14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 AIRPORT / COLOMBO
Meet on Arrival & Transfer from Airport to Colombo.
Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old-world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)- an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China.
Over Night stay at hotel.
Day 02 COLOMBO / PINNAWALA / HABARANA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Colombo to Pinnawala.
The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational center. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programmed for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born.
Transfer from Pinnawala to Habarana.
Over Night stay at hotel.
DAY – 03 HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – MINNERIYA – HABARANA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Habarana to Sigiriya.
The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site – Sigiriya doesn’t only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic ‘Lion Paws’ – overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below – to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock – resembling the mythological ‘City of Gods’ – is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent ‘mirror wall’ embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Leaving Sigiriya we continue to Minneriya National Park (Approx. 30 min) where we hope to see herds of wild elephants as well as native birds, amphibians and reptiles on our afternoon game drive. Return to your hotel late afternoon following a great day’s sightseeing.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 04 HABARANA – POLONNARUWA – VILLAGE TOUR – HABARANA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Habarana to Polonnaruwa
The World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, (Approx. 1 hr) drive from the hotel. Polonnaruwa is a sacred city with spectacular shrines and statues from the great Buddhism civilization. Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya (three splendid carved statues of the Buddha), the Lotus Bath and the 12th century Polonnaruwa statue.
Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Habarana
With a scenic countryside view of Sigiriya, take a unique bullock ride through countryside where you’ll discover the daily life of rice farmers and villagers. Bullock cart is a traditional transportation used in the old days. It has an open-air carriage with a bull in the front to pull it. The tour will take approximately 1 hour and you’ll enjoy the fresh air. For incredible photos of rural Sri Lankan life there’s nowhere better. Take your time and soak up the village, admiring both the people and their humble yet alluring lifestyle.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 05 SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – KANDY
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Sigiriya to Dambulla.
In the city of Dambulla lies a hub that has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country’s economic and cultural uplifting.
Transfer from Dambulla to Matale.
Your next stop is Matale (Approx. 1 hr 30 min) where we will visit a spice garden. An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden – into which you will be most welcome – and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Transfer from Matale to Kandy.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 06 KANDY – PERADENIYA GARDEN – KANDY CITY TOUR
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya.
This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.
Transfer from Peradeniya to Kandy.
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town – cradled among the misty hills – will feature the Kandy City Centre – bundled with the latest and world-class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk-in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube you’re evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at hotel
DAY – 07 KANDY / TEA PLANTATION / NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Kandy to Tea Plantation.
Enroute – Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here you could observe all about the process of manufacturing tea. You can also see how tea is graded. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.
Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya.
En Route Witness the Ramboda Falls.
Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lankas most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lankas tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Sri Lanka s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 08 NUWARA ELIYA / HILL COUNTRY TRAIN RIDE / ELLA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from hotel to Railway Station.
Proceed for a Hill Country Train Ride. Sri Lanka’s iconic rail network dates back to the period of British colonial rule a charming, antiquated system much the same today as it was then. Winding its way majestically through some of the islands least hospitable mountain paths, there is arguably no better or more relaxing way to experience this incredible part of the country.
Transfer from Railway Station to Ella hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 09 ELLA – YALA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Ella to Yala.
it’s time to check out and drive to Yala. Then mid-afternoon, it’s time to prepare for your first safari. Each Safari will last 3-4 hours. Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala – with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and adjoining parks. Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 10 YALA – GALLE – BERUWALA
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Yala to Galle.
Galle was once the chief port of Ceylon. It is still well known for hand-made lace. You can also visit the Galle Fort (spanning 90 acres), which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. This is a World Heritage Site.
Transfer from Galle to Beruwala.
Beruwala is famous for its dazzling marine life and you will love the environment once you step into this beautiful city. It is in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka with green environs in the background awash with tall coconut palm trees. The main attractions are Bentota beach, Bawa Garden, Turtle hatchery, Madu river boat safaris and have a local beverage made out of coconut nectar called “Toddy”.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 11 BERUWALA (FULL DAY AT LEISURE)
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Full Day Leisure at the beach.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 13 BERUWALA – COLOMBO
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer from Beruwala to Colombo via Highway.
This walk will take you away from the typical tourist spots and allow you to truly experience the history of the old town that has evolved into Colombo. Colombo is the trade capital of Sri Lanka, and is a city that has undergone rapid changes. While most old buildings have been replaced by new apartments and office buildings, some parts of the city yet retain its old charm. The 100-year-old clock tower built by the British and some colonial buildings remain examples. The Independence Square, Nelum Pokuna, Pettah Bazaar and BMICH are some of the main highlights of the city. Colombo also provides ample entertainment in terms of an active night life as well as a shopping experience you’d never forget.
Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY – 14 COLOMBO – AIRPORT
Breakfast at the Hotel.
As your holiday in Sri Lanka comes to an end, check out from your hotel in Colombo and head to Colombo International Airport for your departure flight. Cherish the memories of your unforgettable journey in this island paradise, and feel free to reach out to us for assistance with planning your next Sri Lankan adventure!
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