8 Day Trip

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Negombo (No meal)

Arrive in Colombo airport, welcome and assist by your personal chauffeur guide for your transfer to hotel in Negombo.

Day 2: Negombo – Pinnawala – Dambulla – Sigiriya (Breakfast, Dinner)

Start the tour to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a conservation centre for wild Asian elephants, started in 1975 to house the orphaned, abandoned and injured elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. You can see the elephants being fed, watch them bathe and play around in the river. Next, proceed to Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka, consists of five cave shrines carved under a very large overhanging rock. The temples are filled with paintings, statues of Buddha and his faithful disciple Ananda, as well as Hindu deities. Thereafter, explore the majestic 5th century “Fortress in the Sky”, which is the most visited historical sites in the country. Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, approximately 1200 steps, rising 200 meters (660ft) high into the heaven. Also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. This rock climbing activity is recommended for most tourists as you get to see some beautiful engraved frescoes of the ancient era and also the remnants of a fortress at the top of the rock, not forgetting the tremendous view from the summit.

Day 3: Sigiriya – Kaudulla National Park – Matale – Kandy (Breakfast, Dinner)

An exciting trip is waiting for you today. In the early morning, hop on a Jeep Safari through the Kaudulla National Park, where you will have ample opportunities to spot majestic elephants and other animals in their natural habitat. Kaudulla National Park is a dry evergreen forest set around the ancient Kaudulla Reservoir, a 26km dam that supports wildlife, floras, birds, reptiles and exotic fishes. The park is home to massive herds of elephants, wild boars, sambar deer, leopards, rusty spotted cats and sloth bears. See mighty elephants roaming in its natural habitat, catch a glimpse of sambar deer and leopards, and spot the 160 different species of birds within the park. Going on a bumpy ride through the forest of Kaudulla National Park along the small trails is a great adventure. Next, visit Spice Garden in Matale to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. After that, head on to UNESCO World Heritage site – Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses the tooth of Buddha that was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century and is considered the country’s most prized possession. In the evening, enjoy a Sri Lankan Cultural Dance Show.

Day 4: Kandy – Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today, you will depart for Nuwara Eliya. Sit back and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Visit the Tea Plantation and Tea Factory, where you will see how tea leaves are being processed into the world-famous Ceylon tea. Next, visit the impressive Ramboda Falls – a stunning waterfall with a height of 109 meters. Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, a city in the hill country of Sri Lanka, is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period. With its British-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows, old English-style lawns and gardens, Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as “Little England” of Sri Lanka. It has a cool climate throughout the year. Visit Victoria Park and admire the beautifully laid out gardens with many different colorful flowers. The flowers are in full bloom in March, April and May, and again in August and September. Thereafter, enjoy the beautiful Sunset at Gregory Lake and walk around “Little England”.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – Kosgoda – Bentota (Breakfast, Dinner)

Begin your day with a visit to Kosgoda Turtle Conservation and Research Centre. Its aim is to help to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction. You will see different kinds of turtles being rehabilitated after suffering injuries and choking on the metal, plastic that people dump in the oceans, and also learn about the effort in protecting the eggs of various sea turtles, increasing the rate of hatching and ensuring their overall survival. After that, head on to Bentota, the water sports heaven in Sri Lanka. You will be able to relax, feel the spirit of the sea and the warmth of the soft sand. While enjoying the sun, sand and sea, you can also indulge in optional water sports such as Jet Ski, Banana Boat Ride and Ringo Ride at the lovely beach.

Day 6: Bentota – Madu River – Galle – Bentota (Breakfast, Dinner)

Get yourself ready to enjoy a thrilling Boat Safari along the beautiful Madu River, an interesting trip with plenty of things to see. Traverse the shadowy caverns formed by the thick mangrove forests, interspersed with bright open stretches of water. Get a chance to see crocodiles, water snakes, tree snakes and wild boars in their natural habitat. The boat ride is a wonderful way to take a closer look at this complex wetland ecosystem. Visit one of the islands where you will learn about Cinnamon Cultivation in Sri Lanka. You will later enjoy a “Fish Therapy” as they playfully nibble your feet at the “fish spa”. After that, proceed to Galle, situated on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town. Visit the well-known Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. In 1640, the Dutch moved in and began fortifying the town by constructing an 89-acre (36-hectare) fort on the town’s promontory, surrounded on three sides by the Bay of Galle. The Dutch also developed what was then an innovative tide-based sewage-system within the Fort. A maze of narrow roads lined with small houses and shops with Dutch names still remain. Explore the Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints Church, Amangalla Hotel (formerly the New Oriental Hotel), Lighthouse and Bell Tower.

Day 7: Bentota – Colombo (Breakfast, Dinner)

Bid farewell to Bentota and make your way back to the bustling city of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. Visit the Independence Square, Old Parliament and Gangaramaya Temple. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Thereafter, enjoy a Shopping Tour at popular shops in Colombo. For nightlife lovers, Colombo has a lively and extravagant nightlife. You can visit the entertaining casinos, the swanky night clubs or the fantastic bars.

Day 8: Colombo – Kelaniya – Colombo (Breakfast)

End your tour with a visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, also known as Kelaniya Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya. It is a site made hallowed by visits of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for its image of the reclining Gautama Buddha and paintings which depict important events in the life of the Buddha. If time permits, do a last-minute shopping in Colombo. The city tour will only be possible if your onward departure flight is towards the latter part of the day or towards the night.