Splendors of Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, You will be met by our chauffer and transfer to Negombo. (Approximately 1hrs) Checking to hotel and relax.

Accommodation

Terrace Green Hotel and Spa or similar

After breakfast say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Sigiriya, where you'll spend the next two nights.

On the way visit Ridi viharaya - Silver Temple.

Ridi Viharaya which is also known as Silver Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka. This unique temple is situated near a small village called Ridigama in Kurunegala district. It is a Theravada Buddhist temple that is believed to built in the 2nd Century by King Dutugamunu. This temple has provided silver ore to complete the Ruwanwelisaya which is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka.

In the evening explore the Wholesale Market and dodge the trucks and people piled high with every type of produce imaginable. Boasting an incredible array of fresh food, much of which is subsequently transported to Colombo for sale, this is the perfect place to get a sense of Sri Lanka's agricultural diversity.

Included Activities

• Ridi Viharaya

• Wholesale Market

Accommodation

Tropical Life Resort & Spa or Similar

Special Information

Today's total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Morning activity to head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, a visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya Lion Rock (optional). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to get to the top – your leader will share stories of the ancient civilization who once lived atop the rock as you climb, and the sight at the top makes it well worth it.

After our time at Sigiriya, you will continue to Hiriwaduna. Here you will embark on a village tour. Enjoy a nature walk through a scrub jungle, and cross a lake in an ‘oruwa’, the traditional mode of over water transport. Spend time with a farmer harvesting crops under his guidance and taste authentic village cuisine prepared by the farmer’s family with freshly picked produce and local herbs cooked in clay pots over an open hearth fueled by firewood.

Included Activities

• Village Tour

Optional Activities

• Sigiriya Lion Rock – USD 36 per person

• Minneriya National Park - Wildlife Safari – USD 36 per person

• Minneriya National Park Jeep Hire – USD 60 per Jeep (Per Jeep maximum 06 pax)

Accommodation

Tropical Life Resort & Spa or Similar

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.30 hours.

Start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Continue on to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Perhaps take a peaceful stroll around the city’s centerpiece lake.

Included Activities

• Matale - Spice Garden

Accommodation

Lavendish Hills Kandy or Similar

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours in total. From the Lion's Paw there is a steep, 30-minute climb over often narrow walkways and steps to reach all of the points of interest at the site. Those who do not want to climb can wait at the Lion's Paw until the rest of the group return. You must climb in order to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes and the mirror wall.

Encircled by verdant hill country and home to a picturesque lake, bustling market, old shops and some great restaurants, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most pleasant cities. It was at one time also home to Sri Lanka's last king, who managing to resist European control long after the coastal areas had surrendered.

This morning you’ll visit The Temple of the Tooth (optional) which houses the country's most sacred relic: a tooth said to be the Buddha's. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century.

Visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (optional). with its immense fig tree and impressive orchid collection. Considered among the finest botanical gardens in all of Asia, this is a great spot for the kids to run around in.

Next up, witness the cultural show.

Included Activities

• Cultural Show

• Gem Museum Visit

• Kandy Viewpoint

Optional Activities

• Kandy - Botanical Gardens – USD 13 per person

• Kandy - Temple of Tooth – USD 07 per person

Accommodation

Lavendish Hills Kandy or Similar

Special Information

When visiting the Temples you have to take your hats and shoes off, do not leave your shoes at the side of the road or the monkeys will run off with them. Store them with the ‘shoe keepers’ for a small charge or put them in your rucksack.

Depart Kandy and board a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Nestled even deeper into tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 metres, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Favoured by the Scots and English during the colonial-era, remnants of the past can be seen in sculpted gardens and manor homes decorating the city today

Included Activities

• Train Ride – Kandy to Nanu Oya

Accommodation

Araliya Red or Similar

Special Information

Today’s train journey is approximately 3.5 hours. Train tickets from Kandy to Nanu Oya are in very high demand, especially over high season (December - April, and August). While we always try our best to secure tickets, on the rare occasion that we cannot you will be provided with a private vehicle.

Make a morning visit to a Tea Estate. You’ll have a new appreciation for your humble morning brew after learning about the production process and discovering how the finest tea leaves are transformed into Ceylon black tea. If touring the factory inspires a thirst, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the final product yourself.

Thereafter, make your way to your beach stay.

Included Activities

• Tea Factory Visit

Accommodation

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon or Similar

Special Information

Today's total driving time is approximately 5.30 hours.

Full day leisure. (The vehicle is not at your disposal)

Accommodation

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon or Similar

After breakfast, proceeds to Colombo.

While on your city tour in Colombo you may visit famous places including Galle Face Green, the Viharamahadevi Park, and Independence Hall at Independence Square.

Included Activities

• Colombo Panoramic City tour

Accommodation

Overnight stay at Morven Hotel or similar

After breakfast proceed to airport. (Approximate Duration 1.00hrs)