Sri Lanka Cricket Serendipity
Sri Lankan cricket has defined the nation for many years. A wonderful blend of colour and sound, a day at the cricket here provides the only true rival to the West Indies. Here the game day experience is truly a joy to behold.
The cricketers play with a flair that suits the one day arena however they are always a challenge in the Test arena as testament to the records of some of cricket’s greatest statistical performers. Names such as Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Tillakaratne are testament to this. 85 plus test hundreds between these 3 alone indicates the level of challenge awaiting any visiting team. Win lose or draw the central theme is a “celebration of cricket”
We enjoy 2 Test matches on tour and are also immersing ourselves in the rich culture of this diverse land. Kandy and the hill country are a far cry from the golden beaches to the south. British heritage is still present however the strong pride of nation is noticeable throughout. The locations are stuff of legend and we will leave with a memorable experience having returned to the essence of cricket. That of competition, fun, mutual respect and friendship. And most of all the joy of being a part of this great game
"If you want a relaxing cricket tour that can speed up or slow down depending on group needs, this is perfect. Sri Lanka was welcoming, enchanting and an interesting glimpse of the past. Our excellent host (Fernando) helped us with every step of the journey sharing with us the many faces of Sri Lankan life"
David Mills, Australia
| 15 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | Feb 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | Inquire | |
- ***THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY ONLY*** - Day 1 - arrive Kandy - Monday 25th July Arrival day. We will meet this evening and discuss all aspects of our tour Days 2-6 - Kandy - ***FIRST TEST*** This morning we transfer to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium which is one of the newest cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka. In 2010 it was renamed the Muttiah Muralitharan International Cricket Stadium to honour the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer spinner, a Kandy native. Let the fun begin as the atmosphere provided by the parochial local crowd will keep us entertained throughout the match. On certain days during the Test we will enjoy a morning visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage visit as well as the austere “Temple of the Tooth” Day 7 - Kandy (Dambulla and Sigiriya day trip) Our journey today takes us to Dambulla where we visit the great Cave Temple. There are many separate caves containing over 150 Buddha images. We also visit the rock fortress at Sigirya, an exhilarating climb but worth it. A wonderful cultural day tour Day 8 - Kandy to Nuwara Eliya We step back in time and climb aboard the timeless mountain train which winds its way through the hills en route to Nuwara Eliya. We stay in the world renowned Grand Hotel, a classic Colonial Heritage location steeped in history Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya There are many options in this mountain hideaway town. A game of golf is on offer in one of the highset courses in Sri Lanka. Whilst here we must also visit a typical “Ceylon Tea” Plantation Days 10 - Nuwara Eliya to Galle We depart the hill country heading south to the coast where we may spot the traditional ‘stilt fisherman’ en route to the fort city of Galle. An evening strolling along the fort walls to watch the sunset is one of travel’s great experiences. We will gaze in awe at the walls that held back the terror of the 2004 tsunami whilst all outside of the battlements was washed away (including the now reclaimed cricket ground) Days 11-15 - Galle - ***SECOND TEST*** The test match today commences at the Galle International Stadium surely one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. It is fringed on two sides by the Indian Ocean and was officially declared as a cricket stadium in 1927. On 26th December 2004 the ground was devastated by the tsunami and suffered substantial damage. The stadium became a temporary shelter for hundreds of displaced people. Renovation of the stadium began in May 2006. Great friends Murali and Warne were instrumental in raising funds and ensuring the venue reclaimed it’s grandeur as quickly as possible. The stadium is also noted for hosting the last match of one of the greatest Sri Lankans cricketers, Muralitharan. Needing 8 wickets to reach the 800 mark his first scalp was Sachin Tendulkar. In the second innings after reaching 799 he had to bowl a long spell to claim his 800th wicket. For the cricket purists there are few venues to surpass the simple joy of sitting beneath the fort walls on the hill and enjoying proceedings as many have done at one of cricket’s classic grounds.
On day 5 we are able to enjoy the final day of the Test before the short drive north returning to Colombo. You will arrive back in Colombo early evening on Monday 8th August for your international connections or you may choose to stay on in Colombo in the timeless classic ‘Galle Face Hotel’ situated on the ocean shore. Global Drift can assist with your arrangements |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
| Double Inquire | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$50 | Details |
*Colombo extra accommodation pre and post trip is situated in the historic Heritage Galle Face Hotel
**The tour offered will include time at 2 of the 3 test venues (Kandy, Galle and Colombo). Extra day’s accommodation can be arranged by Global Drift as required
***Global Drift will provide a “Code of Conduct” document to be attached to your tour schedule. Representing Australia abroad we are committed to a fun and enjoyable tour not at the expense of common courtesy and mutual respect
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.