Sri Lanka Highlights
Day 1
Arrive in Colombo
Arrive in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, meet your driver after you exit customs, then transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leasure to enjoy and unwind after the long journey to get here.
Day 2
After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya, approximately a four-hour drive. Enjoy the views of paddy fields, coconut palms and banana plantations. Upon arrival, check into your hotel
for the next few nights.
In the afternoon, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as “Lion Rock”. Built as a safe haven from invaders, this impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 655 ft (200 m) from the plains overlooking the vast surrounding countryside. From the base, ascend up a series of steep steps and gangways to reach the flat-topped summit. Once at the top, discover the remains of the King’s Summer Palace and enjoy breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.
When ready, descend back down, return to your hotel and cool off in the hotel pool at dusk.
Transfer to Sigiriya & Climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Day 3
This morning, travel to the 10th-century capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, just over an hour drive from Sigiriya. Upon arrival, take a cycle tour of the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. Discover numerous Buddhist relics and ruins, dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. Enjoy visiting the temples, palaces, huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures.
Stop for lunch in a rural village, the best way to experience traditional Sri Lankan food.
In the afternoon, transfer to Minneriya National Park and climb into a 4x4 to explore and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Although there is a good chance to see elephants all year round, Minneriya is famous for the “Gathering” of wild elephants - a seasonal phenomenon between July and September, which draws hundreds of these majestic creatures to the reservoir, creating a fantastic wildlife spectacle.
Day 4
Visit Cave Temples at Dambulla & Rural Habarana
Today, head over to Dambulla, a short 30 minute drive from Sigiriya. Visit the magnificent Cave Temple, considered among the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. This is a complex of five caves, adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, which date back to the first century BCE.
From Dambulla, travel to the Habarana Village of Hiriwaduna. Amid lush landscapes, experience genuine hospitality from the local villagers, joining them in daily activities such as a bullock cart ride, traditional fishing and strolling through the paddy fields. Soak in the simplicity and charm of rural life.
When ready, transfer back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Day 5
Today, head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way, stop at a spice garden near Matale and learn about various spices and herb growing. If you wish, stock up on fresh spices, massage oils and Ayurvedic medicines.
The town of Kandy is situated on a small lake. After a couple of adventurous days in Sigiriya, take some time this afternoon to relax and slow the pace down at your Kandy hotel. As another option, wander around town and explore the market stalls or visit the lake.
Transfer to Kandy & Visit a Matale Spice Garden
Day 6
Tour Kandy & Visit Temple of the Tooth
This morning, explore Kandy and the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Renowned for its collection of orchids endemic to Sri Lanka, as well as over 4,000 different plant species, the botanical garden sits close to the Mahaweli River and covers over 147-acres (60-hectares).
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BCE and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the fourth century CE. Hundreds of worshippers visit the temple each day and in July / August, the most spectacular ceremony takes place - the Kandy Perahera Festival.
When you are ready, transfer to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge Buddha, then visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction.
In the evening, you will have the option to attend a performance of Kandyan Dancing and fire walking.
Day 7
This morning, take the scenic train ride into the misty tea hills, approximately a three-hour journey. Your destination is Nuwara Eliya or Little England, which was a favorite cool escape for the British. At 6,128 ft (1,868 m) above sea level, this town is one of Sri Lanka's most famous for tea production.
Upon arrival, visit a tea plantation and factory, where you can enjoy sipping on a cup of pure “Ceylon Tea” and learning about the process of turning the raw green leaves into the final product.
After enjoying the delicious tea, explore the town with its Colonial era bungalows and Tudor-style hotels.
Ride the Train to Nuwara Eliya
Day 8
After breakfast, depart for Kitulgala, a small town located in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Kutulgala is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and the Kelani River, which offers various water-based activities.
After arriving in Kitulgala, visit the remains of a bridge, considered a historical landmark that gained international fame after being featured in the 1957 war movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai." Although set in Thailand, it was actually filmed in Sri Lanka, with the Kitulgala Bridge playing a significant role in the story.
While in Kitulgala, consider the option to go white water rafting. The rafting lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours, and you have a choice of gentle or wild water (grade III rapids), depending on your preference. (Please note, due to water levels rafting may not always be possible.)
In the late afternoon, travel to your hotel in Colombo and enjoy the evening at our own leisure.
Transfer to Colombo via Kitulgala
Day 9
Depart from Colombo
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home, or continue down the coast for some relaxation on the beach. Some interesting places to visit are Galle and Tangalle, known for its beautiful beaches.
You could also consider following your Sri Lankan adventure with a short getaway to The Maldives, where turquoise blue waters and white sands await!
