JOIN THE TOUR IN COLOMBO / AIRPORT PICK-UP

Colombo - Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy leisure time at the hotel.

Drive to Anuradhapura

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi - Situated in Anuradhapura, this is believed to be the oldest planted tree in the world, dating back to the 3rd century BC. The sacred fig tree symbolizes Buddhism as the official religion of the country, being a sapling from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Buddha Gaya, India.

The Story of the Sacred Tree
After King Devanampiyatissa learned the values of Buddhism from Arahat Mahinda in Mihintale, he ruled with the religion’s just teachings. With good relations with Indian Emperor Asoka, the emperor gifted a sapling of the sacred tree to the Sri Lankan king. It was brought by the emperor’s daughter, Sangamittha Thera, and planted in the Royal Gardens of Anuradhapura. Today, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya is visited annually by devout Buddhists for rituals and blessings.

Ruwanwelisaya - The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa, a hemispherical structure sacred to Buddhists worldwide. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 B.C., he is renowned for uniting Sri Lanka by defeating the Chola King Elara. It is one of the eight places of veneration in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura and stands as one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments at 103 m (338 ft) with a circumference of 290 m.

Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace - The Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya) in Anuradhapura was a grand structure initially built during King Dutugemunu’s reign (161BC-137BC). Rebuilt several times, it once had over a thousand rooms and rose nine stories. Today, only 1,600 neatly aligned granite columns remain, arranged in forty rows.

Isurumuniya Temple - Isurumuniya Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, built by King Devanampiyatissa during his reign from 307 BC to 267 BC. Located near the Tissa Wewa, also built during his reign, Isurumuniya is famous for rock carvings like the Isurumuniya Lovers, Man with a Horse, Elephant Pond, and The Royal Family. It is believed to be the birthplace of King Ravana and the residence of the mythical Pulasthi Rishi.

Avukana Buddha Statue - The tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka

The Aukana Buddha Statue, standing at 11.36 meters, is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.

The posture of the statue

The Aukana Buddha Statue in Asisa Mudra, or the “posture of blessing,” is carved from a rock boulder. The statue is carved in the round, connected at the back to the rock boulder. The delicate carving of the Buddha’s robe reveals the form of his body, while the face’s expression projects spiritual supremacy.

Village tour

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Lion Rock in Sigiriya is a must-visit landmark in Sri Lanka. This enormous (200m) square-shaped rock was once King Kassapa’s fortress, featuring murals, gardens, and a swimming pool and palace on top. Lion Rock is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Cave Temple - Located in central Sri Lanka, the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site with five cave shrines. Inhabited by Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BCE, these natural caves have been transformed into one of the largest and most outstanding Buddhist complexes in Southern and South Eastern Asia, showcasing innovative interior layout and decoration. The cave shrines underwent several renovations before assuming their present forms in the 18th century.

Pidurangala Rock - Pidurangala Rock offers an incredible 360-degree viewpoint opposite the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. Hiking to the top is possible for both rocks, but a dawn hike to Pidurangala Rock is a real adventure. The view of Lion’s Rock is spectacular, making a visit to Sigiriya a must on any Sri Lanka itinerary.

Explore the national park

Wilpattu National Park - Welcome to the lush wilderness of Wilpattu National Park (WNP). Covering 131 thousand hectares, it is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the oldest protected areas. The park consists of five blocks declared between 1938-1973 under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

WNP spans the Puttalam and Anuradhapura districts, bordering the Mannar and Vavuniya Districts. It is a crucial elephant habitat and a great place to observe the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear.

This park has a denser forest cover than many other National Parks in Sri Lanka. WNP’s landscape comprises dry zone forests and thorny scrub interspersed with open plains, sand dunes, and unique Villu wetlands. Bare reddish cliffs rising from narrow beaches of Portugal Bay and Dutch Bay are another striking feature.

