Day 1: Airport / Dambulla / Habarana
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayaike, you will be warmly welcomed by your National Tourist Guide with the words “Ayubowan” which means may you attain a long life in the traditional language of the island, Ayubowan is the customary form of greeting in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, you will be escorted to your vehicle and proceed to drive to Habarana in the ‘Cultural Triangle’.
En route, you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (135km / approx. 2.5 hrs).
Dambulla Cave Temple, which is famous for its rock paintings and is among the best-preserved monastic temple cave complexes in Sri Lanka. Dambulla’s origins as a place of worship dates back to the reign of King Valagamba in the 1st century BC, who took refuge in these caves when driven out of Anuradhapura by Chola invaders. Once he regained the throne, the king had the interior of the caves transformed into magnificent rock temples. More paintings and statues were added over time by later kings.
Continue your drive to Habarana (25km / approx. 30 mins).
Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure after a long flight.
Accommodation- Cinnamon Lodge Habarana (Superior Room) or similar
https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamonlodgehabarana
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 2: Habarana / Polonnaruwa / Minneriya, Kaudulla Or Hurulu / Habarana
After breakfast, head out on a tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (50km / approx. 45 mins).
Polonnaruwa took its place in history after King Vijayabahu I defeated the invading Cholas and moved the capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa. It is renowned for its well-preserved 12th century ruins and impressive stone culture. Exploring Polonnaruwa, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage site, one can see Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Proceed for lunch at a restaurant enroute to Kaudulla or Minneriya.
After lunch, you will venture on safari jeep with your naturalist guide to either Kaudulla, Minneriya National Parks or Hurulu Eco Park (which park both located nearby will depend on where the most elephants have gathered during the time of travel which your safari driver and naturalist will be aware of), (35km / approx. 45 mins).
*Note that during the months of May till October, the game drive will be at either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. Whereas, during the months of November till April, the game drive will be at either Minneriya National Park or Hurulu Eco Park. Situated close to Habarana is the Hurulu Forest Reserve. During the wet season, the elephant herds disperse from Minneriya and Kaudulla, moving towards the nearby Hurulu Forest Reserve and are scattered amongst the tall grasses and scrub jungle vegetation. A variety of birds found in the dry-zone including Indian Roller, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Indian Peafowl, Blue-tailed and Green Bee-eaters along with raptors such as Changeable Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra may also be seen.
These ancient lakes build by King Mahasen over 2500 years ago to provide irrigation for the whole region have now been converted to national parks. During the dry season, as the waters are released for cultivation, the receding shores along the lake sprout fresh green grass. This grass attracts herds of wild elephants from all around the region to these shores. Numbers of elephants ranging from 100-400 individuals occur every year. This is the best setting to get up close to these large herds which consists of females and their young calves and the perfect opportunity for some great animal behavior photography, portraits as well as landscapes. There will also be the attraction of large bulls in musth and might include a few large tuskers as well.
The Gathering of Elephants’, which is ranked among the world’s top wildlife viewing spectacles runs from June – October each year. Each afternoon, around 150 - 200 individual elephants come out of the forest in to the open to graze on the fresh green pasture by the water’s edge at Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. You have excellent opportunities here to observe the social dynamics of the Asian Elephant as the large bulls in musth compete among each other and seek the females within the herd, while young calves with carefree abandon get up to their mischievous antics often to the displeasure of its alert mothers within the herd. Water birds such as Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked Stork along with raptors such as White-bellied Sea Eagles and Grey-headed Fishing Eagles are abundant around these large man-made lakes.
Besides the elephants you will encounter bird species such as Openbilled Storks, Painted Storks, Black Headed Ibis, White Bellied Fish Eagle, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Brown Fish Owl to name a few. Golden Backed Jackal are also seen on these shores.
As the sun sets, exit the park by 1800 hrs and head to your lodge for the night.
Accommodation- Cinnamon Lodge Habarana (Superior Room) or Similar
https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamonlodgehabarana
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 3: Habarana / Sigiriya / Matale / Kandy
Today you will journey towards the central highlands, Kandy. Check-out from your hotel with a packed breakfast and make an early morning start with a packed breakfast to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (25km / approx. 45 mins).
Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation. Top of this rock contains ruins of an ancient palace complex, built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477AD – 495 AD) and surrounding rock is the Royal Garden. Ruins of various chambers, stairways and pools can be seen at the top of this rock. There is a stone stairway leading from the base to the top of the mountain. About half way to the top, there is a giant pair of lions paws which is in fact are the remains of a huge head of a lion whose open mouth served as the entrance to the royal palace. Surrounding the palace complex are the ruins of a garden complex consisting of two moats and various pools, some with water fountains still functioning after 1500 years.
Afterwards, continue your drive and make a stop visit to a spice garden in Matale (60km / approx. 1.5 hrs).
Sri Lanka has been famous for centuries for its trade in spices and spice gardens. A visit to one of these herb and spice gardens provides a visitor with a firsthand experience on how these amazing treasures are grown and prepared. Some of the herbs and spices grown can include Sandalwood, Margosa, Cocoa, Citronella, Almond, Jasmine and Coconut and spices such as cloves, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron are grown in these gardens.
Afterwards, make a stop for lunch at a restaurant en route before arriving in Kandy (45km / approx. 1 hr).
Known as the “Cultural Capital” of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO world heritage site, Kandy was established in the years 135AD by King Wickramabahu and was named Senkadagalapura at the time. In 1592 Kandy became the official Capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom as the coastal areas were conquered by the Portuguese invaders. The hill capital remained a stronghold despite constant invasions by the Portuguese and the Dutch during the 16th , 17th and 18th century and also by the British (most notably in 1803) which were repelled thanks to the hilly landscapes, and guerilla tactics of the Sinhalese forces. The last ruling dynasty of Kandy was the ‘Nayaks’ of Kandy while the Kingdom preserved its independence until it finally fell to the British in 1815, mainly due to the lack of support of the noble families. The British deposed the last king, Sri Wikrama Rajasingha, and all claimants to the throne, thus ending the last traditional monarchy of Sri Lanka.
Reaching Kandy, pay a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
This sacred temple was built in the 16th century AD and is located adjacent to the Royal Palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy and overlooks the expanses of the Kandy lake. Referred locally as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most revered site in the country. This temple complex houses the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, and with strong political sway to who holds possession of the tooth, as it was believed that the possessor of this sacred relic had the right to rule the country.
Afterwards, witness a traditional dance show.
The best way to experience the music and dance culture of Sri Lanka, especially the Kandyan traditions is to witness a cultural dance show in Kandy which provides an insight into the array of dances and playing of drums linked to Sri Lanka’s ancient traditions with the participants dressed in their decorative costumes. Each costume, dance and act signified a story, and the performances will take one on a visual and sensual journey through time and space. Performances such as fire walking and fire breathing as well as Kandyan drumming and devil dancing will be showcased in this show.
Accommodation – Cinnamon Citadel Kandy (Superior Room) or similar
https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamoncitadelkandy
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 4: Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, check out from your stay by and proceed on a city tour of Kandy before heading to Nuwara Eliya.
Visit the Peradeniya University campus and catch a panoramic view of the picturesque town from Upper Lake Drive (10km / approx. 25 mins).
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is the largest of Sri Lanka’s botanical gardens with over 4,000 different species of plants and is regarded among the finest in Asia. The origins of the Botanical Gardens date to 1371 when King Wikramabahu III took to the throne and kept his court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli, where the gardens were reserved exclusively for Kandyan Royalty. Some of the highlights when visiting these unique gardens would be the Orchid collection, walking through a stunning avenue of Royal Palm Trees as well as a giant Javan Fig Tree on the great lawn. Another key feature of the gardens is the large collection of medicinal plants and spices.
Afterwards, depart for Nuwara Eliya (85km / approx. 3 hrs).
Continue your drive and make a stop at a restaurant for lunch en route.
Situated in the central highlands of the island, Nuwara Eliya is also known as “Little England” due to the cold climate, endless gardens of flowers and strawberries along with vegetables, and colonial style buildings and holiday homes. The salubrious climes are a contrast from the humid heat in the lowlands. The breathtaking views of the valleys, and mountain ranges as well as the lush greenery make Nuwara Eliya on of the most visited places by local and foreign tourists alike. One of the picturesque attractions of the town is Lake Gregory, which is nestled at the bottom of a small hill. A leisurely walk around or boat ride in the lake are some of the popular activities at Lake Gregory. A leisurely stroll around the beautifully manicured gardens in Victoria Park is always a pleasure. The park comes alive with an abundance of blossoming flowers around the period of March to May, as well as August and September. You can also visit a Seetha Aman Hindu Kovil, as the majority of residents who work in the tea fields are Hindus of Indian descent who were brought in to work during the period of British rule.
Reaching Nuwara Eliya, a visit to the hill country will not be complete without a visit to a tea factory and estate. You can stroll through the beautifully manicured tea fields and thereafter head to the tea factory where the magic of converting raw leaves into black tea happens. An art developed during the British colonial period, some machines used date back over 100 years. The creation of black tea is an art form which has remained relatively unchanged for over a century.
Afterwards, check-in to your hotel.
Accommodation – Galway Heights (Deluxe Room) or similar
https://www.galwayheights.com/
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya / Little Adam’s Peak / Yala / Tissamaharama
After breakfast, you will check-out of your hotel and journey towards Tissamaharama via the outskirts of Ella and Yala (70km / approx. 2 hrs).
Close to Ella is a mountain peak which is named Little Adam’s Peak, which is 1141 metres above sea level. A hike up to the peak of the mountain entails an interesting trek through paddy fields, tea plantations, waterfalls and amazing views.
Continue your drive. En route, partake in an afternoon game drive at the Yala National Park (115km / approx. 2.5 hrs).
