Culture and Wilderness

Day 01: BIA > Chillaw > Dambulla

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla en route make a visit to the Munneswaram Kovil in Chilaw. Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region

Thereafter continue to Dambulla and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 3 to 3½ hrs) 

Later in the evening visit Dambulla Cave Tempele. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 02: Dambulla > Polonnaruwa > Minneriya > Dambulla

After breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit Ancient Kingdom.  (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history. 

Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a Safari in the Minneriya National Park. (Travel Time: 45 to 55 mins)

This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 03: Dambulla > Kandy

After the breakfast at the hotel visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns.  Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy, en route make a pause at Matale, visit a Spice Garden and do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses.

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.

Thereafter continue to Kandy and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Later that evening goes on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. And Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 04: Kandy > Nuwara Eliya

After the breakfast in Kandy visit Temple Tooth Relic. 

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya, en route make a pause at Ramboda and visit Tea Factory and Ramboda Falls.

Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.

Evening do a city tour around Nuwara Eliya Misty Town.

Nuwara Eliya is set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town where the British succeeded in creating a replica of the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life. 

On completion proceed to the hotel and relax.

Day 05: Nuwara Eliya > Ella

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Ella. Thereafter explore the city of Ella. On completion check into the hotel and relax.

Explore Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lana.

On completion proceed to the hotel and relax.

Day 06: Ella > Yala

After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Yala. Thereafter check into the hotel and relax. 

Towards the evening go on an evening Safari in the Yala National Park.

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 07: Yala > Colombo

After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Colombo, en-route make a stop at the Galle and Kosgoda to explore the city of Galle and visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. 

Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories. 

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

On completion proceed to Colombo and check into the hotel 

Day 08: Colombo > BIA

After the breakfast explore the Commercial City of Sri Lanka, Colombo.

Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores. 

On completion proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island. 

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection. 
• Meal plan on Bed and Breakfast basis starting with breakfast on day 2 and ending with breakfast on day 8.
• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
• Service of an English-Speaking chauffeur Guide throughout the tour.
• All prevailing taxes and service charges (Except for Credit Card Charges)

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application.
• X’ Mas & New Year Evening Gala Dinner Supplements.
• International / Domestic Airfare.
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Tips & Portages.
• Cost of Beverages
• Meals where not specified.
• Entrance fees.