Sri Lanka All-Over Discovery

Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival at the airport in Colombo, your private driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Take a short break and get ready to start your 14-day tour.

We will first visit Gangaramaya Temple. With a history of over 120 years, it is one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka, featuring architectural styles of Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China. The temple has a collection of hundreds of thousands of Buddha statues with different poses, ivory carvings, jewelry, ancient coins, textiles and other cultural relics. There is even a library which has a number of books about Buddhist literature. Next, pay a visit to Colombo National Museum with rich precious relics exhibited. It’s the most comprehensive and largest museum in the country and one of the oldest museums in Asia. The building of the museum is a perfect combination of Italian and Sri Lankan architectural styles. Inside the museum, you could get a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s history through the ancient stone carvings, statues, weapons and paintings, especially the royal throne and armor of the King of Kandy. Then, let’s enjoy a leisurely evening at Galle Face Green, a popular recreation spot beside the sea. You may take a walk along the beach and admire the beautiful scenery. Try some local street food like Isso Wade shrimp and Parata if you like. After that, we will send you back to your hotel.

► Useful Information:
It’s convenient for you to exchange money at the counter in the airport after landing. Sri Lanka’s official currency is Sri Lankan rupee. 1 US dollar is approximately 290 Sri Lankan rupees, and the exchange rate is relatively good at the counters. It is also recommended to purchase a SIM card in the airport. Counters of Sri Lanka’s major network operators are easy to find, of which Dialog is the leading one with the best network coverage. Dialog offers various plans with reasonable price, all valid for one month.

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Colombo (4 stars)

This morning, enjoy your breakfast and we will head for Avukana Buddha Statue by a 4-hour drive. With a height of 12 meters (39 ft.), Avukana is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. The magnificent statue was constructed in the 5th century and carved out of a single piece of rock. Although the surface of the statue looks a little weathered and mottled, you could still feel the excellent skills of the craftsmen thousands of years ago through the wrinkles and texture of the Buddha’s clothes and the lifelike details of the hands and arms. After visiting the statue, embark on a 1-hour private car transfer to Anuradhapura and check into the hotel. For the rest of the day, you may have a good rest at the hotel or step out to feel the ancient city which was the first capital of the country and now the largest Buddhist center in South Asia.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Palm Garden Village Hotel, Anuradhapura (3 stars)

Today you will spend your morning at the historic town of Mihintale. As the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale is a significant pilgrimage site. It is said that a monk named Mahinda, a descendant of King Ashoka of India, met the king of Sri Lanka here, and later Buddhism was brought and boomed in Sri Lanka. To fully visit the site, you need to climb a huge rock with 1,843 carved stone steps. On the way up, you will see the Kantaka Chetiya Stupa on your right side with only the base left. As you keep walking up, you may notice the ruins of the Monks’ Refectory & Relic House, a historic hospital and the Archeology Museum of Mihintale. Atop Mihintale Rock, you could get a panoramic vista of the nearby terraces and valley.
► Tip: Since Mihintale is a religious site, you need to climb the rock barefoot. You may wear a pair of socks in case the stone steps are too hot to walk on.

Next, we will drive you for about 1.5 hours to visit Kanniya Hot Springs, which is one of the most well-known and sacred hot springs in Sri Lanka. According to the Hindu epic, the demon-king Ravana stuck the earth with his sword and therefore 7 springs were formed. These square hot spring wells are only 3-4 feet deep, so you could clearly see the bottom. Local people use buckets or bottles to get water because they believe the spring water can help cure diseases and wash away bad luck. Near the hot springs, you may find the ruins of a monastery, as well as an ancient worn stupa dating back to the 1st century AD. Then, we will drive you to Nilaveli Beach in Trincomalee, from which you can enjoy a romantic sunset at the seaside. After that, you will be escorted to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Trincomalee (4 stars)

With soft sandy beach and blue water, Trincomalee is known as the “Maldives” of Sri Lanka. You may lie on the beach for a sunbath or stroll along the seaside. Pigeon Island, which gets its name because of many rock pigeons, is a small but popular island surrounded by coral reefs. The tropical fish and other sea animals are abundant and colorful, making it a good place for snorkeling and diving. If luckily, you may even get up close to sea turtles or tropical fish in the sea.

