authentic ceylon (12 Days 11 Nights)
"Travel opens Your HEART, BROADENS YOUR MIND and FILLS YOUR LIFE WITH STORIES TO TELL."
Description
Enjoy a snapshot experience of Sri Lanka from wildlife safaris, to visiting revered temples as well as walking in tea carpeted hills.
Your journey features one night in the capital Colombo, two nights exploring the Cultural Triangle, a night each in the cool hills of Kandy and then Nuwara Eliya, and two in Ella,followed by a night in the jungles of Udawalawa, culminating at Mirissa & Galle two nights each- all together an exciting eleven nights
Activities Covered
- Colombo / Kandy /Nuwara eliya /Galle City Tour
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock
- Minneriya Elephant Safari
- Polonnaruwa Historical City
- Visit the Tooth of Relic Temple
- Visit Royal Botanical Garden
- Tea Plantation & Tea Tasting Tour.
- Train Ride to Nanu oya to Ella
- Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam Peak
- Tuk- Tuk ride to Lipton Seat
- Udawalawa National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home.
- Whale Watching Tour in Mirissa
- Visit Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Locations Covered
- Colombo
- Dambulla
- Polonnaruwa
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Udawalawa
- Mirissa
- Galle
Travel Route
itinerary
DAY 01 | ARRIVAL - TRANSFER TO COLOMBO - RELAX AT HOTEL - COLOMBO CITY TOUR.
At the airport you will be greeted by our Real Lanka Holiday’s Representative and your Chauffer Guide who will take you to the capital of Sri lanka Colombo. Check-in to the hotel and rest and relax to recover from any jet lag. If you have spare time, your chauffeur guide will introduce you to some of Colombo’s curious sites such as the vibrant markets of Pettah, old city of Fort, the Hindu Temple at Sea Street and the Dutch Church at Wolfendal or alternatively to indulge in some shopping.
Colombo: Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island’s capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, and fine dining and shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization.
DAY 02 & 03 | TRANSFER TO DAMBULLA - DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE - SIGIRIYA LION ROCK - KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI - POLONNARUWA RELIC CITY
Set off from coastal Colombo to experience the inland delights of Sri Lanka.To begin, drop by the Dambulla Cave Temple to get your first introduction to Sri Lanka.
After lunch, our sightseeing tours of Sri Lanka continue to the town of Sigiriya, within the country’s rich cultural triangle. In the evening, mount the mesmerizing rock fortress of Sigiriya 5th Century Fortress in the Sky. Admire the architectural marvel of how a king’s fortress was carved from a massive rock in the 5th century A.D.
Next day after the breakfast learn about the better kept ruins of ancient Ceylon the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa which was a medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century A.D. Take a walking tour of one of the ruins of ancient Ceylon which includes a visit to Lankathilaka, Thuparamaya, Royal Palace, Rankoth Vehera and Gal Viharaya.On your return, late afternoon take an exhilarating jeep safari with the company of an expert naturalist guide to the Minneriya or neighboring Kavdullah National Park. The Vast sanctuary is a home to about 250 wild elephants, wild buffaloes, sambar deer, crocodiles, sloth bear and more.
Dambulla Cave/Golden Temple: Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site that is focused on a series of five cave shrines. There is a large rock that thousands of years ago was carved out by hand to create a large type of “cave”. Within this cave, there are five separate rooms, each with its own temple which you get to explore while visiting. Inside the caves, the ceilings had been painted with intricate images of the Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses following the contours of the rock.
Sigiriya Lion Rock: One of the most important historical places in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sigiriya Lion Rock is a magnificent fortress and temple complex atop a high volcanic plateau. Locally also called the eighth wonder of the world, this stunning site features high on the list of places to visit in Dambulla and Sigiriya. The main entrance is shaped like a huge stone lion, whose feet survive till date. The palace complex, which also served as a monastery for many years, is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and unique water & boulder gardens. Sigiriyas western wall is adorned with beautiful frescoes.
