Sri Lanka Honeymoon Tour - 4 weeks round tour with 3 beach resorts
Colombo - Jaffna - Trincomalee - Sigiriya - Kandy - Highlands - Arugam Bay - safaris - Tangalle beach - Galle
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in a suburb of Jaffna
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World's End of Horton Plains
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Arugam Bay
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This 29 days itinerary is partly intense, partly relaxing, perfect for honeymoons!
This tour is recommendable also for all travelers who like to go deeper into the culture of our island nation. This tour will lead you from Colombo in the western plains to the very north of Sri Lanka, two east cost beach resorts, Cultural Triangle and hillcountry in the centre, and to the deep south for more beach relaxation. Crossing the entire island, you will visit 7 World Heritage Sites and numerous undisturbed attractions off the beaten path and enjoy 2 jeep safaris in different national parks. For this tour, you need your luggage prepared: backpack for a 2-days trekking tour, warm clothes like a pullover, your own first-aid kit with your personal medicine, torches, repellents and protection against leeches in particular; travel insurance is recommended day 01: Meet greet and transfer to Mount Lavinia
Pick up at Airport & transfer to Hotel near airport After a warm welcome at the airport, we will transfer you to Mount Lavina, where after check-in you can spend the rest of the day at the beach or go to town on your own or simply relax in your hotel room. - Overnight stay in Mount Lavinia - day 02: Colombo & Kelaniya & Pilikuttuwa After breakfast a Colombo city tour will show you the major places of interest of Sri Lanka’s capital, such as Galle Face Green and Old Parliament Building, Pettah Market, Independence Square, Nelum Pokum Theatre, Gangarama Temple and Beira Lake. Afterwards you will have shopping opportunities. En route to the north, you will be visiting Kelaniya Temple, which is a secred site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. For Buddhists, it’s the only place in the Western Province that was honoured by a visit of the Buddha, which is the reason why Kelaniya is the most sacred place in the area of Colombo. The interior of the temple is remarkable for the Kandyan style paintings as well as the masterpieces of Solias Mendis, Sri Lanka’s most renowned painter of the 20th century. For Hindus, the Vibhishana shrine of Kelaniya on the Buddhist temple land is a Ramayana pilgrimage site. On the way to Negombo you will visit the forest monastery of Pilikuttuwa, which is still an off-the-beaten-path destination, although it’s one of the prettiest and most charming ancient monasteries for reclusives who lived in rock shelters that are still used by monks in some parts of the monastic compound. Afterwards, you will check-in in a hotel of your choice in Negombo. - Overnight stay in Negombo - day 03: Wilpattu safari After breakfast you will be proceeding to Wilpattu National Park and engage a half-day game drive with 4X4 Jeep. The safari starts after lunch around 1.30 pm and will last till 6.00 pm. Wilpattu is the first and laregest national park of Sri Lanka, inhabited by leopards and sloth bears. However, there is no gurarantee to spot them. Crocodiles, deer and a rich birldlife will be almost certainly sighted. After the Wilpattu Safari you will be heading to First House, after a one-hour drive Nuwan’s mother will be ready with dinner for serving it soon after your arrival. - Overnight stay in First House Mihintale - day 04: Yapahuwa & Haththikuchchi After Breakfast you will be a heading to Yapahuwa Fortress Rock, which likes to be called “Sri Lanka’s second Sigiriya” and climb up to the rock for the view, a stupa is on the top and a cave temple can be visited at the foot of the rock. However, the most attractive part of Polonnaruwa is an imposing stairway flanked by richly decorated with sculptures. It resembles stairways of temple pyramids in Southeast Asia. It’s from the end of the 13th century, when Yapahuwa served as the Sinhalese capital for a short period of time. You can see the double rong of fortifications at the foot of the roch. Afterwards, you will see the Haththikuchchi Viharaya, which is an ancient site embedded in a pretty charming setting. You will climb a stairway up to rock to see the cave of King Sirisanghabo who is believed to have sacrificed his life in front of this cave to help a poor peasant. The view