AYUBOWAN-! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Colombo CMB airport, you will meet your tour leader and you will be transferred to your hotel (can pick-up from any hotel at Colombo or Negombo as well). The first destination will be Negombo coastal town, which has long been known as the most popular beach in Sri Lanka, famous for its golden sandy beach, food and fun.

For day one, we haven’t planned any activity, thus you are free to arrive in Sri Lanka at any time. If your flight arrives early in the day, relax on the beach and pool of your cosy hotel. Evening, you may have a walk along the seashore while enjoying the beautiful sunset and the pleasant evening atmosphere of the beachside. Overnight stay in a seafront hotel at Negombo.

After having a delicious breakfast and enjoying a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea or a coffee, you will take a wonderful journey across the stunning Sri Lankan countryside towards Dambulla city, which is the central point of the cultural triangle in the island. En-route, you may also visit the Millenium Elephant Rehabilitation Center, originally created in order to protect and look after the wild elephants found wandering in and around the forests of Sri Lanka. It is always a pleasant experience to give them a bath at the nearby river.

Upon arrival at Dambulla, you’ll enjoy a wonderful cultural village tour while exploring the beautiful countryside (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE). It will start with a Bullock Cart ride, one of the most ancient and prime transportation systems in Sri Lanka, still used in some villages. While on the tour you will also enjoy a canoeing boat ride across the lake and TukTuk ride before reaching the farmer’s house where you will experience the typical Sri Lankan countryside hospitality.

Thereafter, you will visit the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE), where you may capture the beautiful scenery of sun setting. King Kasyapa (477 – 495 BC) built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes . Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily; in fact you have to climb a series of vertiginous staircases to reach the top. On the way you’ll pass quite remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion paws carved into the bedrock. Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort – Dambulla.

In the morning, you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). In 1070 King Vijayabahu chose this place as his kingdom, one of the most ancient in the history of Sri Lanka. Cycling through Polonnaruwa ancient sites is a wonderful experience (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE).

Afterwards, your tour leader will take you to Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park for an afternoon 4×4 jeep safari, since it is the best time to spot wild elephants on their natural habitat. If you’re up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya/Kaudulla is your ideal destination! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this park is mainly a sanctuary for elephants, but it is also home to herds of deer, bulls, wild boars and colorful birdlife. It is always a pleasure to watch baby elephants playing with water by the main lake of the park. This place is well known as the largest elephant gathering place in the world. Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort – Dambulla.

Early in the morning, climb Pidurangala rock to capture the morning sunrise. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and set of to Kandy. En route, visit the Golden Buddha Statue, the Royal Cave Temple (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE), and Matale Spice Garden. Then, proceed towards Kandy city, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It’s set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and bio diverse rainforests. Kandy is also famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Thereafter, you’ll enjoy a walk around Kandy’s busy city centre, including a tour of the Central Market, before engaging with a cultural dance show which is inspired by Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance and cultural heritage (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE). Overnight stay in Kandy. Overnight stay in a cozy mount view hotel – Kandy.

In the morning, you will visit the Peradeniya Royal Garden, which is known as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. Thereafter, proceed towards Kitulgala forest, which is a major ecotourism venue in Sri Lanka. It is a real paradise for those who love adventures. Upon arrival, experience white water rafting in the picturesque Kelani River. This activity is for anyone above the age of 10 years with safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing that will be given by our white water rafting instructors beforehand. The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable experience during your white water rafting tour in Kitulagala. Afterwards, trek to natural rock pool, which is extremely beautiful and a gift of nature, where you will be able to experience sliding down an inclined 05-meter waterfall with safety gear into the rock pool (ABOVE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE). Overnight stay in a nature resort – Kitulgala.

