Explore during this 10-day tour Sri Lanka high and low with this fascinating round-trip starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main historic, cultural and natural attractions of this magical island. Discover a world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities, historic temples and ancient citadels. Meet some of the friendliest and gentlest creatures in the animal kingdom and enjoy the lush green tea plantations spread through the hill county. Conclude the tour with a few relaxing days on the beautiful beaches of Bentota.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Colombo: Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital is both a historic city packed with colonial architecture and modern metropolis with soaring skyscrapers.
Kandy: This beautiful city is home to the outstanding Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens.
Sigiriya: The ‘Lion Rock’ rises almost 200 metres above the jungle, offering stunning panoramic views that will amaze your eyes.
Yala National Park: This National park is a mixture of plains, forests and waterbodies and is home to wonderful mammals such as sloth bears and leopards, elephants and deer and plenty of birds. Take a look at the Sri Lankan wild side.
Galle: Travel back in time while exploring the historical streets of this well-preserved fortified Dutch colonial city.
Day 1: ARRIVAL COLOMBO
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport our representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transfer to your hotel. Settle in your room before spending the rest of this first day at leisure.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 2: COLOMBO – DAMBULLA – POLONNARUWA – HABARANA (230km – 5 hrs)
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo. Begin the tour with a visit to Dambulla Rock Temple to explore this 2,000-year-old sacred pilgrimage site carved deep inside a mountain. This awe-inspiring complex of five caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of metres of painted walls and ceilings and contains more than 150 images of the Buddha and other deities and Sri Lankan kings. Continue to Polonnaruwa and explore the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great, the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Then transfer to your hotel in Habarana for overnight.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 3: HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – KANDY (100km – 3 hrs)
Take the road after a tasty breakfast. Begin to explore with a climb to the fifth-century the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which sits atop a rock that dramatically rises almost 200 metres above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock’, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. It was later abandoned and forgotten until the British found it and began an archaeological exploration. Today, the remnants of this once thriving city offer a tantalising indication of what once stood here. Pass through the lion’s ‘belly’, climb to the top, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Then, continue to Kandy and enjoy an afternoon city tour that includes the Temple of the Tooth Relic a cultural show In the evening.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4: KANDY – TEA PLANTATION – ELLA(140km – 4 hrs)
Savour Sri Lanka’s most famous product with a visit to a tea plantation and factory. Observe the tea production process from the picking of the leaves to their grading and selection, and finally the manufacture of dried tea leaves. Cap off this experience with a tasting of genuine Ceylon tea in the factory. Continue to Ella and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Ella.
Day 5: ELLA
After breakfast at the hotel get ready to explore Ella. Marvel at the breathtaking Ella Gap, offering sweeping views of lush valleys and distant mountains. Explore the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering surrounded by dense greenery and tea plantations. Then, return back to your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Ella.
Day 6: ELLA – TISSAMAHARAMA/YALA (100km – 2.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Tissamaharama. Arrive at your hotel for check in. In the afternoon enjoy Safari at Yala National Park. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of civilization, which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. On completion, you will return to the hotel and rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at a hotel in Tissamaharama/Yala.
Day 7: TISSAMAHARAMA/YALA – GALLE (150KM – 3.5hrs)
After collecting packed breakfast proceed to Yala National park for morning Safari and then continue to Galle. In the afternoon explore Galle. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture. After exploring the city, return to the hotel.
Overnight in Galle.
Day 8: GALLE – BENTOTA/WADDUWA (70km – 1.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Bentota/Wadduwa area. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Bentota/Wadduwa.
Day 9: BENTOTA/WADDUWA
Breakfast at the hotel followed by the day at leisure to relax on the beach.
Overnight in Bentota/Wadduwa.
Day 10: BENTOTA/WADDUWA – DEPART COLOMBO (70km – 1.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure flight.
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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