Transfer from the Airport to Negombo

Negombo Beach - Upon arrival at the airport, you will receive a warm welcome, and the driver will transport you to your chosen hotel or guesthouse in Negombo.

If you arrive in the morning, you have the option (not included in the tour costs) to join a city tour or a boat safari in the Muthurajawela wetlands, located south of the Negombo Lagoon.

Enjoy an overnight stay at a guesthouse or hotel of your choice in Negombo (not included in the tour costs).

Kalpitiya Peninsula & Wilpattu Safari

Munneshwaram Hindu Temple - On the journey to Anuradhapura and Mihintale, you will first stop in Madampe to capture a photo of a vibrantly colorful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Kataragama. This Tamil temple was recently constructed through private efforts.

Next, you will visit one of the island’s most esteemed Hindu shrines, the Munneshwaram Kovil near Chilaw, one of four major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Munneshwaram is visited by both Hindus and Sinhalese devotees.

Kalpitiya - A brief detour will take you to the tip of the Kalpitiya Peninsula, where you can watch kitesurfers or stroll along the expansive sandy beaches. Kalpitiya is renowned for dolphin watching, though boat excursions are seasonal. At the peninsula’s base, you will find large salt pans.

Wilpattu National Park - In the afternoon, embark on a wildlife safari to the heart of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park. Wilpattu’s namesake Wilus are small shallow lakes surrounded by sandbanks and open grasslands, ideal for spotting elephants, crocodiles, or even leopards, as Wilpattu boasts Sri Lanka’s largest leopard population.

In the evening, you will pass through the New Town of Anuradhapura before reaching your accommodation for the next three nights, First House Mihintale. The three overnight stays on a half-board basis are included in the total tour costs.

Overnight stay is at First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).

Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Ruwanwelisaya - Explore the most sacred sites of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura, including the Bo-tree, the white dome of Ruwanweliseya, the first stupa called Thuparama Moonstone, Samadhi Buddha, Isurumuniya, Gold Fish Park, and Vessagiriya.

Rajagiri Kanda Caves - In the afternoon, ascend the historic stairway to the Ambasthala platform in Mihintale, considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Along the way, you will see the well-preserved ancient Kantaka Chetiya, the Mihintale tablets with inscriptions, the old refectory with a large rice boat, the picturesque Cobra Pond, and the Lion Fountain, known for its stone carvings.

Overnight stay is at First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).

Ritigala & Polonnaruwa

Ritigala Forest Monastery - En route from Mihintale to your next destination, the Sigiriya area, you will first explore the ruins of Ritigala, hidden in the jungle on the slope of the highest hill in northern Sri Lanka. This was the largest monastery of the Pansukulikas. Discover several of their typical meditation platforms in the jungle on both sides of an ancient meditation path and an Ayurvedic hospital. This region is renowned for its abundance of medicinal herbs.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s capital in the 12th century. The buildings are better preserved than the older ones in Anuradhapura. You will see King Parakramabahu’s palace, the circular temple, and other magnificent structures at the Quadrangle, the medieval main monastery now called Alahena Parivena, the world-famous group of rock-cut giant Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, the lotus pond, and the paintings of Tivanka statue house.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in the area of Habarana, Sigiriya, or Kandalama (not included in the tour costs).

Sigiriya & Dambulla & Hurulu Eco Park

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - In the morning, visit the renowned Lion Rock of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s most impressive ancient site. A multitude of unique features make this former fortified city extraordinary, including one of Asia’s earliest water gardens outside Persia, the island’s best-preserved ancient paintings, graffiti with the earliest known poems in Sinhala, the giant paws of a former lion sculpture, and the palace or temple atop the rock, sometimes referred to as “Sri Lanka’s Machu Picchu.”

Golden Temple of Dambulla - Dambulla is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka, famous for its numerous Buddha sculptures from various periods and the most impressive paintings in the Kandyan style. When visiting the “Golden Temple,” note that it is one of the oldest surviving monasteries on earth still inhabited by monks.

Hurulu Eco Park - In the afternoon, participate in an elephant safari. The jeep safari typically takes place in Hurulu Eco Park, where most elephants can be seen around December. Alternatively, due to the annual migration of wild animals, the jeep safari may occur in Kaudulla National Park.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in the area of Habarana, Sigiriya, or Kandalama (not included in the tour costs).

