Upon arrival, one of the friendly representatives will be there to give you a traditional Sri Lankan welcome and take you to your hotel in Habarana. En route you’ll stop off at the Cave Temple in Dambulla. 

Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north central province. It consists of 5 caves first used as a refuge by an ancient king with magnificent carved images within the living rock. Kings continuously made further improvements over the years, meaning that the current caves contain over 150 images of Buddha, the largest being a colossal figure of 15 metres. You’ll find cave inscriptions which date all the way back to the 2nd century BC, as well as a myriad of paintings belonging to the Kandy period in the early 19th century. 

Afterwards, make your way back to your hotel in Habarana and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN HABARANA

After a hearty breakfast, set off for the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northern central part of the island. Amazingly, not only was it the first capital of Sri Lanka between the 5th century BC and 9th century AD, but it was also the centre of the island’s Buddhist civilization. Get ready for a trip to arguably the most spellbinding ancient city of Sri Lanka. You’ll find the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest historically documented tree on earth (over 2200 years old), as well as the island’s oldest Buddhist shrines from the 3rd century BC. Stumble across impressive relic chambers known as “dagabas” and other monuments with beautiful stone carvings or sculpture, among lovely gardens, stone baths, ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals. 

Other places of interest are:

The Brazen Palace (2nd century BC). It boasts 1600 significant stone columns and was once a multi-storied residence for monks.

Ruwanweli Seya (2nd century BC). This is the most famous of all the dagobas.

Samadhi Buddha (3rd century BC). A rock sculpture of Buddha in a state of deep meditation, arguably the finest of the island.

Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd century BC). Well-known for its rock carving of “The Lovers.” 

Kuttam Pokuna (3rd century BC). These twin ponds were used by monks as a place for bathing.

Thuparama (3rd century BC). This is the island’s oldest dagoba. It enshrines the right collarbone of Buddha.

Ratnaprasada has the best preserved Guard Stone.

Mahasena’s Palace with its renowned Moonstone.

Abayagiri and Jetevanarama – a huge dagoba said to the largest brick built structure in the world.

Make your way back to Habarana and spend the evening however you please. There are optional activities organized (including an elephant-back safari) if you’re feeling active.

OVERNIGHT IN HABARANA 

Breakfast will be followed by a trip to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa where you can feast your eyes on rich architecture and extraordinary irrigation methods. Polonnaruwa is a medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only was it the capital of the island between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, but the landscape of the region is interspersed with giant man-made reservoirs, including the Parakrama Samudra which is larger than Colombo harbour! With well-preserved monuments, you’ll be offered a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colourful history. Wander the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex with its images of Buddha, the crème de la crème of Sri Lankan rock carving. You’ll also find Hindu influences scattered around, such as the Temples of Shiva, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus Bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of the Temple of the Tooth.

Thereafter proceed to your hotel and in the evening  visit Minneriya National Park and do a jeep safari in Minneriya. Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park  consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favorites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN HABARANA

Load up on breakfast and get ready to visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a mighty 600 ft high rock-fortress of a 5th century king. The old stairway to the top leads through the mouth of a crouching lion, carved from rock (although only the paws remain) and at the summit, marvel at the remains of the beautiful royal citadel. 

Next, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Kandy and visit the Matale spice growing region to learn about unique Sri Lankan agriculture. Stop off first at a coconut plantation and see how it is husked and used to make rope. See how the sweet coconut water is collected and how the coconut milk (the base for most Sri Lankan curries) is produced. Watch how the sap is collected from the coconut flower and turned into honey. 

Plus, you’ll also visit a traditional spice garden and learn about how unique spices fit into Sri Lankan cuisine. Also there is an option to assist in the preparation of local dishes which can be sampled during lunch served outdoors in true Sri Lankan fashion, using lotus leaves instead of plates.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN KANDY

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to relax before an evening tour of the city, including upper lake drive, Market Square, Arts and Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. There is the option to do the city tour the next day too.

Kandy is the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings. It oozes a certain splendor which has stood the test of time. With its emerald hills and peaceful lake, Kandy houses the renowned “Temple of the Tooth” and its Royal Botanical Gardens have a wonderful selection of orchids. Kandy is a great place for handicrafts and traditional dances, not to mention it has an interesting tea museum which you’ll have the chance to visit.

Later on in the evening you’ll watch a cultural dance performance, typical of the area.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN KANDY

Feast on a delicious breakfast and then head off on the road journey to Nuwara Eliya, stopping off at Labookelle Tea Factory on the way. 

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s premier hill resort and centre for tea production. Its rolling mountains and verdant valleys boast velvety green tea plantations and spraying waterfalls with spaghetti-like streams running alongside. The residents live in green or red roofed plantation bungalows and English-style homes. You’ll also find a plethora of lovely hotels, an 18-hole golf course and a racecourse – it definitely has an English feel to it!

Afterwards, head to the Nanu Oya Railway Station to take the train to Ella.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN ELLA

Head off on a morning excursion to the Horton Plains for a trek to World’s End and the stunning Baker’s Falls (2-3hrs).

The Horton Plains are Sri Lanka’s highest plateau situated 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. The region has a variety of different landscapes ranging from grasslands to marshes and trout streams. The best tea in Sri Lanka is grown near here. From World’s End, where the plateau plunges 1000 ft in a sheer drop, spectacular views will dazzle you. The climate is cool and therefore perfect for trout fishing and hiking. Plus, you’ll find a wide range of flora and fauna (including many English field flowers), as well as colourful butterflies and exotic birds. 

Make your way back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day however you please.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN ELLA

After breakfast you’ll make way to your hotel in Yala and visit the Rawana Waterfalls on the way. This marvelous flow of gushing water can be found 6 km from Ella and is 1080 ft in height with several leaps. The rock formation is Khondalite, a type of limestone which decays faster than ordinary limestone. The King of Sri Lanka of the Ramayana is connected with the fall, and a cave close by is one of the several places of Rawana.

Set off back to your hotel in Yala and spend the rest of the day however you please.

OVERNIGHT IN YALA

Enjoy a morning OR evening Jeep Safari of Yala National Park. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous National Park, home to elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and wild boar. It is 97800 hectares in size, making it the second largest of Sri Lanka’s National Parks. However, it is arguably the most stunning. Elephants stomp about on its uneven terrain, footage of which can be seen on National Geographic and the Discovery TV channels.

It is also said that Yala National Park has the world’s highest concentration of leopard per square kilometre, and these creatures can be found lurking in rock-strewn hillocks with dense shrubbery. In amongst the leafy grassland and thick jungle vegetation, you’ll stumble across salt and fresh water lagoons, a playground for a whole range of different birds. 

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN YALA

Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll stop off at a Turtle Conservation Project in Tangalle on the way to your hotel in Mirissa. Rest up at your hotel upon arrival and spend the day at leisure. 

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN MIRISSA

Morning excursion consisting of a riveting whale watching experience(*).

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN MIRISSA

Today, enjoy optimum rest and relaxation as there are no tours prepared.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT IN MIRISSA

A hearty breakfast will be followed by a transfer to the city of Colombo which you will explore in the evening. 

The city of Colombo is not only Sri Lanka’s trade and commercial capital, but also the gateway to the Orient. Colombo is located on the west coast and is a veritable melting pot of varying cultures, religions and influences. The city boasts churches, monuments, customs, food and languages left behind by its original traders and settlers, including the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British.

The city has a superb range of high quality restaurants and some of Asia’s best shopping opportunities. Throughout the city you’ll find a rainbow of intricate Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and churches, including the historic Wolfendal Church (1749). Plus, feast your eyes on the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, the New Parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura, the Folk Art Centre, Art Galleries, Parks, Independence Square and the Ceramic Corporation. 

OVERNIGHT IN COLOMBO

Time to go! You’ll be taken to the airport according to the departure time of your flight home. We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay. 

END OF TOUR