Sri Lanka Photography Tour

Arrive Colombo Airport

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will page you by your name at the arrival lounge. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the assigned hotel.

Colombo Tuk Tuk Ride & Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a Tuk Tuk City Tour. You will travel efficiently through the city, weaving through traffic to see the maximum number of sights in three hours. This overview is great for first-time visitors, and your guide can focus on sites and narratives that interest you. Stops can include the Pettah market filled with vendors selling fruits, vegetables & fashion accessories. The creepy antiquity of the Old Town Hall Museum, the Post-gothic beauty of Church, The Jail cell of the last king of Sri Lanka, The queer Coin Museum of Sri Lanka, Colombo Fort Clock Tower that tells the time- sometimes, Independence Memorial Building built during Sri Lanka’s 1948 independence from Britain. Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist temple, the Galle Face Green, and Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, a heritage building dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Enjoy a pause for a cold drink amid the incredibly thick columns of its arcades. Followed by a Welcome Dinner at a Local Restaurant.

Travel to Galle (En-route Galle City Tour, Ambalangoda Mask Factory & Stilt Fishermen)

We depart Colombo and head to Galle a rustic town with a wonderful collection of Dutch-colonial buildings. This historic fort area is filled with little boutique shops, cafes and hotels owned by artists, writers, photographers, designers and poets. Just wandering the old walls and streets you will come across an architectural collection of structures dating back through the centuries. Its glories have earned the Fort status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we spend some time exploring Ambalangoda, and its artisans who make the ubiquitous “devil masks” used in devil dances. Before dinner, we will photograph the stilt fishermen during sunset, including fishermen on the beach.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Travel to Yala

Travel to Yala and discover the spectacular wilderness of Yala National Park, the core of a contiguous system of nine connected protected areas, and home to much of Sri Lanka’s magnificent wildlife. Nestled in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka, the park is home to a high concentration of leopards. Yala also shelters an abundance of the Asian elephant, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, sambar deer, and magnificent bird species. Other activities which you can try around the area are nature walks, kayaking in one of the lakes, and visiting archaeological ruins.

Assistance on Arrival (Evening Safari at Yala National Park)

Assistance on arrival and transfer at the hotel. Afternoon, immerse yourself in nature and embark on a unique safari experience in Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife sanctuary Yala National Park. It is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. Hop into one of the Jeeps commanded by a knowledgeable ranger, for a guided tour tracking the impressive number of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and hopefully, a leopard along the way. Despite the elusive nature of the leopard species, Yala boasts one of the densest leopard populations on the globe, increasing the likelihood of an encounter. Yala National Park plays a very significant role in the conservation of a large number of flora and fauna species in Sri Lanka, many of which are endemic to the island.

Udawalawe National Park Safari excursion

Today enjoy an excursion to Udawalawe National Park for a Safari. Framed by soaring highlands on its northern boundary, the Uda Walawe National Park is one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, it is also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting. he main purpose of having a national park was to provide a sanctuary to the wild animals that lost their habitat due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. This reserve had been built in the year 1972 and it covers an area of 30,821 hectares. Rich in elephant population the park is having an estimated 500 or more elephants. They roam about in herds of 50-100 at times. The park is known to be a good breeding ground, for Baby elephants, guarded by their elders are seen around the year. The enchanting scenery and lush greenery of the area will make your jaw drop.

Travel to Ella

We wake up early and travel to Ella, home to striking colorful scenery, with a great activity for those that are really interested in hiking and trekking, through tranquil woodland and tea plantations. Sri Lanka's hill country is a must for everyone visiting the island. Ella is a perfect base for relaxing, with lots of fantastic walks through tea plantations to temples and waterfalls. The Ella Gap, Little Adam’s Peak, Bambaragala Peak, Ravana Falls and Ravana Caves are few famous visiting sites. The Nine Arch Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

Assistance on Arrival & enjoy Ella sightseeing

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After brief rest enjoy a city tour of Ella. Ella is a famous mountain village and a paradise of hills with stunning views. Start your day from Ella rock, which is a great activity for those that are really interested in hiking and trekking, through tranquil woodland and tea plantations. It is wise to head up first thing in the morning for amazing panoramic views. Climb down from Ella rock and transfer by Tuk-tuk to visit nine arches bridge which is one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka. This massive bridge has been built entirely of solid rocks, bricks, and cement without using a single piece of steel. When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches, hence it’s called as Nine skies bridge.

