Sri Lanka Highlights
Marvel at the Highlights of Sri Lanka - the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Known as the 'Tear of India', not only for its geographical shape but also for its tumultuous history, Sri Lanka has witnessed countless kingdoms since the arrival of the Tamils. Travellers on this journey through 'Royal Sri Lanka' will experience nearly 2000 years of diverse reigns and changes in throne occupancy.
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Sri Lanka Highlights in Detail
Tour 8 nights / 9 days
Day 1: NEGOMBO
Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Dutch garrison town founded in 1672, with the remains of the famous fort. In the evening, enjoy a drink at one of the numerous beach restaurants while watching the sunset over the sea. Overnight in Negombo. (No meals)
Day 2: NEGOMBO – SIGIRIYA
(approx. 150 km, about 4.5 hours)
Travel to Sigiriya, where you will climb the famous 'Sigiriya Rock'. Passing by the 'Cloud Maidens' - colourful frescoes of female beauties - you ascend to the 200 m high plateau, where the remains of King Kassapa's fortress, built in the 5th century AD, are located. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: SIGIRIYA – ANURADHAPURA – SIGIRIYA
(approx. 60 km, about 1 hour each way)
Anuradhapura, the oldest royal city of Ceylon, was the religious and political centre of the country until the year 1000 AD. See the ruins of the palaces, monasteries, monuments, the Dagobas, and the famous 'Bodhi Tree'. Then visit Mihintale on the mountain, one of the oldest Buddhist sites on the island, with the Dagoba from the 2nd century AD, marking the origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4: SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – MINNERIYA – SIGIRIYA
Polonnaruwa is the second oldest royal city of Ceylon. Explore 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. After lunch, travel to Minneriya National Park. An ancient jeep takes you on a safari through the park to spot birds, deer, and the free-roaming herds of elephants. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5: SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – KANDY
(approx. 90 km, about 3 hours)
Visit the rock caves of Dambulla, accessible by a gentle climb to about 160 m height, which served as a retreat for King Walagama, housing countless Buddhist frescoes and sculptures. On the way to Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese king until 1815, explore the enchanting spice garden of Matale. A guide will introduce you to the secrets of spice plants, and local products are available for purchase. In the afternoon, visit the 'Temple of the Tooth' Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses a tooth of Buddha in a golden shrine, still a pilgrimage site and monastery today. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the Kandy–Dancers. Overnight in Kandy. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA
(approx. 80 km, about 4 hours, mountainous route)
In the morning, stroll through the markets and merchant halls of the city centre. Discover typical colonial buildings and winding alleys. Then visit the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, a magnificent park dating back to 1371, home to the world's second-largest tree, a fig covering about 1600 sqm of ground. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England'. Visit the typical English colonial town with the old post station and the Country House Hill Club, adorned with countless hunting pictures and fish trophies. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: NUWARA ELIYA – BANDARAWELA/ELLA
(approx. 130 km, about 3 hours without train ride)
After breakfast, visit a tea factory and plantation. Experience the journey of Ceylon tea from plant to cup. Then, a short drive to Nanoya and a train ride on the famous 'Toy Train' to Ella. Upon arrival, the driver will take you to your overnight hotel in Bandarawela/Ella. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8: BANDARAWELA – UDAWALAWE
(approx. 85 km, about 3 hours without hiking)
In the morning, embark on an easy trekking tour to 'Little Adams Peak' (about 1.5 hours), where one can supposedly see a footprint of Buddha. A beautiful hike through the hilly nature of this area with a magnificent view from the summit (1141 m). Walk through the tea plantations, past waterfalls, and observe the farmers in the fields. Then, drive to Udawalawe National Park. Experience a three- to four-hour safari through this magnificent nature reserve. With a bit of luck, you'll see crocodiles, elephants, deer, water buffaloes, and many birds. Overnight at Udawalawe National Park. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9: UDAWALAWE - WEST COAST
After breakfast, your extension program begins, or you will be transferred to your hotel on the west coast or to the airport. (Meals: Breakfast)
Program subject to change.
Getting There
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Location
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