has the best views to the ancient site. After a stop at a local market in Anuradhapura to buy vegetables we will return to Mihintale for an evening Cooking Class with Nuwan’s mother. - Overnight stay in First House Mihintale - day 05: Anuradhapura World Heritage Site This day is reserved for an excursion to Anuradhapura, the largest archaeological site on the island. You can cisit the places by car or by foot bike, if you like. You will see the most holy places of Sri Lanka's ancient capital, namely the Bo-tree and the white dome of Ruwanweliseya, the first stupa called Thuparama Moonstone , Samadhi Buddha, Isurumuniya, Gold Fish Park and Vessagiriya. - Overnight stay in First House Mihintale - day 06: Thantirimale Excursion Today, a further excursion will go into the northwestern direction to show you Thanthirimale Viharaya. It's only a one-hour drive. You will see the rock-cut reclining Buddha, which is one of only three of its kind on the island. The Bi-tree is spectacularly seated atop the rock. You can also see prehistoric paintings in a cave nearby. On the way back, you can explore the Western Monasteries of Anuradhapura, which are quite strange in that they are not decorated except for one specific place, the toilet. The Western Monasteries where inhabited by a very austere sect of Buddhist monks in the late Anuradhapura period (8th to 10th century AD) In the evening visit to the longest and best preserved ancient Stone Bridge, it's near Mahakanadarawa Tank. This excursion will be a Tuk Tuk Ride allowing you some little driving lessons. The rest of the evening is at First House. Dinner will be ready in a cousin’s house, allowing you to dive deeper into our culture by visiting a private house. - Overnight stay in First House Mihintale _ day 07: Mannar Island & Nallur Kandaswamy Temple Today we proceed to the Northern Province. First you will visit Mannar Island, where you will see Sri Lanka’s most spectaculat Baobab tree, which is said to be 500 years old. Its’s close to the Dutch Fort. Prior to check-in in your hotel in Jaffna you will visit the Nallur Kandaswami Kovil, which is the largest and one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Sri Lanka. It’s situated in the suburb of Nallur, which actually was the pre-colonial centre of Jaffna. - Overnight stay in Jaffna - day 08: Islands of Nainativu & Delft This day is for excursions to Nainativu and Delft Islands via Kayts Island, which can be reached via a bridge. On Nainativu Island you will see both a Buddhist and a Hindu pilgrimage site. The Buddhsit temple called Nagadipa Vihara marks a Buddha visited place. The nearby Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is one of the most colourful Tamil temples on the island. On Delft Island you will enjoy a round tour to all major attractions of the small island, seeing the feral horses which are the descendants of a colonial breeding program, the stables of which are in ruins now. Of course, the Portuguese Fort is also on the itinerary. After return to Jaffna you will spend the evening in your hotel. - Overnight stay in Jaffna - day 09: Jaffna Peninsula sightseeing This day is reserved for excursions on the Jaffna Peninsula and for Jaffna town. Our first visit is at the northern coastline, namely the sacred wells of Keerimalai at Naguleshvaram Kovil, which is one of the four most sacred Hindu shrines of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community. Only a few kilomters to the east of Keerimalai is Dambakola, also known as Jambukola, which was the most important harbour of northern Sri lanka in antiquity. It’s here that the sapling of the sacred Bo-tree arrived. In commemoration of this event, a Buddhist sanctuary has been developed at this site in recent decades. On the way back we will visit Kandarodai, which is a historical Buddhist site in the centre of Jaffna Peninsula. A group of dozens of small stupas can be seen here, they served as tombs of Buddhist monks. A city tour in Jaffna will show you the most important monuments in town such as Dutch Fort and Jaffna Public Library. Jaffna is the cultural capital of the island’s Tamil community. But apart from Hindu temples, there are several Christian churches in town. Overnight stay in Jaffna day 10: Elephant Pass & Trincomalee When leaving Jaffna Peninsula we will cross the famous damm called Elephant Pass. It’s named after the ford through which elephants were driven to be shipped by vessel to India. Here we will visit the Hasalaka War Memorial Before arriving at Trincomalee we will