Polonnaruwa UNESCO world heritage site: The history Polonnaruwa goes as far as 6th century BC when a minister of the king Vijaya (From whom the Sinhalese race was born) established a town called “Vijitha Grama” on the area now called Kaduruwela. This is also the place for the famous “Battle of Vijithapura” between the Great King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC) and the Tamil invader Elara in his effort to re-unite the country under one Sinhalese King. This area was gradually developed as an influential agricultural town with large irrigation tanks and complex waterways built by various kings who ruled from Anuradhapura.The selection of Polonnaruwa as the capital was not random choice by the invaders but a strategic choice. Polonnaruwa was developed to be the next kingdom by the Sri Lankan kings from the fifth century BC itself and even during the Anuradhapura era some kings chose this area to rule from whenever the Anuradhapura was under siege.`
Minneriya National Park: The Minneriya National Park is in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, 30 minutes away from Sigiriya. The national park is famous for its herds of elephants migrating for food, water and shelter, and forming a ‘gathering’ that can be witnessed by the visitors. The dry season is the best time to visit this place, as the majestic elephants migrate to the Minneriya Tank for water. Apart from elephants, the national park is also home to several mammals, birds, reptiles, and different kinds of plant species. Minneriya National Park comes under the dry zone, meaning, it receives less rainfall compared to the other areas in the country.The main attraction of this national park is the annual ‘Gathering’ of herds of elephants. During the dry season, these humongous creatures migrate from warmer to colder lands in search of water. This period is when visitors can book a safari and witness this grand event. Many species of birds and animals that are local to Sri Lanka are seen here.
DAY 04 | TRANSFER TO KANDY – TOOTH OF RELIC TEMPLE - KANDY VIEW POINT - TRADITIONAL DANCE SHOW
Today you will arrive in the hill capital of Kandy, surrounded by greenery and the great Mahaweli River. Eminent as the center of Buddhism and the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, the name Kandy evokes romantic notions in people of a lost hill kingdom, a lake, tea plantations and a famous temple.
At your convenience, become acquainted with the city of Kandy; pay your respects to the golden-roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic, a tooth of the Lord Buddha. Admire the delicate hill-country breezes that urge the mist to gently part revealing colorful houses amid Kandy forested halo, visit the lively market places, Upper Lake drive and the grandeur of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. To step up the tempo, attend a dance performance featuring traditional dances from the different regions of Sri Lanka.
Kandy: The cultural capital of Sri Lanka, a world heritage site sits pretty in a valley surrounded by rings of mountains. Right in the heart of the city center of Kandy is the man-made lake called Kiri Muhuda (Sinhala: the sea of milk), the one and only decorative lake in Sri Lanka. Kandy is most famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). This beautiful city is gifted with scores of attractions that include Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Lake, Bahirawakanda temple for spiritual seekers, Udawattekele Sanctuary, Ceylon Tea Museum – a paradise for tea lovers, Wales Park – for a peaceful walk and many more.
Tooth of Relic Temple: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy. The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD. Situated adjacent to the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine overlooks the vast expanse of the Kandy Lake.Preserving the Relic of Buddha in this haven of refuge, it was declared that whoever houses and protects it is automatically given the power to rule the country. The artefact serves as a significant symbol of Sinhalese identity and pride. Everyday thousands of white-clad pilgrims make their way to this hallowed space, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani for their offerings and prayers, known as pujas. While the tooth stays hidden within a gold casket, visitors and devotees always visit the Temple during puja just to have a look at the well protected inner shrine where it is kept.
Annually, during the Esala Perahera procession, the Relic casket gets paraded through the streets atop a male elephant. The 10-day festival is one of the largest Buddhist festivals in the world and the most significant in Sri Lanka.The Temple is best visited in the morning or the evening when the ceremonial offerings and prayers are given. It is essential that you are dressed appropriately, clothes must cover your legs and shoulders and, before entering the holy Temple your shoes must be removed.
