+(94) 777 719 115

ENCHANTING SRI LANKA – 12 NIGHTS TOUR

Duration
12 days
Max People
10
Min Age
1

Description

Your Sri Lankan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Colombo International Airport. Following an en-route stop in Kurunagala, you'll find yourself at your chosen hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana. There, you'll enjoy a relaxed evening complemented by a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage and a traditional Sri Lankan dinner, immersing yourself in the local culture and relaxation from the start.

The journey continues with visits to historically rich Anuradhapura, including the iconic Sacred Bo Tree and various remarkable attractions. An excursion to the serene Ritigala monastic complex provides a tranquil experience. A boat ride on Habarana Lake offers a serene perspective of village life and stunning natural beauty. Your adventure peaks with an exploration of the world-renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress. An interactive local cooking lesson and a traditional rice and curry lunch allow you to savor the local cuisine. Later, you'll discover the well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, exploring by bicycle, and round off the day with a delightful dinner. Continuing the journey, you'll explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Rock Cave Temples, visit a Spice Garden in Matale, and have an enlightening experience at a Batik Factory. Afterward, you'll explore the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and enjoy a captivating Cultural Performance. Your trip also includes a visit to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where you can witness elephants being bathed and bottle-fed.

You'll have the chance to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens and leisurely stroll through Kandy, indulging in shopping opportunities. As your journey unfolds, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, a charming town that retains an English countryside feel. There, you'll explore a tea factory and plantation, admire the picturesque Ramboda Waterfall, and may enjoy an optional lunch. The day wraps up with a city tour, leisure time for shopping, and a comfortable overnight stay. In the next phase of your adventure, you'll experience the breathtaking Horton Plains, the iconic Lipton Seat, and the awe-inspiring Bambarakanda waterfall, accompanied by a delightful picnic breakfast. Your journey is interwoven with nature and local community engagement, leaving you with an unforgettable experience.

Further, you'll explore Udawalawe and Udawalawe National Park through an exhilarating jeep safari, and spend a night at a camping site with a picturesque river view, with a BBQ dinner to complement the experience. This adventurous journey takes you to Yala National Park, celebrated for its diverse wildlife. After a thrilling safari, you'll retire for the night at your hotel, making memories that will last a lifetime. Your final journey takes you to Galle and Mirissa, with an enriching visit to the Galle fort along the way. The adventure continues as you check into your Mirissa hotel and enjoy leisurely days by the sea, taking in the sun and relaxation.

Your last day unfolds with a visit to Colombo city, where you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant urban life. This is where your memorable journey culminates, and you'll conclude your adventure with a return to Colombo Bandaranayake International Airport.

Highlights
  • Ayurvedic full body massage
  • Cultural Heritage Anuradhapura & Ritigala
  • Enjoy a traditional boat ride by the time of sunset
  • Visit the Rock fortress of Sigiriya
  • Meet a local family and cooking lesson
  • Visit of Polonnaruwa by bicycles
  • Visit Spice Garden in Matale
  • Brief visit to a Batik Factory
  • Visit to the Temple of the the Tooth relic, Kandy
  • Visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
  • Visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Walk in the nature and through tea plantations
  • Excursion to Horton Plains
  • Visit Lipton Seat with Picnic breakfast
  • Visit Udawalawa Park and BBQ dinner
  • Visit Galle & Mirissa

Tour Plan

Expand All
Day 01: COLOMBO / SIGIRIYA OR HABARANA

Arrival at the Colombo International Airport.Ā 

Welcome by our English-Speaking chauffeur guide

Thereafter transfer direct to SIGIRIYA OR HABARANA with a comfort stop en route in Kurunagala.Ā Ā 

Arrival at your reserved hotel. Welcome drinks and refreshing towels on arrival

Lunch (optional)

Around 17h00 - Ayurvedic full body massage at a reputed ayurvedic center in the area to

relax and release fromĀ fatigue, exhaustion, tensions and to promote a rejuvenating effect onĀ all body.Ā 

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotelĀ 

Day 02 : SIGIRIYA / ANURADHAPURA / RITIGALA / SIGIRIYA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to Anuradhapura Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are:- The Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba.Ā 

Lunch (optional)

PM visit to Ritigala,Ā Ā 

Ritigala Sri Lanka has many varied sites of historical and cultural importance. While the ruins of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have a grandeur that is hard to surpass, there are lesser-known sites with an ambience all of their own. One such site is the monastic complex on the lower slopes of Ritigalakanda the Ritigala mountain-situated 40 Kilometers southeast of the ancient city of Anuradhapura. These ruins are some of the most distinctive Sri Lanka has to offer. Here at Ritigala you will not find the Buddhist dagobas (domed relic chambers) of the sanctuary of Anuradhapura and elsewhere. Instead, the monastery at Ritigala largely consists of meditation platforms and walkways that are in perfect harmony with the huge boulders, trees and streams of the sylvan environment. The Ritigala summit- which has an unusual mini plateau -possesses a pocket of vegetation that is distinct from the dry zone flora of the lower slopes and surrounding plain.

