Discovering Sri Lanka

DAY 01 Airport – Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Your journey begins with your arrival at Colombo International Airport.

Meet and greet, then transfer to Negombo, just a 15-minute drive from the airport (approximately 8 kilometers). Negombo, nicknamed "Little Rome," is a bustling port with a large, predominantly Catholic fishing community. You can admire numerous churches along the shore where fishermen moor their catamarans. Every morning, except Sundays, fishermen sell their catch at auction.

The rest of the day is free to relax. You will spend the night in Negombo.

DAY 02 Negombo – Kalpitiya

After breakfast, departure for Kalpitiya - (Approx. 3 hours / 133 km). Kalpitiya is located north of Bandaranayke International Airport on the western coastal strip.

Kalpitiya is a peninsula located between the deep Puttalam Lagoon to the east and the magnificent Indian Ocean to the west. It is a unique marine sanctuary in the world with incredible diversity ranging from coral reefs, coastal plains, salt flats, mangroves, marshes and vast beaches.

Water sports: sea kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran, etc ... Optional: Dolphin & whale watching excursion.

Overnight stay in Kalpitiya Hotel.

DAY 03 Kalpitiya – Anuradhapura – Habarana

After breakfast, depart for Habarana.

Visit Anuradhapura on the way – (approx. 3h13min / 179 km). Anuradhapura was the first capital of the island of Ceylon and arguably the largest city of its time. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest can also be visited. The Sri Maha Bodhi (a sacred fig tree), was brought to Anuradhapura as a sapling under which Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) attained spiritual enlightenment. It is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest tree whose existence is well documented. The Brazen Palace (2nd century BC), and the 1,600 stone columns are all that remain of a magnificent multi-story residence for the monks. The Samadhi Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of "Samadhi" or deep meditation. The Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century BC) is very famous for its rock carvings. The Thuparamaya is also the first stupa built in Anuradhapura, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Overnight in Habarana.

DAY 04 Habarana - Dambulla - Minneriya – Habarana

After breakfast, departure towards Dambulla and Minneriya - (Approx. 50 min / 39 km)

Visit Dambulla and its famous Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This large carved rock is the center of the most imposing Buddhist cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka, inhabited since the 3rd century. You will be able to admire an incredible collection of Buddha statues (the largest statue in this complex is carved directly into the rock and stretches over 14 meters), spread across five large caves.

In the afternoon you will go on a safari in Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya National Park is a true sanctuary for elephants, so you will have the chance to observe these herds of wild elephants. The park concentrates one of the largest elephant populations in the world. The park is also home to mongooses, leopards and even Sri Lankan bears. Minneriya Reservoir is also home to a very diverse birdlife with storks, pelicans, Ceylon hornbills, parrots and many more.

Optional:

• Hot air balloon ride over Dambulla and Sigiriya (available from November to April) – Euro 280 per person

• Sevenagama Village Safari (Traditional Sri Lankan Village Experience) – Euro 15 Per person

Travel by hand tractor through lush fields and coconut plantations. Enjoy a catamaran boat ride on a serene lake, observing local fishing methods. Witness a traditional cooking demonstration and taste an authentic Sri Lankan meal. Experience paddy farming, weaving, engaging with local villagers.

Overnight in Habarana.

DAY 05 Habarana - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Habarana

After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa - (Approx. 2h35min / 120km)

Morning visit to the spectacular Sigiriya rock fortress, located 19 kilometers northeast of Dambulla, and one of Sri Lanka's top attractions. This rock was once the fortress of King Kasyapa, who murdered his father and stole the throne from his elder brother, the rightful heir. Kasyapa built his fortress into this 182-meter-high rock to protect himself from his enemies. After Kasyapa's death, the fortress slowly sank into oblivion. The ruins were discovered in 1907 by British explorer John Still. Today, Sigiriya is famous for its "Graffiti Wall" and its magnificent frescoes of the Damselflies (half-goddess, half-princess creatures). The Sigiriya citadel has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Visit Polonnaruwa, the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th centuries. It was declared the capital by King Vijayabahu I after defeating the Chola invaders in 1070. Today, the city of Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city experienced its golden age under King Parakramabahu, who oversaw the construction of one of the largest irrigation systems in the country—the Parakrama Samudhraya, covering over 2,400 hectares. You will also see the ruins of the Royal Palace and various buildings and structures. The city is also attractive for its Gal Viharaya Buddhist temple and its three superb rock-cut Buddha statues.

Overnight in Habarana.

DAY 06 Habarana - Matale - Kandy

After breakfast, depart for Kandy. On the way, visit the Matale Spice Garden - (Approx. 3h10min / 101km).

Visit the Matale Spice Garden, this will be an opportunity to learn or deepen your knowledge about the origin and usefulness of the different spices grown in the country: lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, nutmeg, cloves, saffron and various other spices. You will have the opportunity to buy fresh spices. Visit the sacred city of Kandy, located in the middle of Sri Lanka, among the hills home to unique plant species in the world.

Visit the Temple of the Tooth.