Nalanda Gedige & Aluvihara - on the way to Kandy

Nalanda Gedige - A special detour will lead to the small but extraordinary temple of Nalanda Gedige. It’s remarkable for at least five reasons. Firstly, this is Sri Lanka’s only surviving temple completely built of stone. Secondly, it’s the best example of architecture in the classical South Indian Pallava style found anywhere on the island. Thirdly, it was a Mahayanist temple and even one of Sri Lanka’s rare places of tantric worship. Furthermore, Nalanda Gedige has Sri Lanka’s only ancient depictions of sexual intercourse. Last not least, the temple earned the nickname “Sri Lanka’s little Abu Simbel”, as it had to be replaced and rebuilt due to a reservoir project.

Ranweli Spice Garden - Enjoy a break at a herbal and spice garden, where you can see most of the famous spice plants of the tropical regions of Asia and learn more about the use of herbal medicine in traditional healing practices of Ayurveda. A herbal tea will be served for free.

Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple - Next, you will visit the Aluvihara, which according to Theravada traditions was the place of the fourth Buddhist council, which took place in the 1st century BC. This was the event that laid down the Sacred Scriptures of Buddhism, the so-called Tipitaka, in written form for the very first time. Sri Lanka is proud to be the nation that has conserved the only complete version of the “Buddhist Bible” in an original Indian language, Pali. The Aluvihara is still a place of scholarship and calligraphy. You can study the production of palm leave manuscripts in the new building serving as a museum. The nearby caves and rocks are definitely worth a visit, too.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - In the evening you will join a Puja ceremony in Sri Lanka’s most renowned Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).

Full day in Kandy

Kandy View Point - Enjoy a full day of sightseeing and relaxing in Kandy, the island’s charming hill capital. You will see all the famous places such as Senani view point and Victoria Hotel at Kandy Lake and have various shopping opportunities. As a special extra, the guide will show you a local food market and other shops frequented more by locals than by tourists.

Royal Botanical Gardens - In the afternoon you can walk around in the largest and oldest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, belonging to the University of Peradeniya. You can relax under the giant Java fig or on another one of the meadows inviting for a rest.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - In the evening, you will enjoy a cultural and dance show near the Tooth Temple or the Kandy Lake.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).

Tea Plantation & Nuwara Eliya & Train Ride

Ramboda Waterfall - Have a break of your journey at the waterfalls known as Rama Falls in Ramboda. The water is coming through the Rama rocks. Enjoy the scenic views of the Ramboda area and Kotmale valley.

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden - When visiting the tea factory of Damro, in one of Sri Lanka’s largest tea plantations historically known as Labookellie, you will learn more about all the steps of the tea leaf processing, withering, rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying, and quality sorting. Afterwards you take a break with a complimentary cup of tea and have shopping oppurtunities.

Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s highest situated town. Due to it’s cool climate it attracted English farmers growing potatoes and vegetables and soon afterwards also the colonial high society from Colombo, for enjoying their spare time and exercising their favourite sports. The flair of a British Hill Station is the reason why Nuwara Eliya earned the nickname “Little England”. On your small city tour you will see the post office famous for its English style of timber framing and other colonial buildings such Grand Hotel and Hill Club, have a view to the golf course and the race course and see Gregory Lake outside town.

Nanu Oya railway station - From Nanu Oya near Nuwara Eliya, you will take the afternoon train to Ella. This part of the famous tea-highlands railroad is famous for the large number of short tunnels and the views on the left side to the so-called Uva tea region. The driver will pick you up at Ella Train Station.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).

Full Day in Ella

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - In the morning, you will enjoy a short hike to the so-called “Little Adam’s Peak” near Ella. This is one of the most amazing vantage points in the southern range of the highlands. From here, you can overlook the entire Ella Gap and the southern plains with the hills of Kataragama in the background.

Nine Arches Bridge - It’s only a short hike to Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka’s most iconic highland train bridge. We will be there in time that you can take a picture of a train crossing the bridge.

Ella - The afternoon is at your disposal. Take a cup of tea with the spectacular views to the Ella Gap. For those eager to do more, a 4 hours hike to Ella Rock is recommendable.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).

Buduruwagala & Udawalawe Safari

Ravana Ella Falls - When crossing the Ella Gap, we will have a photo stop at the Ravana Falls, the name is referring to the legendary King Ravana of Lanka, a major character of the Indian Ramayana epic. Local legend has it, that after abducting Sita from India, he held her in captivity for a short while in a nearby cave.

