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Overview

This tour concentrates on the most popular and touristic places in 9 days. Starting from Negombo we move on to the center of the island to explore three main sites of the cultural triangle; Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy. Moving on to the South we stay one night each in the hill country and the wildlife destination of Yala. For the last two nights we finally settle near the beach to wrap up the journey in style with ample sun, sea and sand.

Tour Plan

Day 01: Negombo

Negombo is the nearest city to the airport therefore do not miss a night in Negombo to relax and refresh after the flight. Negombo is famous for its fishing culture and churches.This city where the majority is Christian, is renowned for its cultural and social uniqueness. Thus it is also referred to as the Little Rome of Sri Lanka.

Highlight – The top attractions include a not-to-miss visit to the heart of this town, the fish market. Its colorful riots will give you an experience like no other. This fishing town mostly depends on this market, therefore it is one of the best places to sneak peek into the lives of fishermen in Sri Lanka.

The other activities in Negombo include, a visit to the Negombo Lagoon and bird watching in Muthurajawela Marshes and a boat ride in the Hamilton Canal. This ride is an exciting way of seeing the fishing town coming to life along the river.

Do not miss the city tour by tuk-tuk to visit the beautiful old churches with Gothic architecture and stunning ceiling murals. St.Mary’s church, St. Sebastian’s church in Wellaweediya and St. Sebestian’s Anglican Church are among the most visited Churches in Sri Lanka. St.Sebestian’s church at Katuwapitiya became popular after the shocking Easter attack in 2019 where more than 100 lives of devotees of Christ were ruthlessly taken away.

A well spent evening in a seaside restaurant, with mouthwatering seafood and cool sea breeze will take away any fatigue of the day. Boost up your energy to start traveling inland where more adventures await.

Day 02: Dambulla

This heritage packed city is 4-5 hours away from Negombo. It is famous for its historical, cultural and natural attractions which speaks volumes of the wondrous island of Sri Lanka.

Enroute, we visit Dambulla Cave temple, a world heritage site of Sri Lanka. This temple dates back to the 1st Century BC. It is believed that prehistoric Sri Lankans would have been living in these caves before the arrival of Buddhism. The nearby archeological burial site of Ibbankatuwa proves their existence in the area. The temple complex comprises 5 main caves with meticulously carved Buddha statues, Stupas and paintings, depicting the craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankans.

Evening visit to the Sigiriya rock fortress and the museum is a must while you’re in Dambulla. The history of this monument roots back to the 5th Century BC. It was a monastery and then a fortress and palace for King Kassapa. The rock is surrounded by an extensive complex of fortification, water garden, boulder garden, caves, canals and alleys. The top of the rock plateau still holds the foundation of the ruined palace and pools used by the king.

Day 03: Dambulla

The day starts with a visit to Pidurangala which is a popular viewpoint where a spectacular sight of the Sigiriya rock fortress can be captured. This offers insta-worthy photo opportunities. Enjoy your packed breakfast while watching the first rays of sun painting Sigiriya in gold.

We have the option of choosing flying over climbing. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Sigiriya skyline which is a splendid way of capturing the sunrise.You can turn your special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and marriage proposals to incomparably wonderful moments if you choose to celebrate them on a balloon. Do inform us in advance how you want us to arrange this for you.

Highlight – After lunch we can head towards the village for another authentic experience. During the Hiriwadunna village tour you can enjoy a boat ride in a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop, join a family for a Sri Lankan snack and spend a splendid, slow evening in the beautiful village.

Day 04: Kandy

Kandy housed the last throne in Sri Lanka of which the palace and the surroundings still stand proudly in the city center. Have an early start for the day and leave for Kandy, which is another not-to-miss city with a high concentration of cultural, historical and natural importance to Sri Lanka.

After checking in at the hotel we visit a unique Gem store to learn about the gem and jewelry making process. Your journey will begin at the gem mine. Complete with life-like models and ambient sound effects, the mine will help you understand the effort and extent of labor that is required, in the quest to find the gem stones.

Next we enjoy a Cultural show which is an hour long depiction of diverse hues of Sri Lankan tradition. This is performed by the Kandy Lake Club which was founded in 1982 with a view to bringing together all the dance types of Sri Lanka to a single platform.