The best time to visit Trincomalee on the east coast is from May to October. During this time, the sea near Trincomalee is one of the best locations for whale-watching. Blue whales and dolphins will be relatively easy to spot, and a whale-watching trip is unmissable. If you plan to come during other months of the year, the weather and scenery may not be so good. Therefore, if your time is limited, you may consider contacting us to remove Trincomalee from your itinerary.

► Recommendation for Dinner in Trincomalee
Enjoy your dinner at Be Cool Juice Bar & Sea Food Restaurant. It’s about a 5-minute walk south from the hotel. You may have a taste of fresh seafood and authentic Sri Lankan or Indian cuisine. Grilled tuna steak is recommended, and various fresh juice is the highlight of the restaurant.
Average Cost per Person: USD 8-10
Address: Sarvodaya Road, Trincomalee 31000

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Trincomalee (4 stars)

This morning, we will drive about 2 hours to visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka which lasted for less than 200 years but left rich cultural heritages. Along with the Ancient City of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It might be tiring and hot to explore the city on foot, so we will drive you to tour the sites to make sure you have a pleasant experience. You may easily think of Angkor Wat in Cambodia when you get into Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Both of the buildings are grand and solemn with blackened and weathered surface eroded by wind and rain. Strolling in the city from the 12th century, you will be surrounded by ruins of ancient palaces, temples and bathing pools. You may be amazed by the royal audience hall in the Palace Complex of King Nissanka Malla. There are a mass of stone columns standing on the base, with intricate reliefs on them. The Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu is a shocking site to visit as well. The building used to be seven floors tall, but now only some broken walls and moss-topped foundation are left. There are also many sitting and standing Buddha statues, especially the huge standing headless Buddha statue at Lankatilaka Temple, telling the stories of the old kingdom. Next, we will transfer you to the hotel in Sigiriya by one hour’s drive.

► Travel Different with Us: Enjoy a Tranquil Stay in Forest
The hotel you’ll stay tonight is hidden in the jungles of Sigiriya, offering a chance for you to entirely immerse into the natural environment and peaceful atmosphere. You may see monkeys, lizards, birds and even elephants roaming in the woods. Take a 10-minute walk north by yourself and you can reach Haritha Lanka Horticulture Sigiriya to see the farms of fruits and vegetables.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars)

Today you will first visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, it was constructed on a 200-meter-high (656 ft.) huge rock. The whole fortress was originally carved like a lion, hence its name “Lion Rock”. Much of the lion has been eroded, but you could still see two large claws halfway up the rock. At the foot of the rock, there are ruins of some elaborate royal water gardens that consist of ponds, courtyards and fountains. Up the steep stone steps on the rock, your eyes might be captivated by the ancient frescoes of the king’s concubines and maids on the walls. There were once over 500 frescoes, but now only 21 of them are preserved. Nearby the frescoes is a long golden wall which was the former “Mirror Wall”. It was polished so well that the king could see himself and the frescoes on the wall when he passed by.
► Tips:
1. Watch your steps and follow your guide while climbing the rock. Refuse some “kind” locals who want to help you, because they may ask for a tip after that.
2. Wear some sunscreen to protect your skin from strong sunlight. Bring sun protection such as sunglasses and a sun hat.
3. Enough drinking water can help fuel you during the climb.

