Description
This tour Departs Every Day
8 days 7 nights tour in Sri Lanka starting from Colombo
Day 1 – Arrival at Colombo Airport – Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the Galadari Hotel in Colombo, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away.
Day 2 – COLOMBO – DAMBULLA – MINNERIYA
Two Stops
Golden Temple of Dambulla – 1 hour
Commence your journey with a drive to Dambulla, lasting about four hours, followed by a visit to the Golden Rock Cave Temple. This revered pilgrimage site, which has been in existence for 22 centuries, features a cave monastery that houses five sanctuaries. It is recognized as the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings, which span an area of 2,100 square meters, hold significant cultural value, alongside the 157 statues present.
Minneriya National Park – 3 hours
In the afternoon, you have the option to embark on a Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, lasting three hours. Following this adventure, you will proceed to the Amaya Lake Hotel in Dambulla for an overnight stay. Alternatively, you may choose to relax at Minneriya National Park. This expansive park, covering 8,889 hectares, is renowned for its large herds of elephants, often numbering between 100 to 150, that roam the jungle and can be observed near the lake’s catchment area. The entrance to the park is located at Ambagaswewa, approximately 6 kilometers from Habarana along the main Habarana-Polonnaruwa road. The park is home to around 300 wild elephants, as well as wild buffaloes, wild boars, spotted deer, sloth bears, sambhur, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, nine species of reptiles, 160 bird species, 26 varieties of fish, and 78 types of butterflies.
Day 3 – DAMBULLA- SIGIRIYA- MATALE-KANDY
2 Stops
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress – 3 hours
Following breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kandy. Your first destination is Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock Fortress. Ascend the steps to this remarkable site, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed ruins and enjoy breathtaking views. Sigiriya is recognized as a World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the ‘Fortress in the Sky,’ representing one of the most extraordinary wonders of the island. The site derives its name from the massive lion statue that once stood at the entrance to the palace atop the 600-foot rock. At the summit, you will find the remnants of the Royal Palace, water tanks, and various other structures, including guardhouses. One of the stairways features the only known ancient example of Sinhala secular painting, preserved in the form of frescoes depicting 21 life-sized maidens, vibrant in their original colors. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, summerhouse, Boulder Gardens, and the caves are also essential highlights not to be overlooked.
Sirilak Spice & Herbal Garden – Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next, visit the Sirilak Spice & Herbal Garden in Matale, where you will enjoy a cookery demonstration at the Birds Garden Restaurant. Matale is renowned for its spice gardens, which offer complimentary tours led by an English-speaking guide who will elaborate on the benefits and health properties of various herbs, spices, and plants, including cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, coffee, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, aloe vera, and henna. After this enriching experience, you will travel to Amaya Hills Hotel in Kandy for a two-night stay.
Day 4 – KANDY – PILIMATALAWA – PERADENIYA – KANDY
4 Stops
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – 1 hour
Stop at: Following breakfast, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. This city, recognized as a ‘World Heritage Site,’ served as the final bastion of the Sinhalese Kings during the periods of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule, ultimately surrendering to the British in 1815 through an agreement. The Temple holds immense significance for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, as it enshrines the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Nearby, one can find the remnants of the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala—once the residence of the Queens and now functioning as the National Museum—Meda Wasala for other royal relatives, the Audience Hall, as well as the Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is situated by the lake, which features an island known as ‘Kiri Samudraya’ (Milk White Ocean), historically utilized by the kings as a summer retreat. Presently, Kandy stands as a hub for Buddhism, arts, crafts, dance, music, and culture. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, located in the ancient capital of the Kandyan kingdom. The temple, adorned with a golden roof, houses the nation’s most revered Buddhist relic—a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily secured chamber containing the tooth is accessible to both devotees and visitors.
Geragama Tea Factory – 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop at: Geragama Tea Factory, located in Pilimatalawa, offers an opportunity to engage in tea plucking. This factory is among the oldest in Sri Lanka, a country renowned for producing some of the finest teas in the world. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka, characterized by its cascading waterfalls, along with its favorable climate and optimal soil conditions, contribute to the healthy growth of tea plants. Visitors will tour a tea plantation to observe the cultivation and harvesting processes, followed by a hands-on tea plucking experience. Subsequently, a visit to the factory will provide insights into the entire tea processing procedure and the production of various tea types.
