Explore Sri Lanka – Heritage, Wildlife & Beaches

12 Days / 11 Nights

About Explore Sri Lanka – Heritage, Wildlife & Beaches

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Colombo – Negombo City Tour

Upon your arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, our representative will welcome you and assist in getting transferred to Negombo. The town is a primary location for fishing and you can witness a fishing auction in progress. Also visit the Dutch Fort and Catholic Church. Return to hotel for dinner.

Overnight stay at Negombo.

Day 02Negombo – Anuradhapura

This morning you can start your drive to Anuradhapura. En-route, visit he Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where more than 90 orphaned elephants are maintained. After spending some time watching the elephants, resume your drive to Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura, the erstwhile capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom was the major power centre for many centuries. The town is now left with the remnants of the ancient reigns in the form of ruined monasteries and magnificent buildings. The entire town is recognized as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Buddhism has been the most prominently followed religion in Sri Lanka since many centuries and we can see the evidences in the form of huge dagobas and monasteries dotted across the town. The time has frozen in the damaged structures taking you back several centuries. Archaeologists and historians love to visit Anuradhapura again and again as they learn something new every time coming here.

Overnight stay at Anuradhapura.

Day 03Anuradhapura – Dambulla

Post breakfast get transferred to Dambulla, popular among the global travellers for the cave temples. The Dambulla Rock Temple, built around 1000 years ago, is still prominent among the travellers and historians as a wonder to explore. The cave temples housing more than 150 Buddha statues and fresco paintings depicting the various characters from the different epics of varied religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Return to hotel after relishing each of the ancient artwork.

Overnight stay at Dambulla.

Day 04Dambulla – Sigiriya - Dambulla

Start from Dambulla and reach the World Heritage Site Sigiriya, housing the Lion Rock. Climb through a spiral stairway and upon reaching the rock, the world renowned frescos await you.

Later in the evening, visit the Minneriya National Park. The wet lands accommodate plenty of animals like elephants, amphibians and fish species are found here. Do a jeep safari to catch the beauty of this park before returning to hotel.

Overnight stay at Dambulla.

Day 05Dambulla – Polonnaruwa

Start your drive this morning to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom. The city is dotted with ruined palaces and centres of worship, built during the 11th and 12th centuries. The Royal Palace, Shiva Temple, Lankatilaka are the most prominent locations to visit. The entire region is recognised as a World Heritage Site owing to its antique buildings with the grandeur and immensely beautiful architecture.

Overnight stay at Ella.

Day 06Polonnaruwa – Kandy

Day 07Kandy City Tour

This day is for exploring the ancient city Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom. The city still has most of the ancient practices of culture, civilizations and art forms, an awesome fact to explore and enjoy. Kandy Lake, arts and crafts centre, gem factory are the most interesting tourist locations. Later in the evening, visit the ancient temple of Buddha’s tooth relic and enjoy the traditional cultural dance show before returning to hotel.

Overnight stay at Kandy.

Day 08Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Post breakfast, start your drive to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, visit Ramboda Falls and Tea Plantations. After reaching Nuwara Eliya, check into the hotel and relax for some time. The later part of the day is for doing a city tour of Nuwara Eliya. Popularly known as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s most sought after hill resort and also the most important tea producer contributing to more than 50% of the country’s export. Enjoy the nature’s abundant beauty in the form of tea plantations and the finest climate embracing the hilly region.

Overnight stay at Kandy.

Day 09Nuwara Eliya – Bentota

Day 10Bentota – Galle – Bentota

This morning, start your drive to Galle, which was once a premier trading port of Sri Lanka. The town is known among the global travellers for the ebony elephants, tortoise shell curios and handmade lace and most importantly the Dutch fort. The architecture of the Dutch fort is so splendid and grand, such that it has been listed under the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Return to Bentota and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city and enjoy at the sea shore.

Overnight stay at Bentota.

Day 11Bentota – Colombo

Post breakfast, start your drive to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. After relaxing for some time at the hotel, start for a city tour of Colombo. The fort and Petta (Bazaar areas) are more impressive and you can get surprised to know that Colombo is one of the rapidly developing and modernized cities attracting global travellers round the year. The locations kindling your interest are aplenty such as shopping malls, temples and dagobas, with the right blend of the ancient culture and modern lifestyles. The night life of Colombo is yet another interesting one to cherish.

Overnight stay at Colombo.

Day 12Departure From Colombo

FAQs on Explore Sri Lanka – Heritage, Wildlife & Beaches

Does this tour visit Sri Lanka's famous beaches?

Yes, it mentions Bentota, one of the prime beach destinations in Sri Lanka, where you may spend time surfing and merely enjoying the sea; besides this, it's a visit to the historic town of Galle.

What wildlife am I likely to see on this tour?

The tour includes a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, especially known for elephants, amphibians, and bird species. Other itineraries include Yala National Park, where one can see leopards, boars, and migratory birds.

Does this tour package include meals?

Breakfast is usually served in hotel rooms; however other meals such as lunch and dinner may vary. Meals can be confirmed at the time of booking.

What visits Nuwara Eliya special?

Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England," is fabled for its lush tea plantations, buildings of the colonial era, its comparatively cool climate, and stunning waterfalls, like Ramboda Falls.

Yes, it mentions Bentota, one of the prime beach destinations in Sri Lanka, where you may spend time surfing and merely enjoying the sea; besides this, it's a visit to the historic town of Galle.