Pearl of Indian Ocean - Sri Lanka
13 Nights / 14 Days
Overview
This journey through Sri Lanka offers an in-depth exploration of the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring traditions. Starting with the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, you’ll delve into the country’s earliest civilizations. Moving on to Colombo, the bustling trade hub, you’ll experience the dynamic urban life and visit key cultural landmarks.The tour continues into the scenic hill country, where breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery await. From there, you’ll travel south to the historic Colonial Dutch Fort in Galle, a testament to Sri Lanka’s colonial past. Finally, unwind on the sandy beaches of this tropical paradise, completing your immersive and unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka.
Highlights
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Ancient City of Anuradhapura
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Kandy Tooth Relic Temple
- Kandy National Museum
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden
- Safari at Yala National Park
- Colombo City Tour
- Sri Lankan Village Experience
- Mihintale Mountain
- Kandyan Dance Performance
- City Tour of Galle
Tour Route
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive Colombo
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, our driver will meet and greet you. You will then be transferred to Colombo, with an approximate travel time of 45 minutes. Upon reaching Colombo, check into your pre-booked hotel where your Local Tour Manager will welcome you and provide a briefing on the itinerary for the next few days.
Colombo City Tour
Your city tour begins with a visit to the Fort and Pettah commercial hub, where you’ll find a mix of offices and shopping areas near the historic GOH, the oldest colonial hotel. Enjoy fantastic views of the Colombo harbor, the lighthouse with its clock tower (which is older than Big Ben in London), the president’s house, and the old parliament.
Next, stroll through the main street, passing by the old Dutch Museum, the belfry, and Old City Hall, which houses puppets of Sri Lanka’s earlier governors. Explore shops and restaurants facing Sri Lanka’s twin tower buildings.
Continue to the old race course, an area filled with colonial architecture, restaurants, and a shopping arcade. Pass through Colombo City Hall, a mini replica of the White House in Washington, DC, and drive past notable landmarks such as the Town Hall, Independence Square, the B.M.I.C.H (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), and the Cinnamon Gardens residential area.
Experience Colombo’s cultural diversity by visiting a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil, where you can learn about the different religions, ethnicities, and customs of the local people.
Return to your hotel in Colombo for a relaxing evening.
Colombo – Dambulla (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer to Dambulla
Proceed to Dambulla. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Settle in and relax, taking in the serene surroundings of Dambulla.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Dambulla
Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla
Early Breakfast at Hotel and Departure for Sigiriya
Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before leaving for Sigiriya.
Morning Climb and Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (approx. 1 ½ hours)
Begin your morning with a climb to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion’s Rock, located in the Matale district. This ancient fortress and palace, built by King Kassapa, is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds, and various structures. Recognized as a World Heritage site, Sigiriya is the best-preserved city center in Asia. Initially, it served as a rock-shelter mountain monastery donated by Buddhist devotees. King Kassapa later transformed it into a stunning palace and garden complex. After his death, it reverted to its monastery roots.
Human habitation at Sigiriya dates back nearly five thousand years to the Mesolithic period. The site features rock inscriptions near the drip ledges of many shelters, documenting donations made to the Buddhist monastic order between the third century B.C. and the first century A.D. Sigiriya gained prominence in 1831 when Major Jonathan Forbes of the British army discovered its summit. The complex includes a central rock, two rectangular precincts, two moats, and three ramparts, all arranged in a square module.
Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (approx. 1 hour)
After exploring Sigiriya, continue your journey to Polonnaruwa.
Explore Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second-largest kingdom, is renowned for its well-planned archaeological relic sites. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s early rulers. Its beauty was even featured in Duran Duran’s 1982 music video “Save a Prayer.”
Transfer Back to Hotel in Dambulla
After exploring Polonnaruwa, return to your hotel in Dambulla for a restful evening.
Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Dambulla
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel to start your day.
Transfer from Dambulla to Anuradhapura (approx. 1 ½ hours)
After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Dambulla and travel to Anuradhapura.
Explore Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, renowned for its ruins that showcase early Sri Lankan civilization. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once the capital of the island and home to many of Sri Lanka’s kings. Founded as early as the 10th century BC according to archaeological data, it was King Pandukabhaya who planned the city layout and made it his capital in the 4th century BC. Anuradhapura is famous for its intricate irrigation systems and magnificent reservoirs and shrines.
Eight Great Places for Veneration in Anuradhapura:
- Sri Maha Bodhi – The sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be a direct descendant of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Ruwanwelisaya – A stupa built by King Dutugamunu, considered one of the world’s tallest monuments.
- Thuparamaya – The first dagaba built in Sri Lanka after the introduction of Buddhism, enshrining the Buddha’s collarbone.
- Lovamahapaya – Also known as the Brazen Palace, constructed by King Dutugamunu.
- Jetavanaramaya – A stupa initiated by King Mahasena, believed to contain a part of the Buddha’s sash.
- Abhayagiri Dagaba – One of the most extensive ruins in the world, known for its gilt bronze roof or clay tile roof.
- Mirisaveti Stupa – Another masterpiece built by King Dutugamunu.
- Lankarama – A stupa built by King Valagamba.
Transfer from Anuradhapura to Mihintale
Next, travel to Mihintale, a significant historical site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale Mountain served as a residential area for venerable monks, led by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. The sanctuary, supported by royal patronage, housed numerous monastic buildings such as stupas, uposathgharas, and bodhigharas. Sixty-eight cave dwellings provided monks with shelter, making Mihintale a sanctuary for thousands of laymen and holy men, with all necessary facilities and amenities.
Transfer Back to Hotel in Dambulla
After your visit to Mihintale, return to your hotel in Dambulla for a relaxing evening.
Dambulla – Kandy (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer from Dambulla to Kandy via Matale (approx. 2 ½ hours)
Depart from Dambulla and travel to Kandy, with a stop in Matale along the way.
Visit Dambulla Cave Rock Temples
Your journey begins with a visit to the renowned Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dambulla, a large town in the Matale district, was constructed in just 167 days. It boasts beautiful sites such as the ironwood forest, Rose Quartz Mountain, Rangiri Stadium, and Na Uyana Aranya. The town is famous for its remarkable cave temples, five magical, dimly lit caves of different sizes, decorated with some of the finest murals and beautifully carved statues. These caves, dating back to the reign of King Vattagamini Abhaya in the 1st century BC, were later adorned by King Nissankamalla and several Kandyan kings. Cave #2 is the largest and most spectacular, measuring 50m in length and 7m in height, with the rock elevated 160m above the surrounding plains, offering stunning views including a distant view of Sigiriya.
Explore Matale
Continue your journey to Matale, a town nestled in the central hills at an altitude of 546 meters. Known for its captivating landscapes, fertile greenery, and scattered mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls, Matale is also renowned for its Spice Gardens, where the world’s best cinnamon is produced. Visit these gardens to see how spices are grown and processed, and watch a cookery demonstration on using these spices in Sri Lankan cuisine. You can also take home a selection of garden-fresh spices.
To the north of Matale, surrounded by the foothills of the Knuckles Mountain range, is the Aluvihara Temple, the historic site where the Pali Canon was first written down on Ola (Palm) leaves. Nearby, several monastic caves with magnificent frescoes are worth visiting.
Transfer to Kandy from Matale
After exploring Matale, continue your journey to Kandy.
Explore Kandy
Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic cities, lies amidst hills and serves as the capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative and religious center and is the country’s second-largest city. Kandy is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially of the Theravada School, due to its famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa). The city is also known for the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival. Kandy is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka, offering a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Check In at the Hotel in Kandy and Relax for the Day
Settle into your hotel in Kandy and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Kandy
Kandy – Pinnawala – Kandy
Breakfast at Hotel
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer from Kandy to Pinnawala (approx. 1 ½ hours)
After breakfast, depart from Kandy and travel to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Situated northwest of Kegalle, halfway between Colombo and Kandy, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department. Located on a 25-acre coconut property along the Maha Oya River, the orphanage was initially founded to care for orphaned elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. Taken over by the National Zoological Gardens in 1978, a captive breeding program was launched in 1982, resulting in over 20 elephants being bred here.
The orphanage aims to simulate a natural habitat for the elephants, with exceptions such as daily river baths and bottle-feeding for babies under three years old. Pinnawala boasts the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and is a popular attraction for both local and international tourists. Watching the elephants bathe in the river is a highlight and a truly enchanting experience.
Return to Kandy for Shopping and Sightseeing
After visiting Pinnawala, return to Kandy for a day of shopping and sightseeing.
Shopping in Kandy
Explore Kandy’s exotic arts and crafts, and world-famous gemstones.
Stroll or Drive Along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive
Take a leisurely stroll or drive along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive, enjoying breathtaking views of the hill capital. Optionally, visit the Kandy National Museum to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
Evening Visit to the Dalada Maligawa
In the evening, visit the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple, part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. The temple, palace complex, and the holy city of Kandy are integral to the history of Buddhism’s dissemination, representing a religion that continues to be practiced today.
Return to your hotel in Kandy for a restful evening.
Kandy – Yala (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer from Kandy to Yala (approx. 6 ½ hours)
Depart from Kandy and embark on your journey to Yala. The drive will take approximately 6 ½ hours.
Upon arrival in Yala, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax after the long journey.
Settle in and unwind for the rest of the day, preparing for your upcoming adventures in Yala.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Yala
Yala
Breakfast at Hotel
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Visit to Yala National Park for a Jeep Safari
Embark on an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park, situated in the southeast region of Sri Lanka. As the island’s second-largest national park, Yala spans approximately 300 km from Colombo and was first established as a game sanctuary in the early 1890s. Located in a dry-zone region with long drought seasons, the park’s daytime temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
Yala National Park is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is renowned for its leopard sightings, where you can observe leopard cubs seeking refuge in trees or adult leopards quenching their thirst at water holes. The variety of habitats within the park, including lakes, beaches, jungles, rivers, and scrubland, provides an excellent range of wildlife. Yala boasts the largest concentration of leopards, although sightings are rare due to their endangered status. The park is also home to about 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds, and numerous reptiles and lagoon fauna species.
The jeep safari offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close, making it a highlight for visitors.
Return to your hotel in Yala for a relaxing evening.
Yala – Galle (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Proceed towards Galle
Travel to Galle, located on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka. Galle is one of the country’s most integral cities, known for its rich history and stunning beauty. The city is adorned with Dutch-colonial buildings that attract visitors from far and wide. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of spices and the salty breeze from the sea, adding to its authentic charm.
The Portuguese-built fort, constructed in 1588, is a major highlight. You can explore Galle through the fort’s walls, which house a multi-religious and ethnically diverse population. The fort, which survived the Boxing Day Tsunami and was later restored, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle’s rare art, ambitious locals, and classic architecture combined with a tropical setting make it a unique and unforgettable destination.
Arrival in Galle and Check-In
Upon arrival in Galle, check in at your pre-booked hotel.
Spend the evening at your leisure, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Galle
Galle – Bentota (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer from Galle to Bentota
After breakfast, proceed with your transfer from Galle to Bentota.
Check-In at Hotel in Bentota
Upon arrival in Bentota, check in at your pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoying the serene beach atmosphere and relaxing surroundings.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Bentota
Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Full Day at Bentota Beach
Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and the warm coastal atmosphere. Bentota, a small town located 65 kilometers south of Colombo, is renowned for its breathtaking views and pristine beaches. Bentota Beach, stretching across 7-8 kilometers, is a haven of tranquility, peace, and cleanliness. It offers a natural and relaxing environment, perfect for those looking to unwind without the hustle of bars and restaurants.
With its quiet surroundings and ample space, you can easily find your perfect spot to sunbathe and enjoy the serene beauty of Bentota Beach.
Return to your hotel in Bentota for a restful evening.
Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel to start your day.
Full Day at Bentota Beach
Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and the warm coastal ambiance. Relax on the soft sands, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Bentota Beach, known for its tranquility and cleanliness, offers the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Return to your hotel in Bentota for a peaceful evening.
Bentota – Negombo (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer from Bentota to Negombo
After breakfast, proceed with your transfer from Bentota to Negombo.
Check-In at Hotel in Negombo
Upon arrival in Negombo, check in at your pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the coastal town or relaxing at the hotel.
Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Negombo
Negombo – Colombo (Drive)
Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Proceed to the Airport
After checking out, head to the airport with an abundance of memories from your unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka – The Paradise Island. Safe travels!
Pricing*
The Prices for the All Our Tours are on Request Only .
Kindly fill the Request Form Below for the Price of the TOUR.
Price will Included
- Accommodation on Twin / Double Sharing basis
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner
- Private Transfers
- City Sightseeing
- Air Conditioned Private Car with English speaking Driver Guide
- Entrances to Monuments
- Two Game Drives at Yala National Park
- Govt Taxes
Price will Not Included
- International Flight
- Insurance
- Expenses of Personal nature
- Meals -Lunch
- Camera and Video charges
- Tips
- Visa Charges
Hotels Included
* Terms and Conditions Apply
- Prices applicable for standard hotels, luxury accommodations available on request.
- Christmas and New Year supplement applicable extra.
- Local taxes apply.
