Itinerary
DAY 01 – TRAVEL TO SRI LANKA
Depart for Colombo today with Sri Lanka Airlines
DAY 02 – ARRIVE, THEN TRANSFER TO ANURADHAPURA – Rajarata Hotel
On arrival, you are met by a Mystic India representative who will hand over your hotel vouchers and answer any questions you may have.
Then depart by road to Anuradhapura (4 hrs). On arrival after check in you are then at leisure to relax after your flight.
DAY 03 – ANURADHAPURA
After Breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka established in the 4th century BC.
DAY 04 – ANURADHAPURA via AVUKANA to HABARANA – Habarana Village by Cinnamon
After Breakfast you will leave for Habarana – En route visit Avukana – It is undoubtedly the most magnificent preserved image on the island. The statue was built in the same period as those at Polonnaruwa’s Gal Vihara& Lankathilake Vihara as well as Buduruwagala & Maligawila all of which emphasis on Buddha’s superhuman, transcendental powers.
Continue to Habarana, after check in then at leisure
DAY 05 – HABARANA via HIRIWADUNNA and MINNERIYA to GIRITALE – Deer Park
This morning you will explore the village of Hiriwadunna. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek.
Enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared by the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is a great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant.
On completion proceed to experience the thrill of an elephant back safari in Habarana for about one hour.
Late afternoon enjoy a Jeep Safari to Minneriya National Park – The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as sambar deer, leopards, and elephants. However, the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena.
Continue to Giritale, on arrival after check in you are then at leisure.
DAY 06 – VISIT POLONNARUWA
After Breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, now recognised as a world heritage site. Later return to your hotel, then at leisure
DAY 07 – DRIVE VIA SIGIRIYA & DAMBULLA TO KANDY – Earl’s Regent
After breakfast drive first to Sigiriya – Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle.
Next, you will drive to Dambulla Cave Temple, which was donated by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to Buddhist monks.
If time allows you will also visit a spice garden in Matale, to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Later continue to Kandy, then after check in you are at leisure.
DAY 08 – VISIT PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
After breakfast you will drive to the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela – This orphanage is the home to around 80 plus elephants, out of which some are baby elephants found abandoned or orphaned in the wild.
Return to Kandy; en-route visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants, and flowers.
This afternoon you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Kandy the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site.
In the evening visit, the Temple of the Tooth Relic and after that witness a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.
DAY 09 – DRIVE TO NUWARA ELIYA – Araliya Green Hills
After breakfast depart for Nuwara Eliya. En route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced.
Later continue your drive to Nuwara Eliya. Because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort, Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea.
DAY 10 – VISIT HORTON PLAINS
After breakfast, you will take a drive to Horton Plains, the coldest and windiest location in Sri Lanka consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. Given a large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010. The escarpment with a depth of 900 meters called World’s End and Baker’s Falls are the highlights of the Horton Plains.
Later return to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya
DAY 11 – NUWARA ELIYA VIA ELLA TO YALA NP – Elephant Reach
After breakfast depart by road to Yala National Park via a visit to Ella.
Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views; you could find in Sri Lanka. Sights in Ella include the Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Bambaragala Peak among other stunning scenery.
Continue to Yala, then on arrival after check in you are then at leisure.
DAY 12 – YALA NP (SAFARI)
After breakfast, proceed on a Jeep Safari to visit the Yala National Park.
This park is famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. You are also sure to see elephants – grumpy loan males during the dry months and large herds in the wet season. Sloth bears are also a big draw. You will also see mammals such as wild boars, several species of deer and wild buffalo. Later, return to your hotel then at leisure
DAY 13 – YALA TO TANGALLE – Portofino Hotel
After breakfast, you will leave for Tangalle
On arrival, you are then at leisure for the rest of the day and tomorrow to just relax beachside and explore the town.
DAY 14 – TANGALLE
Leisure day
DAY 15 – TANGALLE TO GALLE – Jetwing Lighthouse
After breakfast, leave for Galle.
On arrival after check in you are then at leisure
DAY 16 – GALLE
After breakfast, you are taken on a sightseeing tour of Galle.
The Galle fort was built first by the Portuguese and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century.
Later return to your hotel, then at leisure
DAY 17 – GALLE TO WASKADUWA – Citrus Waskaduwa
After breakfast leave for Waskadua
On arrival after check in you are then at leisure to relax for the next few days.
DAY 18 – WASKADUWA
Leisure day
DAY 19 – WASKADUWA TO COLOMBO – Ozo Hotel
After breakfast leave for Colombo.
On arrival proceed for a sightseeing tour of Colombo, check in at your hotel will be available after your tour.
Drive through the Commercial area of the “Fort” so named, because both the Portuguese and Dutch had a Fort at this point. Drive passed “Pettah” – a noisy Oriental bazaar with a hotchpotch of Humanity, ancient vehicles, bargains, mosques & temples. Visit Hindu temple & drive pass Jumi-UL Alfar Jumma Mosque, Continue the tour through the Wolvendaal Dutch Church, Hultsdorf Law courts, to the residential area of Cinnamon Gardens and on to the Independence Square and Bandaranayke Memorial International Conference Hall. And also visit Gangaramaya Temple.
Then check in at your hotel, when the rest of the day and evening are at leisure.
DAY 20 – COLOMBO TO NEGOMBO – Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa
After breakfast leave for Negombo
On arrival after check in you are then at leisure for the next two days
DAY 20 – NEGOMBO
Leisure day
DAY 21 – HOMEBOUND
Today Sri Lanka bids you farewell; you will be transferred to the international airport for your homebound flight.