Later in the evening would be a perfect time to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This is of utmost cultural and religious importance to Sri Lankans and Buddhists living world wide.

Day 05: Nuwara Eliya

We take an important turning point today by embarking on the journey to escape the heat of the tropical island to find refuge in the lavishly green hill country.

Highlight – Hop onto the local train from Kandy, which meanders through cities, villages and hills to take you to the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya.

As we move closer towards Nuwara Eliya, the weather starts to cool down as greenery invades everything until and beyond the horizon. Thousands of acres of Tea plantations and petit waterfalls in every corner paint heaven before us.

Nuwara Eliya was a retreat for Colonialists where they could escape the heat of Colombo, and to plant and take home the world’s finest tea.We visit a tea plantation today followed by a factory visit to have a first hand experience of the tea making process, summed up by testing a few samples.

We enjoy the evening at leisure before going for a stroll in Gregory park to spend the rest of the day. Hop into a motor boat for a relaxed ride around the lake or challenge yourself with a thrilling and adventurous Jet ski ride.

Day 06: Yala

Waking up early today, we make our way to the South via Ella today. If you missed the train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya, you can have another chance for a wonderful ride from Nanu Oya to Ella on this day. This small town is home to the most beautiful viewpoints of the highlands.

On our way to Yala you can view Ravana Falls and have an afternoon snack in a chic, vibrant boutique in the small town of Ella. If time permits we can enjoy a small hike to Mini Adam’s peak which is definitely worth the time and effort. This is a popular view point in Ella which serves a perfect 360 view of the surrounding serene view encircled by peaks.

We welcome adventure enthusiasts to get on board the mega zip line at Mini Adam’s peak and fly through the greenish mountains overlooking the Ella gap. Visit Ravana adventure park for more adrenaline pumping outdoor activities including quad bike rides, abseiling, archery and air rifle shooting.

It will be late in the evening when we arrive in Yala to add more fantabulous experiences to our tour in Paradise. Relax at the hotel after the long journey and save up energy for another exciting journey to the Yala National Park tomorrow.

Day 07: Galle

Waking up before the sun, we ride towards the National park in a safari jeep today. Yala is home for the majority of the Sri Lankan Leopard population and our main goal set for today is to roam the park to see one. Along the way we will catch glimpse of the Sri Lankan Elephants, Sloth Bears, Deer, Crocodiles, Wild boars and many bird species including Malabar hornbills, Blue tailed bee eaters, Wooly necked strokes, Painted strokes, Brahmin Kytes, Serpent Eagles and birds of prey.

After lunch we make our way towards Galle where nature meets heritage, culture and recreation. Galle was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

We enjoy the evening at leisure today. Be a lazy log by the beach, sipping your favorite cocktail. Cool breeze on face, fine sand at feet and the comforting sound of the waves crashing on the beach will relieve your soul in a matter of seconds.

Day 08: Galle

Highlight – We start the day with a boat ride in Madu River which is another must-do during your stay in the south. Enjoying a fish foot therapy, visiting the cinnamon island for a refreshing cup of cinnamon tea, watching water birds and riding underneath a mangrove canopy shares the spotlight of this ride.

After a satisfying seafood meal, we visit the fortified old city of Galle. The dashing boutiques, cafes and buildings with colonial architecture, lined up inside the city walls create a magnificently beautiful maze that one would love to be lost in. Stroll in the narrow laneways leisurely or hop into a tuk tuk to take the best out of this visit. The lighthouse, old post office, Dutch Reform church, maritime museum, All Saints Anglican Church will create a vintage vibe before us while petit restaurants will add more flavor to your evening.

Seated on the fortified walls facing the southern sea, watch your last evening in Paradise Island fading together with the setting sun.

Day 09: Departure

Today, we bid farewell to beauty-packed Ceylon. On your way to the airport, stop in Colombo for last minute shopping to take home some tangible memories from paradise island.

If time allows you can enjoy the Colombo city tour which covers Pettah markets, Red Mosque, Gangarama temple, Lotus tower, Galle face and the Port City.

Tour Map

Tour Map

Inclusions

accommodationAccommodation in 4-5 Star hotels
transfersTransfers in a luxury vehicle
breakfastAll breakfasts
assistanceAssistance of an English-speaking driver guide
taxesGovernment taxes

Gallery

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