Day 1 - Arrival in Negombo
Transfer to Negombo Beach & rest of the day leisure at the beach
Overnight stay in Negombo ***
Overnight stay in Negombo ***
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Day 2 - Transfer to Sigiriya, on the way visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla, located north of Kandy and considered by most to be the centre point of Sri Lanka, is a town built around a vast isolated rock. Dambulla Cave Temple is a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO. The temple is called Rajamaha Vihara of Rangiri Dambulla, also known as the Golden Rock Temple. The cave complex at Dambulla is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world. It was here that King Vattagamini Abhaya (Valagamba) took refuge in the 1st century BCE.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya ***
Dambulla, located north of Kandy and considered by most to be the centre point of Sri Lanka, is a town built around a vast isolated rock. Dambulla Cave Temple is a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO. The temple is called Rajamaha Vihara of Rangiri Dambulla, also known as the Golden Rock Temple. The cave complex at Dambulla is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world. It was here that King Vattagamini Abhaya (Valagamba) took refuge in the 1st century BCE.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya ***
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Day 3 - Visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
A chance to combine Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage with its magnificent beauty, this full day excursion begins amongst the stunning UNESCO ruins of Polonnaruwa. Considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s more accessible sites, the old city is a distinctive mix of architectural styles and is home to the artistic brilliance of the famous Gal Vihara rock sculptures.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya is proudly proclaimed by the locals to be the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. The Lion Rock of Sigiriya rises dramatically from the surrounding countryside. The ruined ancient fortress sitting on top of the rock is a stunning testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Sri Lankans who inhabited these landscapes over 1500 years ago. The huge steep and, at times, arduous staircase also takes you past the famous frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya***
A chance to combine Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage with its magnificent beauty, this full day excursion begins amongst the stunning UNESCO ruins of Polonnaruwa. Considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s more accessible sites, the old city is a distinctive mix of architectural styles and is home to the artistic brilliance of the famous Gal Vihara rock sculptures.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya is proudly proclaimed by the locals to be the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. The Lion Rock of Sigiriya rises dramatically from the surrounding countryside. The ruined ancient fortress sitting on top of the rock is a stunning testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Sri Lankans who inhabited these landscapes over 1500 years ago. The huge steep and, at times, arduous staircase also takes you past the famous frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya***
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Day 4 - Transfer to Kandy, on the way visit Mathale herbal gardens
On the way to Kandy, enjoy a break at a herbal and spice garden near Matale to learn more about tropical spice plants and Ayurvedic herbals.
Kandy
Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom and was untouched by the Portuguese and Dutch colonizers. The British finally took the city in 1818. Therefore, whilst Kandy has a distinct colonial footprint, it also retains a strong sense of tradition.
Overnight stay in Kandy ****
Kandy
Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom and was untouched by the Portuguese and Dutch colonizers. The British finally took the city in 1818. Therefore, whilst Kandy has a distinct colonial footprint, it also retains a strong sense of tradition.
Overnight stay in Kandy ****
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Day 5 - Pinnawala and Botanical Gardens
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Established in 1975, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage houses the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Here about eighty elephants are well looked after, which have been found throughout the country abandoned by their herd and brought to here. You can watch milk feeding for baby jumbos and the daily bath in the nearby Maha Oya river of Pinnawala.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
The Royal Botanical Gardens extend over 147 acres (59 hectares), situated in Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Botanical Garden’s history dates as far back as 1371, when King Wikramabahu III located a small palace with a garden here. Later on, King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha established a Royal Garden. A Vihara and Dagaba were built in the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya. Later they were destroyed by the colnial masters during the British period. Under the advice of Sir Joseph Banks a garden named Kew was opened on Slave Island, Colombo, and Mr. William Kerr was appointed its Superintendent. Afterwards the garden was moved to Kaluthara for economic purpose. After Kerr had died, Mr. Alexander Moon was appointed Superintendent. Finally the Garden moved to Peradeniya in 1821 adapted for botanical purpose. During this time it was mainly planted with cinnamon and coffee, Mr. Alexander published “Catalogue of Ceylon plants”. After Mr. George Gardner was appointed in 1844, many new plants were introduced to the collection. Now the Royal Botanical Gardens are maintained by the Management and Development of Botanic Gardens National Herbarium and allied unites of Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay in Kandy ****
Established in 1975, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage houses the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Here about eighty elephants are well looked after, which have been found throughout the country abandoned by their herd and brought to here. You can watch milk feeding for baby jumbos and the daily bath in the nearby Maha Oya river of Pinnawala.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
The Royal Botanical Gardens extend over 147 acres (59 hectares), situated in Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Botanical Garden’s history dates as far back as 1371, when King Wikramabahu III located a small palace with a garden here. Later on, King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha established a Royal Garden. A Vihara and Dagaba were built in the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya. Later they were destroyed by the colnial masters during the British period. Under the advice of Sir Joseph Banks a garden named Kew was opened on Slave Island, Colombo, and Mr. William Kerr was appointed its Superintendent. Afterwards the garden was moved to Kaluthara for economic purpose. After Kerr had died, Mr. Alexander Moon was appointed Superintendent. Finally the Garden moved to Peradeniya in 1821 adapted for botanical purpose. During this time it was mainly planted with cinnamon and coffee, Mr. Alexander published “Catalogue of Ceylon plants”. After Mr. George Gardner was appointed in 1844, many new plants were introduced to the collection. Now the Royal Botanical Gardens are maintained by the Management and Development of Botanic Gardens National Herbarium and allied unites of Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay in Kandy ****
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Day 6 - Transfer to Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya meaning ‘’ the city of Dawn’’ is Sri Lanka’ city at the highest elevation. Its altitude is 2000 m above sea level in Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka’s is tallest peak, Piduruthalagala, of 2555 m height, can be seen from the city center. The city, established by the British in the 19th century, and known as ‘’Little England’’, is a popular holiday destination for local holiday makers due to its cool climate and quaint colonial feel with its little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of tea country and you can visit a plantation and its factory en route here and witness how the famous ‘’ Ceylon Tea’’ is brewed.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya ***
Nuwara Eliya meaning ‘’ the city of Dawn’’ is Sri Lanka’ city at the highest elevation. Its altitude is 2000 m above sea level in Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka’s is tallest peak, Piduruthalagala, of 2555 m height, can be seen from the city center. The city, established by the British in the 19th century, and known as ‘’Little England’’, is a popular holiday destination for local holiday makers due to its cool climate and quaint colonial feel with its little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of tea country and you can visit a plantation and its factory en route here and witness how the famous ‘’ Ceylon Tea’’ is brewed.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya ***
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Day 7 - Enjoy the Hill Country Train Ride
Train from Nanu Oya to Hatton
Travelling by train in the hill country provides a unique perspective of Sri Lankan rural life. As the train ambles along almost at walking pace in some places, sit back and enjoy the scenery and the timeless, unhurried charm.
Transfer from Hatton to Airport.
Enjoy the journey from Hatton via Kitulgala back to the International Airport
End of Tour
Travelling by train in the hill country provides a unique perspective of Sri Lankan rural life. As the train ambles along almost at walking pace in some places, sit back and enjoy the scenery and the timeless, unhurried charm.
Transfer from Hatton to Airport.
Enjoy the journey from Hatton via Kitulgala back to the International Airport
End of Tour
