Overview
This immersive 15-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Beginning in Colombo, the tour ventures through various iconic locations, allowing travelers to discover ancient cities, stunning temples, lush landscapes, and pristine beaches. Key highlights include UNESCO World Heritage Sites, scenic tea plantations, wildlife experiences, and the chance to witness Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture. With visits to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, hill stations, and coastal gems, the tour provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
Highlights
- Colombo – Explore the vibrant capital city, with its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and landmarks like the Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple.
- Negombo – A coastal town known for its fishing industry, Negombo offers sandy beaches and Dutch colonial remnants.
- Anuradhapura – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient ruins, sacred Bodhi tree, and centuries-old temples.
- Habarana – A picturesque town near the Cultural Triangle, ideal for wildlife safaris and nature walks.
- Sigiriya – The iconic Lion's Rock, a massive ancient rock fortress with breathtaking views and rich archaeological significance.
- Polonnaruwa – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient ruins, temples, and well-preserved archaeological sites.
- Dambulla – Famous for its stunning cave temples adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues.
Itinerary
Arrival in Bandaranaike International airport, you will be welcomed by representatives and transfer to the hotel. (Room will be available from 14:00 hrs)
On arrival in Colombo transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast enjoy sightseeing tour which includes many remnants of its colonial past- the presidential secretariat, the Grand Oriental Hotel, as well as Buddhist temple, a hindu kovil and the Grand Mosque. Complete the tour with a walk through one of the more interesting Pettah streets.
Evening free to explore the local market by own.
Overnight at the hotel.
After an early breakfast drive to Negombo.
Negombo is also home to the country's second largest fish market, the Llelama, at the north end of the town's lagoon. Visit approx 0830 to 0930. About 30 mins north to Wennapuwa/Marawila area where stop to see local toddy-tapping.
After visit continue drive to Anuradhapura. On the way visit Aukana Buddha Statue
Aukana Buddha Statue: Carved out of the living rock with supreme assurance, Aukana Buddha is a magnificent image. The magnificent free-standing statue carved out of a single rock is the tallest Buddha statue in existence today.
After sightseeing, continue drive to Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura- It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited.This is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagabas constructed of small sun-dried bricks and hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagabas are the Ruvanveli which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and is 300ft in diameter, the Jetawanarama is 370ft and the Thuparama which enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.
On arrival in Anuradhapura, transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day will at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning proceed to nearby Mihintale, documented as the Mahindas' Mountain, and climb to the hill temples and for the great views.
Mihintale is a mountain peak and it is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today it is popularly known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Return to hotel and relax. Around mid afternoon take a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura's main ancient sites.
In evening visit to one of the most revered sites in Anuradhapura, the huge white dagoba of Ruvanvelisaya, to take in the spiritual atmosphere and scenes.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Sigiriya.
On the way enjoy the visit of Village tour in Habarana - Morning enjoys and experience the lifestyle and culture in the countryside. Village life in countryside is facinating and extremely sociable. During the village trips you can enjoy various aspects of village life. You will get a chance to understand how hard they work to earn their livelihood and several works associated with day to day works of village life such as fishing, wood carving, bakery, farming, cocount tree climbing etc. (Duration 3 hours)
After visit continue drive to Sigiriya.
In Afternoon drive to Polonnaruwa. On arrival enjoy the visit of Polonnaruwa will include the statue of the great
Sinhalese King Parakramabahu. The ancient ruins including the area known as the Quadrangle, Thuparama Image House, The Gal Vihara the fine detailed granite sculptures of the Lord Buddha, The Lankathilaka and the 12th century lotus bath just to name a few. (Duration 3 hours)
After visit drive to Sigiriya hotel. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
An early morning climb Sigiriya Rock fortress - Sigiriya, the 5th century AD rock fortress of King Kasyapa built by him as a fortress and a pleasure place. There are many legends surrounding Kinf Kasyapa and his fortress in the sky. The view of the surrounding countryside from the summit of the rock is spectacular.
Note: The climb is only suitable for those with good fitness; plenty of water and sun protection should be carried. There are approximately 1200 steps to climb up to Sigiriya rock fortress, it requires some good fitness, plenty of water and sun protection is recommended.
After climbed drive back to hotel.
Optional: Later proceed to Minneriya National park for evening Safari by Jeep - Minneriya Park is a national park in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth bear which are rare and endangered species also inhabit this area. The park was declared as a wild life sanctuary in order to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.
Afternoon optional visit Ritigala Monastary - The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery nestles deep inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve is the partially excavated ruins of an extensive Buddhist Monastery. It was abandoned following invasion in 10th and 11th centuries and today holds special appeal with its curious blend of nano safari and archaeology. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Dambulla.
On arrival enjoy the visit of in Dambulla - 1st century BC Dambulla Rock cave temple. About 1.5 hours here, clients who don’t want to climb can stay at base of steps (hot but not difficult 10 min climb). Note: There are approximately 360 steps to reach Dmabulla, the climb to the caves is mostly on the wide stone steps which are relatively even.