Arthur’s Seat – Arthur’s Seat is a popular lookout point southwest of Kandy, just past the Royal Palace Park.It is located on Rajapihilla Mawatha at 550 m (1,800 ft) above sea level. It provides a panoramic view across Kandy Lake, Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Royal Palace of Kandy and the city Centre.According to local folklore there was a bungalow owned by a Mr. Arthur, a British tea planter, situated above the lookout, who used to view Kandy by standing on a stone seat under a tree in front of his bungalow.The Kandy Municipal Council estimated in 2015, 1,500 tourists per day visit the location during the peak season (November to May), with 500 tourists per day in the off season.In early 2016 the Council undertook the construction of the new viewing platform at the location. The City’s Heritage Committee lodged protests against what it considered was an unsightly structure, which had resulted in the original stone seat being destroyed. The new viewing platform is a 35 m (115 ft) by 5 m (16 ft) concrete deck with a symbolical seat made out of the original rock slab.
DAY 05 | TRANSFER TO NUWARA ELIYA – ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN - RAMBODA & LOVERS LEAP WATERFALLS - TEA FACTORY AND TEA PLANTATION - GREGORY LAKE & VICTORIA PARK.
After breakfast you will visit the botanical garden of Peradeniya. With 62 hectares it is the second largest botanical garden in all of Asia, without doubt one of the most beautiful and home to about 4000 plant species. The garden was laid out 700 years ago as a pleasure garden by King Vikramabahu III, and only received its present form from the British in the 19th century.
Afterwards you drive to Nuwara Eliya. On the way you will visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. Taste a cup of tea of “Pure Ceylon Tea” and reserve your bulk of tea to bring back home.Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya you will take a city tour to explore the town.
Royal Botanical Garden: Situated in Kandy’s suburb of Peradeniya, the spectacular Peradeniya Botanical Garden dates to 1371. Once enjoyed for pleasure by a Kandyan queen, this spectacular garden is enclosed on three sides by a large bend in the Mahaweli River. A Kandyan prince’s residence during the 18th Century, in the early 1800s the leafy green tangle became one of the greatest Botanical Gardens in the British Empire. For a short spell during the Second World War, it was used as the Allied Forces Headquarters for the Asian region.The gardens display over 4 000 different species of plants, regarded amongst the most superior in Asia. The highlight is the spectacular Orchid collection and a mighty avenue of palm trees. In addition to a plethora of flowering plants, there is also an extensive collection of medicinal plants and spices which can be spotted on your meander across the gardens. Encompassing over 60 hectares of sublimely designed lawns, pavilions and plant houses, the extraordinary array of Sri Lankan, Asian and international flora is a fragrant, colorful view on the eye. Gorgeous avenues lead on to sections exploding in bursts of tropical color and vast lawns dotted with enormous trees.
Tea plantation in Sri lanka: With contribution of billion dollars per year to Sri Lankan economy, Ceylon tea industry employs 1.5 million Sri Lankans directly and/or indirectly. Tea was introduced in Sri Lanka in 1867 by a young Scotsman James Taylor. Ceylon tea holds great reputation of being the best tea in the world and holds 4th place as the largest tea producer to the world. You can taste the original Ceylon fresh tea and opportunity to see the tea process at work; how the green tea leaves end up in drinkable tea through various steps of withering (drying), rolling, fermentation, oxidizing, drying again, followed by sorting and bulk packing.
Nuwara Eliya: Nicknamed as “Little England” it is one of coldest city in the country. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence including red telephone boxes and well-tendered hedgerows. The town’s high altitude affords visitors breath-taking vistas over the valleys, grasslands and mountains. Many tourists come through the town on their way to hike up incredible peaks such as Adam’s Peak. You will also see lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya is also one of the biggest tea plantations areas on the island.