After breakfast, you’ll have a wonderful journey towards Sri Lankan tea region of Nuwara Eliya. It is often referred to as “Little England” because many of the buildings in this city retain from the British colonial period, such as the Queen’s Cottage, the General’s House, the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club and the Town Post Office. Since this amazing town is located in the mountains, it’s characterized by a cool climate all year long. While driving through the cold and misty hills that host lush green tea plantations, stop at a tea factory to observe the rich tradition of making Ceylon Tea kept alive up to date. Make sure to end your factory visit in style over a perfectly blended cup of tea. Afternoon, you will walk through Nuwara Eliya city center and the fruit and vegetable market. Try some snacks around lanes filled with street-foods and bustling local eateries. Overnight stay in a modern cottage bungalow – Nuwara Eliya.

In the morning, you will enjoy a spectacular train journey from Nanu-oya station to Ella village. It is known as one of the most picturesque hill country train journeys in the world. Ella is everyone’s favorite hill country village due to the fact that it’s a wonderful nature-friendly location. The Nine Arch Bridge, a major tourist attraction in Ella, is a massive bridge built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. Ella is a great place for walking and climbing and its most famous trekking route is to “Little Adam’s Peak”. In the evening, you could chill out at the village center where there are lots of restaurants, pubs and also evening entertainments. Ella is a stunning location that anyone who is visiting Sri Lanka should not miss out. Overnight stay in a mount view hotel – Ella Village.

After breakfast, depart from Ella towards Yala National Park. En-route, you will visit Ravana waterfall, one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Ella. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country; in fact, this waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft). Later on, visit Yala National Park, the largest and most stunning national park in Sri Lanka. Thanks to a river running through it, Yala National Park is divided into two sections. Because the river makes crossing to the other side difficult, Yala is really treated as two separate parks. But that doesn’t change the fantastic offerings! Encompassing a range of diverse ecosystems, the park has an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards and lots of colorful birds. Enjoy a 4×4 jeep ride searching for leopards hanging on trees or whispering through the bushes, crocodiles patrolling the river or wild elephants drinking water and playing around under the evening sunset. Overnight stay in a safari lodge – Yala.

After an amazing journey through the mountains and waterfalls, you have finally arrived at the world-famous beachside of Sri Lanka. In the morning, you will head towards Mirissa while enjoying the magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. Mirissa/Dickwella is a delightful sandy beach that was a well-kept secret in the past, but now more restaurants and pubs are opening up to visitors. Mirissa/Dickwella is also characterized by white sands and coconut palms growing right from the edge of the sea as if in imitation of a postcard of the perfect tropical beach. Upon arrival at your hotel, you could grab a towel to relax on the beach while enjoying a cocktail or a chill beer under the shade of a palm tree. Overnight stay in a cozy seafront hotel – Mirissa/Dickwella.

Early in the morning, hit back to the beautiful golden sandy beach and jump into a boat for an amazing ride on the sea to capture the blue whales and dolphins. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to spot the biggest creature on the planet. Please note that whale watching is a SEASONAL activity. With a free afternoon, you may enjoy walking around fisherman’s village or sunbathing on the beach. Evening, you’ll definitely enjoy the stunning scenery of sunset and pleasant seaside atmosphere. You may also pop into a seafront restaurant and try some authentic Sri Lankan seafood – a wonderful crab curry is likely to be on the menu. Overnight stay in a seafront hotel at Mirissa/Dickwella.

After breakfast, your tour leader will drive you along the southwest coast towards Galle, a city well known for its Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). It is the intersection where classic Dutch and British architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk through the streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions nowadays flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Historical Galle Lighthouse stands proudly on the southeast tip of the fort. Thereafter, you’ll visit the capital city of Colombo, which has an interesting history running back to the fifth century. Even in ancient times, this was an important port city in the East-West sea trade. Nowadays it has become a bustling modern town with a unique atmosphere. The colourful streets, restaurants and modern shopping malls attract hordes of locals and tourists alike. Overnight say in Colombo.

After breakfast, you have the opportunity to take an optional city walk with your tour guide to visit the most highlighted places in the city and also do some last-minute shopping as well. Perhaps, you may intend to pop into a famous and internationally renowned restaurant in Colombo to end your trip over an unforgettable meal. Thereafter, proceed to the airport in time for the return flight.