Best of Sri Lanka
Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible.
The Undiscovered Country
You might say Sri Lanka has been hiding in plain sight. Scores of travellers have passed overhead on their way to someplace else, but years of uncertainty kept Sri Lanka off many itineraries. Now, however, all that has changed. The country is moving forward quickly as more and more people discover its myriad charms. Lying between the more trodden parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka's history, culture and natural beauty are undeniably alluring. It's the place you haven't been to yet, that you should.
So Much in So Little
Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. More recent are evocative colonial fortresses, from Galle to Trincomalee. Across the island, that thing that goes bump in the night might be an elephant heading to a favourite waterhole. Safari tours of Sri Lanka’s pleasantly relaxed national parks encounter leopards, water buffaloes, all manner of birds and a passel of primates.
It’s So Easy
Distances are short: see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living human-planted tree in the morning (Anuradhapura) and stand awestruck by the sight of hundreds of elephants gathering in the afternoon (Minneriya). Discover a favourite beach, meditate in a 2000-year-old temple, exchange smiles while strolling a mellow village, marvel at birds and wildflowers, try to keep count of the little dishes that come with your rice and curry. Wander past colonial gems in Colombo, then hit some epic surf.
Rainforests & Beaches
When you’re ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, head for the hills, with their temperate, achingly green charms. Verdant tea plantations and rainforested peaks beckon walkers, trekkers and those who just want to see them from a spectacular train ride. And then there are the beaches. Dazzlingly white and often untrodden, they ring the island so that no matter where you go, you’ll be near a sandy gem. Should you beat the inevitable languor, you can surf and dive world-class sites without world-class crowds. And you're always just a short hop from something utterly new.
Sri Lanka is spectacular, affordable and still often uncrowded. Now is the best time to discover it.
Photos
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival Colombo / City tour
Upon arrival at Colombo airport, meet & greet by our representative
Transfer from Colombo Airport to hotel
Although it's unlikely it will reclaim its 19th-century moniker 'the garden city of the East', Colombo has nevertheless emerged as a must-see stop in Sri Lanka. No longer just the sprawling city you have to endure on your way to the beaches, it has become a worthy destination in its own right and makes an excellent start or finish to your Sri Lankan adventures
After some rest, commence city tour of Colombo
A drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square
Dinner & overnight at Colombo - Day 2
Colombo - Pinnawala - Sigiriya
After breakfast, transfer from to Sigiriya [180 kms. - 6 hours drive]
Enroute visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist attractions. The orphanage's population has now mushroomed to around 65, making it the worlds largest collection of captive elephants. The elephants here range in age from newborns to elderly matriarchs, and include orphaned and abandoned elephants, as well as those injured in the wild
Transfer from Pinnawala to Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a World Heritage Site and the 5th Century Fortress in the Sky which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour
On arrival check in at Hotel
Rest of day at leisure
Dinner & overnight at Sigiriya - Day 3
Sigiriya / Visit Dambulla & Anuradhapura
After breakfast, depart for visit to Dambulla & Anuradhapura
Dambulla's famed rock cave temple is an iconic Sri Lankan image you'll be familiar with its spectacular Buddha-filled interior long before you arrive in town. Despite its slightly commercial air, this remains an important holy place and should not be missed
Later transfer to Anuradhapura
The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia's most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura's thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Today, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; frequent ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that's a sharp contrast to the museum-like ambience at Polonnaruwa
Transfer back to Sigiriya
Dinner & overnight at Sigiriya - Day 4
Sigiriyato Kandy / Local sightseeing
After breakfast, transfer to Kandy [90 kms. - 3 hours drive]
Kandy the hill capital is another World Heritage Sites. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement
Later visit Lake side & Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha
Evening witness cultural dance
Dinner & overnight at Kandy - Day 5
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, transfer to Nuwara Eliya [75 kms. - 3 hours drive] or travel by a scenic train ride
Nuwara Eliya meaning the city of dawn is the town at the highest elevation (about 2000mabove sea level) in Sri Lanka and its tallest peak, Piduruthalagala (2555m) could be seen from here. The city established by the British in the nineteenth century, and known as Little England and is a popular holiday resort for Sri Lankans & tourists due to its cool climate and quaint colonial feel with its little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of the tea country and you can visit a plantation and a factory en route here and witness how the famous Ceylon Tea is brewed
On arrival check in at hotel
Rest of day at leisure to explore Nuwara Eliya
Dinner & overnight at Nuwara Eliya - Day 6
Nuwara Eliya / City Tour
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya
Sita Amman Kovil Temple
According to the Indian Epic Ramayanaya and the legends, the area where Sita, Queen of King Rama of Ayodhya in India, who was abducted by Ravana the King of Sri Lanka, was kept in hiding and the area she roamed is in the hill country of Sri Lanka.
In Nuwara Eliya is the "Sita Amman Kovil" - a quaint little Kovil, with the statues of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana and Sugriva.
This is supposed to be the only Kovil in the entire World dedicated to Sita. The stream by the side of the Temple is a famous spot where she went for bathing.
Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake was build under the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. This is the most prominent attraction in Nuwara Eliya and all the vistors used to come here and spent some time by the lake and relax. This was used as a place for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British time.
Victoria Park
The Queen Victroia Park is located by the Nuwara Eliya City center and one of the must visit attraction. This park was name to commemorate the 60th Jubilee Coronation of Queen Victoria in the year 1897. The park covers 27 acres of land.
Dinner & overnight at Nuwara Eliya - Day 7
Nuwara Eliya to Yala
After breakfast, transfer to Yala [180 kms. - 6 hours drive]
Yala (Ruhuna) National Park- the Ruhunu National Park covers 126,786 hectares Including the Strict Natural Reserve (Block II). The most familiar is Block I (14,101 hectares) and this block was established in 1938. Yala is famous for its big herds and large number of Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, and many other animals. More than 130 bird species are recorded which includes the resident and winter visitors. There are 7 Bungalows inside the Park with few Camp Sites
Rest of day at leisure
Dinner & overnight at Yala - Day 8
Yala / Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari at Yala National Park
There are options of half-day safaris spanning about 4 hours & full day safaris spanning about 10 hours.
Jeep Safaris
Situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was designated a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule.
Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks and crocodiles. The best time to visit Yala is between February and July when the water levels of the park are quite low, bringing animals into the open.
Yala is an ideal place to spot the “big four” of Sri Lankan wildlife, the elephants, the sloth bear, the illusive leopard and the wild buffalo, the unsung denizen of the park, if nothing else dangerous to the extreme. The roaming elephant herds can be easily seen during dry spells at the small scale reservoirs like Butuwe (derived from the word “WanaButewa”) and Mahaseelawa while Uraniya is best known for its aquatic avifauna, wild buffalo, mugger or mash crocodile & salt water crocodiles. The black sloth bear is more difficult to spot as it’s more of a solitary animal of nocturnal habits and sightings tend to be a seasonal occurrence
Breakfast, Dinner & overnight at Yala - Day 9
Yala to Galle
After breakfast, transfer to Galle [190 kms. - 6 hours drive]
Galle is a jewel. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums
On arrival check in at hotel
Rest of day at leisure to spend the day on the beach
Dinner & overnight at Galle - Day 10
Galle / Local sightseeing
After breakfast, transfer for City tour & cover local attractions
Galle City Tour
The South Coast’s major city is Galle, whose oldest landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort which is a “World Heritage Site” in which the central city is contained. But the city may be much older. Some scholars believe it to be the “Tarshish” of the Old Testament, to which King Solomon sent his merchant vessels, and to which Jonah fled from the Lord.
Today, the 90-acre Galle Fort shows no evidence of the Portuguese founders. The Dutch incorporated the Portuguese northern wall in a great rampart in 1663. A second, taller wall was built inside of it. Between the two walls, a covered passage connected the central bastion with the Fort’s two half bastions overlooking the sea.
Mirissa – Whale watching
Whale Watching Mirissa has been most popular attraction among the tourists who visit sri lanka.since the year 2009 and still we are operating whale watching tours based in mirissa harbour.
Mirissa is the closest point to where blue whales are inhabited because it has appropriate environmental conditions to live these giants. Last year it was reported five types of whales (Blue whale, Bryde's whale, Sperm whale, Killer whale & Pilot whale) & four kind of dolphins (Spinner dolphin, Bottle nose dolphin, Stripped dolphin, Risso's dolphin)
Later drive back to Galle
Dinner & overnight at Galle - Day 11
Galle to Colombo Airport Drop
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo airport for onward flight [120 kms. - 2 to 3 hours drive]
Notes
Round the Year Destination
Hotels
Tour Inclusions [Sri Lanka]
- 1 night Colombo
- 2 nights Sigiriya
- 1 night Kandy
- 2 nights Nuwara Eliya
- 2 nights Yala National Park
- 2 nights Galle
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Servives of English speaking Chauffer or Guide
- Sightseeing entry fees as per Itinerary
- Sri Lanka Visa
Notes on itinerary
All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.
Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.
Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.
Do feel free to get in touch with us by a quick call on +91 79 29602961 or a short mail on mail@destinations4india.com ... Looking forward