DAY 06 & 07 | TRAIN RIDE TO ELLA - NINE ARCHES BRIDGE - MINI ADAMS PEAK - TUK TUK RIDE TO LIPTON SEAT.
Enjoy the scenic train journey from Nanu oya to Ella admiring views of waterfalls, tea estates, villages, forests and mountains.Welcome to everyone’s favorite hill-country village, and the place to ease off the travel accelerator with a few leisurely days resting in your choice of some of the country’s best guesthouses. The views through Ella Gap are stunning.
Today morning enjoy a hike to the Mini Adam`s peak. Hike itself is a worthy experience as you walk through lush green tea estates, talking to locals who are plucking and collecting tea leaves, working in the estate.It is not a challenging hike and it`s quite short, but gives you a good impression of the landscape around Ella and the view is fantastic. So absolutely worth the climb.Later in the afternoon visit the Lipton’s Seat lookout in Haputale that offers one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive viewpoints.
Train Ride to Ella: The train trip from Nanu Oya to Ella station in Sri Lanka, or the other way around, is considered to be one of the most beautiful train trips in the world. This train ride is four hours long and takes you through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views. The train trip between Kandy and Ella is one of the highlights of Sri Lanka.
Mini Adam’s Peak is very similar to Adam’s Peak in nature and hence got its name from the villagers constantly calling it this name. Lower plains surrounding Uva, Northern and Southern Provinces can be seen at the peak of the mountain. This is situated 2km away from Ella Namunukula Road and many foreign and local tourists prefer to hike and trail along this mountain.
Nine Arches Bridge: This viaduct was built at Gotuwala between the two railway stations – Ella and Demodara during the British Colonial period is the largest in Sri Lanka. Located almost 3100 feet above the sea level, this 99.6ft high bridge is called “Ahas namaye palama” (Nine skies bridge) in Sinhala. When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches, hence the Sinhala name. This bridge is also called ‘The Bridge in the sky’ due to the sheer height.This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921.
Lipton Seat: This was a favorite look-out point for Sir Thomas Lipton (the great tea planter) when surveying the surrounding region of his tea plantations at Dambatenna near Haputale. To get to the viewpoint, one can take two routes (as far as I know) and the road is all the way mortorable up to the end point (4×4 is better but not mandatory). One is from Haputhale town, and the other is from Bandarawela town.
DAY 08 | PROCEED TO UDAWALAWA – RAVANA WATERFALL - UDAWALAWA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI.
Drive southward towards the Southern Coast of the island to Galle. Galle is the country’s oldest living city and is sure to capture your interest, with its historic sites and its unique fusion of European and Arabic cultural and architectural influences.  In the afternoon, explore the Galle Fort with its low lined streets and history behind its Rampart. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive. Walk through the alleys lined with stores and restaurants. After you have explored the city you could proceed to do some shopping in the very heart of Galle. You will come across shops with fine variety of gems and jewelries, antiques, art galleries and Design stores.
DAY 09,10,11 & 12 | PROCEED TO MIRISSA - COCONUT TREE HILLS - WHALE WATCHING TOUR - SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTER - GALLE DUTCH FORT - DEPARTURE.
One of Sri Lanka’s charm is that how in a short time you will pass from the hills to the meandering rivers, past the farms, then to idyllic coast of Mirissa. Here you will be staying at Beachfront Hotel. Set amidst a large coconut grove with incredible views of the Indian Ocean. On one of your leisure days, drive northward towards the west coast of the island to Galle. Galle is the country’s oldest living city and is sure to capture your interest, with its historic sites and its unique fusion of European and Arabic cultural and architectural influences. and another day Sea Turtle conservation center and Mirissa whale watching.As all good things must come to an end, we bid you farewell as our Chauffeur Guide transfers you to the Airport to meet your departure flight home.
Mirissa: is the ideal place for whale and dolphin watching between the months of November to April, as the waters become a playground for a myriad of whales and dolphin species. Some of the most commonly spotted whales include sperm whales, killer whales, Bryde whales, short finned whales, while you’ll be able to see schools of bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins as they playfully frolic around your boat! However, the main whale type to look out for is the blue whale – the largest animal in the world! Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa is ideal for nature lovers as they set sail into the ocean. The best time to embark on your adventures is at dawn, and since most boats leave the harbour by at least 6am, an early rise is required. Base yourself at one of our boutique hotels in Mirissa so you can’t save on the extra travel time and get a few more winks in before your day out in the sea begins!
Whale Watching in Mirissa – Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do during your holiday in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the best place in Sri Lanka. The best time to go whale watching in Mirissa is from November to April. Ocean is calm and whales migrate from the southern hemisphare to the northen hemisphere. From May to October is off-season.The chances of spotting whales during November – April are 98%. Keep in your mind that you are going to see wild life so spotting of whales is not 100% guaranteed. Blue whales are most often seen. You can see also sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, short finned whales, dolphins and rarely killer whales and whale shark. Sometimes we pass turtles and flying fish.Whale watching trip in Mirissa takes usually 3-5 hours, the average duration is 4h.tours start before 7 am from Mirissa harbor.
The Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre aimed at protecting sea turtles that visit the shores of the island. Sea turtles have been listed as endangered species due to the constant threat they face, on sea and on land. The sanctuary facilitates a large hatchery, where sea turtle eggs are collected from nesting grounds and safely kept in their protected grounds, away from predators; both animal and human. In addition, adult turtles who have been injured or sick, are taken in and rehabilitated before being released back into the mighty blue ocean. Take a trip down to the Sea Turtle Conservation Project for a chance to learn about these exotic species and how you can help save them.
Galle Dutch Fort: The historical importance of the Galle Fort is unchallenged. The origins of Galle though lost in antiquity still survive through artifacts which confirm its existence in pre Christian and Roman eras. Through medieval ages, the Galle Fort emerged as Ceylon’s major southern international port attracting Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Persian, Roman and Arab traders.The Galle Dutch Fort is a rare historical jewel protected by dark, thick stone walls – with the endless ocean on one side. The roads inside the Galle Fort have hardly changed, like the squares on a chess board crisscrossing in regular patches. Straight and narrow lanes branch in and out inviting the visitor to a delightful walk into the 17th century.Today’s Peddler Street was called “Moorse Kramerstraat” by the Dutch, Lighthouse Street was “Zeeburgstraat and Middelpuntstraat”, Hospital Street as `Nieuwe Lijnbaanstraat and Lijnbaanstraat (New Ropewalk Street), Old Ropewalk Street as Oude Lijnbaanstraat (Old Rope-Walk Street), Church Street as Kerkstraat, Parrawa Street as “Parruasstraat” and Chiando Street as “Chiandostraat”. Through this memory walk one would however miss the 17th century familiar vendors who traded in cinnamon, lace, elephants, tortoise and turtle shell ornaments besides the famous down south sweetmeats like “bondi aluwa” hanging in garlands from the shoulders of vendors.In 1505 a group of Portuguese sailors led by Don Lorenzo de Almeida arrived in the island and they built the first fortification in Galle on a cliff, jutting out into the sea. It was called the Swart Bastion or the Black Fort in 1520. Later it was fortified and enlarged by the Dutch in 1667.14 bastions has been identified on the fort today.
Inclusions
- 11 nights' accommodation at the hotels with breakfast and dinner. Last night dinner served at outside restaurants.
- Arrival and the departure assistance at the airport and transportation by A/C vehicle on private basis with passenger insurance.
- Service of the English speaking chauffeur guide.
- Free sim card with data/water bottles/wi-fi
- All government taxes are included for above all
Exclusions
- Air fares and visa charges.
- Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified).
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any expenses on private basis.