This itinerary covers all the “must-seen” of this beautiful island. From ruins of ancient capitals in the Cultural Triangle to a safari, passing through a few of UNESCO World Heritage hosted in Sri Lanka and visiting a few of Sri Lanka’s most important temples. You will not miss the experience of catching a train running through stunning hill country and endless Tea plantations.
Excluding international flights
| Price per person - USD | 2 pax | 4pax | 6 pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| From May to October 2018 | USD 1118 | USD 935 | USD 845 |
| Perahera Hotel Supplement | USD 70 | USD 70 | USD 70 |
( Transfer time : Approx. 30 Min)
Your Chauffeur will welcome you at the arrival hall and will drive you to your Hotel in Colombo, where you can rest from the long flight.
( Transfer time : Approx. 4 Hrs | 2 Hrs)
Today we will start the tour by visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital located within the Cultural Triangle and today the most important religious and cultural site in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Srilankan civilization, such as the ruins of Isurumuniya, Ruwanweli Maha Saya and several pagodas of the old capital.
Moreover, you will have the chance to visit the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which was originally a branch of the Bo tree in Budda Gaya under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and brought to Sri Lanka by Emperor Asoka’s daughter, Princess Sangamiita.
You will spend the night in Habarana.
( Transfer time : Approx. 30 min | 2 Hrs)
After breakfast, before the temperature gets too hot, we will climb Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. Sigiriya was built in 5th century as a fortress-palace. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, this site will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures.
The day is not over yet, not before having visited Polonnaruwa, which remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13th century. The most impressive ruins are the ancient sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Viahara cut into granite stone dating back to the middle of the 12th century.
Why not ending the day with a relaxing Ayurveda treatment?
( Transfer time : Approx. 3 Hrs)
After breakfast, we will head to Kandy. On the way there, not to be missed is the visit of Dambulla Cave Temple, which consists of a complex of Buddhist images. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colorful frescoes, some of which dates back to over 2,000 years, which depicts Buddhist mythology, and the tales of the Buddha's previous births. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place, including a 14-meter long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha.
And here you are in Kandy! The city is an important religious center for Sinhalese and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist due to the “Dalanda Maligawa”, the Temple of the Tooth. This important temple hosts the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in 4th Century A.D. This sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for the Sinhalese kings and always enshrined in great splendor.
Late afternoon, you will watch a cultural show featuring traditional Kandian dancing.
( Transfer time : Approx. 2 Hrs)
Today we will head toward Nuwara-Eliya.
En-route, just outside Kandy, we will stop for a visit at Gadaladeniya Temple. This temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, incorporating Sinhalese architecture from the Polonnaruwa era and other Indo Chinese architectural patterns.
Moreover, we will make a break at Ramboda Waterfall. Not to be missed is a visit at a Tea Planation and Factory, where you will learn the process of tea-making, from plucking the leafs to the final taste of world famous tea.
( Transfer time : Approx. 3 Hrs Train Ride | 2.5 Hrs)
Today you will catch a train taking you to Ella, running through endless tea plantations and through stunning sceneries.
Your Chauffeur will be waiting for you at the station and will drive you to Tissamaharama, near Yala National Park.
In the late afternoon, you will assist to the Pooja (prayer ritual with devotion offers) in Kataragama. This holy city has great religious and historical significance and brings together Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians each day to worship at its numerous temples of all faiths located within the sacred city. Each day, at specific times the Hindu shrines come alive when poojas are presented to the Gods: baskets filled with fruit and flowers, burning incense and oil lamps, dashing of coconuts, clanging of bells, and the continuous chanting, truly a mesmerizing experience.
( Transfer time : Approx. 4 Hrs)
Early in the morning, you will dive into wild nature with a safari in Yala National Park, famous for its high concentration of leopards but also for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds.
After the safari, we will head to the beach resort in Waskaduwa.
On the way there, we will visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and then further developed by the Dutch and the British. Buildings of interest include the Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints Church, the lighthouse and bell tower. A maze of narrow roads lined with small houses, art galleries and shops with Dutch are characteristic of the fort.
( Transfer time : Approx. 3)
Depending on your flight, either we will transfer you to the airport for departure back home (or to Maldives) or you will enjoy your stay by the beach.