★ Travel into Countryside & Enjoy a Special Lunch

Around noon, we will drive you to Hiriwadunna Village. You may explore the countryside by jeep or tuk-tuk. Hiriwadunna is a peaceful village with geometric paddy fields and vegetable gardens, near which you may also see tree houses built by farmers to watch over them. Enjoy your time by watching the villagers make handicrafts or how they make local foods like pilaf and roti for your lunch. In the afternoon, you could take a catamaran cruise on the lake near the village, enjoying the idyllic landscape and the breeze on the lake. After visiting the village, we will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars)

After breakfast, we’ll leave Sigiriya and drive to Dambulla Cave Temple for a visit. At the foot of the mountain where the temple is located, you will see a building with a design of a lion’s open mouth and a grand golden Buddha statue on it which gives the temple another name “Golden Temple of Dambulla”. Walk up for about 20 minutes and you will get to the cave temple standing 160 meters (525 ft.) above the surrounding plains. There are 5 caves in the temple, with a history of more than 2,000 years, housing about 150 golden Buddha statues with various postures. In addition, there are massive delicate murals on the cave walls, which are so well-preserved that you can clearly see the colors and lines. Next, we will drive 2 hours to Sri Muthumariamman Temple, also known as Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil. It’s a typical Hindu temple with complicated decorations and rich colors. There is a striking 108-meter-high (354 ft.) Gopura tower named Raja Koburam, which is covered with a mass of statues of mythological figures. The temple enshrines Muthumari Amman - the goddess of rain and fertility. People perform rituals to pray for the goddess’s blessing. If luckily, you might witness a traditional wedding ceremony for Hindus in the temple.

Next, drive to Kandy in one hour, and we will visit one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). One of the only two remaining tooth relics of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the temple. The exterior walls of the temple are painted white with carvings, while the interior is resplendent with murals and golden ornaments covering the walls and ceilings, and finely carved wood, ivory and lacquer inside the main shrine. The mysterious tooth relic is placed in a golden casket on the second floor. The grand festival “Kandy Esala Perahera” is held to pay homage to the sacred tooth every year around July or August, during which Kandy is vibrant with a procession of dancers, drummers and hundreds of decorated elephants.

After that, you will watch a Culture Dance Show. The traditional dance of Kandy features a sense of power and rhythm, especially the imitations of animals’ behaviors. There may be Wannam dances which depict the movements of a cobra or a group of monkeys. Through performers’ thrilling feat of acrobatics, you may feel Sri Lankan’s love for life and nature. After the show, you will be sent back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars)

Today your morning time is for Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. It is an unmissable place to visit in Kandy especially if you are a nature lover. Known as “National Herbarium of Sri Lanka”, the gardens are home to over 4,000 species of plants such as rare orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Towering banyan trees, cycas and Java fig trees create a cool and comfortable atmosphere here. Besides, maybe there are even monkeys and bats in the trees.

Next, we will drive you to Nallathanniya and make a stopover at a Tea Factory. Sri Lanka’s Ceylon black tea is one of the four major black teas in the world. However, you might not know that it used to be an important coffee exporter before a severe coffee plant disease. In addition, Sri Lanka’s tea picking standard of “two leaves and one bud” by pickers rather than by machines ensures the high quality of its black tea. You could take a sip of the authentic fresh Ceylon tea and get to know the processing of it. Also you could experience being a tea-picker yourself in the plantation. Enjoy picking tea leaves and taking a deep breath of the refreshing air. Upon arrival at Nallathanniya, we will help you check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guest House

★ Enjoy a Stunning Sunrise on Adam’s Peak

This morning, your driver guide will accompany you to climb Adam’s Peak, which is a significant pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. In Sinhalese, the mountain is called “Sri Pada”, literally “Sacred Footprint”, which refers to the 1.8-meter-long (around 6 ft.) holy footprint on the top of the peak. Christians and Muslims believe it is Adam’s footprint, while Hindus consider it belongs to Lord Shiva. And Buddhists think it is the footprint of Shakyamuni Buddha. People of different religions climb up this mountain to admire a peaceful sunrise and bathe in the glow of dawn. After the climb, we will drive about 2 hours to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya and help you check in.

► Tips: 
1. The best time to start climbing is around 2 am to reach the top for sunrise. Make sure you get good rest the night before. It depends on your will, of course. Just tell your guide if you don’t want to get up early.
2. Wear warm clothes and comfortable hiking shoes since it may be cold on the top.
3. Fill your backpack with enough water and snacks.

► The pilgrimage season of Adam’s Peak and Horton Plains is between December and May, during which the paths will be crowded with local devotees. If you prefer a less crowded hike, you may consider coming in other months, or you could contact us to cancel Adam’s Peak climb and the following Horton Plains walk.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Blackpool Resort & Spa, Nuwara Eliya (4 stars)

This morning, the guide will lead you to trek in Horton Plains National Park. Housing Sri Lanka’s largest cloud forest as well as lakes and waterfalls, the park could be a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers. The hiking route is about 9.4 kilometers (5.8 miles), taking about 4 hours. Along the route, you may encounter cute animals like squirrels, deer, and birds. You will reach the World’s End, from which you could enjoy the gallant sight of Baker’s Falls and the surrounding hills.

► Tips: Heavy fog encompasses the plains every day from 10 am, which might impact your hiking experience, so it is recommended to start your trek early at 6 am. Besides, some parts of the route may be muddy and slippery and there is no guard rail near the cliff edge, so please be careful of your security.

★ Special Experience: A Beautiful Train Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

After the hike, your private driver guide will send you to take a train to Ella. The Kandy-to-Ella line is one of the 2 most scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka, and your 3.5-hour train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is the highlight section of it. The train will cross over many cloudy mountain ranges and take you through lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and paddy fields. Immerse yourself into the picturesque scenery and feel the breeze mixed with fresh smells of plants.

► Tips: As the train is also a mode of transport for the locals, it may be crowded or noisy inside the carriage, but it could also be a perfect way to experience the local life and interact with people. It’s recommended to sit on a left-side window seat on the train to better enjoy the views and take photos. It’s better not to lean out for a photo especially when the train is running fast because the branches or signs outside may hurt you.

Upon your arrival at Ella, we will pick you up from the train station and help you check in at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Heavens, Ella (4 stars)

After breakfast, let’s first pay a visit to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes its name from Adam’s Peak and is also considered a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. With a height of 1,141 meters (3,743 ft.), Little Adam’s Peak is relatively easy to climb, which takes about 1-2 hours to reach the top. Your hike may start from greenish tea plantations. As you climb up, the path will be steeper and more challenging, but it’s definitely worth when you reach the peak surrounded by forests and valleys, overlooking the nearby Ella Rock. Next, admire the beauty of Rawana Falls. This 25-meter-high (82 ft.) waterfall is one of the widest in Sri Lanka. It is named after King Ravana, a figure in an ancient Indian epic, who kidnapped a princess and hid her in a cave behind the fall. It is said that Rawana Falls looks like an areca flower during the rainy season. As you approach the view point, there may be some monkeys around.

Then, we will drive to Tissamaharama for a jeep safari in Yala National Park. As one of the most popular wildlife-watching sites in Sri Lanka, the park offers a great chance to spot most of the wild animals of the country. It could be an unmissable life experience to go on a jeep safari to explore the park. With the help of the experienced guide, you may get a close up view of the sloth bears, water buffalos, spotted deer, and peacocks, or you may see elephants, slow loris, crocodiles, and even Sri Lankan leopards. From ferocious birds of prey to waterfowls, a variety of birds could catch your eyes. Bring your binocular or camera to enjoy an exciting adventure.

★ What Makes Us Different

We specially arrange your safari in the afternoon to avoid the morning crowd which might make it difficult to see the animals since they may hide into the bushes. Animals usually come out to drink around sunset, and you may have a greater chance to spot a leopard. In addition, we will serve you fresh watermelon as refreshment.

