magical sri lanka 9 nights/ten days

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DAY 1       WELCOME TO SRI LANKA  !             

Our driver guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer to Negombo beach (30 Minutes drive) where you can relax for the day after a long plane trip to Sri Lanka. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN NEGOMBO                           1 NIGHT

DAY 2

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel and proceed to Dambulla.  There we will visit the World Heritage site, the impressive Dambulla Royal Cave Temples also known as the Golden Temple. This is the largest and best preserved cave temple 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 associated with Buddhism. There are many ancient frescoes on the walls and ceiling. The Second Cave, the finest and largest of all, has 150 life-size statues of the Buddha in various postures together with statues of gods and kings. The ceiling here is also covered with frescoes, depicting great events in the life of the Buddha.

Stay overnight in Dambulla or Sigiriya           2 Nights

Day 3   SIGIRIYA / PIDURANGALA

 After early breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya rock fortress. Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the most iconic monuments in Sri Lanka. It's located in the center of the cultural triangle, and was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. The king used the rock to build his fortress as a way to provide him with ultimate protection against an attack. 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.Village safari tour; (OR optional Ritigala nature Walk) visit different villages and understand the local way of life and traditions, learn how food is cooked and get an idea of village life.  We go by tuk tuk, have a fun-filled bullock cart ride and go paddling through lakes to reach the villages.Pidurangala rock offers incredible sunsets and a 360-degree view of the woods and mountains. You can get a beautiful view of Sigiriya rock fortress. We’ll climb up through beautiful ancient temples and caves to watch the sunset.  

Stay in Sigiriya or Dambulla  

 DAY 4        KANDY

After breakfast, we'll proceed to Kandy. En-route we will visit the Spice Gardens at Mathale. The road to Mathale is lined with dozens of visitor-friendly spice plantations where vanilla, rubber, cinchona, jackfruit, cocoa and cardamom thrive. The area is also famous for kohila (a type of watercress) and small, mild chillies. After visiting the Spice Gardens we will proceed on to Kandy. An alternative to the spice gardens is a stop at the impressive Hindu Temple, Sri Muththumari Kovil at Matale. This temple is dedicated to the godess of rain and fertility. In February - March there is a major chariot festival

Enjoy a city walking tour of Kandy which will 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 Traditional Cultural Show in Kandy.

OVERNIGHT IN KANDY                                                  1 NIGHT

DAY 5   NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast, we can do a quick city tour in Kandy covering most scenic viewpoints and then proceed to Nuwara Eliya. This is the most popular and scenic route to Nuwara Eliya.  We can stop at scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, tea estates, tea factories, tea gardens, botanic gardens and a hilltop restaurant.Nuwara Eliya is known as the Little England of Sri Lanka and is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, with houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. En route we will pass through the beautiful Ramboda Falls. This waterfall is 109 m high and is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and a truly spectacular sight. Next we visit one of Sri Lanka's famous Tea Plantations and a Tea Factory, where we will learn all about the process of making the world famous Ceylon tea. 

OVERNIGHT STAY IN NUWARA ELIYA                            1 NIGHT 

DAY  7  ELLA

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; 
• Nine Arch Bridge, which is a bridge decorated with white granite; 
• Ravana Ella Waterfall; 
• Ravana Zip Line; 
• Ella Rock; and more!
• Rawana Pool Club

Explore and enjoy Ella at your leisure.     

OVERNIGHT STAY IN ELLA                          

  DAY 8 | YALA NATIONAL PARK

After a 30-minute walk through the jungle, we will visit the 30-meter high Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, beautiful piece of British architecture hidden between the lush green tea fields. We will walk across the bridge and admire the spectacular views over the Ella Gap and beyond.We will proceed to Yala and stop en route at the famous Ravana Ella Falls, one of the widest and most spectacular in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. Enjoy an afternoon safari at the Yala National Park.The park is divided into sections or blocks and we will visit block 1, the Ruhunu National Park. The park is famous for its big herds of wildlife including a large number of elephants, leopards, sloth bears,spotted deer, sambur, crocodiles and many other wild animals. The park is also home to over 130 different species of birds including resident and winter visitors.

OVERNIGHT STAY IN YALA                     1 NIGHT

DAY  9 GALLE

After breakfast, we will proceed  via the Expressway to Galle for a quick city tour. In  Here  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, visiting a private museum with an impressive collection of Dutch period antiques. 

OVERNIGHT AT YOUR BEACH HOTEL for your final night of this itinerary. Evening is at your leisure. 

 Transfer to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight or you may choose to spend more days on the beach.

It's time to say Goodbye  Auybowan  It has been our pleasure to host you in our beautiful country. 

TOUR COST             1 - 5 PEOPLE           AUD 1,250