This tour will give you an in-depth analysis of the culture, history, and ancient days of Sri Lanka with a combination of golden beaches, untouched nature, and wildlife.
Day 01 – Arrival/Negombo (01 Night) –
Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, travel to a convenient accommodation closer to the International Airport. Relax and rejuvenate yourself for the adventure awaiting you.
Day 02 & 03 – Anuradhapura (02 Nights) –
After relaxing on the first day, you will be traveling towards Anuradhapura, which is the first capital of Sri Lanka located in the north-central province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka which was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Due to its history of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, UNESCO named it as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982.
A later in the day a visit to the Mihintale, which is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site, which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka would be a great site to visit at Sunset.
Day 04 & 05 – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa (02 Nights) –
King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) built his palace on the top of Sigiriya rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes, paints. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock, he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure as the Loins Rock.
On your 05th day, you will be visiting the second most ancient capital kingdoms of Sri Lanka, which is known as Polonnaruwa. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site which offers hours of endless pleasure for culture, nature, and history lovers, as there are various sights of significance. Most of the ruins standing tall today are built during the reign of King Parakrama Bahu I. The period of his rule is known as a golden age where the kingdom thrived and prospered. The mammoth tank named Parakrama Samudra after its
patron. The king’s Royal Palace, the Audience Hall encircled by beautifully carved stone elephants and the Bathing Pool reflect the superior engineering methods during the magical era.
Day 06 & 07 – Kandy(02 Nights) –
The journey to the hill capital would be interesting with a visit to the Aluvihare Temple in Matale District, The history is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C. It is believed that King Devanampiyatissa built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling, and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his reign. Aluvihare Rock Temple was the historic location where the Pali Canon was first written down completely in the text on Ola leaves(Palm). Many monastery caves, some of which exhibit frescoes are situated near the temple.
Another unique attraction is the Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple, the famous Matale Hindu Temple. And the Hindus believe Muthumariamman is the goddess of the rain. In the Tamil language, they say “Muthu” to pearls, “Mari” to rain, and “Amman” to the goddess. Furthermore, Hindu people worship this goddess for prosperity. Hinduism came to Sri Lanka from India. Matale Hindu Temple was built in 1874. Previously the land was a paddy field. After that, the owner donated this land to build the temple in 1852.
The 07th day will start off with Gadaladeniya Viharaya, a temple built exclusively by stone. Settled on a rock cliff, the temple exhibits a combination of Dravidian and Sinhalese architecture styles and offers a panoramic view of the countryside.
Then enjoy a drive through paddy fields and reach the second temple, Lankathilaka, considered as the most magnificent architectural monument to be built during the Gampola era. A Hindu shrine, Embekke is renowned for its carved wooden pillars and its high-pitched roof. Embekke consists of three sections, the ‘Sanctum of Garagha’, the ‘Dancing Hall’ and the ‘Drummers’ Hall’.
In the evening, you will be visiting the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. The Sacred relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala & Prince Dantha from the city of Kalinga in ancient India, during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna (Kithsirimevan 301 -328). It was preciously guarded in a special shrine built within the royal palace, wherever the capital was located. While in Kandy the last Kingdom the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic continues to be the greatest shrine to receive the utmost veneration of the Buddhist world.
Day 08 – Nuwara Eliya(01 Night) –
Nuwara Eliya dates back to the early-19th century when the British colonial administrator John Davy discovered this verdant bowl-shaped valley which is overlooked by the rugged, jagged peak of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain(Mount Pidurutalagala).
This history is obvious from the moment you arrive in Nuwara Eliya – which is fondly termed ‘Little England’ by many Sri Lankans. Quite apart from the cool climate, the town itself is full of relics from the British
colonial period, including country clubs, colonial hotels, a golf course, and even a racecourse.
On your way from Kandy, en route, you can visit Ramboda Falls,109 meters high, and the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated at Ramboda Pass.
Then take a walk through the escalading tea estates and visit one of the tea factories’s in the region to observe the process of tea production.
In the afternoon, stroll down the city of Nuwara Eliya and explore Gregory’s Lake and the vibrant streets and the colonial period buildings.
Day 09 – Ella(01 Night) –
Take one of the astonishing train journeys in the world from Nanu Oya(Nuwara Eliya) to Ella. This train ride takes you through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views. Ella draws travelers to Sri Lanka’s highlands with its mountain forests, tea plantations, and relatively cool climate. This tiny town is also home to caves, temples, the Ella Gap/Rock, and the Little Adams Peak. Especially laying eyes on the mystical Nine Arch Bridge for the first time would make the time standstill.
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Day 10 – Udawalawe(01 Night) –
In between the drive to Udawalawe you can see Ravana Falls. This waterfall measures approx. 25m, in height and cascades from an oval-shaped rock outcrop. During the rainy season, the waterfall turns into what is said to be giving the impression of an areca flower. But this is not the situation in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically.
Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in the numbers of elephants roaming the park and it has no seasonal variation in herds of elephants. The best hours to visit the parking area in the mornings and evenings. Late evenings afford the photographic opportunities in the backdrop of amazing sunsets.
A visit to the Elephant Transit Home(Eth Athuru Sevana) during the feeding times would be a wonderful site to see many baby elephants(calves). The Elephant Transit Home is Asia’s first rehabilitation center for elephants. Established in 1995 by the Wild Life Conservation Department, the center is located on the border of the Udawalawe National Park and the reservoir as the other border.
Day 11 – Galle(01 Night) –
Enjoy a scenic route to the historic city of Galle. The old city of Galle, which is a UNESCO site is the perfect place to spent several hours wandering along the ramparts, narrow streets while exploring the 17th century Dutch Fort’s historic buildings and architecture, and a mesmerizing view of the sunset would add more colors to your holiday. Enjoy the last night of your holiday for a taste of one of Sri Lanka’s fabulous beaches.
Day 12 – Departure –
Travel towards the Bandaranayake International Airport, for your departure.
