Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Private Tour

Discover the heart of Sri Lanka with this fascinating journey departing from Colombo, visiting the most important historical places, the cultural and natural attractions of the island, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy its beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages, historical temples and ancient cities. Breathe in the scents of Sri Lanka in its spice gardens and tea plantations. You will also enjoy cultural shows and spiritual experiences during eight unforgettable days knowing the paradise described by Marco Polo as the most beautiful place he had seen.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Sigiriya: The ‘Lion Rock’ rises almost 200 metres above the jungle, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Polonnaruwa: An ancient city characterized by temples and palace ruins, as well as an interesting still-functioning irrigation system.

Matale: Wander around the delightful spice gardens, breathing the scents of Sri Lanka: cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, and many others.

Nuwara Eliya: View fascinating plantations in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country and admire the town’s Victorian architecture.

Kandy: This mesmerising city is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens.

Yala: Explore the magnificent fields of green and meet many wild animals such as elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and leopards.

Weligama: Get close to the shores of the Indian Ocean and observe the unique way of fishing practised by local fishermen.

Galle: Travel back in time while exploring the historical streets of this well-preserved fortified Dutch colonial city.

Day 1: ARRIVAL COLOMBO (40km – 45 mins)

Arrive at the International Airport in Colombo. Our representative will meet and greet you before transferring you to the selected hotel. Vibrant, bustling, and colourful Colombo offers a stunning contrast to the rest of the country. Skyscrapers grow out of historic colonial-era districts near the port, but the modern metropolis proudly keeps its old-world charm. Enjoy a tour of the city, visiting several historical, religious and commercial sites, including the famous and bustling port in Pettah, also the elite residential neighbourhood in Cinnamon Gardens, Galle Face Green Square, Viharamahadevi Park and much more.

Overnight in Colombo.

Day 2: COLOMBO – SILVER TEMPLE – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA/HABARANA (150km – 6hrs)

After having breakfast at the hotel, we head towards Ridi Viharaya (Silver Temple), a rock-cut Buddhist sanctuary that features a 9-meter reclining Buddha, surrounded by impressive walls and carvings. Get ready for a trek in the area. We continue to Dambulla, in the centre of the island, which is known for its impressive caves decorated with Buddhist frescoes and statues. The decoration of the five caves of this monastic complex began more than 2,000 years ago. It contains more than 150 Buddha images, of which the largest is the colossal 14-meter figure of Buddha carved out of the rock. Thanks to these impressive features, the temple is one of eight sites in Sri Lanka that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Sigiriya/Habarana.

Day 3: SIGIRIYA/HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – HABARANA/SIGIRIYA (100km – 2hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Sigiriya, one of the most mythical places in Sri Lanka. The arrival is impressive since the rock emerges about 200 meters above the jungle to dominate the horizon. At its top, it hides the ruins of a royal citadel dating from the 5th century. Access will be through a large door in the shape of a lion carved from the rock, hence the name Sigiriya, which means' the rock of the lion 'in Sinhalese. With the passage of time, it was neglected until in the 19th century a British military man found the rock and its top already devoured by weeds. Admire the frescoes such as the 'heavenly maidens', which are painted with earth pigments on the plaster. We bid farewell to this UNESCO World Heritage site to go to another, crossing the jungle to tour the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Currently, Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can see and appreciate the ruins of the Royal Palace and other buildings and structures. Another interesting aspect is Gal Viharaya - with three magnificent Buddha statues in different postures: upright, sedentary and reclining - the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath and the statue of King Para Kramabahu. There are also monuments to famous places of worship. Transfer to the hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Sigiriya/Habarana.

Day 4: SIGIRIYA/HABARANA – MATALE – KANDY (200km – 4hrs)

Have breakfast at the hotel before heading to Matale for a visit to Matale Spice Garden. This small town is known for its cosy climate and fragrant spices. In the garden, learn about the intricate processes that make Sri Lanka produce some of the best spices in the world. Stop by the side of a spice garden and observe the therapeutic values of spices over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Kandy (not included, available as an optional extra). Tonight, witness a Sinhalese dance performance in Kandy.

Overnight in Kandy.

Day 5: KANDY – TEA PLANTATION – NUWARA ELIYA (80km – 2hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a tour of the major attractions of the beautiful city of Kandy, on the shores of the lake of the same name. This world heritage city was the capital of the last Sinhalese state on the island to fall under foreign rule. We visit the Temple of the Buddha's Tooth. We can also appreciate the palace and the gardens that share the complex with the temple and the beautiful artificial lake that is surrounded by much of the city. Transfer from Kandy to a plantation and tea factory, stopping en route for lunch (not included, available as an optional extra). At the plantation, observe the entire process and manufacture of tea. Then, enjoy a tasting of authentic Ceylon tea, considered one of the best blends in the world. Drive through rolling green fields full of tea plantations on our way to Nuwara Eliya (which means 'City of Light' in Sinhalese), a picturesque village on the shores of a lake. The Nuwara Eliya district is known as 'Little England' for its lush atmosphere and colonial appearance.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6: NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA – YALA – TISSAMAHARAMA/YALA (160km – 4hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Ella driving through the green and beautiful landscapes of the Central Highlands, enjoying views such as the wild Ravana waterfall. From Ella, transfer to Yala National Park with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included, available as an optional extra). Upon arrival at the park, enjoy a safari of about two to three hours in a rustic Jeep without air conditioning. Elephants, wild boars, buffaloes, leopards, deer bears and crocodiles are found in this national park, as well as large flocks of native and migrating birds.

Overnight in Tissamaharama/Yala.

Day 7: TISSAMAHARAMA – WELIGAMA – GALLE – BEACH AREA (170km – 4hrs)

Breakfast will take place at the hotel and on the road along the Indian coast, heading to Weligama. Stop in this coastal city to watch the fishermen practice their exceptional way of fishing, which involves attaching their nets to a stake that protrudes 20-50 meters out of the sea. We continue to Galle, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant (not included, available as an optional extra). The historic city of Galle is in the southwest of Sri Lanka and is the best example of a fortress built by the Portuguese during their 153 years of rule over the country, which they called Ceilão. We visit the Galle fortress, which occupies an entire peninsula and was built by the Portuguese. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and within its walls, we find a series of buildings from the 140 years of Dutch colonization - which replaced the Portuguese domain - including a beautiful church with a typical Dutch facade, the old hospital, the residence of the governor and more. Transfer from Galle to the chosen beach area in the southeast of the country on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Overnight in the Beach Area.

Day 8: BEACH AREA – DEPARTURE COLOMBO (176kms – 2hrs)

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before you are transferred to Colombo Airport.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. 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.