Planned by Devindi,
local expert for Sri Lanka, Maldives
5/5
Starting at USD 2860 per adult / 15 days
International flights not included. Price details
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From the relaxed golden beaches of Bentota and the clear waters of the Indian Ocean to climbing ancient Sigiriya and Mini Adam’s Peak, not to mention monkeys, elephants and lush, rolling plains of outstanding natural beauty, Sri Lanka widely appeals to all outdoors enthusiasts.

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Overview

Kalpitiya 1 night
Habarana 3 nights
Nuwara Eliya 2 nights
Ella 2 nights
Yala 1 night
Galle 1 night
Bentota 2 nights
Colombo 2 nights

Detailed Itinerary

Start in Colombo

DAY 1-2

Kalpitiya

DAY 1

Sightseeing in Negombo

You will be picked up from the airport by our representative and then proceed to Kalpitiya with en-route stop at Negombo for sightseeing.Negombo, dubbed as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little Rome’; is located just a few kilometres away from the airport and is full of surprises for wanderlusts. This is one of Sri Lanka’s busiest fishing centers and it is also famous for coconut products, cinnamon, ceramics and brassware.Arrive in Kalpitiya.Check into Dolphin Beach for an overnight stay.

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Accommodation: Dolphin Beach Resort

DAY 2

Anuradhapura Tour

After an early breakfast take a boat ride to observe spinner dolphins and several species of whales, including sperm and blue whales. (Only available from November to April).After witnessing the glorious sightings of these marine species proceed to Habarana with a stop at Anuradhapura.This city is renowned for the multiplicity of religious and archaeological sites that offers a plethora of sightseeing opportunities ranging from the striking ancient stupas (mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics) of small sun-dried bricks to ruins of ancient temples, sculptures, the sacred Bo tree (Peepal tree) site as well as the several ancient man-made tanks that deck the city’s landscape.Arrive in Anuradhapura and take a tour around this ancient city, by visiting the Isurumuniya, Sri Mahabodhiya and Ruwanwelisaya, which are the highlights of this city.Visit the Aukana Buddha statue (from 5th century B.C) which is carved out of a granite rock and its height is about 40 feet (12m). This is a well preserved and a magnificent ancient effigy in Sri Lanka.Arrive in Habarana. It is conveniently located in the centre of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, where its travelers are offered a remarkable experience of the true spirit of Sri Lankan rural life.Overnight stay in a Superior Room at Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana.

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Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

DAY 2-5

Habarana

DAY 3

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Today you will be sightseeing in Sigiriya and Dambulla after having a delicious breakfast at your hotel.To start off, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is a UNSECO World Heritage Site.The marvellous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode.On the way to the top one can observe the famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. The smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors, inspired by the vibrant frescoes.Have lunch at a restaurant in Sigiriya (payable directly).Head to Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Rock Temple dated from First Century B.C. The cave temples complex that lies atop a massive hill on the edge of the town is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in the country and is renowned for its unique mural paintings and sculptures.Return to Habarana for an overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge.

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Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

DAY 4

Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari

After breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa which was the second medieval capital of Sri Lanka (11th - 13th century), which enthrals its visitors with a timeless reflection of the country’s glorious history.The quaint landscapes are studded with sites of archaeological importance and are all well-preserved. They lie on the east shore of the ancient man-made lake - Parakrama Samudraya (literal translation – sea of Parakrama). The ruins stand witness to the greatness of the rulers of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.In the evening take a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park which shelters some of the greatest wildlife treasures of this paradise isle.The park, nourished by an ancient man-made tank provides shelter for troupes of toque monkeys, sambar deer as well as leopards, elephants and bird-flocks including little cormorants and painted storks to name a few.Overnight at Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana.

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Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

DAY 5

Kandy Tour

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.Before leaving this emerald green landscape, take a village tour where you will get to witness the lush paddy fields and mud-thatched houses that speak amply of the distinctive beauty of the rural villages of this paradise isle.For those who wish to make most of the excursion, traditional cookery demonstrations, paddy field visits as well as up-close information concerning methods used by farmers to protect their crops from wild animals are available as well as an a traditional canoe ride in the Habarana lake.Proceed to Kandy, which is the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Pay a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha to experience the Buddhist traditions.The present temple was constructed mainly under Kandyan kings from 1687 to 1707. The temple embellishments of wooden and ivory carvings and elaborate frescoes bear the strong marks of Kandyan artist-styles. The tooth relic is placed within seven golden caskets and the pilgrims are only permitted to view the casket a few feet away from the altar. Then take a drive around the lake and the streets of Kandy exploring this wonderful city and its markets.Then precede your journey to Nuwara Eliya which is a land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, stirring mountains and clear hill-country air. Here, the temperature is similar to a beautiful English summer’s day.Once you arrive in Nuwara Eliya city take a city tour to witness its picturesque sceneries.Overnight stay in a Deluxe Room at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

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Accommodation: Grand Hotel

DAY 5-7

Nuwara Eliya

DAY 6

Horton Plains National Park

After an early breakfast, set off on a hiking trip to Horton Plains National Park.The plains are over 2000m high and are covered by montane grasslands, coverings of thick forest, filigree waterfalls, rocky boulders and hazy lakes. Horton Plains is the only national park in Sri Lanka where the visitors are allowed to hike on their own and it provides some excellent trails for hikes amongst the shadows of its dewy foliage and misty landscapes. For those would enjoy a further workout, we suggest a walk to World’s End.Return to Nuwara Eliya with an en-route stop at Hakgala Gardens.Lunch at a restaurant in Nuwara Eliya (payable directly).In the evening go for boat ride at Gregory’s Lake. This lake was named after its builder Governor Sir William Gregory. The breathtaking view of the Piduruthalagala Mountain (tallest mountain in Sri Lanka) can be seen from the lake.Other activities that can be done around the lake are jet skiing, cycling and horse riding (payable directly).Overnight stay at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

