The Island Tours include the best that Sri Lanka can offer - ancient cities, cultural heritages, tea-growing hills, wildlife parks and Indian Ocean beaches. Some itineraries are designed to uncover lesser known, but still entrancing remains of Sri Lanka’s cultural past.
DURATION: 10 DAYS-9 NIGHTS TOUR
• Elephant Orphanage at Pinnewele
• Dambulle cave Temple -UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sigirye Rock Fortress -UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Polonnaruwe Ancient Kingdom-UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Safari in Minneriye / Kaudulle National Park
• Kanday Tooth Relic Temple
• Cultural Show
• Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniye
• Tea Gardens & Tea Factory visit
• Film site of “Bridge of The River Kwaii”
DAY 1: AIR PORT TO NEGAMBO
Arrival at Bandaranayeke International Ari Port and transfer to Hotel in Negambo
Dinner & Overnight stay at a Hotel in Negambo
DAY 2: NEGAMBO /PINNEWELE/DAMBULLE
After breakfast leave for Dambulle and en route visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnewele
Pinnewele Elephant Orphanage where abandoned and disabled elephants get lot of love, care and protection, can enjoy the bathing, feeding & playing of dignified elderly matriarchs to the cutest of babies
Dinner & Over night stay at a hotel in Dambulle
DAY 3: DMBULLE/POLONNARUWE/DAMBULLE
After breakfast visit Polonnaruwa ruined city- UNISCO World Heritage site, the second kingdom of Ancient Sinhalese , became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 10th c AD and remained the capital until the late 13th century. Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good nick; huge Palaces, Monastic complexes, Giant Stupas, Hospitals, Image Houses etc... The most impressive are the ancient sculptures of the Buddha at the Gal Viahara cut into Granite stone dating back to the middle of the 12th century.
Afterward visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriye; the lion rock, a rock fortress-cum royal palace complex of 5thc AD, was created by king Kashyape who committed patricide made the rock his hideout in order to stay away from his half-brother who sought vengeance. This king not only fortified his stronghold but also added to it artistic beauty with water gardens, pavilions, courtyards, summer houses etc..… About two hours can happily be spent walking through its water gardens, and then up the steep steps - either hewn out of the rock or on circular iron staircases - past the frescoes. You will be in no rush to abandon the spectacular views at the summit
Dinner & Overnight stay at the same hotel in Dambulle
DAY 4: DAMBULLE TO KANDAY
After breakfast leave for Kandy for two nights. En route visit Cave Temple at Dambulla-UNESCO World Heritage site where large number of Buddha statues housed in 5 caves, including a 14 meter long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock, The caves’ rock ceiling covered in one large sweep of colorful frescoes. It is the best place to see the classical Buddhist paintings & murals of the island. Next visit an Ayurvedic herbal & Spice garden at Matale, where spices & herbs used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medication are grown.
Evening see the Cultural Show in Kandy. Kandy- UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of hill country, was the last seat of Sinhalese kings who ceded power to the British in1815 after many battle with the western colonial forces, still remains much of its old world charm and traditions of the Sri Lankan life style, At the Cultural Show, can enjoy the Dancers & Drums of Traditional Artist with their magical Fire walking.
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Kandy
DAY 5: KANDY
After breakfast leave for sightseeing in Kandy city-UNESCO World Heritage site; including Upper Lake Drive, picturesque premises of the University of Peradeniya , and Observe the glorious Architecture of that period. Visiting Art & Craft Centers, Gem Lapidary to see the rich skills of Kandian Traditional Craftsmen & Artists.
And afterward visit Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniye ; the Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya used to be the pleasure garden of a Kandyan King of the 16th Century and later made in to a Botanical Garden during the British regime. This gardens; one of the best in Asia is a place of beauty and site for bird watchers.
Dinner & over night stay at the same hotel in Kandy
DAY 6: KANDY TO NUWER ELIYE
In the morning visit the sacred tooth relic temple of the Buddha. The temple, the most venerated place of Buddhist of Sri Lanaka, was built in the 14th Century A.D. solely for the purpose of housing the tooth relic which was brought to the island in 4th c AD. The temple has decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services (pooja) with traditional music and drumming are held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening where guests can participate
Afterward leave for Nuwere Eliye and en route visit to a Tea Factory with rolling tea gardens .The journey goes via crashing waterfalls & stunning landscape and reach Nuwere Eliye in the evening: Nuwara Eliya also known as Little England is where the homesick British (The Tea Planters) built themselves a home away from home
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Nuwere Eliye
DAY 7: NUWER ELIYE TO ELLE
After breakfast leave for Elle by train passing densely covered tea plantations, remote villages and spectacular waterfalls, the train journey from Nuwere eliye to Elle often stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable journeys.
Ella is a beautiful small village in Sri Lanka's hill country with little more than a handful of shops, hotels and guesthouses, but it has an almost perfect climate and occupies a very scenic vantage point, with views on a fine day stretching right across the South Coast of Sri Lanka.
