Discover the vibrant colors, diverse cultures, swaying palm trees and 2000-year-old history of this tropical jewel on a 10 day trip designed to give you the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer. You’ll explore tea plantations and rock fortresses, indulge in seafood, spot wildlife and explore beaches. Our journey takes us from Colombo city to hill towns of Nuwara Eliya and Banderawela, the UNESCO Heritage sites of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya rock fortress, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy, Whale watching at Mirissa and the beautiful beaches of the south coast. This trip is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it’s also about the fascinating experiences and inspiring people you’ll meet along the way.

Best of Sri Lanka – 9 Days

Colombo, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Bentota (8n / 9d)

Itinerary

Day 1 – Negombo – Dambulla: Arrive at Negombo airport and transfer to Dambulla. We leave for Dambulla to explore the famous Golden Rock cave temple which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47-foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. Overnight at Sigiriya. 

Day 2 – Sigiriya – Anuradhapura: After breakfast climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya – a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. Built by King Kassapa the fortress was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The lion rock (A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) is a citadel of unusual beauty, rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit. See the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10-foot high Mirror Wall. Later head for the second most important cultural site in the island at Anuradhapura, one of the old capitals of Sri Lanka and which still has many ruins still left. Later back to Sigiriya. Overnight at Sigiriya. 

Day 3 – Sigiriya to Kandy : After breakfast leave for the hill capital of Kandy, visiting a spice garden at Matale en route. Sri Lankan spices have been sought after for centuries, and continue to be a major export, even today. Afternoon enjoys a city tour of Kandy – the last kingdom of the Sinhalese, taking in the sights of Upper Lake Drive and the Market Square on the way to pay homage to one of the most sacred religious sites in Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa is believed to house the ‘tooth relic’ of the Lord Buddha. Later a walk around the town will let you indulge in some souvenir hunting with intricate treasures in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, bronze, ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewelry and reed-ware to choose from. Round off your day with a cultural show seeing the Kandyian dance, where the vibrant costumes and pulsating rhythms of traditional dance forms from centuries old rituals will enthrall you. Overnight at Kandy.

Day 4 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: After Today you’ll enjoy a short but very scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya, past lush green hills and gushing waterfalls (approximately 2 hours). This old British hill station in the heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm. Built entirely during the 19th century, its quirky architecture reflects what you’d normally expect to find in an English country village, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Once known as ‘Little England’ by British colonialists, it’s a fascinating mix of water buffalo and brick Victorian buildings, golf courses, and tea plantations. Head to your accommodation and enjoy the views across the hills and tea plantations. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5 – Nuwara Eliya to Mirissa: After breakfast drive to Yala National Park on the south coast through the hill towns of Bandarawale and Ella, with sprawling tea plantations. On the way stop at Rawana falls and later reach Mirissa. Overnight at Mirissa.

Day 6  – Mirissa: Today is a free day to explore Mirissa & Weligama beaches. The beaches of Mirissa and Weligama are some the best stretches of beaches on the south coast. They also have also many tours and activities like whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, surfing etc. You could join one of the tours or you could hire a bicycle/scooter and explore around.  Overnight at Mirissa.

Day 7 – Galle & Unawatuna: After breakfast, we leave for Galle. Visit Galle old town, Galle Fort and later in the afternoon come to Unawatuna beach. There are also many beautiful beaches like Wijaya, Dalawella and Mihiripanne beaches. Overnight in Unuwatuna.

Day 8 – Unawatuna to Colombo: After breakfast leave for Colombo. En route stop at Kathaluwa region near Galle to watch an age old practice of stilt fishing still being followed by about 500 families. Head to the area to see fisherman already on their poles, waiting patiently to catch their fish. Also, stop at the beautiful beaches of Hikkaduwa and  Bentota on the way. Overnight at Colombo.

Day 9 – Departure : After breakfast transfer to the airport. End of tour. 

THEMES – Culture, Nature, Leisure, Adventure

DESTINATIONS – Colombo, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Yala, Mirissa, Unuwatuna, Galle, Bentota, Negombo

HIGHLIGHTS 
– Explore the beautiful hill town of Bandarawela
– Hit the beautiful beaches of Unuwatuna, Negombo, Mirissa, Bentota and Galle
– Watch a Kandyan dance and visit the tooth relic temple in Kandy
– Enjoy the beautiful drives through the west coast
– Go on a whale watching tour in Unuwatuna
– Get up close but not personal with elephants and leopards in Yala Nataional Park
– Meander through the labyrinth of ancient streets in the ancient fort town of Galle

COST –  Depending on group size

INCLUSIONS: 9 Nights stay at a hotel with breakfast, All transfers and excursions in private vehicle including all vehicle charges – driver cost, toll, parking etc. , service charges and taxes.

EXCLUSIONS: Other than mentioned, Lunch & Dinner, Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing places ( if applicable )

NOTE: This is a customized trip. The cost might vary depending on your group size and type of accommodation required. Please contact us for detail