After the safari, we will escort you to your hotel. Besides traditional Sri Lankan style rooms, there are professional Ayurvedic facilities in the hotel for you to experience an authentic oil massage. If you are interested in Ayurveda, you could have a try of the body massage or other spa treatments to help you rejuvenate.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Thaulle Ayurveda Resort, Tissamaharama (4 stars)

Today we will head to Bentota and make a stopover at Galle Dutch Fort. As one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, the fortress has an exotic ambience featuring a lot of European-style houses, including an iconic lighthouse. Galle Dutch Fort was constructed in the 17th century during Dutch colonial times. The little town is situated on a rocky peninsula on the southern coast of Sri Lanka with the sea on three sides. Many of the 400 old houses have been transformed into cafes, restaurants, or hotels, showing an incredible fusion of European architecture and the aroma of South Asia. If lucky, you may witness local newlyweds taking wedding photos at the white lighthouse by the sea where you may also capture the views of the old fort and the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in Bentota, we will help you check in at the hotel.

► Tip: You may see some stilt fishermen on the way from Tissamaharama to Galle. They usually sit on high wooden stilts to fish with no bait, which attracts photographers from all over the world. But regrettably, today’s stilt fishing is becoming a profitable show for tourists. If you are still interested, please let your driver guide stop at Koggala for you to take some photos.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Bentota Ceysands Resort (4 stars)

Bentota is a seaside resort famous for its golden beach and clear blue water. This morning, you will first enjoy a Madu River boat tour. Madu River, or Madu Ganga in the local language, is the largest mangrove reserve in Sri Lanka, which brings fertile soil to the land and provides habitats and feeding grounds for wildlife. During the river safari, you may experience the joy of exploring the intricate narrow river channels canopied by tangled roots and branches, and you may also enjoy the delightful view of the surrounding forests on the open Maduganga Lake. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and get surrounded by colorful birds and active monkeys. You could also pay for a fish therapy on an island if you like.

Next, deepen your connection with nature through a Sea Turtle Conservation Project. Human activities have greatly affect turtles’ breeding and feeding sites. Sri Lanka has set up a lot of organizations and institutions to protect sea turtles since 1978. In the conservation center, you may see rescued injured turtles, albino turtles that are not able to survive in the wild, and baby turtles that have not been released yet. You could gain significant knowledge about the species of sea turtles and their hatching process. Getting close with these beautiful sea creatures and taking photos with them might be a memorable experience.

► Tip: The best time to visit Bentota is between November and April. During this period, the weather and the river are more ideal for an enjoyable tour. The scenery and activities from May to October might be less appealing, and during this period you may consider discussing with us to remove Bentota if you feel that the itinerary is too long for you.

► Recommendation for Dinner (at your own expense)
You may take a 5-minute ride from your hotel to Bamboos Garden Restaurant to enjoy dinner. The restaurant serves freshly-caught seafood dishes and Sri Lankan traditional cuisine, as well as sandwiches and salads. Outside the restaurant are the coastal train tracks, you may watch a train slowly passing by when you have dinner and enjoy the spectacular sea view.
Average Cost per Person: USD 10
Address: Pitaramba Road, Bentota 80500

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Bentota Ceysands Resort (4 stars)

Today your 14 days Sri Lanka guided tour package is coming to an end. Your private driver guide will transfer you from Bentota to the airport in Colombo and see you off.

► Before leaving, if you would like to further explore the capital city by yourself, you may go to Independence Square and Independence Memorial Hall which are a commemoration of Sri Lanka’s independence. The historic building and square offer a good place for strolling or taking photos. Please plan your time carefully, arrange your own airport transport, and allow at least one hour for a taxi transfer to the airport.

► If you want to extend your tour to the nearby countries such as India, Bangladesh, or Maldives, contact our travel consultants and we are glad to tailor a private tour itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast