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Serene Sri Lanka
9 Days
Overview:
Explore one of the most beautiful islands in the world with this 9-day journey! Enjoy sun-kissed beaches and lush jungles, spice plantations and cave temples, mystical palaces and relaxing massages… the list just keeps going! This trip will take you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lion Rock and Dutch Fort in addition to just beautiful natural attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kitulgala River, and Habarana Jungle for breathtaking sites of flowers and wildlife. And, you’ll explore the cultural attractions of Golden Temple of Dambulla, Saliyapura Temple where the largest Buddha in Southeast Asia is, and Old Parliament and more. Between flying in and flying out of Sri Lanka, you will go to places you never thought existed, taste food with bold flavors, and capture memories you won’t be able to stop sharing when you get home. Bring your cameras and an appetite for adventure- the “Teardrop of India” will be the experience of a lifetime!
1 Day in Negombo
2 Days in Sigiriya
2 Days in Kandy
1 Day in Nuwara Eliya
3 Days in Induruwa
The Plan:
Day 1 Colombo - Negombo (airport meet and greet)
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will transfer via private vehicle from the international airport to Colombo, where your journey will begin.
Day 2 Negombo - Sigiriya (2.5 hour vehicle transfer)
Today you’ll transfer from Negombo to Sigiriya via private vehicle. Upon arrival, your first stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Lion Rock.” Explore the ancient rock fortress’ moats, ramparts, and extensive gardens, before visiting the frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya”- located in a hidden pocket of the rock only accessible via a long spiral stairway.
Day 3 Sigiriya (4x4 tour)
Traverse the Habarana jungle today- and be sure to bring your camera to capture the colorful critters within! Afterwards, visit the second capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa- and discover the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the statue of King Parakramabahu!
Day 4 Sigiriya - Kandy (4 hour vehicle transfer)
Drive to Kandy today, and view the majestic Golden Temple of Dambulla- a structure that dates all the way back to the First Century B.C.! Later, stop by Matale to visit a spice garden, taste a bit of local curry, and enjoy a relaxing massage, before continuing on to Kandy.
Day 5 Kandy
Travel to Peradeniya for a tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens, before exploring the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom today. Discover Kandy’s local markets and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, drive around the Kandy Lake, and experience Kandy Town and its bazaar!
Day 6 Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (20 minute train transfer)
Take a quick train ride (20 minutes) from the Peradeniya Railway Station to Gampola, where you’ll visit the largest Buddha statue in South Asia at Saliyapura Temple. Later, continue to Nuwara Eliya, the nation’s most popular hill resort and the center of its tea industry. Visit a tea plantation for a refreshing cup of tea, and enjoy a walking tour of the city in the evening.
Day 7 Nuwara Eliya - Induruwa (vehicle transfer)
Explore the renowned Kitulgala River, where the film “Bridge Over the River Kwai” was shot. Later, visit Kosgoda’s turtle hatchery, before continuing to your hotel in Induruwa.
Day 8 Induruwa
Explore Galle, a rustic city with history that dates all the way back to 1587. The city’s Dutch Fort is the most popular attraction in the region, and also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, head to Balapitiya to enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on the Madhu River!
Day 9 Induruwa (airport transfer home)
Transfer back to Colombo and enjoy a scenic afternoon tour that includes the Colombo Museum, the Old Parliament, Buddhist and Hindu Temples, Bayra Lake, and the Pettah Bazaar. Later, transfer to the international airport for your journey home!
Must See:
Negombo:
Negombo Lagoon, Grunge Park, Mayan Water Park
Sigiriya:
Minneriya National Park, Water Fountains, Mapangala fortress
Kandy:
National Museum of Kandy, Horton Plains National Park, Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Nuwara Eliya:
Adam’s Peak, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Seetha Amman Temple
Memory Makers:
Negombo
Romantic Private Dinner Cruise in Waikkal
Enjoy dinner on your own private boat on this 4 hour romantic excursion. Choose seafood, meat, or Sri Lankan fare.
Lagoon Escapes Negombo Day Trip
Escape to the lagoon on a private tour with your guide. Purchase fresh fish, enjoy an island picnic, and ride a catamaran through the canals!
Kandy
Private Day Trip to Hiriwadunna Village and Sigiriya from Kandy
Trek the Sri Lankan interior on this intimate tour of the wildlife and local scene.
Weather and climate
Sri Lanka
The south-western monsoon brings rain to the south-west of Sri Lanka between May and September, while the dry season in this region runs from December to March. Temperatures remain constant year-round.
Inspiration Tags
Adventure
Beach
Cruise
Cuisine & Wine
Family
History
Luxury