have a break at the Kanniyai hotwells. This is not a place inviting you for a bath but a Hindu pilgrimage site where you can observe waching ceremonies of devotees. The city tour in Trincomalee will show you the harbour bay and, situated on a promontory at the ocean side of the city, the Dutch Fort and Koneshvaram temple. Koneshvaram is the most important Shiva temple on the island, atttracting pilgrims also from India. After the city tour you will check in at a hotel of your choice in Trincomalee or at the nearby beach of Nilaveli. - Overnight stay in or near Trincomalee - day 11: Relaxation at Nilaveli Beach This day is free at the beaches of Trincomalee. You will be on your own, but the driver can help you to arrange trips to the coral banks or a whale watching tour or excursions on the Sinnakarachchi Lagoon, which is a good birdwatching area. Another option is to taste the food of local Musil cuisine. If you like, you can combine all the activities mentioned above. - Overnight stay in or near Trincomalee - day 12: Seruwawila & Batticaloa On the way along the East Coast we will cross Sri Lanka’s largest bridge crossing the river mouth of Mahaweli. Afterwards, we will visit the Seruwawila temple, which is believed to be have been visited by all four Buddhas of our aeon. Seruwawila is also known as Seruwila. It’s one of the most important archaeological sites at the east coast. In Batticaloa you will have a little city tour showing you the lagoon and the ocean beaches and the Dutch Fort in between. You will also visit the suburb of Kattankudy, which is a Muslim town and the most densely populated part of Sri Lanka. Afterwards, we will drive back into northern direction for checking in at a beachside hotel of your choice in Pasikuda or nearby Kalkuda. The rest of the day is free for relaxation at the beach. - Overnight stay in Pasikuda - day 13: Pasikuda & Toppigala On this full day at Pasikuda beach we will have a half-day excursion to Toppigala, which was known as Baron’s cap to the British. This is a nature reserve with a civil war museum, as Toppigala was the setting of a decisive battle. Toppigala is an isolated inselberg in the form of a pinpoint. The summit is an excellent vantage point, you can reach it by making use permantly installed ladder. The rest of the day is free for relaxation at Pasikuda beach. - Overnight stay in Pasikuda - day 14: Dimbulagala & Polonnaruwa Driving further inland we will first visit the Dimbulagala monastery and the nearby Namal Pokuna Archaeological Site, which was the monastery in ancient and medieval times. It played a major role in spreading the Sri lankan version of Buddhism to Southeast Asian nations. Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka's capital in the 12th century. The buildings are better preserved than the older once in Anuradhapura. You will see King Parakramabahu's palace, the circular temple and other magnificent edifices at the so-called Quadrangle, the medieval main monastery now called Alahena Parivena, the world-famous group of rock-cut giant Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, the lotus pond, and the paintings of Tivanka statue house. - Overnight stay in Habarana or Sigiriya of Kandalama - day 15: Pidurangala & Village Life & Sigiriya In the morning you will climb to Pidurangala rock, which is the most spectacular vantage point in the Cultural Triangle, with the very best view to Sigiriya. On the way to the top you will see a large recling Buddha in a rock shelter. Pidurangala served as the Buddhist monastery of Sigiriya during the reign of King Kassapa. Afterwards you will engage in a village tour near Habarana, which will include a visit of the local lake and an oxcart ride and information about paddy cultivation and a lunch in a local style in the house of the farmer. In the afternoon you will visit the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya, being Sri Lanka's most imposing ancient site. A large number of unique features make this former fortified city extraordinary indeed, one of Asia's earliest water gardens outside Persia, the island's best preserved paintings from antiquity, graffities with the earliest know poems composed in Sinhala language, the giant paws of a former lion sculpture, the palace or temple on top of the rock, sometimes called "Sri Lanka's Machu Picchu". - Overnight stay in Habarana or Sigiriya of Kandalama - day 16: Dambulla & Nalanda & Tooth Temple The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site. This is the best example of a typical Sri Lankan cave temple, richly decorated with sculptures and paintings. Actually, Dambulla has the largest painted cave at all on the entire island. But it’s not only the size but also the quality. The ceiling paintings in this cave are the most celebrated in the Kandyan style. A special detour will lead to the small but extraordinary temple of Nalanda Gedige. It's remarkable for at least five reasons. Firstly, this is Sri Lanka's only surviving temple completely built of stone. Secondly, it's the best example of architecture in the classical South Indian Pallava style found anywhere on the island. Thirdly, it was a Mahayanist temple and even one of Sri Lanka's rare places of tantric worship. Furthermore, Nalanda Gedige has Sri Lanka's only ancient depictions of sexual intercourse. Last not least, the temple earned the nickname "Sri Lanka's little Abu Simbel", as it had to be replaced and rebuilt due to a reservoir project. Enjoy a break at a herbal and spice garden, where you can see most of the famous spice plants of the tropical regions of Asia and learn more about the use of herbal medicine in traditional healing practices of Ayurveda. A herbal tea will be served for free. In the evening you will join a Puja ceremony in Sri Lanka's most renowned Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. - Overnight stay in Kandy - day 17: Full day in Kandy Enjoy a full day of sightseeing and relaxing in Kandy, the island's charming hill capital. You will see all the famous places such as Senani view point and Victoria Hotel at Kandy Lake and have various shopping opportunities, including Kandyan Arts & Crafts Museum and a Batik Factory and a Gem Museum. As a special extra, the guide will show you a local food market and other shops frequented more by locals than by tourists. In the afternoon you can walk around in the largest and oldest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, belonging to the University of Peradeniya. You can relax under the giant Java fig or on another one of the meadows inviting for a rest. In the evening, you will enjoy a cultural and dance show near the Tooth Temple or the Kandy Lake. - Overnight stay in Kandy - day 18: Gampola period temples & Tea Highlands The first visiting place today is the Embekke temple which is dedicated to God Kataragama, who is also venerated by Sinhalese Buddhists. The Embekke hall of dancers, a kind of mandapa just in front of the shrine room, is famous for the best-quality woodcarvings from the Kandyan period. Actually, Embekke is a woodcarver village till the present day. Close-by is the Buddhist tempel of Lankatilaka which has the most beautiful shrine room from the Kandyan period with excellent murals. Attached to the main shrine are five Devales dedicated to the worship of Hindu gods that are held in high esteem as guardians of the island. Have a break of your journey at the waterfalls known as Rama Falls in Ramboda. The water is coming through the Rama rocks. Enjoy the scenic views of the Ramboda area and Kotmale valley. When visiting the tea factory of Damro, in one of Sri Lanka's largest tea plantations historically known as Labookellie, you will learn more about all the steps of the tea leaf processing, withering, rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying, and quality sorting. Afterwards you take a break with a complimentary cup of tea and have shopping oppurtunities. Afterwards, we will proceed to Nuwara Eliya. - Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya - day 19: Horton Plains & Nuwara Eliya This morning we have to start early to be able to reach World's End just in time to enjoy the views, as the clouds will mae this impossible in the later morning hours. World's End is an escarpment at the edge of Horton Plains, Sri Lanka's only highland national park. You will enjoy a hike of around 4 hours, which also includes a visit of Baker's Falls. Be aware, that Horton Plains can be quite cool in the morning, as it is situated in an elevation of 2000 m. After return to Nuwara Eliya you will experience a small city tour in Sri Lanka's "Little England", On your wish, we can also visit a Hindu pilgrimage temple in town. The rest of the day is free in town or in your hotel in the mild climate Nuwara Eliya is famous for. - Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya - day 20: Highland Train Ride The transfer to Ella will be a very special experience, as you will take the highland train from Nanu Oya. You will cross several tunnels and enjoy the views to the Uva tea region. After