Fortnight Journey Through Ceylon: Explore Culture, Heritage, Wildlife, and Adventure

Embark on a fortnight journey through Ceylon and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich heritage, thrilling wildlife encounters, and exhilarating adventures. Join us now!

Duration: 13 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Airport > Negombo

Negombo Beach - Bask in the sun on the sandy shores of Negombo, located on Sri Lanka’s Western Coast. Witness the thriving fish industry, a tradition that spans centuries. Get your adrenaline pumping with exciting water sports. Dive to explore the corals and underwater life, and discover a 50-year-old shipwreck just off the coast, home to various fish species.

Negombo > Panduwasnuwara > Anuradhapura

Panduwasnuwara Kingdom - Discover the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara, which briefly served as the capital in the 12th century. Roam among the city’s ruins, including pagodas, image houses, meeting halls, and the citadel. Visit the restored former temple of the tooth relic, located just outside the citadel’s walls. Explore the palace and hear the many legends that surround it.

Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery Anuradhapura - Stroll through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. See the pagodas, monastic buildings, and ponds scattered across the vast area. Visit significant landmarks such as Jetavanarama, one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi, and the ruins of the massive Abhayagiri Monastery. Also, witness grand monuments like the Ruwanwelisaya and Thuparamaya. Learn more about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of kings.

Anuradhapura > Avukana > Dambulla

Avukana Buddha Statue - Visit the impressive 40-foot rock sculpture in Avukana, a classic example of Standing Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Marvel at the statue’s craftsmanship, carved from a single rock and standing unsupported except for a thin attachment at the back. Admire the delicately carved folds of the robe and the cleanly sculpted body structure. The partially collapsed structures around it suggest it was once sheltered in an image house.

Dambulla Cave Temple - Explore the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. See 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. Observe the giant golden Buddha Statue just outside the cave complex.

Dambulla > Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > Dambulla

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Ascend the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where King Kasyapa once ruled. Enter through the lion’s paws entrance, fitting 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-functioning cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace and get a sense of times long past.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Wander through the city’s ruins, which flourished between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. See 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. Learn more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

Dambulla > Matale > Kandy

Euphoria Spice and Herbal - Located 12 km from Matale, the spice capital of Sri Lanka, Euphoria Spice and Herbal is enriched with herbs, spice groves, and plants with fragrant greenery shaded by tropical trees, enhancing the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Visitors can explore and learn about Sri Lankan spices, herbs, and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate helps preserve the ancient originality of the plants and herbs. The educational tour, known as “The Spice Tour,” allows visitors to experience the sensation of Sri Lankan spices and herbs, demonstrated in various foreign languages to suit customer needs.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century to venerate and protect Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through beautifully decorated passageways and elaborately painted halls in red, cream, and black. Lean against delicately carved pillars and admire the stunning golden statues. Experience an unforgettable blend of history and art.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - The Kandy Cultural Show offers a chance to experience some of Sri Lanka’s traditions. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza featuring some of the island’s most popular art forms. Be amazed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers soar to the primal beat of the drums.

Kandy > Nuwara Eliya

Blue Field Tea Factory - Tour a Tea Factory and plantation to see how the world-famous “Ceylon Tea” is made. In 1824, the British brought a tea plant to Ceylon from China and planted it in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor, a British citizen, introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today, even those unfamiliar with Sri Lanka know Ceylon tea for its quality.

Nuwara Eliya - Visit the highland city that was the premier holiday resort town for the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Stroll through streets lined with charming cottages, quaint villas, and beautiful mansions. Create a memory at the old red-bricked post office by purchasing an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

Nuwara Eliya > Ella > Udawalawa

Ella - Explore the city of Ella and its most fascinating spots. Pass through vibrant green tea fields and rugged rock stretches, and enjoy the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the historic Nine Arches Bridge and hear the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour offers a chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s best sights.

Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park - Embark on a three-hour safari to explore the incredible Udawalawe National Park. Travel through the park’s marshes, forests, and grasslands, created as a wildlife sanctuary in the 1970s. See the water birds and Sri Lankan elephants for which the park is famous. Catch glimpses of other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies.

Udawalawe > Sinharajaya > Bentota

Sinharaja Forest Reserve - Take a jungle safari to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Experience the pristine forest with its dense evergreen vegetation. Feel the adventure as you hear monkeys screech and catch glimpses of colorful forest birds. Experience a spine-tingling thrill as you watch a green pit viper wind through the foliage. A fantastic opportunity for those who wish to see Mother Nature at her wildest.

Bentota

Bentota Beach - Stroll along one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches, embraced by the sun’s warmth, the sand’s softness, and the cool sea breeze. Feel the romance of the beautiful ocean at sunset. Relax in one of the luxury hotels clustered on the beach. Watch turtles come to nest from the sea. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of water sports like jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Bentota > Galle > Balapitiya > Bentota

Galle Fort - Uncover the secrets of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch established their headquarters. Visit Galle Fort, one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. Explore Galle’s museums and the lighthouse. Walk through cobblestoned streets with Dutch names and listen to your guide share their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea, caressed by a tropical breeze.

Madu Ganga Biodiversity Area - Enjoy a delightful boat ride down the Madu River, home to a thriving ecosystem. Navigate through secretive passages created by mangroves. Spot basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit a small island with cinnamon-harvesting natives. Experience the famous fish massage’s restorative qualities. Observe waterbirds in their natural habitats.

Bentota > Colombo

Colombo National Museum - Immerse yourself in the vibrant lights and lively atmosphere of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Visit historic landmarks such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum, and more. Enjoy shopping at the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Explore boutique shops and designer stores.

Colombo > Airport

Katunayake - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to the airport, concluding your memorable time on this island.

What's Included
  • Transport in a private vehicle, including chauffeur accommodation
  • Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide for the entire tour
  • All taxes and service charges included
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Accommodation.
  • International / Domestic Airfare.
  • Any expenses of personal nature.
  • Entrance fees to the respective sites.
Additional Information

(SKU: LK10DB0011) Advent Ceylon is a near fortnight tour of the Peal of the Indian Ocean. Experience a dose of culture, heritage, wildlife, adventure, and everything in between as you begin your journey from the marvelous ruins and magnificent monuments of ancient Ceylon, uncovering and learning the deep history that dates back several centuries. Your adventure will take you to the highest, cold, misty peaks and the sleepy little villages and towns that live freely and peacefully between the evergreen hills. Conquer the wilderness of some of Sri Lanka’s most famous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and finally relax free and easy on the golden shores with turquoise blue-green oceans along the southern coastal belt of the island. This is a tour of immense charm.

Location
Bandaranaike International Airport
Cancellation Policy

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

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today