Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. You will be picked up by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel in Negombo , approximately 30 minutes. Relax on the first day in order to adjust to the new surroundings and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Negombo is known for its long sandy beaches and centuries old fishing industry and has a large bilingual (Sinhala/Tamil) population with a clear Roman Catholic majority.
Breakfast at the hotel and we start the amazing journey around the island. We proceed to Dambulla/Habarana en route visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (approximately 2 hours drive). This orphanage was set up by the government to take care of baby elephants lost or abandoned in the wild. Witness the feeding of the elephants. Thereafter observe them as they take their daily bath in the river nearby, which affords marvelous photo opportunities. Bath time is enjoyed by all elephants, young and old alike and it is a good time to closely observe their tightly knit family structure. Evening , visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. and explore the famous Golden Rock cave temple which has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site
After breakfast, sightseeing to one of the ruins of ancient Ceylon – the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, which was the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century. A well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls (around 5 km. which still remain), graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. In the evening go for a Jeep Safari Minneriya National Park is about 8889 hectares in extent and is an ideal eco- tourism location in Sri Lanka.
Today we leave for Sigiriya. The lion rock is an ancient rock fortress for it’s massive columns of rock that reaches nearly 200 meters high. It takes approximately 1,5 -2 hours to climb to Sigiriya Rock. After enjoying beautiful view from the top the journey continue to Kandy (approximately 2,5 drive ), en route visit a Matale spice garden to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. It’s a wonderful place to stroll in fragrant greenery and learn about nutmeg, pepper vines, clove trees and curry, cinnamon and many more. In the evening city tour in Kandy visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, Market square, Art and crafts center.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit Royal Botanical Gardens , Peredeniya where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. Afternoon at 17.00 witness the Cultural Dance Show is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance & Cultural Heritage. The Show that is a must see for any visitor who visits the historic city of Kandy. Afterward continue to see the Traditional Theva ( Daily Service ) Ceremony at The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Dinner and overnight in Kandy.
After breakfast check out from hotel and transferred to Kandy train station to board the Train Nanu Oya. Upon arrival Nanu Oya you will be picked up by our local representative and proceed to Nuwara Eliya , en route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. At the tea factory witness the process of manufacturing tea from plucking of the green leaves to packaging of the processed tea. The beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya, set in the heart of Tea country and situated 1890 meters above sea level, is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, descend from cool hills to the jungles Yala via mesmerizing Ella Gap. En route visit Rawana Waterfalls, a sight to behold with a scenic backdrop of mountains and valleys. On arrival in Yala, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon commence a jeep safari in the Yala National Park. The National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco tourist destinations and is renowned for its variety of wildlife notably its many elephants. It is also home to the spotted deer , wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose and crocodiles. Dinner at hotel. Optional : Flying Ravana – for adventure enthusiasts try the Sri Lankas first ever mega dual a zip -line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella.
After breakfast depart for Bentota, is located along one of the finest beaches on the South West coast. En route visit Dutch Fort in Galle. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Dinner and overnight at Bentota /Beruwala
After a short briefing you start to explore city of Galle on a 4-hour bike tour, led by a local English-speaking guide. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the Old Town of Galle and its fortifications were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Explore this administrative capital and fourth largest city of Sri Lanka as you pedal along a seaside path and view area attractions such as shipping warehouses, churches, temples, the clock tower and lighthouse. Tour include : Mountain bike and helmet , local English speaking guide , water and refreshment. Dinner and overnight in Bentota/Beruwala.
Relax by the pool or Beach. Dinner and overnight in Bentota/Beruwala
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Airport for your departure flight.
