Glory of Sri Lanka seven nights/eight days
DAY 1 DAMBULLA
Our driver guide will welcome you at the airport and proceed to Dambulla. On the way, we'll visit the impressive Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, a World Heritage site also also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Thecaves here are the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. In the first Cave, you will see a 15 metre long recumbent Buddha image cut out of the Rock. The cave contains many images of deities associated with Buddhism. The walls and the ceiling are adorned with ancient frescoes, many of which were painted over in the Kandy period. In the Second Cave, the finest and largest of all, there are 150 life- size statues of the Buddha in various postures together with statues of Gods and Kings. The frescoes on the ceiling depict the great events in the life of Buddha.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya or Dambulla. 1 NIGHT
Highlights
Historical Buddhist Temples
Elephant safari in Minneriya National Park
Amazing Cave Temples at Dambulla
Sri Lankan spices experience
Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka - Kandy
Walk on hillside tea trails
Best scenic drive to upcountry Nuwara Eliya
Spot a leopard in Yala National Park
DAY 2 POLONNARUWA
After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa, which is another of Sri Lanka's ENESCO World Heritage sites, became the second capital of Sri Lanka 1055 to 1212. Set in a lovely parklike environment, it has impressive ancient stupas as well as some spectacular ancient structures some of which, such as the Tivanka, were built by King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century. His royal palace, the remains of which are impressive was once seven stories high. Included in the city is the Gal Vihara, formerly a monastery with huge Buddha images carved out of the rock.
After our visit to this awe inspiring ancient city we will enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan traditional lunch prepared by local villagers.
We will then enjoy a jeep safari of Minneriya National Park, famous for its large herd of elephants and birdlife.
Overnight at your hotel in Polonnaruwa 1 NIGHT
DAY 3 SIGIRIYA / KANDY
After breakfast we will visit Sigiriya rock fortress, one of the most iconic monuments in Sri Lanka. It was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. He built himself a palace at the top of the rock along with a village for his followers at the bottom of the rock decorated with water gardens containing baths and fountains that still work to this day.The site is also famous for its frescos which depict "Damsels of Sigiriya", which date back to 5th century AD.
After successful climb of this rock, we then proceed to Kandy. There we will enjoy a city walking tour of this royal city. This will which include Upper Lake Drive and the beautiful Kandy Lake and Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This Buddhist temple houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha is considered to possibly be the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the world. We will also visit the main Kandy Market and other interesting places.
In the evening, enjoy a Cultural Show in Kandy.
Overnight stay in Kandy 1 NIGHT
DAY 4 NUWARA ELIYA / ELLA
After breakfast we will do a quick drive to view Kandy from the best scenic points. We will then proceed to Ella via the most scenic road in Sri Lanka. As we wind around the hills ,going even higher as we round a bend, you will be thrilled by the luxuriant green tea plantations, panoramic views and waterfalls. We will stop at a tea factory where you can observe the tea making process and sample different teas.
At an altitude of 1,868m, the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya was popular with the colonial rulers. Also nicknamed "Little England ', you will see evidence of the British influence in the stately mansions, public buildings and hotels.
After a quick tour of Nuwara Eliya, we will go to the Nanu Oya station for your experience of the most scenic train route in Sri Lanka. Along the route to Ella the train passes through rail side villages, vegetable farms, tea and forested areas. Spot the waterfalls and count the tunnels for fun!
Overnight in Ella 2 NIGHTS
day 5 ella
At your leisure
Optional : Epic train trip to Haputhale.
Ella is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. It is a small town that is situated on a highland in the central part of the country. It has been described as being like a fairy tale, with its lush green forests, beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. Ella has many attractions that make it a great place to visit.
These include:
- Little Adam's Peak, which is located on top of a mountain at the eastern edge of Ella;
- Nice Arch Bridge, which is a bridge decorated with white granite;
- Ravana Ella Waterfall;
- Ravana Zip Line;
- Ella Rock;
- and more!
day 6 ella / yala
After breakfast we will take a 30 minute walk through the jungle to see the 30 metre high Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, a beautiful piece of British architecture. Walking across the bridge, we will admire the spectacular views over the Ella Gap and beyond.
After stopping at the mythologically famous Ravana Falls, we will then proceed to Yala for an afternoon safari in Block 1, the Ruhunu National Park. This picturesque park is home to Sri Lankan leopards, herds of elephants, sloth bears spotted deer, sambhur, crocodiles as well as many other animals. There are over 130 different species of birds including the resident and winter visitors.
Overnight stay in Yala/Tissamaharama 1 NIGHT
day 7
After breakfast, proceed to Galle for city tour.
On arrival in Galle, we will first visit the Dutch Fort, a World Heritage Site, and the Old Dutch Church. Galle is a walled city surrounded by thick ramparts, built by Dutch merchants who controlled the city in the 17th century. The ramparts are so thick that you can walk along them with lovely views over the city and beyond. Looking out towards the ocean, you can see the old prison and the Galle lighthouse and clock tower.Take a walk along the Pedlar street of Galle, including Lighthouse Street or Zeeburg Street, Leyn-Baan Street (Lijnberg means rope walk), and Modarabaay Street (Modder- baai meaning Mud bay) and see a variety of old Dutch houses.
Transfer to your beach hotel for your final night of this itinerary. Evening is at your leisure.
Overnight stay Galle/Unawatuna 1 NIGHT
Day 8
Airport transfer
Today we say Goodbye - Ayubowan. It has been our pleasure to host you in our beautiful country.
After breakfast we will transfer to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively you may like to spend more days on the beach at your preference.
Tour cost 1 - 5 people AUD 1,000