The Enchanting Sri Lanka Tour is appropriately named as the itinerary for the tour is in the context of the very spirit of the word enchanting in the sense that the tour covers the most enchanting places in Sri Lanka such as the historical treasures of Sri Lanka’s first city Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy and many other historical attractions that would be witnessed within the 11 day tour depicting Sri Lanka’s culture and tradition which existed in excess of 2500 years. Apart from the archaeological treasures and artifacts that are found in the ancient cities, this tour encompasses everything Sri Lanka has to offer in terms of culture, wildlife, beach, plantations as the visits are scheduled to the Yala National Park, wildlife sanctuary, drive through lush tea plantations and finally arrive on the sun baked beaches in the South of Sri Lanka. At the end of this tour, we have no doubt that you would appreciate all what you have seen and witnessed what you expected to see and witness when you engaged in this tour which portrayed the wonders of a society and nature with a distinct human affinity in tiny Sri Lanka.
Day 1 Colombo
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, our chauffeur guide will meet you and take you to a hotel in Colombo o spend your first night. Late afternoon undertake a city tour of Colombo.
Day 2 Anuradhapura
Proceed to Anuradhpaura Sri Lanka’s ancient capital in the northern part of Sri Lanka which is the first link in the cultural triangle. Explore the archanelogical ruins of this one time magnificent city such as giant stupas. The sacred bo tree which is one of the oldest documented trees, the Ruwanweliseya, Abhayagiriya, Jethawanaya, the twin pond and many other historical artifacts which are bound and knotted to the history of Sri Lanka.
In the evening visit the sacred Temple of Mihintale – the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Day 3 Habarana
After breakfast, head to Polonnaruwa. Discover blended Buddhist and Hindu archaeological monuments which are still pristine. Journey through well preserved temples, stupas, step wells, tombs including Gal Vihara, the rock temple; the glorious Parackrama Samudraya reservoir constructed by King Parakrama Bahu for the development and sustenance of the agricultural sector image gallery of Lankathilake; Kings’ Royal Palace and many other archaeological ruins in this one time second city of Sri Lanka in ancient times.
Evening wildlife jeep safari to Minneriya in the afternoon, where you can spot herds of elephants dominating Minneriya reservoir, water buffaloes, crocodiles, wetland bird species and many other fauna.
Overnight stay at Habarana
Day 4 Kandy
Proceed to Kandy on the route visit the magnificent palace of Sigiriya – the Lion rock, inspired by its original name of ‘Sinhagiri’. This fortress is nearly 200 meters. Stand in awe with beautiful gardens, ruins of palaces, frescoes over impressive paintings of celestial nymphs, moats and the Lion Gate. Once you reach the top, enjoy the vistas over the misty forests and that is absolutely stunning.
On route to Kandy you will visit the magical rock cave temple complex at Dambulla with statues and murals dating back to the third century BC. Witness the paintings that adorn the space overhead and walls of the cave and it proves that the Sinhalese rich artistic tradition were at its best centuries ago.
Arrive in Kandy, check-into the hotel and spend overnight leisurely.
Overnight Kandy
Day 5 Kandy
City tour of Kandy and explore the second largest city in Sri Lanka. Visit Royal botanical garden in Peradeniya which showcase hundreds of delicate orchids from all over the world; travel around the iconic Kandy Lake and step into the bustling market.
In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, most popular landmark of the city, which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Witness a cultural dance show which displays of traditional drumming, masked Kandyan dancing and mesmerizing fire twirling.
Day 6 Nuwara Eliya
Journey to the hill country, Nuwara Eliya passing lush green fields and beautifuly cascading waterfalls. The city is overlooked by the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka which is Pidurutalagala. Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory in the city which is quite remarkable to see how much tea these factories produce and how they distribute their products to the worldwide markets.
Afterwards, discover the interesting mix of Sri Lankan and British architecture with a city tour also visiting Gregory Lake.
Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya
Day 7 Yala
Prior to proceeding to Yala, you will visit Horton Plain where the world is supposed to end supposedly ends! Horton plains national park is one of the best places for nature lovers and you can reach there with pleasant treks and hike which are not particularly challenging. This plateau is bio diverse and many endemic species of flora and fauna can be found here, while most commonly seen mammal at present is the sambar deer. The Hortpm plains gives spectacular views out over the surrounding valley and mountains and Baker’s fall, a brilliant cascade. Thereafter head out of Nuwara Eliya to Yala passing a small laid-back town which is none other than Ella.
Day 8 Beruwala
Venture into Yala National Park for a morning safari. Sunrise hours are the best time for optimal wildlife spotting and allows you golden opportunities to capture some incredible shots of Sri Lanka’s famous wildlife. Yala is home to leopards, elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, monkeys and variety of bird species.
Afternoon, leave Yala and move to Beruwala, one of the attractive beaches in Southern Sri Lanka. In passage, stop at the Dutch colonial town to explore Galle fort which has earned the tag of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its lovely churches, mosque and lighthouse!
Overnight stay at Beruwela
Day 9 Beruwala
Spend time relaxing on the beach. Evening visit a sea turtle hatchery, a nice and unusual place where you can touch and hold sea turtles. The baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 years old.
Day 10 Colombo
Proceed to Colombo, the commercial city of the island. On the way, go on a boat ride in Madu the river a stunning setting with pristine mangrove forests and many islands within. Glide through passing lined shady mangroves, glimpse into the lives of local folk and witness how they engage in cinnamon cultivation and make a spiritual stop at the magnificent temple located on an island.
In evening, undertake a city tour of Colombo
Day 11 Airport
Your holiday in this island paradise draws to a close and you will be transferred to the Airport for a safe departure back home.