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Elle
DAY 8: ELLE TO YALA
After breakfast leave for Tissamaharama and en route visit Buduruwagele Buddha statues.
The ancient rock sculptures at Buduruwagala are fascinating and are carved into a 70ft granite cliff. The sculptures are said to date back to the 8th century and consists of seven gigantic Buddhist figures from the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine. A short walk amidst the rock sculptures takes you to awe inspiring, tranquil wilderness and a peaceful lake setting filled with birds.
Afternoon game drive in Yale National Park in search of Leopard, Sloth Bear and Asian Elephant.. Yale ;Sri Lanka’s one of the best National Parks to see a wide variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife because of its scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections.
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Tissemaharama or Yala
DAY 9: YALA TO GALLE
After breakfast leave for Galle and evening visit Galle Dutch Fort-UNESCO World Heritage site, The Galle Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British, covers nearly four sq kms, This small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel, still remain with its well preserved bastions, public buildings, churches, and lighthouse. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with quaint houses, Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants
Evening relax on the beaches at Koggale or Unewatne , situated further south to the famous town of Galle.
DAY 10: DEPATURE-GALLE TO AIR PORT
After breakfast, transfer to International Airport- Katunayake
THE TOUR INCLUDES
THE TOUR EXCLUDES:
DURATION: 14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS TOUR
DAY 01: AIR POR TO NEGAMBO
Arrival at Bandaranayeke International Ari Port and transfer to Hotel in Negambo for two nights
Dinner & Overnight stay at a Hotel in Negambo
DAY 02: NEGAMBO/COLOMBO/NEGAMBO
After breakfast visit Negambo Fish market and Afterward leave for Colombo city excursion. Colombo, The commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a fascinating city with blend of East & West as well as a cozy mixture of past & present; the city is dotted with numerous interesting and important tourist attractions including colonial era buildings.
The City Tour will include places of Tourist interest such as Colombo National Museum, Old parliament, Independent Square, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Buddhist, Hindu Temples and Town Hall.
En route visit Keleniye Rajamaha Viharaye ; one of the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists of Sri Lanka since it is a site made hallowed by the visit of Lord Buddha. The Chronicles records that the original Dagoba at the temple, enshrined a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. This temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings, which depict important events in the life of the Buddha and history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Dinner & Overnight stay at a hotel in Negambo
DAY 03: NEGAMBO TO ANURADHAPURA
After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is an UNESCO World Heritage Site; Sri Lanka’s first capital, the greatest monastic city of the ancient world, dates back from the 4thc.BC to 11th c AD, ruled by more than 100 Sri Lankan kings. The World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura consists of a large number of sacred Buddhist sites including dagobas (gigantic dome-like structures), monasteries, palaces and the ancient Bo Tree, grown from the original tree in Budda Gaya under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Dinner & Overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapure
DAY 04: ANURADHAPURE/AUKENE/DAMBULLE
After freak fast leave for Dambulle for two nights. En route visit Aukana Buddha : One of Sri Lanka’s most perfect and elegant Buddha statues, lies to the west of the large Kala Wewa tank. Creation of both the temple and the tank (reservoir) is attributed to King Dhatusena in the 5th century. The statue stands 12m high, carved from a single rock and is considered to be a masterpiece of Sri Lankan ancient sculptors
And next visit The Ritigala ancient Buddhist monastery; nestles deep inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, is a partially excavated ruins of an extensive Buddhist Monastery. It was abandoned following invasions in 10th and 11th centuries and today holds special appeal with its curious blend of nano-safari and archaeology. Walking around the beautiful ruins does certainly give you a feeling of adventures in search of mythical pasts; it is easy to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones whilst clambering over the overgrown relics of a forgotten time
Dinner & Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulle
DAY 05: DAMBULLE/POLONNARUWE/DAMBULLE
After breakfast visit Polonnaruwa ruined city- UNISCO World Heritage site, the second kingdom of Ancient Sinhalese , became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 10th c AD and remained the capital until the late 13th century. Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good nick; huge Palaces, Monastic complexes, Giant Stupas, Hospitals, Image Houses etc... The most impressive are the ancient sculptures of the Buddha at the Gal Viahara cut into Granite stone dating back to the middle of the 12th century.
Afterward visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriye; the lion rock, a rock fortress-cum royal palace complex of 5thc AD, was created by king Kashyape who committed patricide made the rock his hideout in order to stay away from his half-brother who sought vengeance. This king not only fortified his stronghold but also added to it artistic beauty with water gardens, pavilions, courtyards, summer houses etc..… About two hours can happily be spent walking through its water gardens, and then up the steep steps - either hewn out of the rock or on circular iron staircases - past the frescoes. You will be in no rush to abandon the spectacular views at the summit
Dinner & Overnight stay at the same hotel in Dambulle
DAY 06: DAMBULLE TO KANDY
After breakfast leave for Kandy for two nights. En route visit Cave Temple at Dambulla where large number of Buddha statues housed in 5 caves, including a 14 meter long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock, The caves’ rock ceiling covered in one large sweep of colorful frescoes. It is the best place to see the classical Buddhist paintings & murals of the island. Next visit an Ayurvedic herbal & Spice garden at Matale, where spices & herbs used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medication are grown.
