Wonders of Sri Lanka

Arrive Colombo & Travel to Negombo

Upon arrival at Colombo airport, you will be met and transferred to Negombo. Negombo is a characteristic predominantly Christian fishing town with narrow streets and small boutiques, and many historic churches to visit and see, with roots tracing back to the arrival of the Portuguese. A resort town dotted with many hotels, restaurants and the famous lagoon, where one could take a ride in an outrigger sailing canoe and experience the authentic fisherman’s life or explore the town to witness the locals day to day activity.

Travel to Dambulla (En-route Dambulla Cave temple)

Travel to Dambulla. En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples. Towering above the plains of Dambulla is this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The five major caves are dotted with 150 plus Buddha statues as well as huge cave paintings & murals making this a ‘must see’. The intricate cave paintings and serene statues of Buddha make these caves a beautiful spiritual sanctuary and one of the best temples in Sri Lanka.

Excursion to Anuradhapura

Today, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north-central part of the Island which was the first capital (5th century BC – 9th century AD), undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with your driver-guide, and visit the ruined city of Anuradhapura. Here you will see the remains of the Brazen Palace (which was once 9 stories high) and the Sri Maha Bodhi a Bo Tree, which is over 2000 years old.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Hiriwadunna Village Excursion

Rise early for your journey to the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya. Wander through picturesque water and boulder gardens, past the pools and fountains, and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a winding 200-meter high staircase. Upon reaching the summit, admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Later, pay a visit to a farmer’s house in Sigiriya and immerse yourself in the day to day lifestyle and farming traditions, including an exploration of an organic garden. The guided walk goes alongside Hiriwadunna lake giving you a chance to spot birds and land monitors and cross a little jungle rivulet by Catamaran. The bullock cart ride through the paddy fields will be another interesting experience, giving the feeling of travelling back in time where the early Sri Lankans used the bullock cart as a main mode of transportation. Mix and mingle with locals over a cup of Ceylon Tea before a home-cooked lunch is served by the local family.

Excursion to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park

Today, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa. Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihare, three splendid statues of the Buddha carved out of a large rock. In the afternoon, proceed for a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based predominantly around a large tank (reservoir) and serves as the largest assembling of asian elephants at any given time. Minneriya is also home to many species of mammals like deer, sambur sloth bear and a variety of birds.

Travel to Kandy (En-route visit Matale Spice Garden)

En-route to Kandy, visit Matale spice plantation, and try different spices and herbs, helping you gain an insight into the long spice history of the island. Step into the unpolluted, green garden, where you’ll see how herbs are grown in their natural environment, then learn how you can use them to enhance the taste of specialty meals.

In the evening, enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural show, an opportunity to watch various traditional Kandyan dances and acts. Believed to be originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island many centuries ago, Kandyan dancing is a celebration of the rich traditions of Sri Lankan culture. The dance focuses on dynamism, powerful footwork, leaps, and whirls that imitate several movements from birds and animals. The whole performance is graced by colourful costumes, masked dances, and thrilling fire acts! To further enhance the show, some men perform a series of acrobats and stunts such as plate-spinning.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden & Temple of the Tooth Relic

After breakfast, visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Established in the 14th century, the 147 acre gardens were intended for the pleasure of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House particularly are popular. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue. In the evening, you’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, an important landmark in Kandy.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya also nicknamed Little England, was the center for rest & recuperate of the colonial British tea planters and dignitaries. Here you will experience smoking steeples, British Tudor style architecture, misty mountains covered in tea plantations, and a lake to stroll beside.

Tea Plantation Tour

Today, enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea estates and waterfalls! We’ll arrive early and take a stroll through the vibrant green tea fields where you will see the tea pickers at work, carefully picking the ‘two leaves and a bud’ that go into making the Pure Ceylon Tea. Have a go at picking some for yourself, they will show you how it’s done. Later, you can take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the next stage in the production of tea making. The full process involves tea plucking, withering, rolling, fermentation, firing, and sorting/grading before it is bulk packed to be sent to the tea auctions in Colombo. After the tour, enjoy a cup of tea that is made here, sitting on the café balcony that overlooks the stunning tea plantations.

Travel to Yala

Discover the spectacular wilderness of Yala National Park, the core of a contiguous system of nine connected protected areas, and home to much of Sri Lanka’s magnificent wildlife. With Block 1 dating back to 1900, this wildlife sanctuary has grown over the years. Nestled in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka, the park is home to a high concentration of leopards. Yala also shelters an abundance of the asian elephant, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, sambar deer, and magnificent bird species. Other activities which you can try around the area are nature walks, kayaking in one of the lakes, and visiting archaeological ruins.

Morning Jeep Safari and Travel to Bentota (En-route Galle City Tour)

Early morning embark on a unique safari experience in Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife sanctuary Yala National Park. Hop into one of the Jeeps commanded by a knowledgeable ranger, for a guided tour tracking the impressive number of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and hopefully, a leopard along the way. Later travel to Bentota, en-route enjoy the Galle city tour allowing you to explore the fort area on foot. You will be able to climb up to the ramparts of the fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through the streets. Galle fort lighthouse was built in 1848 during the British colonial period and is a perfect spot to relax and soak up the natural beauty. Continue your drive to Bentota, located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, a charming coastal town.

Excursion to Galle, Turtle Hatchery and Mask Factory

Visit The Turtle care centre at Kosgoda beach, one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. A popular spot, as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. Later, visit a mask factory in the town of Ambalangoda south of Sri Lanka, famous for traditional masks making, mask dancing & puppetry in the country. Witness a variety of masks and how they are turned out of “Kaduru wood” (Balsac). You’ll take in a tour of Galle fort, allowing you the opportunity to explore the area on foot. You’ll be able to climb up to the ramparts of the fort. Along the way, you will take a break with a cup of fine Ceylon tea or a refreshing drink of king coconut milk.

Day at leisure

Today is yours to do as you please, relax on the beach or enjoy the many fine facilities at the resort. Optionally, explore on your own some amazing locations on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Visit the beautiful Lunuganga estate, once the home of lawyer-turned-architect Sir Geoffrey Bawa or maybe partake in a scenic boat ride on the Madu River.

Travel to Colombo

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Colombo Airport to begin your flights homeward or alternatively if you have selected the Maldives extension you will join your flight to Male.

6 Days / 5 Nights    from $3021 p/p share twin $4345 single

The perfect finale to your Sri Lanka journey

Trade the cultural riches of Sri Lanka for the barefoot luxury of the Maldives, just a short flight away. Settle into your own private beachfront villa, where powdery white sand meets crystal-clear lagoon water right at your doorstep.

Spend your days snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, floating in the warm Indian Ocean, or simply doing nothing at all — because sometimes that’s just what you need. Whether you’re after sunrise yoga on the beach, a sunset cruise, or exploring the underwater world with a house reef dive, the Maldives moves at whatever pace you choose.

Your extension includes:

• Flight from Colombo to Male
• Return transfers and/or seaplane connections between islands
• 5 nights in a twin or double beachfront villa
• All meals
• All beverages (house pour alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks)
• All taxes (service, GST and Green tax)

No itineraries. No schedules. Just five nights of pure island bliss.