Sigiriya Rock
Safari in Minneriya National Park
Temple of the Tooth & Kandy Dancers
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Discover the Classics of Sri Lanka

The Lion Island of Sri Lanka – a kaleidoscope of tea plantations, rubber forests, cinnamon bushes, coconut palms, and vast rice fields. A mosaic of dreamy coasts, rugged mountain ranges, deep river valleys, countless villages, and small towns. A place where Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians live together in religious harmony. A cultural richness that is unparalleled. A grand adventure in a comparatively small space.

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Sri Lanka - The Classics - Standard Hotels

7 nights, double room, half-board
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7 nights, double room, half-board
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Sri Lanka - Die Klassiker in Detail

Tour 7 nights / 8 days

Day 1: NEGOMBO

Welcome and pick-up from the airport in Negombo (approximately 25 miles north of the capital Colombo) and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, explore the former Dutch garrison town founded in 1672, featuring remnants of the famous fort. In the evening, enjoy a drink at sunset by the sea in one of the many beach restaurants. Overnight stay in Negombo. (No meals provided)

Day 2: NEGOMBO - HABARANA - SIGIRIYA

(approximately 96 miles, about 3.5 hours)

Pick-up from the hotel and drive to Habarana. In the afternoon, embark on a safari in Minneriya National Park. You will switch to a Jeep for the safari, venturing on narrow paths into the park to spot not only birds and deer but also the free-roaming elephant herds, which can number up to 50 animals. Overnight stay in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: SIGIRIYA

Early morning drive to Sigiriya. Upon arrival, climb the world-famous 'Sigiriya Rock' - also known as 'Lion Rock'. Secured steel pathways lead along the rock face past the 'Cloud Maidens' - colourful frescoes of female beauties - up to the 656 ft high plateau, where the remains of King Kassapa's fortress built in the 5th century AD are to be explored. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views down onto the surrounding hills and forests. In the afternoon, you will reach the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa from the 12th century AD. Visit the archaeological park with countless remains of residential buildings, palace and park facilities, as well as partially well-preserved stupas, temples, and the four Buddha statues carved into rock at Gal Vihara, including the 'sleeping Buddha'. Overnight stay in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: SIGIRIYA – KANDY

(approximately 56 miles, about 3 hours)

On the way to Kandy, visit the rock caves of Dambulla, which are accessible by a gentle climb at about 525 ft above ground. Here, you will find countless Buddhist wall paintings and sculptures, once a retreat for King Walagama. Continue to Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until 1815. En route, visit the enchanting spice garden in Matale, where there is also an opportunity to purchase local products in a small shop. In the afternoon, arrive at your hotel, followed by a visit to the 'Temple of the Tooth' Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses a tooth of Buddha in a golden shrine. This site is still a pilgrimage site and monastery today. With some luck, you may see the shrine during a ceremony, though the tooth itself is never visible. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the Kandy Dancers. Overnight stay in Kandy. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA

(approximately 50 miles, about 3 hours)

In the morning, stroll through the markets and merchant halls of the city centre along the typical colonial buildings and the winding alleys between the clock tower and the Temple of the Tooth, which is located directly on 'Kandy Lake'. Then visit the botanical garden from 1371 in Peradeniya, where you can see, among other things, flying foxes and possibly the world's second-largest tree, a Javanese fig tree covering about 17,222 sq ft. From here, drive to Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England'. Visit this typical English colonial town as well as a tea factory and tea plantation. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: NUWARA ELIYA – YALA

(approximately 62 miles, about 2.5 hours without train journey)

After breakfast, drive to Nuno Oya station to start your train journey with the famous 'Toy Train' in second class to Ella. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you towards Yala National Park. A long, eventful day comes to an end. Overnight stay near Yala National Park. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7: YALA – GALLE

(approximately 81 miles, about 2 hours)

After breakfast, begin your approximately three-hour safari in Yala National Park. Around noon, depart along the coastal road around the southern tip of Sri Lanka to Galle, the old Portuguese garrison town. In the 16th century, Galle was the most important port city on the island until the British took over in the 18th century. Wander through the old town with its many small shops and restaurants, let yourself be carried away by the market district, and be impressed by the imposing Galle Fort. The expansive views over the sea and the city are sure to amaze you. Overnight stay in Galle. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: GALLE – NEGOMBO

(approximately 99 miles, about 3 hours)

After breakfast, depart for Colombo airport or to your hotel on the west coast or the start of your follow-up program. (Meals: Breakfast)

Program changes reserved.

Getting There

Additional information

Location

Sri Lanka - Die Klassiker
Sri Lanka, West Coast Sri Lanka, Negombo
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
approx. 128 km / 154 min

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