Buduruwagala Temple - Near Wellawaya, we will have a small detour to Buduruwagala, where you can see a group of seven rock-cut statues, the central one being the largest Buddha sculpture of this kind in Sri Lankas, the more elaborate smaller sculptures being Mahayanaistic Bodhisattvas.

Visit Udawalawe National Park - After proceeding to , you will join an afternoon jeep safari in southern Sri Lanka’s most famous elephant area, Udawalawe National Park, several small groups of elephant cows and their offspring can be seen along the route. The ranger, after having checked the area for your safety, will probably allow you to walk around a little bit at the lake, where you also can see roaming elephants in a safe distance.

Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Udawalawe (not included in the tour costs).

South Coast & Galle & Transfer to your Beach Holiday hotel

Ramba Viharaya - In the morning, you will visit the archaeoligical site of Ramba Viharaya, which is the temple area of the medieval southern capital of Sri Lanka. Some statues are still in situ in former image houses.

Hummanaya Blow Hole - On your way along the south coast, you will have a break at the Hoomaniya Blow Hole. Blow Holes are natural fountains like geysers, but even rarer. This fountain in Sri Lanka is South Asia’s only Blow Hole at all.

Kushta Raja Gala - Near Weligama, there will be a small detour to the so-called Kushtaraja, which translates to “Leper King”. This is a rock-cut Buddhist statue with Mahayanistic characteristics.

Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Koggala) - In the Koggala Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery you can observe several of the species of sea turtles occuring in Sri Lanka and their offspring, saved and protected for later release into the ocean.

Galle Fort - Galle Dutch Fort, also known as Old Town of Galle, is a World Heritage Site, it’s the best preserved European fortress from the colonial period in Asia. You can walk along the ramparts and visit the museums or boutiques in town.

Please choose your preferred beach for the final days of your beach holidays, in or near Galle, Unawatuna Beach, Talpe Beach, Koggale Beach or Mirissa Beach. Accommodation is not included in the tour costs.

The driver will make his farewell in the evening, as he does not return during the next four days of your beach relaxation. For your convenience, please inform the driver about your return flight details, allowing us to pick you up in time on departure day.

Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs)

Full day beach relaxation - On your own

Unawatuna Beach - This day in your beach holiday resort is without driver and at your own disposal.

Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs)

Beach Holidays at the Southwest Coast - On your own

Galle - You spend the final days of your holidays at one of the South Coast beaches between World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa.

During the days of relaxation you will stay on your own, the vehicle and driver will not be available.

Beach Holidays at the Southwest Coast - On your own

Galle - You spend the final days of your holidays at one of the South Coast beaches between World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa.

During the days of relaxation you will stay on your own, the vehicle and driver will not be available.

Transfer from the hotel to the Airport & End of Tour

Katunayake - On departure day the driver will pick you up at the appointed time at your hotel and transfer you to the airport.

We hope to welcome you again on our tropical island soon.

• Train Tickets in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class (book 30 days in advance)
• Daily 500 ml bottled water per person
• Includes dinner and breakfast
• 1 Double Room Sharing
• All taxes included
• Replacement vehicle available in case of emergencies
• All parking charges covered
• Safaris at Hurulu Park and Yala with 4X4 Jeeps
• Air-conditioned comfortable Minivan for transportation
• Total toll charges included
• English-speaking Driver guide (other languages upon request)
• Accommodation for the driver
• Passenger Insurance Cover of 500,000 LKR per person
• All transfers as per itinerary (Airport - Airport)
• 2 nights’ accommodation at First House Mihintale on HB basis

• 11 overnight stays outside Mihintale
• Beverages other than 500ml bottled water per person per day
• Entry Fees of visiting sites or activities
• Extra Excursions & persons in the the vehicle
• Travel Insurance & Luggage Insurance
• meals other than breakfast and dinner in First House Mihintale

This car tour includes two safaris and six World Heritage Sites and a lot more. But for a true Sri Lanka experience you should not miss to come into contact with locals and get an impression of their genuine culture(s). Our ambition as a local tour operator is not only to show you the most impressive touristic highlights but also country and people and some places of interest which remained untouched by mass tourism, plus a taste of local cuisine.

This round tour does not include accommodation, this way allowing you to book the hotels or guesthouses of your own choice. This does not apply to the first three nights in Mihintale, when the accommodation is fixed. The reason is that you will come into contact with locals in my hometown and will have an opportunity to learn more about Sri Lankan cuisine in my own kitchen.

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