Highlights of Sri Lanka

General information

DurationDestinationDeparture
10 days and 9 nights
Sri Lanka (Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Colombo)
Sri Lanka (Colombo)

Description

Being a comparatively small island, Sri Lanka is blessed with rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years.  The country has impressive ancient temples, ruins and other monuments that marvel travelers worldwide. Further the tropical isle has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites , with some dating back to as early as the 1st century BC.


Category

 
3 Star Hotel Package (Private Tour)
Bed & Breakfast 3 Stars
en
 
4 Star Hotels Package (Private Tour)
Bed & Breakfast 4 Stars
en
 
5 Star Hotels Package (Private Tour)
Bed & Breakfast 5 Stars
en
 

Program

Day 1:
Negombo
Arrive in Colombo International Airport.
Meet and greet by Ceylon Roots representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo
Evening at leisure
Overnight stay in Negombo

Day 2:
Negombo | Habarana
Recommended: At early morning (0600hrs – time when all fishing boats coming back to shore) visit Negombo Fishing Village and Fish Market (closed Sundays)
After having breakfast in hotel leave for the heart of the cultural triangle – Dambulla / Sigiriya
Proceed and check in at hotel
In late afternoon enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park to see Wild Elephants
“Minneriya, located in the backwoods of the North Central Province is home to the famous Minneriya National Park that shelters some of the greatest wildlife treasures of this paradise isle. The park, nourished by an ancient man-made tank provides shelter for troupes of toque monkeys, sambar deer as well as leopards, elephants and bird-flocks including little cormorants and painted storks to name a few. It is also renowned for the ‘Sixth Greatest Wildlife Spectacle of the World’ – the amazing phenomenon of the ‘Minneriya Elephant gathering’ that occurs annually during August – September. The best time to visit the park is during June – September as the low water levels of the tank exposes grass in the tank-bed, which attracts herds of grazing animals”
Return to hotel
Overnight stay in Dambulla / Sigiriya

Day 3:
Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa
After an early breakfast visit the ancient marvel of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Noteworthy: Best to avoid mid-day heat
“The marvelous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode. Rising over the dry plains of the Dambulla district, the tough climb up this flat-topped monadnock ends with the most scenic bird’s-eye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages below. The skeletal layout of the ancient city within the fortress marvels its observers with the grandeur and complexity of 5th century urban-planning of Sri Lanka. On the way to the top one can observe the famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. The smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors, inspired by the vibrant frescoes”
Thereafter leave Polonnaruwa to witness the ruins of Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital

“Polonnaruwa enthralls its visitors with a timeless reflection of the country’s glorious history. The quaint landscapes studded with sites of archaeological importance are all well-preserved and lie on the east shore of the ancient man-made lake - Parakrama Samudraya (literal translation – sea of Parakrama). Peddling one’s way around the sites is the best way to observe and appreciate their antiquated glory as the sites are a little too overwhelming to explore just by foot”
Return to your hotel
Overnight stay in Dambulla / Sigiriya

Day 4:
Habarana | Kandy
After having breakfast in hotel leave for Kandy - the hill capital of Sri Lanka
En route pay a visit to Dambulla Cave Temples and a Spice Garden in Matale district

“Since time immemorial, this emerald isle has remained popular for its exotic spices, world over. To those who bear an interest in these rich elements that stirred the interests of many nations, the spice gardens located in Kandy, Matale and Mawanella offer wonderful opportunities to view these spices up-close. The gardens are not only delightful spots for a stroll midst the fragrant greenery but also offer interesting perspectives into the local spices, as the visitors are educated on the diverse variety of spices available in the country as well as on how they are grown and processed”

Proceed to Kandy

Check in at hotel and evening at leisure

Optional: Witness Kandy Cultural Dance Show at around 1700 hrs
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 5:
Kandy
After having breakfast in hotel leave visit Kandy City and explore local markets before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
“The prime landmark of the hill capital – the temple of the tooth relic is the pride of Buddhists in Sri Lanka and world-over. Located at the heart of the Kandy town, right before the green waters of the Nuwara wewa, the temple’s white washed walls with tops shaped like that of clouds surround the temple grounds”
In the evening enjoy a free walk in Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens
“Located in the hill capital of Sri Lanka, the botanical gardens of Peradeniya bear a rich history punctuated by colonialism and industrial change. Although its origins date back to the era of medieval kingdoms, it was officially awarded the status of a botanical garden during the British colonial period”
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 6:
Kandy | Nuwara Eliya
After having breakfast in hotel leave for Nuwara Eliya
En route pay a visit to tea plantation and a factory to see the manufacturing process
Upon your arrival do a sightseeing tour in Nuwara Eliya Town and free to walk around Lake Gregory
“Dubbed the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’, Nuwaraeliya is located in the thick, misty hills of this paradise isle, 180 km away from Colombo. The summer resort of Sri Lanka, it is one of the few areas where the colonial atmosphere is preserved, still resembling a British countryside complete with rose gardens, hedges and red-roofed bungalows. Although the town-center has receded from its old-world charm, the lush tea-plantations, the racecourse, the English country house–styled Hill Club and the beautifully kept golf course instantaneously rushes its visitors back to the colonial times”
Proceed and check in at hotel
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 7:
Nuwara Eliya | Yala National Park
After having breakfast in hotel leave for Yala via Ella

“Ella, which literally translates into ‘waterfall’ is a name fit for this little town located in a hilly nook, owing to its stunning vistas richly adorned with cascades that trickle down its rugged terrains. Located some 225km away from Colombo, Ella offers some of the most scenic sights available in Sri Lanka. It is perfect for those who enjoy nature and outdoors fun as it offers ample opportunities for trekking expeditions. The unparalleled beauty of the vistas in Ella includes the Ella gap where one can enjoy the sights of the grand stone bridge that stands tall, with nine archways”

Arrive and check in at hotel in Yala
Evening at leisure
Overnight stay in Yala / Tissamaharama

Day 8:
Yala National Park
Early morning drive to Yala National Park for a game drive (Packed breakfast will be provided from hotel)
“Yala – its magnificent sights of majestic elephant herds, fine-feathered peacocks, great black bears and agile leopards that steal away into the shadows of the thick foliage are unparalleled to any of the national parks in the country. Apart from the rare sightings of varied animal species, which includes herds of elephants and leopards, the visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach in the beautiful setting of unspoilt beaches, as the Southern park border lies along the South-eastern coastal line”
Return to hotel
Evening at leisure
Optional: Late afternoon drive to Bundala National Park for a game drive
“Located within the South eastern dry zones of this Paradise Isle, Bundala National Park is an amazing labyrinth of thorny scrubs, waterways, lagoons and golden sand dunes. A one-of-a-kind location where the land, sea and wetlands meet, Bundala is particularly popular among birders as it is a wintering site for migratory birds. The park is home to a diverse variety of wildlife including the spotted deer, the rare pangolin and playful grey langur monkeys. The picturesque lagoons of the park are alive with colour as the fine-feathered creatures fly inland to rest and feed. If you are lucky, you might be able to witness the rare sight of a mother turtle that has arrived ashore to lay eggs in the darkness of the night! The ideal time of the year to visit the Bundala Park in all its glory is during August – April”

Day 9:
Yala | Galle | Colombo
After having breakfast in hotel leave for Colombo along the Sri Lanka's southern coast visiting Galle – the one of the oldest cities in the country.

Visit Galle Dutch Fort and free walk on the Rampart before leaving for Colombo

“Located in the Southern province, the city of Galle is a living time capsule. Home to the largest occupied Fort in Asia, its quaint beauty extends beyond its golden beaches and cerulean waters. The main attraction of Galle no doubt is its ancient Fort, which instantaneously takes the visitors back to the Dutch Colonial era. One can bask in the picturesque views and the rich history while walking through the narrow, cobbled streets, relish a meal from one of the interesting restaurants within the Fort or enjoy the cool sea-breeze beneath the landmark lighthouse”

Proceed to Colombo
Arrive and check in at hotel in Colombo

Day 10:
Depart
Breakfast in hotel
Transfer to airport for departure
If time permits free to roam around and do some last-minute shopping in Colombo city

End of a memorable tour to Sri Lanka…!!!

Price includes

Welcome and assistance at Colombo airport.
Visits according to the program.
Services of an English specking driver/guide.
09 nights’ accommodation on double room sharing basis at designated hotels or similar
Meals: All hotels will be booked on BB basis. Meal plan starting from Breakfast on Day 02 and ending with Breakfast on Day 10.
01 Water Bottle per person per day.
Transfers as per the itinerary
All applicable taxes.
Toll Charges.

Price does not include

Additional meals
Entrance fees to sites mentioned.
Jeep safaris in National Parks
Any optional activity mentioned above.
Tips & porterage.
Video and camera permits.
Early Check in/Late checkout costs.
Expenses of personal nature.
Porte rage & Tips.
Visa & other charges (Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application).
Anything not mentioned under “Package Includes”.

Itinerary

Day Overnight Itinerary highlights
1 Negombo   Colombo - Colombo
2 Dambulla
3 Dambulla
4 Kandy
5 Kandy
6 Nuwara Eliya
7 Yala
8 Yala
9 Colombo
10   Colombo

Accommodations provided in each place

Place3 Star Hotel Package4 Star Hotels Package5 Star Hotels Package
NegomboCamelot Beach or similarArie Lagoon or similarHeritance Negombo or similar
DambullaElephas Resort or similarOccidental Paradise or similarCinnamon Lodge or similar
KandyThilanka Kandy or similarRadisson Kandy or similarEarls Regency or similar
Nuwara EliyaHeaven Seven or similarAraliya Greenhills or similarAraliya Greencity or similar
YalaTamarind Tree or similarChaarya Resort or similarJetwing Yala or similar
ColomboFairway Colombo or similarRamada Colombo or similarCinnamon Lakeside or similar