Evening see the Cultural Show in Kandy. Kandy- UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of hill country, was the last seat of Sinhalese kings who ceded power to the British in1815 after many battle with the western colonial forces, still remains much of its old world charm and traditions of the Sri Lankan life style, At the Cultural Show, can enjoy the Dancers & Drums of Traditional Artist with their magical Fire walking.
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Kandy
DAY 07: KANDY
After breakfast visit the Temple of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha in Kandy, the most venerated place of Buddhist of Sri Lanaka, was built in the 14th Century A.D. solely for the purpose of housing the tooth relic of the Buddha
Afterward leave for Pinnewele to visit Elephant Orphanage where abandoned and disabled elephants get lot of love, care and protection, can enjoy the bathing, feeding & playing of dignified elderly matriarchs to the cutest of babies
Dinner & Overnight stay at the same hotel in Kandy
DAY 08: KANDY TO NUWERE ELIYE
After breakfast leave for Nuwere Eliye. In the morning further sightseeing in Kandy city; including Upper Lake Drive, picturesque premises of the University of Peradeniya , Royal Botanical Gardens and Observe the glorious Architecture of that period..experiencing the tranquility of the atmosphere..Visiting Art and Craft Centers, Gem Factory to see the rich skills of Kandian Traditional Craftsmen & Artists.
Next visit to a Tea Factory with rolling tea gardens via crashing waterfalls and reach Nuwere Eliye in the evening: Nuwara Eliya also known as Little England is where the homesick British (The Tea Planters) built themselves a home away from home
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Nuwere Eliye
DAY 09: NUWERE ELIYE TO ELLE
After breakfast visit beautifully landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens, at an elevation of 1,670m with magnificent views of the surrounding hills and the jungles of the Hakgala Nature Reserve. The gardens are filled with roses and orchids, eucalyptus, pine and camphor, fruit and scented herbs and rare ferns – an array of flowers and foliage from Sri Lanka and different parts of the world. An eminent British Botanist founded the Hakgala Botanical Gardens in 1860.
Afternoon leave for Elle by train passing densely covered tea plantations, remote villages and spectacular waterfalls, the train journey from Nuwere eliye to Elle often stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable journeys.
Ella is a beautiful small village in Sri Lanka's hill country with little more than a handful of shops, hotels and guesthouses, but it has an almost perfect climate and occupies a very scenic vantage point, with views on a fine day stretching right across the South Coast of Sri Lanka.
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Elle
DAY 10: ELLE TO YALE
After breakfast leave for Tissamaharama/Yala and en route visit Buduruwagele Buddha statues.
The ancient rock sculptures at Buduruwagala are fascinating and are carved into a 70ft granite cliff. The sculptures are said to date back to the 8th century and consists of seven gigantic Buddhist figures from
the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine. A short walk amidst the rock sculptures takes you to awe inspiring, tranquil wilderness and a peaceful lake setting filled with birds .
Afternoon game drive in Yale National Park in search of Leopard, Sloth Bear and Asian Elephant.. Yale ;Sri Lanka’s one of the best National Parks to see a wide variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife because of its scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections.
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Tissemaharama or Yala
DAY 11: YALE TO GALLE
After breakfast leave for beach stay and evening remains Leisure on the Beach
Dinner & over night stay at a hotel in Kogalle or Unewatune
DAY 12: BEACH STAY –KOGGALE OR UNEWATUNE
Whole day remain Leisure on the Beach
Dinner & over night stay at the same hotel in koggale or Unawatune
DAY 13 GALLE TO COLOMBO
After Breakfast leave for Colombo. En route visit Galle Dutch Fortress-UNESCO World Heritage site, originally built by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British, covers nearly four sq kms, This small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel, still remain with its well preserved bastions, public buildings, churches, and lighthouse. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with quaint houses, Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants.
Afterword visit to a Turtle Hatchery; Turtle Hatchery Projects have been launched to conserve the population of turtles that are reaching extinction and such projects are found along the southern coast of Sri Lanka where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Those hatcheries pay local fishermen or poachers for eggs that they collect at night along the sandy beach. You can see huge tanks filled with new born turtle hatchlings. After being fed, the baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of darkness.
Dinner & Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo
DAY 14: DEPATURE-COLOMBO TO AIRPORT
After breakfast, transfer to International Airport- Katunayake
THE TOUR INCLUDES
THE TOUR EXCLUDES: