Tour overview

TOUR OVERVIEW

Step into a realm where history whispers through ancient ruins, where emerald tea plantations paint the landscapes, and where elephants roam freely beneath azure skies. Our 12-day adventure through Sri Lanka is more than a tour; it’s an odyssey of discovery. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene southern coast, you’ll traverse a symphony of cultures, traverse untamed nature, and bask in the warm hospitality of locals. Join us on an extraordinary voyage through the heart and soul of this resplendent island.

Visit SL Travels specializes in organizing family adventure holidays, Small group tours, and tailor-made holidays in Sri Lanka. We have well-trained tour guides and chauffeurs to make sure your tour is safe & excellent. Our main goal is to provide the best service for every tour we run.

Highlights

✅ Sigiriya (A UNESCO World Heritage)

✅ Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

✅ Traditional village tour

✅ Cycling tour in Polonnaruwa ancient city (A UNESCO World Heritage)

✅ Dambulla cave temple (A UNESCO World Heritage)

✅ Explore Kandy – (A UNESCO World Heritage)

✅ Royal Botanic Gardens Kandy

✅ Vedda village and discover the indigenous roots of Sri Lanka.

✅ Ramboda waterfall

✅ Ramayana related sites – Hanuman Temple / Sita Amman Temple

✅ Nuwara Eliya Tea Country / Tea estate & factory visit

✅ Luxury scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (To be booked one month ahead)

✅ Nine arches bridge

✅ Upper Diyaluma ( A hike to the top of Diyaluma waterfall )

✅ Udawalawe National Park (Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park due to the presence of Elephants)

✅ Turtle Hatchery

✅ Galle Fort (A UNESCO World Heritage)

✅ Beach resorts in the southern coast

✅ Colombo sightseeing city tour

Itinerary

Day 1:

  • Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our tour guide.
  • Begin your journey with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can witness the gentle giants being bathed and fed.
  • After this heartwarming experience, continue your drive to Sigiriya.
  • Check in to your comfortable hotel in Sigiriya and relax amidst the lush surroundings.

Day 2:

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient marvel known as the “Lion Rock.”
  • Ascend the rock and be rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside
  • Admire the mesmerizing frescoes and the remnants of King Kasyapa’s palace.
  • Journey to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city brimming with archaeological treasures and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Embark on a captivating cycling tour to explore the royal palace complex, ancient temples, and the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara statues.
  • Then proceed to your hotel in Sigiriya for overnight stay.

Day 3:

  • Engage in an enriching village tour in Habarana, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.
  • Participate in various activities such as cooking demonstrations and a serene catamaran ride.
  • Enjoy a scrumptious meal with dishes prepared by the villagers
  • Proceed to Kandy. En-route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a sacred site adorned with remarkable cave paintings and sculptures.
  • In Matale, you’ll explore captivating Spice Gardens and learn about the cultivation and uses of Sri Lanka’s spices.
  • Continue your journey to Kandy, a city steeped in culture.
  • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.

Day 4:

  • Start the day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrines.
  • Explore the tourist attractions in Kandy including Royal Botanical Gardens where is home to a diverse array of plant species, Gem museum and Art & craft center, etc
  • In the evening, delight in a cultural dance performance showcasing traditional Kandyan dances and drumming.
  • Return to your hotel in in Kandy for overnight stay.

Day 5:

  • Journey to Dambana Vedda’s Village to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda people.
  • Engage in activities that shed light on their way of life.
  • Return to your hotel in in Kandy for overnight stay.

Day 6:

  • Journey to Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
  • Visit a tea plantation and factory to witness the tea-making process.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the lush tea plantations and visit picturesque waterfalls.
  • Visit Hanuman Temple in Ramboda [Optional]
  • Explore tourist attractions in Nuwaraeiya
  • Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7:

  • Embark on an early morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park.
  • Hike to World’s End, a dramatic escarpment offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
  • Explore Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall within the park.
  • Return to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a leisurely evening.
  • Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 8:

  • Board the enchanting scenic train journey to Ella, which offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and lush landscapes.
  • Upon arrival in Ella, visit Nine arches bridge.
  • Overnight stay in Ella.

Day 9:

  • Hike to the upper Diyaluma waterfall, a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour to complete.
  • Depart for Udawalawe and embark on an exhilarating afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its elephant population.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, and a variety of wildlife.
  • Spend the night in Udawalawe.

Day 10:

  • Head to Bentota on the southern coast and check in to your beachfront resort.
  • Enjoy three days of absolute relaxation, water sports, and beachside bliss.
  • Overnight stay in a beachfront resort.

Days 11:

  • Make the most of your time in Bentota with days filled with water sports, spa treatments, and unwinding by the sea.
  • Optional activities include visits to nearby turtle conservation projects, Galle Dutch fort, Moonstone mine, Bawa garden or exploring local markets.

Day 12:

  • Today is the last day in this trip.
  • Spend the morning relaxing on the beach
  • Proceed to Colombo and we take a City tour of Colombo, visiting key attractions.
  • After the city tour proceed to the Colombo airport on time for the departure flight.

This 12-day itinerary promises an extensive exploration of Sri Lanka, from ancient wonders to stunning natural beauty and the serene allure of its southern coast. Each day brings a new adventure, allowing you to experience
the best of this captivating island.