Tour overview:

While you journey around the ‘Pearl of the Ocean’, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Galle and Kandy. Look for elephants and leopards in Yala National Park and Horton Plains National Parks. And visit a Tea Factory and a Tea Plantation where the best tea in the world is being produced.

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Day 1 - Arrive Negombo

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met and assisted by our Airport Representative, who will direct you to your very own Chauffeur. Then transfer to your hotel in Negombo.

Negombo, once a trading port for the Dutch and British now has been developed into a bustling modern town with a handful of reminders of its colonial past. Situated close to the international airport, it makes a convenient rest stop before heading inland to explore. The wide golden sand beach is dotted with fishing boats and the inland resort road offers a selection of restaurants and bars.

Once you check in at your hotel relax and recover from any jet lag.

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Day 2 - Dambulla / Minneriya National Park

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Dambulla, a small village and a central location in Cultural Triangle. The central plains area boasts ruined temples and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. Check in at your hotel on arrival. 

In the afternoon leave for Minneriya for a Jeep Safari. Minneriya National Park is about 8889 hectares in extent and is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka. It is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as spotted deer, Sambar and wild Asian elephants, particularly numerous in August and September when they migrate along a corridor from neighboring parks to feed on the fresh grass on the lake bed - an annual event known as "The Gathering". On completion head back to your hotel.

(Please be prepared for some rough and dusty road. National park can be crowded especially over weekends and festivals.)

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Day 3 - Hiriwaduna Village / Polonnaruwa

After breakfast head into the countryside to experience a traditional Sri Lankan village. Enjoy a traditional cooking session at a local house. Sri Lankan traditional cooking techniques take their best form in the villages. The cuisine relies heavily on the core ingredients of coconut, vegetables, rice, fresh chillis, spices, and curry leaves, all of which grow in abundance on several parts of the island. Spend the morning, learning how to cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal and enjoy lunch. 

After the lunch take a short walk around a nearby village where your guide will talk to you about the daily lives of the local people. Meet one of the local villagers continue along a scenic trail past crop fields and a boat ride in an ancient reservoir where you can spot many birds, butterflies and perhaps other wildlife.

Afterwards leave for the second ancient capital Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage and a well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Over the following three centuries Polonnaruwa became a thriving commercial and religious centre, reaching its zenith under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century.

Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. Exploring the city by bicycle is the easiest way to get around the palaces and temple complex. While the local bikes may be old, they are good enough to get the job done. Start with a visit to the Polonnaruwa Museum where you can learn about the site in more detail, before heading out to the ‘Gal Vihara’ which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall and rank among the true masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art. Other stops include Nissanka Latha Mandapaya which boasts well-preserved stone columns, the impressive Lankathilaka Temple and the ruined stone walls of the Royal Palace. On completion head back to your hotel.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting Polonnaruwa ruins, with shoulders and knees covered.)

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Day 4 - Sigiriya Rock

Set off this morning for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. This 5th Century "Fortress in the Sky" is a UNESCO World Heritage built by King Kassapa which was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The spectacular pillar of rock rise 200 meters from the scrub jungle and the base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit.

You might like to start with a visit to the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the site before wandering through the vast landscaped gardens to the base of the rock. The climb to the top is steep with many steps and there are some sections where the path or staircase is very narrow with steep drops protected by fences. You will pass the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall before arriving at the massive stone lion’s paws. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. The summit, covering an area of 1.6 hectares, was originally completely covered by buildings, but only remains of the royal citadel can be seen today. 

(We do not recommend this for those without a head for heights or the less mobile. The hike up and down again will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your fitness.)

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Day 5 - Anuradapura

After breakfast leave for Mihintale. Visit the ancient remains of Mihintale, a sacred place which is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 meters wide leads to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

Afterwards set off to Anuradhapura, visit the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura founded in the 04th century B.C a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilization which flourished in this region. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest Stupas of Sri Lanka and the Ruins of ancient royal palaces. Another amazing site would be the ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ or the sacred Bo tree which is over 2200 years old grown from a branch of the very tree under which “The Buddha” attained enlightenment – the oldest historically documented tree in the world. 

On completion head back to your hotel.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting Anuradhapura ruins, with shoulders and knees covered. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)

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Day 6 - Dambulla / Kandy

After breakfast check out from the hotel and explore the famous Golden Rock cave temple, date back to the 1st Century BC which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. This amazing complex was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 metres. The hike up to the caves is short but steep. At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting Dambulla temple, with shoulders and knees covered. It is a steep uphill walk to the temple approx. 15-40 mins depending on route taken and on your fitness. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)

Afterwards leave for Kandy, the bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for the pink painted Temple and the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

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Day 7 - Kandy

After breakfast visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. Surrounded on three sides by the Mahaweli River, these botanical gardens were founded in 1824 and are still home to one of world’s largest collections of plants and trees. Giant ficus trees, palms, an orchid house and a vast array of trees such as ebony, teak, satinwood, mahogany and tamarind can be seen here. The garden once reserved only for royalty and also served as a headquarters during the Second World War.

Afterwards visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. It is the prime monument, the supreme edifice not only of the Sinhalese Buddhist populace of Sri Lanka but also of the Buddhists all over the world. It is within this magnificent temple that the sacred Tooth relic of Buddha (Danta Dhatu), the palladium of the Sinhalese nation & Buddhist faith is enshrined. This important shrine boasts intricate carvings and beautiful Sri Lankan art. During the evening ‘puja’ throngs of pilgrims visit the temple to line up to glimpse the golden casket said to hold the sacred relic and to make offerings of flowers.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting The Temple of the Tooth Relic, with shoulders and knees covered.)

Afterwards commence a city tour of Kandy. Stroll along the famous Kandy Lake, built in 1807 and forms an attractive center-piece for the town. Return to the city center, a stroll along the famous shopping streets and to points of interest such as the central market, local church, garrison cemetery, clock tower and the historic railway station. Thereafter enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display.

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Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Nuwara Eliya. En-route visit a Tea Factory and a Tea Plantation where the best tea in the world is being produced. At the tea plantation take a closer look on how the tea pickers pick the tea leaves, then you can join them to pick the tea leaves, then visit the factory with a staff member who will explain the process of fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and grading of tea. There are machines for almost every part of the process except of course the all important tea tasting at the end of the process to determine the quality of the tea.

(It’s usually dusty and noisy and inside the factory and its usually closed on weekends.)

Afterwards continue to the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya, set in the heart of Tea country and situated 1890 meters above sea level, is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Check in to the hotel. 

At your convenience commence a sightseeing tour of the city. Take a walk around the town centre, Market place, passing the Victorian post office, the old Hill Club and golf course before a stop at Holy Trinity Church, a quaint building constructed by the British in the mid-19th Century and drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory. 

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Day 9 - Horton Plains National Park

Leave your hotel early morning with packed breakfast and proceed to Horton plains, the highest plateau in the country. The hazy plain is a goldmine of flora and fauna, with excellent grassy terrains to trek and even rivers running slithering lines along the bases of its facades. It is one of the very important National parks in Sri Lanka especially for its topographical variations. On average, its plains reach up to 6,900 to 7,500 ft in height, and grasslands and cloud forests cover its surfaces. 

The Horton Plains National Park has unique vegetation and is known for its herds of sambar deer, as well as the flocks of rare and endemic highland birds that visit as well as reside here, and up to about 90 other species. Sri Lankan leopards have been spotted in this region, so you might want to keep your eyes peeled if you want to catch a glimpse of the elusive spotted predator! The most awesome physical feature of the Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. Aptly known as the ‘World’s End’ the view from the precipice of the countryside below towards the south coast is spectacular. Don’t miss the most scenic Bakers falls, located within the National park, a tributary of the Belihul Oya.

On completion, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

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Day 10 - Train to Ella / Yala National Park

After breakfast check out and leave for Nanu Oya railway station and board in to the train and continue to Ella - A journey said regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world with sceneries of rolling mountains and green valley’s. Meet up with the driver at the Nanu Oya station and continue to drive to Yala.  

(Train tickets are subject to availability and train times are subject to change due to regular delays Please note that train tickets can only be booked 14 days in advance, with preference given to government officials. When train tickets are not available, a scenic road transfer through the hill country will be substituted.)

Yala, the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

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Day 11 - Yala National Park

Enjoy an early morning game drive around Yala National Park by private jeep accompanied by a tracker. Yala National park one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco tourist Destinations and is renowned for its variety of wildlife notably its many elephants. It is also home to the spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose and crocodiles. The peacock is easily the most famous of the birds in this park. Yala has a high concentration of Leopards although seeing these nocturnal carnivores still requires some luck.

Return to your hotel for a late breakfast and unwind before another game drive in the late afternoon.

(Please be prepared for some rough and dusty roads and be aware that this park can be extremely busy, especially over weekends and festivals. Also note you will proceed in your jeep to the park entrance to collect tickets prior to the park opening, in busy periods this process may take up to 45 minutes.)

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Day 12 - Galle

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Galle, an undeniably charming city on the south coast of Sri Lanka. At the centre of the city is the world famous and UNESCO protected Dutch Fort, around which a modern city has sprung into life providing the visitor with an interesting experience between new and old. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

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Day 13 - Galle Fort

After breakfast leave for Galle Fort, the capital of the southern province is a city with a colorful history. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The earliest European administrative centre of Sri Lanka was the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo. The City of Galle had been the European administrative centre over 4 centuries. A walk along the fort walls from the lighthouse allows you wonderful views out into the Indian Ocean, of the city behind it and into the famous Galle Cricket Ground, one of the most attractive of all international cricket venues.

On completion, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

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Day 14 - Depart

Now that you are at the end of your journey with us, your chauffeur will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your departure flight.

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