Sri Lanka - The Classics
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 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 numerous beach restaurants. Overnight stay in Negombo. (No meals provided)
Day 2: NEGOMBO - SIGIRIYA
(approx. 118 miles, about 5 hours)
Pick-up from the hotel and drive to Sigiriya. Upon arrival, ascend 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 the fortress built in the 5th century AD by King Kassapa can be explored. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view down onto the surrounding hillscapes and forests. Overnight stay in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: SIGIRIYA
Early morning drive to Minneriya National Park. There, switch to a jeep for a safari. Venture 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. In the afternoon, you will reach the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa from the 12th century AD. We 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
(approx. 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. This former retreat of King Walagama houses countless Buddhist wall paintings and sculptures. 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 the 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
(approx. 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 of Peradeniya, dating back to 1371, where you can see, among other things, flying foxes and possibly the world's second-largest tree, a Javanese fig covering about 17,222 sq ft. From here, drive to Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England'. Visit this typical English colonial town with the old post office and the Country House Hill Club, which displays countless hunting pictures and fish trophies. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: NUWARA ELIYA – UDAWALAWE
(approx. 81 miles, about 3 hours without train ride)
In the morning, tour a tea factory and the nearby tea plantation. Then drive to Nanoya and take the famous 'Toy Train' in second class to Ella. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you to Udawalawe National Park. A long, eventful day comes to an end. Overnight stay in Udawalawe. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: UDAWALAWE – GALLE
(approx. 93 miles, about 4 hours)
After breakfast, begin your approximately three-hour safari in Udawalawe 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, drift through 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
(approx. 99 miles, about 3 hours)
After breakfast, depart for Colombo Airport or to your hotel on the west coast or the start of your extension programme. (Meals: Breakfast)
Programme subject to change.
Getting There
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