Minneriya National Park - Minneriya National Park, also known as Minneriya Safari Park, was established on August 12, 1997 (Gazette Notification No. 988/4). It is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited national parks, ideal for wildlife holidays and family adventures. Covering 8,890 hectares, it includes the former Minneriya - Giritale Sanctuary and Sigiriya Sanctuary. Located in Polonnaruwa district, it is famous for its elephant gathering, one of Asia’s best animal experiences. Minneriya National Park is also one of the 70 IBA - Important Bird Areas of Sri Lanka, recommended for bird watching tours.

Drive to Kandy.

Matale Herbal and Spice Garden - Visit a spice garden in Matale to see the various spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Just 25 km from Kandy, the Matale spice gardens are among the best on the island. Visitors are introduced to different spices and shown how they are grown and processed. A processing and training unit has been set up, and farmers are grouped in a cooperative to ensure fair prices. Visitors can purchase spices, traditional remedies, and cosmetics, taste a herbal brew, and enjoy Sri Lankan spices over lunch or an Ayurveda massage.

Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum - This excellent gemmology museum educates visitors on Sri Lanka’s geological history. It also houses a shop where you can buy gems, including Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls, and other gemstones and jewelry. Famous Gemstones Found in Sri Lanka:

Ruby
Considered the most valuable gemstone variety in the Corundum mineral species, the distinct red in Ruby is caused by chromium. The color spectrum of Rubies varies from orange-red to purplish red. Color is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value: Fine gems are pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red.

Most Sri Lankan Ruby varieties are pinkish red with a tint of purple, caused by iron in addition to chromium oxide, unique to its Sri Lankan origin. Ruby deposits in Sri Lanka are found in the same mines as other Corundum family gemstones.

Oak Ray Handcrafted Wood Carvings - MASTERPIECES OF HANDCRAFTED WOODCARVING
The best wood carving collection in Sri Lanka. We are quality-oriented woodcarving manufacturers, paying exquisite attention to detail. Backed by a team of master craftsmen, we create some of the best masterpieces. As Sri Lanka’s best wood carving exporters, we ensure quality checks for finishing and packaging before shipping. The result is a long list of satisfied customers worldwide.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance & Cultural Heritage Show, a must-see for visitors to Kandy. Established in 1982, it brings together all Sri Lankan dance types on one platform. It is the first Cultural Dance Show of its kind in Sri Lanka and has become a tourist attraction for those interested in the country’s rich cultural heritage. It has been performing continuously for 35 years.

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - After breakfast, drive to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a world-renowned place of worship where the left Canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is enshrined. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, the temple is venerated by thousands of local and foreign devotees and tourists daily.

The temple holds immense cultural value, with unique Kandyan architectural style combined with the style used to build “Dalada Mandira,” the shrines that previously housed the Sacred Tooth Relic in other kingdoms.

Royal Botanical Gardens - Explore the flora and fauna at the Botanical Garden.

Ramboda Falls - Located in the Ramboda area of Nuwara Eliya district, Ramboda Falls is a popular waterfall in Sri Lanka. It consists of three parts: Ihala Ramboda Oya Ella (Upper Ramboda Oya Fall), Ramboda Oya Meda Ella (Middle Fall), and Pahala Ramboda Oya Ella (Lower Ramboda Oya Falls).

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden - Enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea from the tea factory and experience tea processing.

Nuwara Eliya city tour

Horton Plains National Park - Head to Horton Plains early in the morning for a trekking excursion. Horton Plains is an undulating plateau over 2000 meters high, mainly consisting of grasslands interspersed with forest patches and unusual high-altitude vegetation. The plains are best visible before 10.00 am due to heavy mist. The most unique feature is the “World’s End,” a sheer 1,000 feet vertical escarpment. Once a hunting ground for Mr. Farr, a former British Governor, it is now home to rare species of fauna and flora.

Post Office Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is a charming city amidst the rolling mountains of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Often called ‘Little England,’ the city features quaint colonial buildings and bungalows with charming picket fences, showcasing timeless beauty.

Gregory Lake - The Colonial Origins
Gregory Lake, in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, is a reservoir constructed by British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. Once a bog, it was renovated by Sir Gregory and later stocked with fish in 1881. In 1913, the lake’s water was directed through a tunnel to power a hydro power station, which it continues to do today.

Fantastic train journey experience to Demodara

Nanu Oya railway station - Experience the best train ride in Sri Lanka – a journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

Demodara - Experience the best train ride in Sri Lanka – a journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

Ella Spice Garden - Ella Spice Garden is a private household on Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway in Ella. Visitors can tour the private garden where Sri Lankan spices are cultivated, including peppers, cloves, turmeric, and chili plants. Visitors can also participate in a cooking class, learn to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan meal, and taste a delicious meal cooked with authentic Sri Lankan spices.

Hike in Ella

Mini Adams Peak - Ella is a hiking hotspot in Sri Lanka’s mountain country. The views from hikes in Ella are phenomenal, with the region known for its tea plantations and spectacular mountain ranges. Little Adam’s Peak Hike offers some of the best views without needing to hike for hours, especially for an unforgettable sunset.

Nine Arches Bridge - Experience some of Sri Lanka’s best highland scenery on a private half-day Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches guided hike from Ella. Climb through tea plantations to the top of Little Adam’s Peak and enjoy the sweeping views over the island’s hill country.

Drive to Yala

Rawana Falls - This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the wet season, it resembles an areca flower with withering petals, but in the dry season, the water flow reduces dramatically.

Tissamaharama - Stay overnight at Tissamaharama or Yala.

Yala National Park - Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park due to its many leopards. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where the population lives alongside free-roaming animals. It’s not uncommon to see elephants crossing roads or entering hotel lobbies. Unfortunately, there can be negative encounters, and parks like Yala provide a safe space for the animals. Here’s everything you need to know about Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

Drive to Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hill - Coconut Tree Hill is a well-known spot in Mirissa. From the top, you can watch the infinite sea and Mirissa bay area. It takes a 10-15 minute walk up the street from Mirissa Beach. You can reach it through Bandaramulla temple or via the beach, though beach access is difficult if the sea is rough.

For more detailed directions, refer to Coconut Tree Spot | How to get there.

This place has become popular for framing the headland with the sea and coconut trees. Visit in the morning or before sunset. If you love this place, please don’t leave any rubbish.

WHALE WATCHING

Mirissa Beach - Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities during a Sri Lanka holiday. Blue whales, the largest animals in the world, are often spotted, and Mirissa is the best place for whale and dolphin watching tours in Sri Lanka.

Mirissa to Galle

Sea Turtle Hatchery - Habaraduwa - Sea Turtle Hatchery
The Southern Coastal belt of the island is great for spotting several notable turtle species. Human interference like beach development, poaching, and fishing has led to a rapid decline in the turtle population in Sri Lanka’s waters, with three out of seven sea turtle species now endangered and the rest critically endangered.

Several sea turtle hatcheries along Mirissa strive to conserve these species that nest on these shores, including the giant leatherback turtle, loggerhead, Oliver Ridley, and Hawksbill turtles.

Galle Dutch Fort - Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached its peak in the 18th century before the British arrived. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showcasing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

Drive to Airport for departure flight.

Colombo - Drive to Airport for departure flight.

• On-board WiFi
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Infant seats

• All fees and/or taxes
• Meal Plan for Hotel: Lunch
• Entrance fees for Music/Sites/parks/temples total =50 usd
• Other Exclusions (Flight tickets/ Visa Charges)
• Not anything mentioned in the inclusions above

Beginning in Negombo and ending in Colombo, this adventure tour of Sri Lanka will take you up into the misty mountain tops, down to the sun coated beaches and explore the national parks searching for elephants. With the adventure tour you will experience a 14-day tour package taking you through the green and luscious gem of the Indian Ocean, where smells of spices, tea and traditional foods will bring your senses alive. includes accommodation in Luxury hotels as well as the most stunning train journey in the world, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.

Visit several places, but note that many entrance fees are not included
Get a well rounded picture of the nature and architecture of this county

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.