Sri Lanka Tourist Board
Special Value
- A gift when you book your tour with us, a DVD film called ‘Mystic India’
- International flights included
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Private car & driver for all road transfers
- Snack Hamper, with juice and water in your private car
- Mobile phone to use while in India to keep in contact with our local office and your driver
- Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast) (HB = breakfast, lunch or dinner) (FB = breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Private guide/driver for sightseeing in all major cities
- Entrances to all monument and places of interest included
- Read the Itinerary to see all that is included, too much to mention here.
- See below some of the locations featured in this tour, the itinerary gives more details.
Our Tour features the following locations
ANURADHAPURA: This was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka, It is now a World Heritage site. See the Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) grown from a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. It is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Anuradhapura currently serves as the capital city of the North Central Province and is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Its vast network of ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries and places of worship which cover over 40 sq kms has made it a sacred site to Buddhists around the world.
AVUKANA: Undoubtedly the most magnificent preserved image on the island. The statue was built in the same period as those at Polonnaruwa’s Gal Vihara& Lankathilake Vihara as well as Buduruwagala & Maligawila all of which emphasis on Buddha’s superhuman, transcendental powers.
HABARANA: Habarana is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safaris in the nearby Habarana jungle and the Minneriya sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants. Elephant back riding is also an attraction in this small city.
MINNERIYA NP: The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favourite wildlife such as sambar deer, leopards, and elephants. However, the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena.
POLONNARUWA: The second capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of the rock. The Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, King Parakramabahu’s statue, and the Parakrama Samudraya lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic.
SIGIRIYA: The 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which is in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
DAMBULLA: Dambulla is a World Heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and the ceiling is the largest area of paintings found in the world. These caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock spanning 14 meters.
KANDY: Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, and is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions, and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre and a gem museum and a lapidary.
PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE: Home for 80 plus elephants, out of which some are baby elephants found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. They are being cared, fed and trained by the wildlife authorities. The best time to visit is during the feeding times when one will have the opportunity of seeing the baby elephants being bottle-fed. Also, could accompany the elephants to a river close-by and see them having their daily bath.
NUWARA ELIYA: Because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world’s best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia.
HORTON PLAINS: The coldest and windiest location in Sri Lanka consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. Given a large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010. The escarpment with a depth of 900 meters called World’s End and Baker’s Falls are the highlights of the Horton Plains.
ELLA: Blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Sights in Ella include the Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Bambaragala Peak among other stunning scenery. The Ravana Ella was named after the demon ruler of Sri Lanka. Ravana, who is the main antagonist in the famous epic, Ramayana. It is believed that he hid Sita whom he kidnapped in India, in the caves situated behind the falls. The Ravana Ella falls the main drop which is 30 feet in height, and it is ranked as one of the widest falls in the country.
YALA NP: This park is famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. You are also sure to see elephants – grumpy loan males during the dry months and large herds in the wet season. Sloth bears are also a big draw. You will also see mammals such as wild boars, several species of deer and wild buffalo. There is a plethora of reptilian species and platoons of crocodiles. As is common in Sri Lanka there is a vast diversity of stunning birdlife including migratory species such as the flamingo. It is also one of the few places in the world where the severely endangered black-necked stork can still be seen.
TANGALLE: Many people claim that the beaches around Tangalle have the softest sand and the safest sea along the entire south coast. Tangalle seems set to become the most exclusive of the beaches along the south coast and offers a chance to scuba dive around the coral reef protecting its four kilometres of sandy beach and to explore a couple of wrecks. You could also watch nesting marine turtles drag themselves ashore at night to lay their eggs at Rekwalla.
GALLE: Dutch Fort at Galle, close to the island’s southernmost point, 173km from Colombo, has the distinction of being the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. A living heritage site, this 90 hectare (222 acres) attraction is a superb blend of architecture, with fortifications that resemble those in the coastal areas of Portugal.
WASKADUWA: Located approximately one hour’s drive from the commercial capital, Colombo and just a few kilometres away from Wadduwa and Kalutara which are equally popular destinations offering a range of sightseeing and activity options. The city of Kalutara holds a strong historical connection to the rich past of Sri Lanka providing plentiful opportunities for excursions. We can arrange further sightseeing like Whale and Dolphin Watching in Mirissa, Ambalangoda Mask Factory, Turtle Hatchery, Kosgoda, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Historic Kalutara Raja Maha Viharaya or the Moonstone Mine and Factory, Meetiyagoda.
COLOMBO: The history of the city itself dates to the 5th century. Due to its prime location on the western coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo grew as a seaport for trade between Asia and the West. It was used by the Moors, Romans, Arabs, Persians, and Chinese ships for the island\s much sought after cinnamon and gems. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its design has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonisation. The British influence is clearly visible in the buildings located in the Fort area.
NEGOMBO: Negombo is a beautiful beach resort on the western coast of Sri Lanka, just a short drive north of Columbo. As it is also very close to the airport, Negombo is a convenient place to either begin or end your trip to Sri Lanka. You can relax on beautiful beaches, view incredible sunsets and enjoy western and Sri Lankan food. Seafood is very popular and is caught fresh daily by Negombo fishermen. In earlier times, Negombo was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and the British. You can see evidence of the influence of these colonial rulers in many places, such as the beautiful canals built by the Dutch and the churches built by the Portuguese. Be sure to take some time and walk, or ride a bike, through Negombo and see all the interesting sites!
What our clients say
Thank you, Sharon, we had an excellent time. You made the whole experience of planning our tour so easy; you listen to what we wanted to achieve then designed the tour according to our brief. Being available at the end of the phone or email with the many questions we asked. Your local representatives were spectacular, we even spoke to other people during our tour and said how good we found the experience of booking with a smaller company that knew their business. Thank you again, we are sure to return to India and shall come back to you. Here are a few photos we took, not great quality but the best of the bunch, hope you like them. You are most welcome to show them on your website.
Charles and Karen, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK
