THE ESSENCE OF SRI LANKA
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
Overview
Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Sri Lanka’s highlights: the Cultural Triangle with its profound Buddhist heritage, the vibrant natural environment of Yala, the tea plantations of the hinterland, and the colonial charms of Galle and the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Extend your trip by a few days to relax on the pristine palm-fringed beaches of the eastern or southern coastline.
Negombo
- Roman Catholic Heritage: Explore imposing churches and the scenic fishing community.
- Old Dutch Fort: Glimpse into the colonial history.
Sigiriya
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Climb the ancient rock fortress and explore the palace complex and gardens.
Polonnaruwa
- Ancient Ruins: Discover the well-preserved ruins of the second ancient capital.
Anuradhapura
- First Capital: Visit the ancient monuments and the sacred Sri Mahabodhi tree.
Dambulla Cave Temple
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Explore the ancient cave temple complex with stunning frescoes and statues.
Nalanda Gedige
- Archaeological Site: Unique fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Accepts Credit Cards
Car Parking
Free Coupons
Laundry Service
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Restaurant
Smoking Allowed
Wireless Internet
Tour Plan
- Activity: Arrival, welcome & assistance at the airport. Transfer to Sigiriya with an en-route visit to Negombo.
- Negombo: Explore the Roman Catholic landmarks, imposing churches, and the scenic backdrop of the sea and catamarans.
- Afternoon: Visit Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ancient palace complex, gardens, and sanctuary.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya.
- Meals: Dinner.
- Morning: Excursion to Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital city, known for its well-preserved ruins of palaces and monasteries.
- Afternoon: Travel to Anuradhapura and visit the ruins of the first capital, including Sri Mahabodhi and other ancient monuments.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Morning: Depart for Kandy with visits en route.
- Dambulla: Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient cave complex and bird watching.
- Nalanda Gedige: Visit the unique archaeological site.
- Matale: Visit a spice garden and batik factory.
- Evening: Arrive in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
- Morning: Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established to feed and care for abandoned elephants.
- Afternoon: Explore Kandy city, including Kandy Lake, the Kandy Museum, and enjoy a traditional cultural performance in the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
- Morning: Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, famous for its vast collection of plants and orchids.
- Afternoon: Travel to Nuwara Eliya, with a visit to a tea plantation and Gregory Lake.
- Evening: Explore Nuwara Eliya, including Shanthipura.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
- Morning: Depart for Tissamaharama region, with stops at Ella and Buduruwagala.
- Ella: Admire the scenic views.
- Buduruwagala: Visit the rock carvings of Buddha.
- Afternoon: Visit the sacred city of Kataragama and enjoy a safari in Yala National Park.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Yala.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
- Morning: Travel to Galle with a stop to view the stilt fishermen of Weligama.
- Afternoon: Visit the Old Portuguese Fort in Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then continue to Colombo.
- Evening: City tour of Colombo, visiting the fort area, Pettah bazaar, Cinnamon Gardens, and the Buddhist temple in Kelaniya.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Colombo.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
- Morning: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
- Meals: Breakfast.
