Classic Sri Lanka

Rise early this morning for a visit to the Negombo fish market. Morning is the best time to visit the market – your leader will help you navigate the organized frenzy of vendors displaying delicacies like crab, lobsters, and squid. Say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Dambulla.

In the late afternoon, head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, a visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It’s a good workout to get to the top – your leader will share stories of the ancient civilization who once lived atop the rock as you climb, and the sight at the top makes it well worth it. In the evening, return to Dambulla.

Today you will head to Anuradhapura, the northern point of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’, which also contains Polonnaruwa to the east and Kandy to the south-west. This area is bursting with stunning temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. The city of Anuradhapura is one of the country’s most historically significant places and its first ancient capital. Take a step back in time as your leader guides you through the giant stupas of Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya, and ponder the rise and fall of ancient civilisations as you explore crumbling temples and ruins. Pay a visit to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple – home to a sacred bodhi tree planted in 236, believed to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Stop by the ancient temple of Isurumuniya and see its beautiful carvings that tell stories that are thousands of years old.

Picnic arrangement at the shores of Eth Pokuna. Return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.

In the morning, set off for Polonnaruwa, the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty, just 1.5 hours away. These ruins, generally in much better repair than those previously seen, are closely clustered, offering a captivating glimpse into the past. Cycling amid the 1000-year-old remains of Polonnaruwa is the ideal way to explore the area. As the day’s heat eases, you’ll visit more palaces, temples, and stupas. A highlight awaits with the massive stone Buddhas: 14-metre-high granite carvings of the reclining Buddha, representing the zenith of Sinhalese rock carving. Don’t miss the well-laid-out museum, featuring scale models of many buildings, offering a vivid portrayal of their historical context.

Optional – Enjoy a thrilling wildlife adventure safari tour in Minneriya National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the country’s most popular and significant national parks, known for its diverse wildlife, including large herds of elephants, as well as its picturesque landscape.

Return back to your hotel in Dambulla and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the magical cave complex as your leader explains why this World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years.

In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Continue on to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Perhaps take a peaceful stroll around the city’s centerpiece lake.

Encircled by verdant hill country and home to a picturesque lake, bustling market, old shops and some great restaurants, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most pleasant cities. It was at one time also home to Sri Lanka’s last king, who managing to resist European control long after the coastal areas had surrendered. This morning you’ll visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country’s most sacred relic: a tooth said to be the Buddha’s. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century. Visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its immense fig tree and impressive orchid collection. Considered among the finest botanical gardens in all of Asia, this is a great spot for the kids to run around in. Next up, witness the cultural show.

In the early evening, join a Local family to spoil your sweet tooth with a Kandyan sweet-filled Sri Lankan dinner and cooking class.

Depart from Kandy and step aboard a morning train bound for Nuwara Eliya. Tucked away amidst the lush tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya is perched at an elevation of 1800 meters, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka. Once favored by the Scots and English during the colonial era, the city today boasts remnants of its rich past, with sculpted gardens and elegant manor homes adorning its landscape. As evening descends, ascend to the sky-scraping Single Tree Temple and embark on a short, exhilarating 40-minute hike, treating yourself to breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and sprawling tea fields.

Make a morning visit to the Pedro Tea Estate. Built in 1885, this fascinating factory still features some original pieces of machinery. You’ll have a new appreciation for your humble morning brew after learning about the production process and discovering how the finest tea leaves are transformed into Ceylon black tea. If touring the factory inspires a thirst, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the final product yourself. Thereafter, make your way to the sacred town of Yala. On the way there, make a stop at a beautiful small town in the highlands, Ella.

In the morning, head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve. Here you’ll board a 4×4 and embark on a safari through open grasslands, lush forest and tranquil lagoons. Your guide will carefully listen out for the rustling of concealed animals that would go unnoticed by those not in the know. There’s a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties. Thereafter proceed to hotel and relax.

Evening visit Katharagama Dewalaya. The sacred city of Kataragama connected with the Yala National Park and is regarded as one of the best places to go in Yala. This holy town is a gripping blend of solemnity and convoy, piousness, and sacred lush. Kataragama is one of the most significant pilgrimages in Sri Lanka. A religious city is a holy place for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and the Vedas. Once there, you can easily breathe the magical incense in the air. The months of July and August celebrates a huge round of pilgrims paying tribute.

Make your way to the Colombo. As the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo holds the lifeblood of our island amidst a bustling array of cultural, shopping, and dining experiences.At the heart of the city is the picturesque Beira Lake, which hosts the Seema Malaka and adjacent Gangaramaya Temples against the backdrop of Colombo’s rising futuristic skyline. A step back in time however, is best taken at the National Museum – a refurbished mansion of a colonial governor, which sits close to the lush Viharamahadevi Park as well as the historic Independence Square.

After breakfast you will be travelling back home today. Pack your bags and check-out of the hotel and one of our representatives will take you to the Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your flight. We will say our goodbyes and part, until we meet again!