper. A variety of Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley and Leatherback, of which Yala coast line is a major nesting ground.
Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala harbors 197 species of Birds, the highlight being the Greater Flamingo, which migrate in large flocks. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated to a national park on 4 January 1993. In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka. Lanka an area adjacent to Bundala covering an area of 3,339.38 hectares (12.8934 sq mi) was declared as the Wilmanna SanctuaryThe Bundala National Park has been identified as an outstanding Important Bird Area in the South Indian and Sri Lankan wetlands. 324 species of vertebrates have been recorded in the national park which include 32 species of fish, 15 species of amphibians, 48 species of reptiles, 197 species of birds and 32 species of mammals. 52 species of butterflies are among the invertebrates. The wetland habitats in Bundala harbours about 100 species of water birds, half of them being migrant birds. Of 197 avifaunal species 58 are migratory species. Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds. The park is 391 kilometers (243 mi) southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast. Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park, Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park, but changed to its present name in 5 September 2006. Kumana Bird Sanctuary, declared in 1938, is included within the Kumana National Park. Kumana is one of the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. 255 species of birds have been recorded in the national park.Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds. The park is 391 kilometers (243 mi) southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka's southeastern coast. Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park.[ Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park, but changed to its present name on 5 September 2006.The park's wetland areas are surrounded by dry zone tropical thorn forest. The inland forest's flora is dominated by Manilkara hexandra (Sinhalese "palu"), Hemicyclea sepieria, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula ("ehela"), Chloroxylon swietenia ("burutha"), and Salvadora persica species.The dominant tree of the Kumana villu is Sonneratia caseolaris, while Typha angustifolia is the dominant reed. Terminalia Arjuna trees dominate the riverine forests along the Kumbukkan Oya. The common aquatic plants of the swamp are colourful Ludwigia spp., Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea pubescens, Aponogeton spp. and Neptunia oleracea. Kumbukkan Oya forms the southern boundary of the national park. Some 20 lagoons and tanks support the extensive birdlife of the national park. The lagoons are shallow with depths less than 2 metres (6.6 ft). Kumana villu is subject to occasional inundation with seawater. The elevation of the area ranges from sea level to 90 metres.
Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Meetiyagoda, also spelt „Mitiyagoda“, is situated in only 4 km distance from the ocean, 10 km north of Hikkaduwa.
Meetiyagoda is famous for its moonstone mines. Moonstone has been used in jewelry for millennia, including ancient civilizations. The Romans admired moonstone, as they believed it was derived from solidified rays of the Moon Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. In more recent history, moonstone became popular during the Art Nouveau period; French goldsmith René Lalique and many others created a large quantity of jewelry using this stone
Ambalangoda Mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the Western, South Western and Southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangoda area on the South Western coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans. Ambalangoda that famed for its history and expertise mask carving and culture. And the best place to get your fill of mask lore is the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is Sri LankaMadu Ganga is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. The estuary is spread over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares are covered with water and is inhabited with 64 islands of which 15 islands have a larger landmass. Abundantly rich in biodiversity, in the area surrounding the Madu River you’ll find swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. It is also home to 300 species of plants and about 250 wildlife species. AhungallaTurtle is the most commonly found turtle in Sri Lanka. They are also found in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Their English name refers to the colour of the fat found under their shells, which unfortunately is used to make turtle soup. Luckily this practice is less common today. Young Green Turtles are mainly carnivores. Adults however are herbivores, feeding only on marine vegetation with the help of their finely serrated jaws. They grow to a maximum length of 1m and can weigh 250kg. Adult females lay between 120-140 eggs at one time. Green Turtles are regularly found on the beach at night close to the KSTCP. They tend to nest only every few years but when they do they lay several times in one season.
Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. Colombo, a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures. Colombo displays the best and worst the country has to offer. The city is a contrast itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands standing next to urban slums; diesel fumed congested roads and street markets. . It is the financial center of the island and a tourist destination. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, commonly known as Kotte is the official administrative capital of Sri Lanka. It is home to the legislative capital Sri Jayawardenapura as well to Colombo, the nation's administrative and business center Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. As Sri Lanka's economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy in western province Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper. It is the financial center of the island and a tourist destination.
Anawilunda wet water zone, which includes endemics such as Fowls, Pigeons, Parrots, Parakeets, Malkoha, Coucal, Owl, Owlet, Hornbill, Barbet, Magpie, Bulbul, Warbler, Babbler, Thrush, White-eye, Mynah, Starling, Flycatcher, Flowerpecker, Pigeon, Barbet, Flareback, Wood shrike, Drongo and Swallow. Anawilunda Sri Lanka is rich in nature, with several sanctuaries and national parks to protect the wildlife that inhabits the many varied ecosystems here. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is one of the more obscure sanctuaries that lie on the coastal belt between Negombo, and PuttalamThe Anawilundawa Wetlands is a bird watcher’s haven, with over 150 species of birds; both resident and migratory. Resident and endemic bird species can be seen throughout the year, whilst the period from October to April is the best time for getting a glimpse of the many rare migratory birds. Anawilundawa is also the nesting site for many exotic birds, including some of the rarer species of cormorants, egrets, storks and ibis, along with the pheasant tailed-jacana and the purple swamphen. There are also over 20 species of mammals, including the Toque Macaque monkey, five threatened species of Slender Loris, Rusty Spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, and the Indian Otter. Over 70 species of butterflies breed here, whilst over 50% of the country’s freshwater fish species are found in these waters. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is especially good for bird watching, hiking and boat rides; and is fast growing into one of Sri Lanka’s most important eco-tourism attractions.
Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast, close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. The dry zone jungle is thickly grown. Wilpattu National Park is home to many villus or natural lakes which dot the landscape in the Wilpattu National Park. Except for two, these lakes contain rainwater, thus are important for residents and migratory water-birds. The history of the park is also of interest, with ancient ruins having been discovered in Wilpattu National Park. Queen named “Kuweni” (considered to be the mother of the Sinhala race) is said to have lived in the place known as Kalli Villu. Historical evidence also shows the fact that Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, lived in Wilpattu over 2,000 years ago. There are approximately 30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park which include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri, Spotted Deer, Buffalo, Sambar and Mongoose. Reptiles and Amphibians in the park, Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Common Cobra, Rat Snake, Indian Python, Pond Turtle and the Soft Shelled Turtle can be seen in Wilpattu National Park.
Meeting Point
Colombo Airport Transfers, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
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| 1 to 4 | /person |
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| 1 to 4 | /person |
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This is a group tour |
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