Royal Botanical Gardens – 1 hour 30 minutes
Royal Botanical Gardens – 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop at: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya – Situated just a short distance from the hill capital of Kandy, this destination is a haven for enthusiasts of flora, fauna, and nature. The gardens are meticulously landscaped, showcasing a vast array of plant species, with the Orchid House being the most renowned feature, housing over 300 varieties of exquisite orchids, making it a cherished attraction in Sri Lanka. The Great Circle and Memorial Trees – The Great Circle is a lush, grassy area spanning nearly 4 acres. Surrounding this circle is a diverse collection of trees planted by distinguished visitors to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Kandyan Arts & Crafts Industrial Center – 1 hour
Evening – Cultural Show (Kandyan Dance) – Sri Lanka, a nation steeped in culture and tradition, presents a vibrant and distinctive display of traditional dances through the Kandy cultural show. The performance features a rhythmic portrayal of various demons, an energetic expression of low country rhythms, as well as Fire and Harvest dances, all accompanied by ceremonial drums and a dynamic drum orchestra that ebbs and flows with the lively tempo. Within the hour-long show, audiences can enjoy as many as 12 different folk and traditional dances.
Day 5 – KANDY – PERADENIYA-NANU OYA- NUWARA ELIYA
2 Stops
Nanu Oya – 3 hours
In the morning, proceed to the Railway Station in Peradeniya for a train journey to Nanu Oya (3 hours). Following the train ride, travel to Nuwara Eliya by car (approximately 30 minutes). The train journey offers breathtaking views of rolling green tea fields as you traverse the scenic route from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya. This ride takes you through some of the most picturesque highland countryside in Sri Lanka. Marvel at the vibrant green carpets of tea plantations and observe charming villages set against misty mountain backdrops. Experience the enchanting landscapes of the Hill Country as you peer through the drizzle and mist, taking in the stunning sights of towering mountains, dense woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls that pass by your windows.
Nuwara Eliya – 1 hour
Nuwara Eliya, renowned as Sri Lanka’s premier hill resort, boasts a refreshing mountain climate and serves as the heart of the nation’s tea production, yielding some of the finest tea globally. The area is adorned with velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with flowing streams and cascading waterfalls. The landscape features plantation bungalows with red or green roofs, English-style homes, and hotels surrounded by beautiful flower gardens. Additionally, Nuwara Eliya is home to a well-maintained 18-hole golf course and a racecourse, contributing to its distinctly British ambiance.
Day 6 – NUWARA ELIYA- KITULGALA- NEGOMBO / BENTOTA
1 Stop
Rafting Team 39 – 1 hour 30 minutes
Following breakfast, the journey to Negombo will commence, with an optional activity of white water rafting in Kitulgala. Travelers may choose to return to Colombo Airport or extend their stay at the beach in Negombo or Bentota. Rafting Team 39 in Kitulgala offers an exhilarating outdoor experience on the scenic Kelani River, featuring five major rapids and four minor rapids. This adventure is suitable for individuals aged ten and above, with all necessary safety equipment provided. Participants will receive a thorough safety briefing from certified rafting instructors prior to the activity. The rafting course spans approximately 5 kilometers. The enchanting river and its surroundings promise a memorable experience. Select the option that best aligns with your preferences and energy levels. Engage in rafting, hiking, trekking, and canyoning along the Kelani River in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the rapids, water, and lush greenery that this region has to offer.
Day 7 – Colombo
A day at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 8 – Airport Transfer
Free day for last minute shopping on your own till your rime for transfers to the airport to catch your flight home!
The cost from $1040 per person based on double occupancy.
This package includes 7 nights of accommodation in a 4-star hotel according to the tour itinerary (or similar hotels subject to availability),
round-trip flights from Nairobi, an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off at designated customer points, an English-speaking tour guide, train tickets for the journey from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya, passenger insurance for the vehicle, fuel charges, two 500 ml bottles of water per person, five breakfasts, and admission fees for the included activities.
