Sri Lanka Tour

Temples & Tea Trails

Arrival in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, we will meet our representative at the airport for a short transfer to Negombo, the heart of the country’s fishing community.

Once we arrive, we will visit the local fish market, a wholesale market showcasing a variety of marine life, including sharks, catfish, seafood, and numerous species of fish.

Next, we will drive for approximately two hours to the heartwarming Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. The risk of extinction for the Asian elephant led the Sri Lankan government to establish this sanctuary to conserve the species and assist them in returning to their natural habitat. At the beginning of the 19th century, around thirty thousand elephants lived on the island, but within a century, nearly all were eradicated. Today, the wild population of elephants in Sri Lanka numbers about 3,000. We will tour the orphanage and observe the herd of elephants enjoying their daily bath in the nearby river.

Following our visit, we will continue our journey with a two-hour drive to Habarana, a town located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, known for its ancient cities and fascinating temples.

Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.

After breakfast, we will drive for about an hour and a half to visit Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The site features remnants of the city’s glorious past. Undoubtedly, the most impressive site is the “Gal Vihara,” which is almost perfectly preserved, featuring four gigantic rock-carved Buddha figures and two seated Buddha statues. Another Buddha statue stands with its hands clasped on its chest, while the third figure lies on its side.
Upon arrival, we will take a tour of Polonnaruwa and its surroundings.

After that, we will return to Habarana and embark on a walking tour in the area, which includes a short boat ride and a visit to a local village.

In the afternoon, we will head to Minneriya National Park, where its marshy areas attract many animals, including elephants, waterfowl, amphibians, and colorful butterflies. Upon arrival, we will go on a jeep safari in the park.

Afterward, we will drive back to Habarana and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Habarana.

After breakfast, we will head to the impressive Sigiriya, a fortress and gardens situated atop a rock cliff 200 meters high. This palace and garden complex is located on a striking rock, rising 200 meters above the ground. About 1,200 steps lead to the summit, and the site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lavish complex was built in the 5th century and served as the home of King Kasyapa. The site features gardens, pools, fountains, water gardens, wall paintings, and of course, breathtaking views.

Depending on your fitness level, you can climb to the fortress (about 1 to 2 hours). Please note that this involves climbing 1,200 steps. Alternatively, you can view the site from below without climbing.
After that, we will drive for about an hour and a half to Matale, where we will visit a spice garden that showcases many types of spice plants and learn about their production processes.

Next, we will continue our drive for about an hour to Kandy, which was the capital of the last Sinhalese dynasty. The city is built around a serene lake and is surrounded by green hills. In the city center, you will find a vibrant cluster of antique shops, markets, and hotels. Kandy is home to an ancient royal palace located in a beautiful garden, the National Museum, and interesting temples, the most famous of which is the Temple of the Tooth, which, according to Buddhist belief, houses the most important religious relic in Sri Lanka—the sacred tooth of Buddha.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a city tour. We will visit the city center, the local market, the bazaar, and the Kandy Arts Center. We will also visit the Temple of the Tooth and enjoy observing a traditional ceremony.

In the evening, we will enjoy a Kandyan dance performance, which is much more than just a dance show. It is an ancient ritual that includes fire swallowing and walking on coals.

After the performance, we will transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

After breakfast, we will drive for about half an hour to Peradeniya to visit the botanical gardens. We will admire the various species of trees, plants, and colorful flowers in the gardens, which house over 5,000 types of flora. The gardens were established by the Sinhalese king and expanded by the British. The tour also includes a visit to the stunning orchid pavilion.

Afterward, we will embark on a two-hour drive to Nuwara Eliya.
We will travel along a scenic mountainous road, exploring the tea fields where we can observe the Tamil women in their vibrant traditional attire picking tea. In the 19th century, the British brought many Tamils from Tamil Nadu in South India to Sri Lanka to work in the rubber plantations and tea estates of colonial Ceylon, as the local population was unwilling to work in the plantations. We will also visit a renowned Ceylon tea factory, learning about the cultivation, production, and processing of tea that has turned the local product into a globally recognized brand.

Continuing our journey to Nuwara Eliya, we will encounter red-brick houses, well-manicured gardens, golf courses, traditional tea time, and mist—hallmarks of the capital of the hill country. From the city, we can catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s highest peak, Pidurutalagala.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we will embark on a short drive to Kandapola, where we’ll enjoy an immersive experience that exposes us to Tamil culture in the area. We’ll be welcomed with a traditional Tamil greeting, stroll around the picturesque lake, and participate in the unique Tamil art of Kolam. This involves decorating the floor with colorful powder during traditional celebrations, creating beautiful mandalas or rangoli designs that often incorporate motifs from nature and Hindu mythology.

Next, we’ll learn how to prepare local dishes inspired by Tamil cuisine and discover how to wear a traditional saree.

Afterward, we will return to Nuwara Eliya. Upon arrival, we’ll go on an city tour, traveling through the lush valley and visiting waterfalls surrounded by tea fields. We’ll also stop by Gregory Lake before transferring to our hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour drive to the picturesque town of Ella. Nestled in the lush hills, Ella is renowned for its stunning views, charming tea plantations, and vibrant local culture.
Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge, explore the Ella Gap, and admire the breathtaking Ravana Falls. This quaint town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a perfect stop on our journey.

Following our visit to Ella, we will drive for approximately 3-4 hours to a luxurious resort located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast, we will travel to Balapitiya, where we will embark on an exciting one-and-a-half-hour boat ride through the river and lagoon. During this journey, we’ll admire the local lifestyle and the stunning nature of the area.

Next, we will visit a rare sea turtle hatchery in Kosgoda. The local residents collect turtle eggs laid on the beach, and these eggs are then incubated and nurtured in the hatchery until the turtles are mature enough to be released back into the sea.

After our time at the hatchery, we will drive for about an hour to Galle. This beautiful ancient city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is situated on a small peninsula that encloses Galle Bay to the east. The colonial past of Galle is remarkably preserved in many buildings and Dutch churches, with the highlight being the Dutch fort built in 1663, which has successfully withstood the test of time. We will take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque city, including a visit to a museum dedicated to the Dutch colonial period.

Finally, we will return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enjoy a free day at a charming resort, a piece of paradise on the shores of the Indian Ocean, with breakfast and dinner included.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 2-3 hour journey to Colombo, the bustling capital city and the main port of Sri Lanka, home to the country’s international airport. Colombo is a vibrant city that blends skyscrapers with colonial buildings from the time when Sri Lanka was a British crown colony, as well as a variety of temples.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a city tour that introduces us to the highlights of Colombo. We will allocate some time for last-minute shopping and visit the colorful and diverse bazaar filled with numerous shops and stalls.

Later, depending on the flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for your return flight.