Walking and Cultural Discovery of Sri Lanka

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 City Tour & Welcome Dinner

It is traditionally centred around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea. Hot and busy, recent years have seen Colombo gradually transform from a place visitor could not avoid to a fascinating destination well worth exploring. In this tour, you will visit famous attractions like The Independence Square, BMICH and the Aukana Buddha Statue replica, SSC Cricket Club and Sri Lanka Cricket Head office, Cinnamon Gardens and Colombo highly residential area, Beautiful Gangarama Temple and Seemamalaka overlooking the Beira Lake, Galle Face Green & Colombo National Museum. Evening, enjoy a Welcome dinner in one of the popular local restaurants specializing in multi-cuisine. Inspired by multi-cultural influences, Sri Lanka’s reputation as a food destination is well-deserved, and discover why with your passionate curator.

Travel to Anuradhapura

Today travel to Anuradhapura. It is a notable and highly explored ancient city of Sri Lanka, which is known for its ruins which represent the early civilization of Sri Lanka. This destination is visited in large numbers by the people of Buddhist religion and is the major Buddhist pilgrimage’ spot of the nation. Anuradhapura used to be the capital of this Island (in the ancient period) and almost all major rulers of Sri Lanka resided here during their ruling time. It is one of the sacred world heritage sites because of some breathtaking attractions like Jetavanaramaya, Ruwanwelisaya, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Kuttam Pokuna, and many more are there on the list.

Assistance on Arrival (Visit Anuradhapura)

Assistance on arrival and visit Anuradhapura. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north-central part of the Island which was the first capital (5th century BC - 9th century AD), the center of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with your personal driver-guide, and visit the ruined city of Anuradhapura. Here you will see the remains of the Brazen Palace (which was once 9 stories high) and the Sri Maha Bodhi a Bo Tree, which is over 2000 years old and grew from the branch of the very tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Polonnaruwa & Wilpattu National Park

Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries. 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. Afternoon enjoy a safari drive to the Wilpattu National Park! The park is 508 square miles (131.694 hectares) in extent and was declared as a National Park in 1938. The special feature in this Park is a large number of Villus (lakes) where you can watch wildlife and many species of birds. During your drive, get the chance to spot an elephant, Spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, buffalo, and an array of wetland birds. An experienced driver cum guide will take you along the routes that offer the highest probability of sighting these animals.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Hiriwadunna village

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. Upon reaching the summit you will admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Later, pay a visit to a farmer's house in Sigiriya and immerse yourself in the day to day lifestyle and farming traditions, including an exploration of his organic garden. The guided walk goes alongside Hiriwadunna lake giving chance to spot birds and land monitors and cross a little jungle rivulet by Catamaran. The bullock cart ride through the paddy fields would be of another very interesting experience and feel the traveling back in time where the early Sri Lankans used the bullock cart rides as a main mode of transportation here in Sri Lanka.

Travel to Kandy (En-route visit Dambulla Cave temple and Matale Spice Garden)

Today travel to Kandy en-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the first century BC and considered to hold the most breath-taking masterpieces of Buddhist Art in Sri Lanka. The complex spans five caves and contains over 150 Buddha images, some of which date as far back as the 1st century BC. The most elaborate and spectacular of the caves is the massive reclining Buddha statue rests in the background. After exploring the cave complex, step outside and witness a beautiful view of the nearby countryside. Later, visit the 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

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Temple of Tooth Relic & Peradeniya Botanical Garden

This morning 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. The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you do not actually see the tooth. It is kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. Later in the afternoon visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden 147 acres in extent; 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.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Nuwara Eliya also nicknamed Little England, rest & recuperate center of the colonial British tea planters and dignitaries. The smoking steeples, British Tudor style architecture, misty mountains covered in tea plantations, and a lake to stroll along with feeling like a perfect holiday. Listed are some top things to see and do if you wish to explore the town. Enjoy a 20 minutes speedboat ride on Gregory Lake for a few hundred rupees. Enjoy a stroll in Victoria Park, spreads out on 27 acres of land and is full of trees and flowers. Roam the Winter Market The Bale Bazaar because they sell winter clothes for the cold Nuwara Eliya weather.

Arrive Nuwara Eliya (Tea Tour)

On arrival, we enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea estates and waterfalls! If you arrive in the morning you may witness the tea pickers at work, carefully picking the “two leaves and bud” that go into making the Pure Ceylon Tea. Later take a guided tour of the tea factory and learn about the next stage in the production of tea making. The full process involves Tea Plucking, Withering, Rolling, Fermentation, Firing and Sorting/Grading before it is bulk packed to be sent to the tea auctions in Colombo. After the tour, enjoy a cup of tea that is made here, sitting on the café balcony that overlooks the stunning tea plantations.

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 Udawalawe (En-route Namunukula Range)

This morning transfer to Namunukula Range where we enjoy a wonderful day of trekking starting high on the lush green slopes of Sri Lanka's 'tea country'. Walking mostly downhill we descend through grassland, villages and farms down to the 'dry zone' at Hingurukaduwa where our vehicles will be waiting for us. Stay one night in Udawalawe.

Assistance on Arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Morning safari & Travel to Hikkaduwa (En-route visit Galle Fort)

Enjoy morning safari at Udawalawa National Park. This park has an area of 30,821 hectares and covers the catchment area of the Udawalawe reservoir. It provides a home for displaced animals from the Walawe Development Project. Rich in elephant population the park is having an estimated 500 or more elephants. The park is known to be a good breeding ground, for Baby elephants, guarded by their elders are seen around the year. Thereafter, travel to Hikkaduwa, En-route enjoy the Galle city tour. Delve into colonial-era Galle Fort on this walking tour. Explore the cobbled streets of the 16th-century, UNESCO-protected fort, built by the Portuguese before expansion by the Dutch and British from the 1600s. Walk along the ramparts, visit key museums, and view the famous Galle Lighthouse After experiencing a glory continue your drive to Hikkaduwa.

Assistance on Arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day at Leisure

Day free at leisure to relax by the beach or enjoy hotel in-house amenities.

Day at Leisure

Day free at leisure to relax by the beach or enjoy hotel in-house amenities.

Travel to Colombo

Today travel to Colombo. On the western coast of the island, Colombo is a sprawling city home to over five million people. It is traditionally centered around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea. Hot and busy, recent years have seen Colombo gradually transform from a place visitor could not avoid to a fascinating destination well worth exploring. Its historic quarters and grand 19th-century architecture have been restored, the seafront spruced up and cosmopolitan vibe revived with numerous museums, galleries and characterful eateries opening that celebrate its unique and diverse heritage. The city is dotted with temples, shrines, cafes, markets and is best explored by Tuk Tuk or in the safety of your vehicle.

Colombo Departure

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