“Embark on an 08-day odyssey through Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty with the ‘Spirit of Sri Lanka’ tour. Discover the island’s treasures, from the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple’s ancient marvels to the serene landscapes of Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations and the exhilarating wildlife encounters at Yala National Park.
This immersive journey begins with a visit to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, offering an up-close encounter with rescued elephants. Traverse the historical Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore Kandy’s cultural delights, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Venture into the lush expanses of Nuwara Eliya, resembling ‘Little England’ with its scenic vistas and tea factories. Unwind amidst nature’s splendor at Ella, where waterfalls and scenic peaks await your exploration.
Embark on an exhilarating Yala Safari, a sanctuary teeming with diverse fauna. Explore Galle’s colonial charm before indulging in thrilling aquatic sports and a serene boat ride along the Madu Ganga River in Bentota.
Conclude your sojourn in the vibrant city of Colombo, where ancient heritage meets modernity. Wander through bustling bazaars, visit iconic landmarks, and delight in a shopping spree before bidding adieu to the island’s enchanting allure.”
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 08-day odyssey across Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Explore ancient marvels like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, encounter wildlife at Yala National Park, and relax amid stunning vistas in Nuwara Eliya. Unwind with water sports in Bentota, explore historical Galle, and delve into Colombo’s vibrant city life. Experience a captivating journey filled with cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and thrilling adventures throughout Sri Lanka’s enchanting landscapes.
Dambulla Cave Temple
- Pidurangala Rock Hike
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Nuwara Eliya
- Yala National Park Safari
- Galle UNESCO Heritage Site
- Bentota Aquatic Adventures
- Colombo City Tour
Itinerary
AM On arrival transfer to Dambulla. En route visit to Pinnawela.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage - Started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now, including baby elephant brought from various parts, as well as 14 babies born as a result of the captive breeding program. The best time to visit is the feeding time and the bathing time when the elephant are taken to the river close by. A unique experience never to be missed.
Next proceed to Dambulla.
Dambulla Cave Temple - is a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site - http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/goldentempledambulla.html
Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana / Dambulla.
AM Early Morning hike at Pidurangala Rock with a picnic breakfast.
Pidurangala Rock Hike - A massive rock formation almost directly opposite Sigiriya, Pidurangala has an equally majestic view as the former of rolling lake-and-land vistas. Short of viewing it through drone footage, the summit of Pidurangala is also the best possible place to get an eyeful the rock fortress itself. It's not merely all about stunning views though: Pidurangala isn't just another nameless rock, it has its own little history and backstories. Other than just being a climbable rock which is nearly the same height as Sigiriya, Pidurangala was also a meditative retreat for monks. The hill is peppered with caves and little cells which were allegedly used by them. It's said that when King Kasyapa built the Sigiriya rock fortress, he relocated the monks there to Pidurangala, and then refurbished and expanded the monastery under his patronage.
On completion enjoy a traditional Village tour in Habarana.
Hiriwaduna Village Tour - This is a typical countryside experience with a jeep ride to the rural village of Hiriwadunna from your hotel in Sigiriya or Dambulla. The trek begins with a beautiful walk along to a man-made reservoir. You will also experience a boat ride, bullock cart ride, rural vegetable cultivation, paddy fields and enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at a Village house.
Highlights of this tour
Hotel Pick up & drop off by a safari jeep
Canoeing ride in the manmade tank
Visit to a rural farm house and vegetable garden
Bird watching opportunity
Bullock cart ride
Lunch at a Village house
Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana / Dambulla.
AM After breakfast climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya - is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defence the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site - http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/sigiriya.html
On completion transfer to Kandy.
Visit a Spice Garden at Matale - and see the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamoms, Pepper plants etc. You can also purchase your requirements of spices.
PM Check in to the hotel.
Commence city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts and crafts Centre, a Gem museum and a lapidary and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Kandy - the hill capital. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site - http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/kandy.html
Gem Museum & Lapidary –Sri Lanka produces the finest quality of gem in the world. We mine semiprecious gems, the sapphires of Sri Lanka, which are very exclusive and comes in shades of blue, red, green, white…act.
5:30 PM Be a witness of the cultural show.
Kandyan Dance is a dance form that originated in the area called Kandy of the Central hills region in Sri Lanka. But today it has been widespread to other parts of the country.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
AM After breakfast visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Sixty Seven hectares of exquisite beauty and botanical treasurers containing more than 4000 species, this is haven not only for Scientists but to every nature lover as well.
Afterwards proceed to Nuwara Eliya, En Route Ramboda falls.
Visit tea factories and tea plantation
Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
Tea Factory or Tea Processing Center. There are hundreds of Tea factories in the Central Highlands, the Uva region and in the Southern parts of Sri Lanka. Some of these factories are situated in breathtakingly beautiful landscape, surrounded by indeed serene green gardens of tea. A casual tourist to this island cannot call his visit complete if he does not pay a visit to some of them. Visitors to any of these Centers are normally treated with typical Sri Lankan courtesy and normal given an educative, guided tour on the various stages of tea manufacturing process.