The Yala National Park is the country’s premier destination for wildlife viewing. Yala’s star attraction is undoubtedly the Leopard and Yala Block I is believed to have the highest concentration of these big cats in the world. However, Leopards are elusive by nature and we recommend a minimum of three to four game drives to have the best opportunities for good encounters. It is also one of the few places in the country where the endangered shaggy coated Sloth Bear can be seen. Asian Elephants are also encountered; lone bull elephants, a few iconic tuskers and small herds of females and calves maybe seen. Jackal, Sambar, Spotted Deer Buffalo, Wildboar and the Grey Langur are among the other larger mammals that may be seen.
During the dry season which spans from June – September, large concentrations of Mugger Crocodile can be seen in the dwindling waterholes.
Yala is also an excellent birding destination with close to 300 avian species recorded; Indian Peafowl and Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Painted Stork, Malabar-pied Hornbills, Chestnut, Green and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters are among the species seen regularly. The varied landscapes from lagoons, beaches to rocky outcrops immersed among the scrub jungle are also a treat to the eye as you search out the park's wildlife.
Continue the drive to your hotel in Tissamaharama (20km / approx. 30 mins).
Tissamaharama popularly dubbed as ‘Tissa’ was created in the 3rd century B.C and was the capital of the southern province of Ruhunu. The Tissa Wewa along with the Menik Wehera and the Yatala Vehera which was believed to be a monastery complex also originated from this time. Another iconic landmark is the Tissa Dagoba built by King Kavan Tissa is believed to enshrine a forehead bone of the Buddha, although this claim is to be proved. Today, the Tissa wewa is a popular bathing spot for locals, while boat rides are also offered where flocks of cormorants and other water birds can be seen. Close-by to Tissa is the larger Weerawila tank, where a greater diversity of birdlife, aquatic plants and other wildlife can be seen.
Upon arrival check-in to your hotel for dinner.
Accommodation- Chaarya Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room) or similar
https://www.chaaryaresorts.com/
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 6: Tissamaharama / Galle
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and head towards the southern coast of Galle (150km / approx. 2.5 hrs).
Upon arrival in Galle, make a stop at a restaurant for lunch.
Afterwards, take a guided stroll exploring this beautiful city’s maritime climate.
The once sleepy Galle Fort is now a vibrant and bustling area with a distinctively Mediterranean feel to it with excellent examples of colonial architecture and well-preserved fortifications.
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site by taking a leisurely stroll along the Ramparts with its panoramic views. You can explore its narrow streets and laneways bustling with jewelry shops, numerous cafes, restaurants and luxurious villas.
The Main Gate built by the British in the 19th century and the old gate which is inscribed with the Dutch East India Company’s coat of arms, the18th century-built Clock Tower, Meeran Jumma Mosque and the nearby Lighthouse, the Anglican All Saints Church and the Dutch-reformed Church are some of the key sites that you will visit.
For those who have more time to explore the region, then a visit to the National Maritime Architecture Museum is recommended, which was formerly a Dutch warehouse where ship’s provisions and valuable cargo were stored. The Galle National Museum which displays a collection of archaeological artefacts recovered from the south of the island is another site worth visiting.
Afterwards, check in to your hotel in Galle.
Accommodation- Radisson Blu Resort Galle (Deluxe Sea View Room) or similar
https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-galle
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 7: Galle / Balapitiya / Colombo / Waikkal
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and drive towards the west coast of Waikkal via Balapitiya and Colombo.
En route, enjoy an exciting boat safari on The Madu River located in Balapitiya, a small, picturesque coastal village with golden soft beaches (50km / approx. 1 hr).
The Madu Ganga boat ride which lasts between 1-2 hours, takes you through the estuary of the river which comprises of dense mangrove forests and 64 islands. A variety of birdlife can be seen along with troops of Toque Macaques and Bengal Water Monitors where fully grown specimens can get to over 6 feet in length. One of the islands has a Buddhist monastery which is decorated with some sculptures and artwork, the highlight being a 150-year-old book made of palm leaves. You can see the local villagers extract cinnamon oil from the trees. If traveling in the early evening, you may also see the prawn fishermen at work in their canoes lighting lanterns to attract the shellfish towards their traps.
Continue your drive via Colombo, the capital city and commercial hub of Sri Lanka at which you will be taken on a city tour (110km / approx. 2 hrs).
Colombo is gradually transforming into a busy metropolis. Located on the west coast of the island with a population in the city numbered at around 800,000 it is by far the biggest city in the country. Lined with an intriguing mix of classical 18th and 19th century buildings and architecture from the Colonial period, the city has undergone several restoration and renovation projects in these “heritage” structures which have been converted to trendy shopping complexes, arcades and restaurants.
An open and attractive city with a fascinating mix of 19th and 20th century colonial buildings, and more recent modern architecture. Some of the main sites covered during your guided city tour of the capital includes the Galle Face Green, Old Parliament, Gangaraamaya Temple, Beira Lake, Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square.
Continue your drive to your hotel Waikkal (50km / approx. 1 hr).
Upon arrival, check-in and rest awhile before dinner.
Accommodation- Suriya Resort (Deluxe Room) or similar
https://www.suriyaresorts.com/
Meal Plan- Half Board Basis
Day 8: Waikkal / Airport
Today after checking out, journey to the airport for your return flight home (25km / approx. 45 mins).
