Its rolling hills carpeted by tea plantations and its coast lapped by the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka reveals its beauty on this quintessential journey across the island.
An uptempo introduction to Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation
Explore Colombo today. You can choose to discover the city through a guided walk that will reveal Colombo’s landmark buildings and significant architecture, mingled with fascinating tales of its past, and take you to the bustling Pettah market. Or explore the city’s street food scene with a guided food tour that will introduce you to some of Sri Lanka’s best-known local snacks.
After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya, stopping en route to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex. The caves at Dambulla contain the most outstanding collection of Buddha images in Sri Lanka. These images of Lord Buddha are of his different reincarnations as well as depicting some historic episodes; it is often an unexpected highlight for visitors during a tour of Sri Lanka. Continue to Sigiriya and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Visit and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress. With its renowned frescoes and rock inscriptions, it is considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The gardens of Sigiriya city are one of the most important aspects of the site because they are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. Take your time to climb the 1,200 steps up and down the rock. Afterwards, you may choose to visit Minneriya National Park (direct payment), and take a jeep safari to see wild elephants circle the Minneriya Tank, or you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Drive to Kandy, with a stop along the way at an organic farm where coffee, coconut and pepper grow. Enjoy a guided farm walk and organic lunch before continuing to Kandy.
This morning you may choose to learn the secrets of Sri Lankan recipes with a hands- on cooking class in a traditional kitchen. Alternatively, you can visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which covers around 150 acres, or stretch your legs with an Udawattakelle Forest Sanctuary walk. In the early evening visit the much-revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha.
Embark on a scenic train journey to the central highlands. Observe the picturesque Sri Lankan countryside from the window of the comfortable train, see the tea plantations and green hills from your window as you wind your way through the hills to the cooler climate of the highlands. Transfer to your tea plantation stay and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
A full day to experience the slower pace and daily workings on a tea plantation. Enjoy local activities offered at your accommodation which may include a plantation walk or tea factory visit and even enjoy high tea served on the lawn of your hotel. A change of pace and temperature from other days of your Sri Lankan tour.
Drive to Yala National Park, the second- largest national park in the country with one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Take an evening jeep safari into the park, which is also home to herds of elephants, deer, wild buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, crocodiles and peacocks.
Rise early for a pre-dawn jeep safari at Yala National Park. An early safari is the best time to spot game when they are most active in the morning light. The park at Yala is semi-arid, so there’s a better chance to see wildlife with less jungle hindering your view. The afternoon is yours at leisure.
Depart for Galle this morning. One of the best-preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia, Galle has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. Galle was a prominent seaport long before colonial rule in the country as Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. The ‘modern’ history of the city began with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1502.
Today you have free time to discover Galle. Galle Fort is a pleasant place to explore with its quiet streets, inviting cafes, boutiques and artisan workshops. Later in the afternoon, a gentle guided walk with a local character and guide will reveal some of the stories and points of interest in Galle – from the local snacks to kite flyers and key sights.
After breakfast, depart for your selected beach stay where your time is at your leisure. Unwind and enjoy Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline and sandy beaches over the next two days.
After breakfast, depart for your selected beach stay where your time is at your leisure. Unwind and enjoy Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline and sandy beaches over the next two days.
You will be collected today from your beach stay and transferred to Colombo for your international departure.
Amazing trip! We absolutely loved it. Sri Lanka is now a country we would definitely like to go back to and explore further.Thank you so much for all the work you did in putting the trip together for us. It was a great mix of places for us to get a good feel of the country. We will be encouraging all our friends to go to Sri Lanka.
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Additional inclusions may vary from private tour to private tour. A full list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each individual enquiry/quote. For a detailed quote on specific travel dates with full inclusions/exclusions please enquire at mail@srillankaunbound.com.au