Enjoy a traditional boat ride by the time of sunset in the Habarana Lake enjoying theĀ 

typical village environment.Ā 

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 03: HOTEL/ SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS / POLONNARUWA /SIGIRIYA

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast visit the Rock fortress of Sigiriya.Ā 

Sigiriya - A mighty 600 ft high rock-fortress of a 5th century King is famous for its entrancingly beautiful frescoes which are found in a sheltered pocket of the rock. One cannot fail to marvel at the masterful execution of the sinuous forms of these women (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today). The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a huge crouching lion, carved from the rock- today only the paws remain. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit.

Meet a local family and cooking lesson on how to prepare a vegetable curry mixing spicesĀ 

Rice & curry lunch served by the village familyĀ 

Tasting of curd ā€“ the local yogurtĀ 

Proceed to Polonnaruwa

PM: Visit of Polonnaruwa by bicycles.

The 11 th to 13 th Century capital of Polonnaruwa has more to see and less to conjecture than the older metropolis of Anuradhapura. With its comparatively brief and uncomplicated history (two centuries and a dozen rulers, in contrast with 1,400 years and 123 kings of Anuradhapura) and its far more completely preserved ruins, much more recently exposed to the ravages of time, Polonnaruwa (say Poh-loh-NA-roowah) has a particular fascination for the average visitor. The age of the cityā€™s foundation is not known with any certainty. A military garrison from Anuradhapura may have been stationed here in the early years of the Christian era. By the 6 th Century, it was a military camp of some importance, strategically located guarding the Mahaweli River crossing from Ruhuna, the southern province where rebellions continuously fomented.Ā 

Return to your hotel

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 04: SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA / MATALE / KANDY

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast depart to Kandy visiting the Rock cave temples of Dambulla another protected UNESCO world heritage site. The caves at first came into use as a refuge for King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. Concealed by the local monks, upon returning from exile to his throne at Anuradhapura, he had the magnificent cave temple built for them. The cave temple consists of a complex of Buddhist image houses. 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 14m-long figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.

Continue towards Kandy

Brief visit to Spice Garden in Matale.Ā 

Visit of the garden with English speaking explanations. Cooking demonstration and herbal tea tasting.

Traditional Lunch served near a paddy field with Sri Lankan specialties

Brief visit to a Batik Factory to witness the fabulous hand work designs on batik fabrics. Explanation on the designing process and various choices are available if you wish to own few souvenirs.

Arrival at the hotel in Kandy & welcome drinks with refreshing towels on arrival

Sightseeing of Kandy city in the evening including a visit to the Temple of the much revered Temple of the Tooth relic. Also witness a Cultural Performance.Ā 

Temple of the Tooth Relic. Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Return to hotel

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 05 : KANDY/ PERADENIYA/ PINNAWELA/ KANDY

Breakfast at the hotel.

Thereafter proceed to Pinnawela. Journey by local train towards Pinnawela. Get down at Rambukkana railway station which is the nearest station to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.Ā 

Visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of the baby elephants. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage Among the green hills of Kegalle, aboutĀ 50 miles (85km) from Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country, a herd of about 60 elephants roam free in the Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage. This popular attraction, established as a sanctuary covering 25 acres of lush forest by the Sri Lankan Government in 1975, is unique. Its purpose is to feed, nurse and houseĀ 

young elephants lost or abandoned by their mothers. Recently the sanctuary has also started a breeding program. Visitors are invited to observe and assist the baby elephants as they are fed from giant feeding bottles, before the pachyderms plod down to the river for their daily bath.Ā 

Lunch at Pinnalanda Restaurant with the magical view of elephants bathing in Mee Oya

In front of the restaurant. Authentic Sri Lankan lunch with some western dishes as well.

Visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens

The most beautiful in the world and begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King. Every variety tropical and temperate tree and flower is cultivated here and special houses with orchids and e cacti are too beautiful to be true.

Walk leisurely in the Kandy city including surroundings by the lake with free time for shopping.

Fabulous options to buy souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewelry and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased.

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 06: KANDY/ NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive towards Nuwara Eliya

Stop at a tea factory and Plantation. Possibility of buying the finest tea in the world.

Walk in the nature and through tea plantations at the same time meeting with local people and enjoying some Ceylon Tea in the Pusselawa village. Duration would be approx. 60mnts

Stop in Ramboda o admire the beauty of magnificent Ramboda Waterfall. Optional Lunch at Ramboda Restaurant with view of the waterfalls.