Travel to Nanu Oya (by Train)

Today transfer to Ella Railway station to board a scenic train to Nuwara Eliya. Said to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the Ella to Nuwara Eliya rail route runs on the original tracks built by the British in 1864. Originally designed to transport tea and coffee from hillside estates, it’s now an important means of connecting major cities and a tourist attraction. This train ride passes the mountain tops full of mist, the tunnels that are echoed with the hooting of the trains, the rhythmic swinging, and breath-taking views of the surroundings. There will be occasional sellers passing through the train selling fruit and snacks.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and check-in at the hotel.

Horton Plains Excursion & High-Tea at Grand Hotel

Today we wake up early and travel to Horton Plains for an excursion with your chauffeur guide. Walk through the grasslands, patches of evergreen forests and cloud forests interspersed with freshwater streams and mist-covered swamps. This UNESCO designated Natural World Heritage site, being a biodiversity hotspot is one of the best places to observe various species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. However, the key attraction at Horton Plains is a sheer precipice with an 870m drop called “World’s End” from where one can see the Baker’s fall. Enjoy a pleasant afternoon ‘High Tea’ Sri Lankan style either in the open-sided Grand Tea Lounge or on the beautifully manicured lawn of the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. Presented on the typical tiered stands, you will be served anything from sushi, spring rolls and burger sliders, to the more traditional triangular sandwiches, scones and dainty cakes, all washed down with some delicious single estate and blended Ceylon tea.

Travel to Kandy

Today travel to Kandy, It is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province, of Sri Lanka. It is the second-largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. But Kandy is also so much more than its number one attraction; it's a city of delightful chaos, with its bustling streets, ancient temples, colonial architecture, aristocratic gardens and the glorious Kandy lake forming the backdrop to a perfect few days amongst Sri Lanka’s lush green hills. En -route to Kandy you can photograph the beautiful Ramboda waterfalls, Labookelle Tea Factory, and tea plantations.

Assistance on Arrival (Visit Peradenaiya Botanical Garden)

Assistance on arrival and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue.

Kandy City Tour (Visit to the Temple of Tooth relic & Gem Museum, Upper lake and Evening cultural show)

This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kandy and visit multiple highlights of the UNESCO listed city. Start your day with hotel pickup at 9:00 am and head to your first stop, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth. This temple has a burgeoning history spanning several centuries and is the home of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Then walk around the Kandy Lake and to the Upper Lake area where you can get a beautiful view of Kandy. Next to the Gem Museum and enjoy a short film on how gemstones are mined in Sri Lanka then explore the shop attached showcasing the finished jewelry. In the evening enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural Show, which will give you the opportunity to watch various traditional Kandyan dances and acts.

Travel to Dambulla (En-route visit Matale Spice Garden)

Travel to Dambulla. En-Route visit Matale spice plantation and try different spices and herbs, helping you gain an insight into the long spice history of the island. Step into the unpolluted, green garden, where you can see how herbs are grown in their natural environment, then learn how you can use them to enhance the taste of specialty meals. Find various products made from the garden's herbs and spices at the onsite shop.

Assistance on Arrival and visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Arrive Dambulla and visit Dambulla Cave Temples, towering above the plains of Dambulla is this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex. This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The five major caves are dotted with 150 plus stunning Buddha statues (and a few depicting Sri Lankan kings, gods and goddesses) as well as huge cave paintings & murals making this is one of the must-visit Dambulla tourist places. The intricate cave paintings, serene statues of Buddha, and the sacred vibes makes these caves a beautiful spiritual sanctuary and one of the best temples in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Wildlife Safari at Minneriya National Park

Rise early for your journey to the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through picturesque water and boulder gardens, past the pools and fountains, and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-meter high staircase. Pause during your ascent to admire the mirror wall and the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Upon reaching the summit you will admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Afternoon, proceed for a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based largely around a huge tank (reservoir) and serves as the largest assembling of Asian Elephants at any given time. Besides elephants, Minneriya is also home to many species of mammals like the deer, sambur sloth bear and a variety of birds. During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze at the reservoir.

Travel to Colombo (En-route Visit Polonnaruwa)

Explore Dambulla’s largest vegetables and fruits wholesale market. The harvest from the surrounding fields and villages is brought into the market for distribution to the rest of the country. Later, travel to Colombo, en-route visiting Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with your personal driver-guide, and visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihare, three splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedan and recumbent postures carved out of a large rock. Other interesting sights are the Lotus Bath, Tivanke Image House with the best-known Buddhist frescoes of Sri Lanka. Another interesting thing to learn is the irrigation systems are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed, systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the dry season.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Colombo Departure

In time assisted transfer to Colombo International Airport to board your onward flight home.