Afterwards proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Check in to the hotel. Next visit,
Seetha Amman Temple is located approximately 1 kilometer from Hakgala Botanical Garden.The temple is located in the village called “Seetha Eliya”. This place is believed to be the place where Sitha held captive by the king Ravana in the Lanka of the epic, Ramayana.
Afterwards commence a city tour in Nuwara Eliya.
The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the Nile in 1846. Nuwara Eliya's climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England then, was also a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting, , polo, golf and cricket. Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period such as the Queen's Cottage, General's House, Grand Hotel, Galway Forest Lodge, Town Post Office and even new hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. Anyone who visits the city can wallow in its nostalgia of bygone days by visiting these landmark buildings. Many private homes still maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens.
Optional boat ride on the Gregory’s lake or Horseback ride.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
AM After breakfast transfer to Yala.
En route commence a city tour in Ella including Ravana falls, Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s peak.
On completion proceed to Yala. Check in to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Yala.
AM After breakfast 4 x 4 Half Day jeep safari at Yala National Park.
Yala – A heaven for Fauna both indigenous and migrant. Bird concentrations are by the Lagoons/Salvers. Here are thousands of Flamingoes, Assemblies of spotted Billed Pelicans, Spoonbills, Cormorants and various species of Herons. Pheasants, Pea Fowl, Peacocks and the Wild Fowl are found in hundreds. Wild Buffalo and herds of wild Elephants are a common sight. Whether it is birds or animals you have them all at Yala.
On completion proceed to Galle. Commence a city tour in Galle.
Galle - is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting towns. Built on a premonitory rock in the south of the Island. It was a major port until about 100 years, but today still handles shipping and sailing boats in the natural harbor. Stroll around the Lighthouse and harbor or visit the old town where you can see the traditional lace makers and wood carvers. An Opportunity to purchase some the finest shell-craft souvenirs in the world.
Galle a UNESCO World Heritage Site - http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/galle.html
Afterwards transfer to Bentota.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota.
AM After breakfast commence a city tour in Bentota (Appr. 01 hour from Hikkaduwa).
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery - Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatcheries pay fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Visitors are shown the huge tanks filled with new born but lively hatchlings. After being fed the hatchlings are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old. They are not always released during the safer hours of darkness. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
Next Enjoying aquatic sports activities at Bentota.
A wide range of water sports, diving and game fishing options to choose from. Qualified PADI diving instructors are available to certify divers from beginners to advance in PADI certification. Sail on the tranquil waters of the Bentota River on our very own catamaran or feel the wind and water on your face as you race away on our jet skis.
Feel the exhilaration as you skip across the water in a “doughnut” behind one of our speed boats or try your skill at wind surfing. Get a group of friends together for an exhilarating ride on the colourful banana boat.
Our range of water sports includes: Water Skiing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Deep Sea Fishing, Speed Boat Rides, Banana Boat Rides, Wind Surfing, Jet Skiing, Catamaran Rides, Water Doughnut Rides are available.
PM Visit to Boat ride at Madu Ganga River in Balapitiya.
Madu River - A shallow water body in south-west Sri Lanka, which enters the sea at Balapitiya. The Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya sect had its first Upasampada (higher ordination ceremony) on a fleet of boats anchored upon it in 1803. The Buddhist Kothduwa temple is situated on an isolated island in the lake. Together with the smaller Randombe Lake, to which it is connected by two narrow channels, it forms the Madu Ganga wetland. Its estuary and the many mangrove islets on it constitute a complex coastal wetland ecosystem. In has high ecological, biological and aesthetic significance, being home to 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248 species of vertebrate animals. It might be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. The inhabitants of its islets produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota.
AM After breakfast transfer to Colombo. City tour and shopping in Colombo (04 hrs – 40 kms).
Colombo - like many capital cities in developing countries Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood, yet in some parts; the old world charm is retained. A 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings are still to be seen in the city. The Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargains, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo museum, the Bandaranaike memorial international conference hall – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the people’s republic of china, the new parliament in Sri Jayawardenapura and the folk art center are some of the places of interest that one can visit to Visit shopping complexes such as ODEL, HOUSE OF FASHION, MAJESTIC CITY.
Departure transfer to Airport.
~~~~~ END OF THE TOUR ~~~~~
Frequently Asked Questions
Light, breathable clothing, especially during the warmer months. A good pair of walking shoes for exploring historical sites. Sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.
Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Remove hats and shoes when entering temples or other religious sites. Always seek permission before taking photos inside religious premises.
Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Tourist visas can be obtained online before arrival or on arrival in the country. It’s recommended to check the current visa requirements well in advance.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Yala National Park, Galle Fort, Dambulla Cave Temple, Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge, Mirissa for whale watching, and Nuwara Eliya for its tea plantations, among others.