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya. City tour with free time for shopping

Nuwara Eliya. This town seems like a piece of English district. Tudor-style and Victorian homes look across the blue lake. These buildings are the other architectural monuments to the English, the Post Office, the English country house like Hill Club with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, Anglican Church and private residence. The Golf course here is one of the best in Asia.Ā 

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 07: NUWARA ELIYA / HORTON PLAINS / BANDARAWELA

Excursion to Horton Plains with picnic breakfast

Horton Plains ā€“ the beautiful gift of nature ā€“ is situated along the eastern periphery of the main range of the anchor-shaped central hills of Sri Lanka. At 2100 ā€“ 2300 meters above sea level, it is Sri Lankaā€™s most elevated National Park containingĀ the Kirigalpotta and Totapola Mountains, which are the second and third highest mountain peaks of Sri Lanka (2395 and 2359 metres respectively).

Endemic flora such Rhododenron, Calophylum, Chimono bambosa and fauna such as the rare Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Arenga), Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, the Rhino-horned Lizard, and many other species such as Sambar, Bear Monkey and Otter can be spotted easily here. It is also the only national park within which visitors are permitted to walk.

Situated within this park, at nearly 700m, is Worldā€™s End, a sheer precipice that is popular with visitors. The Worldā€™s End offers a spectacular panoramic view, including an uninhibited view of the Nonpareil Tea Estate. Also within the Park is Bakerā€™s falls, which is quite small but an exquisite waterfall nevertheless.

Experience approx. 1.5hrs train travel in a local train mingling with local people travelling through stunning landscape from Pattipola to Bandarawela.

Arrival in Bandarawela and check into your hotel

Late afternoon, walk in the Bandarawela village.

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 08: LIPTON SEAT / BAMBARAKANDA / BANDARAWELA

Picnic Breakfast

Lipton Seat in Sri Lankaā€™s highlands is arguably the most iconic destination when it comes to the countryā€™s rich tea plantation history.Ā Drive up to Dambatenne Tea Factory and from there hike the 8km through winding tea plantations with stunning views.Ā 

Enjoy your picnic breakfast amidst the spectacular sceneries.

Drive towards Bambarakanda, itā€™s the highest waterfallĀ inĀ Sri Lanka with a sheer drop of 263 meters. Lunch at a village house exploring local specialties.Ā 

A day with immersive experience with nature and local community.Ā 

Return to hotelĀ 

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 09: BANDARAWELA / UDAWALAWE

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive towards Udawalawe.

Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. Itā€™s a facility withinĀ Udawalawe National ParkĀ inĀ Sri LankaĀ that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.

PM 4 x 4 jeep safari to Udawalawe National Park.

UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK is located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city. The 30,821 hectare dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm and an average temperature of 29.4 0 C. It is most famous for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds - adults and young, feeding and bathing or playing in the water! In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts. This safari would be an unforgettable bird watching experience as "Udawalawe" is one of the best parks for bird watching too.

The endemic species of bird called Red Faced Malkoha has its favorite habitat in the 192 square km parkland. Serpent Eagles, Hawk Eagles, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Black Eagles, Black Capped Bulbuls, Racket Tailed Drongos, Malabar Pied Horn Bills, White Necked Storks, Open Bills, Ibis, Shama - The forest Nightingale, Strol Billed Kin Fishers and peacocks are found in fair numbers. Among the migrant birds are the forest wagtails, Indian Pitta, Whiskered Terns, Osprey Sand Pipers and Terns.

BBQ dinner and overnight at a camping site with river viewĀ 

Day 10: UDAWALAWE / YALA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning at leisure to enjoy the wonderful surroundingsĀ 

Then direction towards YalaĀ 

Arrival in Yala and welcome with refreshing towels & welcome drinks

Around 1530hrs - jeep safari to the YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala ā€“ Sri Lankaā€™s best known national park is popular for Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile and Wild Boar. More than three times larger than Undawelewe at 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lankaā€™s national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also received much fame through publicity by National Geographic and the Discovery TV channels, which focused on a leopard research/conservation and identification project. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the worldā€™s highest concentration of leopard per square kilometer. This park is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons. The areas popular with leopard are rock strewn hillocks with dense shrub in which the animals hide.

Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel

Day 11: YALA / GALLE /MIRISSA

Breakfast at the hotel

Leave towards Galle & Mirissa with following visits & stops en route,

Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the islandĀ 

City tour of Galle & thereafter check into your hotel in Mirisssa

Arrival at your beach hotel and stay on bed & breakfast

Overnight at Hotel Triple ā€œOā€ Six in Deluxe Room (Charming boutique hotel found 140m from stunning beach front of Mirissa)

Day 12: MIRISSA at leisure

Breakfast at the hotel

** Optional Whale Watching excursion is possible during November to March

Full day at leisure with breakfastĀ Ā 

Overnight at Hotel Triple ā€œOā€ Six in Deluxe Room (Charming boutique hotel found 140m from stunning beach front of Mirissa)

Day 13: MIRISSA / COLOMBO/ AIRPORT

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning at leisure.

Driver towards Colombo et visit of Colombo cityĀ 

Transfer to Colombo Bandaranayake International AirportĀ 

Login