arrival at Ella railway station the driver will pick you up there and drop you to your guesthouse or hotel. - Overnight stay in Ella - day 21: Nine Arches & Bogoda Bridge & waterfalls In the morning you will visit the iconic Nine Arches railway bridge, where several vantage points will allow you a perfect view to take a picture. On a trip further east you will visit the oldest wooden bridge of Sri Lanka. It’s roofed, because it also served as a pilgirms’ rest, a so-called Ambalama. A cave temple is nearby. We will also visit the Ravana waterfalls, which are located in the Ella Gap further downhill. Here you can swim in a natural pool. You will spend the rest of the day on your own at the hotel or in town. - Overnight stay in Ella - day 22: Giant statues of Buduruwagala and Maligawila On your way from Ella to the East Coast you will pass Welawaya, from where we will have a detour to Buduruwagala, which is the largest group of rock-cut Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, including the tallest ancient Buddha statue on the island. Afterwards, we proceed to Maligawila, where the two tallest free-standing Buddhist statues can be seen. They attract pilgrims and you will presumably be able to observe a ceremony. Afterwards we proceed to Arugam Bay, where you will stay the next two nights for relaxation and a smaller half-day excursion. - Overnight stay in Arugam Bay - day 23: Arugam Bay & Kudumbigala Excursion After your morning at the beach ye will visit Kudumbigala, which is a nature reserve and a Buddhist forest monastery at the same time. You will climb to the ancient stupa atop the flat rock, which is one of the best vantage points in southeastern Sri Lanka. On the way back from Kudumbigala visit Crocodile village near Panama. Spend the rest of the day on your own at the hotel - Overnight stay in Arugam Bay - day 24: Kataragama Pilgrimage Site & Udawalawe Safari This day will be a little bit long for you, maybe you’ll feel that afterwards. The transfer to Udawalawa National Park will be a 5 hours drive altogether. On the way you will visit Kataragama, which is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists and Wedda people and even some Sufi Muslims alike. You will join a ceremony at the Hindu temple and see the Buddhist Kiriwehera stupa, which marks one of the 16 Buddha visited places on the island. After a 2.5 hours drive from Kataragama you will reach Udawala National Park, where you will enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in southern Sri Lanka's most famous elephant area, Udawalawe National Park, several small groups of elephant cows and their offspring can be seen along the route. The ranger, after having checked the area for your safety, will probably allow you to walk around a little bit at the lake, where you also can see roaming elephants in a safe distance. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Udawalawe - Overnight stay in Udawalawe or Embilipitiya - day 25: Transfer to Tangalle & beach relaxation After your transfer to the beach hotel of your choice in or around Tangalle, the driver will say goodbye, as he will not be available during the next 2 days and return only afterwards for pick-up to Galle. The rest of the day in your beach holiday resort is at your own disposal. Overnight stay in a beach resort of Tangalle. - Overnight stay in Tangalle - day 26: Beach relaxation in Tangalle This first day in your final beach holiday resort is without driver and at your own disposal. - Overnight stay in a beach resort of Tangalle - day 27: Beach relaxation in Tangalle This first day in your final beach holiday resort is without driver and at your own disposal. - Overnight stay in a beach resort of Tangalle - day 28: Galle World Heritage Site After a 3 hours transfer to Galle you will have enough time to explore the city including the New Town. Galle Dutch Fort, also known as Old Town of Galle, is a World Heritage Site, it's the best preserved European fortress from the colonial period in Asia. You can walk along the ramparts and visit the museums or boutiques in town. You will stay the rest of the day at Galle on your own. - Overnight stay in or near Galle - day 29: Transfer to the Airport On departure day the driver will pick you up at your hotel at the appointed time and transfer you to the airport to meet the flight on scheduled time. It will be a 2.5 hours drive. We hope to welcome you again as friends on our tropical island soon. *** End of Service *** |
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