Soulful Sri Lanka (8 days)
Tour Highlights • Each destination is carefully curated to include UNESCO sites • Explore Spice garden and cooking demo • Tea plantation with factory visit • Temple complexes • Sri Lankan Arts & Culture • Turtle Hatchery • Ayurvedic massage • Taste Sri Lanka • Scenic Train Ride
Day 1: Colombo Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)in Negombo. Meet and greet with your travel representative and transfer to the hotel in Colombo
Colombo City Tour. Visit Gangarama Temple - Gangarama Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, built in 19th century. Temple is much more than a temple in the conventional term, but a place of worship, a seat of learning and a cultural center. Visit the Red Mosque in Pettah - This is a historic mosque in Colombo, situated in the Second Cross Street of the Pettah Market. The construction of the mosque began in 1908 and came to completion in 1909. The mosque is of hybrid style of architecture, that draws elements of native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture and combines it with the Gothic revival and Neo-classical styles. Overnight in Colombo
Day 2: Colombo – Dambulla After breakfast transfer to the historical city of Dambulla. Upon your arrival in Dambulla, visit Dambulla Cave Temple. Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. Overnight in Dambulla
Day 3: Dambulla – Sigiriya Transfer to Sigiriya. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (this climb is approximately 2 hours and 30 min)The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Overnight in Dambulla
Day 4: Dambulla – Kandy After breakfast check-out and drive to Kandy. Visit a Spice Garden in Matale an agricultural zone in the Central Province, learn about the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors. After lunch transfer to Kandy. Visit Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic, the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. Overnight in Kandy
Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya Enjoy your breakfast at Hotel and transfer to NuwaraEliya. Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, reminds visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Taste Sri Lankan food The Sri Lankan roti’s (flat bread) uniqueness stems from the addition of grated coconut to the dough. Experience the roti with some Lunu Miris (a sort of a chili and onion-based chutney) with sweet tea. Visit a Tea Plantation Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. Enjoy a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea with a Tea Expert Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya to Ella After breakfast, continue your journey towards the mystic countryside of Ella via Scenic Train Ride. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak. The trip may take about 2-3 hours in total (including picture taking) OR hike the Ella Rock. Visit Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. The iconic Nine Arch Bridge made of stone and cement is a viaduct connecting Ella and Demodara train stations. In the evening enjoy local Ella market and spend rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Ella
Day 7: Ella to Galle Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. The day is free for you to relax & explore the beautiful Galle Fort. Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery Both locals and international volunteers battling it out for ''Sea Turtles' Sake'' is a common sight at Kosgoda. This vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Enjoy a Boat Ride in the Balapitiya River (Approximately 2-hour 30 mins tour) – Excursion Overnight in Galle
Day 8: Galle - Airport After breakfast transfer to the Airport in time to connect with the international flight for departure. Inclusions: • All hotel accommodation at 4 & 5 star hotels • All Breakfasts • All internal flights on economy class • All domestic airport and hotel transfers • Local, English-speaking guides • Local transportation via AC motor vehicle • All Sightseeing Fees
Exclusions: • Air transportation to and from India • Daily Lunch and Dinner (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary) • Tips and Gratuity • Visa Processing fees • Travel insurance charges • Vaccination charges • Airline reservation outside of the pkg dates