After visit drive to Matale. On arrival enjoy a shady walking tour approx 45 mins, plus opportunity to purchase in the interesting shop.
Enjoy Lunch in a local restaurant.
After visit drive to Kandy.
Kandy – Sri Lanka's picturesque highland capital, last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings against European conquest from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is the sanctuary of traditional culture, and the island's most visited tourist resort. Their diverse charms offer a feast of memorable sight-scenery and exciting experiences. Kandy is set amidst tea and spice gardens, mountains, lake and a river, 490 metres above sea level. Road and rail access from Colombo through the Kadugannawa and Balane passes is picturesque, dramatic and befitting a medieval mountain stronghold.
On arrival in Kandy, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early Morning enjoy visit of Temple of the Tooth.
Temple of the tooth - Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city.
Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant / hotel.
Later in the day city tour of Kandy including Royal Botanical Gardens at Perandeniya, and do a market walk in the centre of town.
Visit Peradeniya Botanical
Peradeniya Botanical Garden is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and visited approximately 02 million people annually. The unusual name is Sinhalese translation of guava plain. The garden is notable for its collection of a variety of Orchids. It is home to various species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is also one of the largest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, An artificial lake with water plants including giant water lily and papyrus seeds is found in the centre of the garden.
In the evening, enjoy Sri Lankan cooking class and group dinner
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Nuwara Eliya.
On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, transfer to the hotel.
Later enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya - drive past of the Race Course, the Golf Course, Victoria Park and Lake Gregory (lake can be done in the morning on way out of town). Include a market area walk with some of the old general stores along the main strip.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, Proceed to Ella.
Leave your hotel in the morning and head out to Nanu-Oya Railway Station. Catch a local train that will rattle its way to Ella and be mesmerized by the breathtaking views that will swish pass your window. This train will be stopped at the Pattipola railway station during your fascinating train journey, it is the highest station in Sri Lanka with an elevation of 1,897.5 m above the sea level. The Pattipola Station has that unique feeling of a British Village Station as you pass by you will feel that you are away from it all. You will witness the scenic beauty of cool up country. (Subject to the availability)
On arrival in Ella take a leisurely walk up Little Adams Peak enjoying scenic views and beautiful hill landscapes.
After visit continue by road passing the Ravana Waterfalls and on to Tissamaharama.
Continue drive to Yala Passing the tea plantations on the way up and enjoy the view of Ella Gap and the surronding area.
On arrival in Yala, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning enjoy a game drive in Yala National Park.
Return to hotel for breakfast.
Afternoon commence an evening Game drive to Yala.
Yala National Park - with an area of 1259 sq Km is the biggest national Park in Sri Lanka. one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. There are about 35 leopards in the parklephants, sloth bear, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, toque monkey, mongoose and crocodiles.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Mulkirigala rock monastery and tour.
After visit drive to Mirissa.
On arrival in Mirissa, transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day will be on leisure at the beach.
Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
Early departure for Mirissa to board boat for whale-watching join-in tour (mainly Oct-Apr so SEASONAL).
Later drive to Galle, along the coast see the areas famous stilt fishermen if possible.
Enjoy lunch at Galle
On arrival in Galle enjoy a walking tour of the historic fort.
Galle the beautiful colonial town along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka is a city that cannot be missed. Galle is popular for the 300-year-old fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 36-hectare fort was built by the Dutch in 1663, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The streets within the fort are crammed with colonial remnants from the Dutch clock tower, Reformed church and the commander’s house to the British coat of arms on the outer wall. You can enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture; visit the Galle Maritime Museum, the Galle lighthouse, Bodhi tree and the reclining Buddha Statue in the temple.
After visit continue drive to Hikkaduwa.
On arrival in Hikkaduwa, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast morning at leisure to enjoy beach, pool or even return to Galle Fort for more exploration, shopping etc.
Afternoon visit a turtle hatchery on the way before farewell dinner feast.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast morning at leisure.
In time transfer to the Airport to board a flight for your destination back to home.
End of Services
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- * Double / Twin room on sharing basis
- * Daily Breakfast. Few lunches and dinners included as mentioned in the program.
- * TRANSPORTATION: All ground transportation, as detailed in the itinerary using air-conditioned Vehicle.
- * Services of English-speaking chauffeur guide and a local tour guide from 8 pax upwards
- * All listed activities - Walking tour of Colombo's Pettah market area, Evening prayers at one of Sri Lanka's most ancient Buddhist sites, Climbing the World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock, Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park / Village visit and local lunch, Wildlife spotting in Yala National Park, in search of leopards and other species, Whale watching, Historic exploration walk in Galle Fort, Hill train trip through tea plantations from Kandy to Nanu Oya.
- * Tips during check In & check outs
- * Tips & Gratuities during the tour
- * Monument entrance fee.
- * Currently applicable taxes
Cost Excludes
- X Any airfares.
- X Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone charges etc.
- X Any new tax imposed by the Govt.