Located within the royal palace complex of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, this sacred temple houses one of the most revered Buddhist relics: a tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever possesses the relic holds the governance of the country. The Temple of the Tooth, the palace, and the sacred city of Kandy are deeply linked to the history of the spread of Buddhism. The Kandy temple is the site of the last pilgrimage of the Buddha relic. It is a testament to a cult that is still practiced today. Kandy was the final capital of the kings of Sri Lanka. The temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kandy is also famous for its grand Esala Perahera festival (a competition of elephants and dancers), which lasts for more than ten days during the month of Esala (August).

Enjoy a traditional performance in the late evening.

Overnight in Kandy.

DAY 07 Kandy - Peradeniya - Kitulgala - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, departure towards Kitulgala and Nuwara Eliya.

On the way, visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden - (Approximately 4 hours / 124 km) The botanical garden occupies approximately 60 hectares and contains more than 5,000 species of endemic trees and plants. A true paradise for walkers, the park boasts magnificent vegetation including a sublime collection of orchids, a row of palm trees and cannonball trees.

Rafting on the Kelani River in Kitulgala.

Rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in Sri Lanka. Discover an exciting and emotional adventure in Kitulgala in an enchanting setting.

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya. Also known as "Little England", this town was once the favorite hill station of the British who attempted to turn Nuwara Eliya into a typical English village in Sri Lanka. The city enjoys a refreshing and mild climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, and mountains; it is not easy to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 km from a hot and humid Colombo. It is the nerve center of Sri Lanka's tea production and produces a significant portion of the world's finest tea.

A trip to the Sri Lankan highlands can never be complete without observing or taking part in traditional tea making and sipping a cup of "Ceylon Tea".

Rest of the day free. Night in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 08 Horton Plains

After breakfast, drive to Horton Plains National Park - (approx. 1h / 28 km)

Horton Plains is a protected and windswept area, culminating at an average altitude of 2200 m and extending over an area of 3000 hectares. This region is home to rolling mountains and hills, grasslands and forests. The park concentrates a great biodiversity and many species endemic to Sri Lanka but also to the region itself. The panoramic viewpoint called World's End is the main tourist attraction of Horton Plains Park. This place offers a view of a dizzying cliff. (14 km hike).

The park is also home to many mammals such as bears, monkeys and Sri Lankan panthers. This area is also home to more than 20 species of endemic birds and is recognized as an Important Bird Area.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 09 Nuwara Eliya - Ella

After breakfast, visit Nuwara Eliya. Then depart for Ella (by train).

This magnificent train journey is one of the highlights of your trip to Sri Lanka. A unique moment where you can enjoy splendid views of the tea plantations and numerous waterfalls. Then, climb Little Adam's Peak. "Punchi Sri Pada" is the other name for this peak culminating at 1141 m. Little Adam's Peak is one of the most attractive places in Sri Lanka. You will take a short 35-45 minute hike to the summit of the peak, crossing lush green tea plantations, waterfalls, and rice fields while enjoying an incredible panoramic view of the valley.

Overnight in Ella.

DAY 10 Ella - Yala

After breakfast, depart for Yala. Visit Ravana Falls en route - (Approx. 3 hours / 118 km) The Uva Don region is home to the famous Ravana Falls, which cascades down a mountainside.

Legend has it that King Rawana, after capturing Sita, the wife of Rama, held her hostage in this area.

Also known as Ruhuna, Yala is a premier national park located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only 141 km² is open to the public. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also includes beaches, jungles, freshwater lakes, rivers, and scrubland. Yala has the world's largest population of leopards, although spotting this nocturnal carnivore requires a great deal of luck. There is also a good population of elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, wild buffaloes, mongooses, jackals, and many other large animals. The park is also home to hundreds of bird species such as the black-headed ibis and the eagle.

Overnight in Yala.

DAY 11 Yala - Galle - Hikkaduwa

After breakfast, depart for Hikkaduwa.

En route, visit Galle - (Approx. 4h32min / 190km) This is the 4th largest city in the country, it is located 115 km south of Colombo and is close to Hikkaduwa. Galle is a city with a rich historical past and was once the center of Dutch rule in the 17th century, as evidenced by its majestic Fort. The city of Galle is one of the best-preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Galle was a major port in Sri Lanka and still is today. The Dutch Museum, the Groote Kerk (The Big Church) and the National Maritime Museum are some of the famous attractions in Galle. The city is also famous for its delicate handcrafted lace and ebony carvings. Hikkaduwa is located 98 km from Colombo. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the top activities in Hikkaduwa. The coral sanctuary along the coast is a large expanse of clear, shallow water surrounded by a reef, decorated with multicolored corals and home to countless brightly colored fish.

Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

DAY 12 Hikkaduwa

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free. Possibility of practicing nautical activities.

Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

DAY 13 Hikkaduwa - Balapitiya – Colombo

After breakfast, depart for Colombo.

En route, visit Balapitiya (Approx. 2h54min / 118km). Head to Balapitiya for a boat trip on the Madhu River, lined with mangroves. Continue to Colombo for an evening city tour. Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and its economic capital, a city that blends the ancient and the modern. With a long history dating back to the 5th century, when the place was merely a stopover on the maritime trade route between Asia and the West, Colombo is evolving rapidly. Visit the British-era colonial buildings, the Pettah Bazaar (perfect for a little shopping), mosques, churches, and Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Overnight in Colombo.

DAY 14 Colombo – Airport

After breakfast, depart for Bandaranayke International Airport for your return flight - (Approx. 37 min / 32km)