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Accommodation: Grand Hotel

DAY 7

Ella Waterfalls

Today proceed to Ella after breakfast.Ella, which literally translates as ‘waterfall’ is a name fit for this little town located in a hilly nook, owing to its stunning vistas richly adorned with cascades that trickle down its rugged terrains.The day is at leisure to explore the natural beauty of Ella as it is surrounded by hills and tea plantations. The area has a cooler climate due to its elevation, which results in a rich biodiversity for various varieties of flora and fauna.Overnight stay in a Deluxe Room at 98 Acres Resort, Ella.

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Accommodation: 98 Acres Resort

DAY 7-9

Ella

DAY 8

Mini Adam’s Peak

Early morning visit to Mini Adam’s Peak.It has been named after the most revered mountain top in Sri Lanka – Adam’s peak, and due to the resemblance in its shape and the spectacular bird’s eye views that stretch before one’s eyes upon reaching its crest that are quite similar to those of the Adam’s peak.It is a must-visit for those who enjoy trekking expeditions. A brief, pleasant walk of about 45 minutes that falls through a railway track will lead its visitors up to the bottom of the mountain. From thereon, a 15-minute walk up the hill that falls across a lustrous tea estate will open up the most striking panoramas complete with azure skies that rise above the emerald plains below. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.Overnight stay at 98 Acres Resort, Ella.

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Accommodation: 98 Acres Resort

DAY 9

Yala National Park

After breakfast at the hotel depart to Yala passing the misty mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls.Arrive in Yala for a jeep safari at Yala National park.It is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and you will witness elephants, crocodiles, deer and amazing birds and depending on the timing and luck you may get a glimpse of a leopard or a bear too.Check into a Jungle Chalet room at Cinnamon Wild, Yala for an overnight stay.

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Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Hotel

DAY 9-10

Yala

DAY 10

Galle Coast

After breakfast, continue your journey along the South Coast to Galle.Once you arrive in Galle take a city tour. Located in the Southern province, the city of Galle is a living time capsule. Home to the largest occupied Fort in Asia, its quaint beauty extends beyond its golden beaches and cerulean waters.The main attraction of Galle no doubt is its ancient Fort, which instantaneously takes the visitors back to the Dutch Colonial era. One can bask in the picturesque views and the rich history while walking through the narrow, cobbled streets, relish a meal from one of the interesting restaurants within the Fort or enjoy the cool sea-breeze beneath the landmark lighthouse.Overnight in a deluxe room at The Lighthouse Hotel & Spa in Galle.

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Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse

DAY 10-11

Galle

Galle Travel guide

DAY 11

Maduganga Boat Ride

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and resume your journey to Bentota with en-route stops.In Balapitiya enjoy a boat ride along the Maduganga, a beautiful river nestled amidst the greenery of southern Sri Lanka and also the second largest wetland in the country. Then head off to Kosgoda to visit the Turtle Hatchery.The hatchery accepts eggs collected by local fishermen in the night and are preserved until they are hatched. Once the hatchlings are two  to four days old, they are released into the sea.Arrive in Bentota and check into a standard room at Bentota Beach Hotel for an overnight stay.

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Accommodation: Bentota Beach Hotel

DAY 11-13

Bentota

DAY 12

Lunuganga Estate

Breakfast at the hotel and visit the Lunuganga estate.Located in the Southern province, the Lunuganga estate was owned by Asia’s most prolific and influential architect of the 20th century - Geoffrey Bawa. The site - a former rubber plantation located in a peninsula jutting out into a lake, was utilized by Bawa for nearly half a century to carry out experimentations on space, light and scale.The estate today is essentially a series of outdoor rooms bearing an eclectic combination of antiquity and modernity. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the landscaping - an Italian renaissance garden in the tropics.Return to Bentota.Day at leisure to enjoy the beach and the city on your own.Bentota is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The town’s perfect location has made it a popular diving spot where visitors can relish the warm waters and the magnificent under-water sceneries of vibrant coral formations and tropical fish while scuba diving/snorkelling (payable directly).Overnight at Bentota Beach Hotel.

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Accommodation: Bentota Beach Hotel

DAY 13-15

Colombo

Colombo Travel guide

DAY 13

Colombo City

After breakfast we leave Bentota for Colombo.Once you arrive in Colombo, take a city tour and we suggest starting from Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and Simamalaka Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa.Your city tour will include:- Old Parliament House- Oldest Hindu Kovil in Colombo - Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam- Town Hall and Independence SquareWe suggest lunch at ‘Barefoot’ (Payable directly).If you enjoy reading then Barefoot is the best book shop in town with a fabulous selection of coffee table books as well as novels.Enjoy sunset cocktails on the checker board of the Galle Face Hotel (Payable directly).Check into a Deluxe Room at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo for an overnight stay.

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Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel

DAY 14

Shopping Colombo

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel.The day is at leisure, so if you want to get some souvenirs to your loved ones back at home this is the time for it.Overnight at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.

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Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel

DAY 15

Last Morning in Sri Lanka

Breakfast at hotel.Then you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. 

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