Best of Sri Lanka Tour

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Destination

COLOMBO – DAMBULLA – ANURADHAPURA -MIHINTALE – SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – KANDY – PINNAWELA AND BOTANICAL GARDENS – NUWARA ELIYA – YALA – GALLE – BENTOTA

Duration

11 Nights / 12 Days

Customize This Tour

This itinerary is customizable according to your need

Inclusions

Accommodation

Transfer

Meals

Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Colombo – Dambulla (155 Km, 4 Hours)

Upon reaching Colombo airport, we’ll proceed with the journey to Dambulla. Upon reaching our destination, we’ll complete the check-in process at the hotel.

Dambulla stands as an extensive, solitary rock formation. In the 1st century B.C., King Valagam Bahu sought refuge here from invasions and transformed the rocks into a remarkable cave temple.

In the late afternoon, we’ll explore the Golden Cave Temples in Dambulla. These temples showcase some of the most exceptional examples of ancient Buddhist art globally. Many of the sculptures and frescoes date back well over 2000 years. Overnight stay at Dambulla.

Day 2

Dambulla – Anuradhapura (65 Km, 1 ½ Hour) – Mihintale (18 Km, 30 Min) – Dambulla (60 Km, 1 Hour)

After breakfast, we will visit Anuradhapura to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka. This city was the focal point of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilization, undoubtedly ranking as the grandest city in ancient Sri Lanka. The site boasts the Earth’s oldest historically documented tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi, aged over 2,200 years. Anuradhapura is also the site of some of Sri Lanka’s oldest Buddhist shrines, dating back to the 3rd century BC, as well as monuments adorned with exquisite stone carvings or sculptures. Pleasure gardens, meticulously crafted stone baths and ponds, and a remarkable irrigation system comprising reservoirs and canals collectively constitute the primary allure of Anuradhapura.

Highlights of the tour include the Brazen Palace, Ruwanweli Seya, Samadhi Buddha, Isurumuniya rock temple, Kuttam Pokuna twin ponds, Thuparama, Ratnaprasada, Abayagiri, and Jetevanarama.

After tour of Anuradhapura, we will visit Mihintale, a significant site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. Here, we will explore ancient granite steps, dagabas, relic houses, assembly halls, meditation rocks, caves, and ponds. Afterwards, return to Dambulla for overnight stay.

Day 3

Dambulla-sigiriya (17 Km, 25min)-polonnaruwa (60 Km, 1 Hour)-dambulla (65 Km, 1 ½ Hour)

After breakfast, head to Sigiriya to climb the UNESCO World Heritage Site rock fortress. Constructed under the reign of King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” stands as an extraordinary citadel, soaring 200m above the jungle. Serving as the innermost fortress of the 70-hectare fortified town, its base is encircled by a moat, rampart, and expansive gardens.

To enjoy the glamourous views from the top, you need to climb over 1200 steps This can take almost 2 hours. During the climb, we will Explore the Water Gardens, Frescoes, Mirror Wall, Lion platform, and Summit.

After Sigiriya tour, visit Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, with its Royal Palace complex, Quadrangle, and Gal Vihare complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was an ancient city that gained prominence as the capital following the decline of Anuradhapura. The monuments, admirably preserved, vividly depict the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s historical legacy. Afterwards, return to Dambulla for overnight stay.

Day 4

Dambulla – Kandy (75 Km, 2 Hours)

After breakfast, visit the Dambulla Rock Caves Temple. The temple, comprising a series of five caves, traces its origins back to the first century BC and houses an impressive collection of over 150 Buddha images. The majority of the caves were carved by hand, with some remarkable Buddha statues still seamlessly attached to the cave walls.

Afterward, proceed to Matale to explore a Spice Garden and observe the cultivation of spices in their natural environment. Gain insights into the various spices and their applications in Sri Lankan cuisine.

After the tour, we will continue our drive to Kandy – one of the most picturesque towns in the country. The hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy was the historic stronghold of the Sinhala Kings. The town’s centrepiece is undeniably the golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa. Upon arrival, we will Check-in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, we shall visit the Temple of the Tooth. The temple holds unparalleled reverence among Buddhists worldwide. Constructed in the 16th century, this temple enshrines the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was transported to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century AD. Over the years, successive rulers have added various structures to the temple complex, with the latest addition being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine, where the Tooth Relic is enshrined. This is followed by a cultural show. Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day 5

Pinnawela And Botanical Gardens Tour Rom Kandy

Following breakfast, embark on a visit to the PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE. it is the world’s first and only elephant orphanage dedicated to nurturing, feeding, and sheltering young elephants left or orphaned by their mothers. Additionally, it accommodates elephants displaced due to development projects or those found wounded. Visitors can marvel at the sight of baby elephants being fed from colossal feeding bottles or enjoying a bath in the nearby river—a truly unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the city of Kandy, including a visit to the ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS. These gardens, laid out in 1821 by British colonial rulers, were initially the Royal Pleasure Garden of the Kandyan Kings. The gardens showcase an enchanting array of floral and green plants. Notable features include the Orchid House, exhibiting a splendid collection of Sri Lankan orchids, the fernery, spice garden, and trees planted by distinguished visitors to the island. Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy.

Day 6

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (120 Km, 4 Hours)

After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country, Nuwara Eliya stands as the hub of Ceylon Tea. Its undulating mountains are adorned with lush green tea estates, accompanied by babbling streams and picturesque waterfalls. The invigorating climate, mist-laden valleys, and unmistakable British charm render Nuwara Eliya a must-visit destination on any Sri Lankan travel agenda.

Enroute, explore a tea factory and plantation, where we’ll showcase the daily process of tea leaf plucking. Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7

Transfer To Ella By Train And Drive To Yala

After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Station to catch a train to Ella. Experience approximately 2 ½ hours of scenic rail travel.

Upon reaching Ella Station, we will explore the renowned Nine Arch Bridge. Also known as the Bridge in the Sky, stands as a notable viaduct in Sri Lanka, showcasing exemplary colonial-era railway construction. The surrounding area has become a hub for tourism, attracting visitors with its ingenious design and the lush greenery enveloping the nearby hillsides.

Afterwards, we will continue the journey to Yala by drive. Upon reaching, we will check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Yala.Top of Form.

Day 8

Safari at Yala National Park

Following an early breakfast, embark on a 4×4 Jeep Safari to explore Yala National Park.

Established in 1938. Yala is renowned for its significant herds and abundant wildlife, including elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sambhur, crocodiles, mongoose, wild boar, wild buffalo, and numerous other species. Covering 126,786 hectares, including the Strict Natural Reserve, the Ruhunu National Park is home to various blocks, with Block I being the most popular. The park boasts over 130 recorded bird species, encompassing both resident and winter visitors. Overnight stay at hotel in Yala.

Day 9

Galle Tour And Transfer To Bentota (200 Kms, 3 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and travel to Bentota with a stopover in the city of Galle. Galle, a major city on the South Coast, is renowned for its Portuguese and Dutch Fort, designated as a “World Heritage Site.” The fort, covering 90 acres, is believed by some scholars to be the ancient “Tarshish” mentioned in the Old Testament. Despite its origins, the fort currently displays no visible traces of its Portuguese founders. Explore the market/bazaar area and the historic Galle Fortress en route. After Galle tour, continue drive to Bentota. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel there. Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota.