Sri Lanka Highlights
From Royal Cities to Coasts: Sri Lanka's Most Beautiful Sides in One Week
Experience Sri Lanka's fascinating culture, majestic temples, and breathtaking nature on this compact tour. Look forward to colonial cities, tea plantations, and a safari in the national park.
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Sri Lanka Highlights in Detail
Private Tour 8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1: Colombo – Anuradhapura
Welcome at Colombo Airport, followed by a journey to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first royal capital. Explore the grand stupas and significant ruins of the ancient city, including numerous temples and monastic complexes, among them the Sri Maha Bodhi, a descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Anuradhapura was the centre of Sinhalese and Buddhist culture for over 14 centuries. Dinner and overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 2: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya / Dambulla / Habarana
After breakfast, visit the impressive Avukana Buddha Statue, a 46-foot high masterfully crafted stone sculpture from the 5th century. Then, enjoy a village tour with an ox-cart ride, boat trip, and a house visit offering insights into rural life. Return by tuk-tuk. Dinner and overnight stay in the Sigiriya / Dambulla / Habarana area.
Day 3: Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock
In the morning, ascend the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its exquisite frescoes, gardens, and the Lion Gate. At the top, enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the lush landscape. Alternatively, for the adventurous, climb Pidurangala Rock for a different perspective on Sigiriya. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities. Dinner and overnight stay in the Sigiriya / Dambulla / Habarana area.
Day 4: Dambulla – Kandy
Travel to Dambulla and visit the impressive Cave Temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with their intricate wall paintings and Buddha statues. Afterwards, visit a spice garden to learn about the cultivation of cinnamon, pepper, and other spices. Continue to Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal city, and optionally attend a traditional dance performance. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 5: Kandy
In the morning, visit the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya with its impressive collection of tropical plants and giant trees. Then, tour the city of Kandy including a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, where a tooth of Buddha is revered as Sri Lanka's most important relic. Free time for personal exploration. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 6: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, take a scenic train ride through the picturesque mountains of Sri Lanka to Nuwara Eliya (with reserved seating subject to availability, alternatively without reservation or in a private vehicle). Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about traditional tea production. Explore the charming 'Little England' with its colonial architecture and the Tudor-style post office. Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala National Park
Travel through the highlands to Ella, stopping at the Ravana Waterfall and the famous 'Ella Gap' viewpoint. Continue south to Yala National Park. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari in the park, with the chance to see elephants, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Dinner and overnight stay in the Tissamaharama / Kirinda / Yala area.
Day 8: Yala – Galle – Departure
After breakfast, drive along the south coast, stopping to observe the famous stilt fishermen. Continue to Galle and tour the impressive Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its well-preserved colonial buildings and historic city walls. Farewell dinner with a local cocktail or mocktail. Transfer to the airport or optionally to a separately booked hotel on the south coast (available at an additional cost).
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