A wonderful 15-day adventure in Sri Lanka, bursting with cultural richness, stunning, diverse landscapes, fabulous sacred sites and intriguing history.Commencing from Negombo on 4th March 2018, explore the former capital cities and see amazing ancient monuments and temples. Take a guided tour of Kandy, the cultural capital, and experience the atmospheric old-world charm of Galle. Visit the unspoilt wildlife park of Yala and delight in watching baby elephants at Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home. Savour the lush tea plantations and waterfalls in the breathtaking mountain region of the south. Marvel at the ancient cave paintings at Sigiriya Rock and the incredible stone carvings in Dambulla cave temples. Learn about the health benefits of spices as you tour a spice plantation and enjoy a mouthwatering lunch. The tour also takes you to the beautiful beach of Hikkaduwa, the interesting city of Colombo and other great sights. Along the way you will enjoy great shopping opportunities and delicious cuisine.
This beautiful journey will enchant and delight you.
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Colombo and transfer to your beachside hotel. In the late afternoon, the group will meet for an official welcome. Overnight Negombo
Day Two
After breakfast, visit some local sights before driving to the magical ancient city of Anuradhapura, the former capital of Sri Lanka. A late afternoon tour will take you to the beautiful hill-top location of Mihintale, famous as the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. Overnight Anuradhapura.
Day Three
Go on a sightseeing tour of the fascinating Buddhist stupas and ruins by cycle or rickshaw. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Overnight Anuradhapura
Day Four
A morning visit to the colossal Buddha statue in Aukana is a great start to the day.You will then visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the second former capital of the country, for lunch and a guided tour – take a rickshaw or cycle around the outstanding ancient monuments. Overnight Avudangawa
Day Five
Today you will visit Sigiriya Rock, one of the most amazing sights in Sri Lanka. In the afternoon, options include a visit to Minneriya National Park, relaxing with an ayurvedic massage or swimming in the resort’s garden pool. Overnight Avudangawa.
Day Six
A morning drive to Kandy with a visit to the incredible Dambulla cave temples, packed with fabulous Buddhist art, makes this an extra special day. There is also a guided tour and lunch at a spice plantation and an early evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the most-visited sacred sight in Sri Lanka. Overnight Kandy.
Day Seven
A visit to the lovely botanical gardens is on the agenda for this morning, with the afternoon free to wander the town, visit the gem factory, enjoy an ayurvedic massage or just relax. In the late afternoon, you will witness a wonderful cultural dance and fire walk following by a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration with dinner. Overnight Kandy.
Day Eight
Go on a scenic mountain drive through beautiful tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, we visit a tea factory to see how Sri Lanka’s wonderful tea is made. A tour of the town is planned for the late afternoon. Overnight Nuwara Eliya.
Day Nine
There is an option in the early morning to take a trek at Horton Plains National Park to see the World’s End Cliff and Bakers Falls. After a picnic lunch, go on a scenic train trip to the lovely mountain town of Ella. Overnight Ella
Day Ten
This morning, there is another optional early trek to Little Adam’s Peak before a drive to Yala National Park and a late afternoon safari. Yala is famous for it’s leopards, with other animals including elephants, deer, hyena, sloth bear, crocodile, wild boar and a large variety of birds. Overnight Tissamahara.
Day Eleven
After breakfast, visit the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home and the Mulkirigala Monastery with its richly decorated cave temples. Drive to historic Galle for a late afternoon guided walk around the charming fort area. Overnight Galle.
Day Twelve
The morning is free for you to explore the old world charm of this lovely Portuguese and Dutch-influenced town. After lunch, there is a short drive to Hikkaduwa where you will enjoy a beautiful beach resort. Overnight Hikkaduwa.
Day Thirteen
Enjoy free time on the beach or by the beachside pool, snorkelling, relaxing or various other options. Overnight Hikkaduwa.
Day Fourteen
Drive to Colombo, en route visiting a moonstone mine and Lunuganga. Go on a city tour and enjoy free time for shopping or exploring before a final group dinner.Overnight Colombo.
Day Fifteen
There is free time today before transferring to the airport for flights home.
Additional Information
Your 15-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, all accommodation, train ride, all tours, entrance fees, local guides, guide tips, some meals, bottled water, Sri Lankan and Australian tour leaders.
