Leisure

Leisure

Embark on a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s most enchanting destinations, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Begin your adventure at the Dambulla Cave Temple, perched atop a colossal rock hill, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque countryside.

Tour Highlights

  • Dambulla Cave Temple: The temple complex is located atop a massive rock hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Sigiriya – A series of steep steps and staircases take you on a journey through beautifully landscaped gardens, ancient frescoes, and the famed Lion Gate
  • Temple of the Tooth – One of the most sacred relics in Buddhism, a tooth relic believed to belong to Lord Buddha.
  • Nuwara Eliya – Discover the secrets of tea production with a visit to a tea plantation and factory
  • Horton Plains – Sri Lanka’s highest plateau, where you can trek through the beautiful World’s End Nature Reserve
  • Yala National Park – Look out for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and the ever-present leopard under the cover of darkness.
  • Mirissa – Known for being one of the best places in the world to spot the gentle giants of the sea, the blue whales
  • Galle – Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial city

Included

  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • 12 nights 4-5 star hotels or heritage properties in a double room
  • All entrance fees and national park fees according to the program
  • Guided sightseeing – Kandy, Nuwara Eliya tea plantation and Colombo
  • Trek in Siharaja Rainforest and Horton Plains
  • Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park
  • A game drive and boat safari in Gal Oya National Park
  • Escorted by an English-speaking professional chauffeur guide
  • Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 13
  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles

Not Included

  • International flights and visa
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
  • Recommended attractions not included in the itinerary
  • Personal

Others

  • Please be aware that there is no guarantee of the animal sightings reported for this trip. These are close-up encounters with wild, free-ranging animals whose actions are unpredictable. Should there be no sighting, which is improbable, there will be no reimbursement for the airfare. However, to maximize the odds of being spotted, our local partners and I make use of all of our expertise and experience.
  • If you would like to upgrade your room or prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, we will be happy to arrange it for you.
  • Please note that you may need to get up early at times and that hot weather are to be expected.
  • The national parks’ roadways can be incredibly uneven at times, with numerous washed-out pits and bumps. A cushioned or air-filled seat cushion could be advised if you have disc issues.
Day 1 Colombo

Pick you up from the international airport to your hotel and spend the rest of the time exploring the vibrant street markets and bazaars of Colombo, such as Pettah Market and the Good Market, where you can shop for everything from fresh produce and spices to handicrafts and clothing.

Recommended Attractions: Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum, Dutch Hospital, and Independence Memorial Hall


Day 2 Negombo

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil spot to relax, enjoy a swim, or witness the vibrant activity of the local fishermen, Negombo’s beaches are good places to relax.

Recommended Attractions: St. Sebastian’s Church, Dutch Colonial Architecture, The Negombo Lagoon


Day 3 Negombo Fish Market – Dambulla Cave Temple

Fish market offers an intriguing glimpse into the local way of life. Watch as fishermen bring in their catch and witness the vibrant and colorful spectacle of a Sri Lankan fish market.

After that , we driver to Dambulla cave temple. The temple complex is located atop a massive rock hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dambulla boasts a complex of five stunning cave temples, each adorned with intricate paintings, statues, and religious significance. These caves have been places of worship and meditation for over two millennia, making them one of the most well-preserved cave temple complexes in Asia. Within the cave chambers, you’ll encounter a collection of over 150 intricately carved statues of Lord Buddha in various postures.


Day 4 Sigiriya

Guided tour of the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Its history dates back to the 5th century when it was transformed into a royal citadel by King Kasyapa. One of the most exhilarating aspects of visiting Sigiriya is the ascent to the summit. A series of steep steps and staircases take you on a journey through beautifully landscaped gardens, ancient frescoes, and the famed Lion Gate, which was once adorned by a massive lion statue. As you ascend, you’ll encounter the Mirror Wall, a polished surface that was once so smooth and reflective that it was used by the king’s courtiers. The Sigiriya Frescoes, on the western face of the rock, feature stunning depictions of beautiful maidens. Its terraced gardens are a marvel of ancient landscaping and hydrological engineering.


Day 5 Spice Plantation – Kandy – Temple of the Tooth

This morning, we will visit a spice plantation and get to know many special spice of Sri Lanka.

Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth. This splendid temple houses one of the most sacred relics in Buddhism, a tooth relic believed to belong to Lord Buddha. The relic has a storied history, with legends of its journey from India to Sri Lanka. One of the most famous and spectacular events associated with the temple is the annual Esala Perahera, or the Kandy Perahera. This grand procession features beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, fire dancers, and a ceremonial casket carrying the sacred tooth relic. It is a cultural extravaganza.


Day 6 Nuwara Eliya – Tea Plantation

It is renowned as the “Tea Capital” of Sri Lanka, home to some of the world’s finest tea estates. A visit to a tea plantation and factory is a must-do experience, where you can witness the art of tea production and enjoy a refreshing cup of the world-famous Ceylon tea. The colonial-era architecture and beautifully manicured gardens add an air of historic elegance to Nuwara Eliya.

Recommended attractions: the Old Post Office, St. Xavier’s Church, Nuwara Eliya offers activities like golf, horseback riding, and boat rides on Lake Gregory.


Day 7 Horton Plains – Ella

Take a complimentary hike in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve in the morning.
This UNESCO-listed park is home to a variety of endemic and rare species, including the Sambar deer, the wild boar, and an array of unique avian life.

Later, ride the picturesque journey to Ella on the local train.


Day 8 Ella – Tissamaharama

In the morning, you will go hiking at Little Adam’s Peak. After that, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

Then we drive to Tissamaharama.


Day 9 Yala National Park

Travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari. Yala National Park is renowned for being home to the highest population density of leopards in the world. These enigmatic big cats roam freely amidst the park’s diverse landscapes, making it a premier destination for leopard sightings. For wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Yala is a treasure trove of incredible moments. As you venture through its diverse ecosystems, you’ll encounter elephants, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and wild boar, along with a wide variety of bird species. This park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with numerous avian species to be spotted. The park’s terrain offers an incredible mix of lush forests, serene lakes, and expansive grasslands.


Day 10 Mirissa

Bid farewell to Yala National Park and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach. It is known for being one of the best places in the world to spot the gentle giants of the sea, the blue whales. These colossal marine mammals, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet. While the blue whale takes center stage, Mirissa’s waters are also home to other marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of other cetaceans like sperm whales, pilot whales, and playful dolphins. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone seeking an extraordinary experience.


Day 11 Galle

Visit the colonial city of Galle and its ancient fort during a day trip. Galle is a stunning seaside city located on Sri Lanka’s southernmost tip. After checking into your accommodation, have a walking tour of the city—which is regarded as Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial city—with your guide. The city’s center is a fort constructed by the Dutch that is encircled by the sea on three sides. The streets are lined with historic churches and mosques, museums, and shops.

Then returning to Mirissa.


Day 12 Mirissa

Mirissa Whale Watching promises a marine adventure of a lifetime. You may have the chance to witness magnificent blue whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Recommended Attractions and activities: Mirissa Fisheries Harbor. The consistent waves make Mirissa a great spot for surfing, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers. The town also offers a range of water sports, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and diving.


Day 13 Departure

After breakfast your journey ends this morning. We will drive you to the international airport.


Trip Type

Group Tours

Starts

Colombo

Ends

Colombo

Hotel Rating

4-5 star & heritage hotels

Arr. Transfer

Yes

Dep. Transfer

Yes

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 25

Tour Guide

Yes – escorted by a tour guide

Meals

Breakfast & Lunch/Dinner: 12

Countries

Sri Lanka

Minimum Age

12 years, accompanied by an adult.