Majestic Sri Lanka - 15N/16D

Colombo - Negombo - Anuradhapura - Trincomalee - Dambulla - Sigiriya – Hiriwadunna - Sigiriya – Kandy - Nuwara Eliya – Nanu Oya – Ella – Yala – Sinharaja – Colombo

Overview

Arrival Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Languages English, Spanish, German, Italian, French
Highlights
  • Enjoy park safari at Wilpattu National Park
  • Gigantic Buddhist shrines and monasteries in Anuradhapura
  • Enjoy Leisure time in Trincomalee
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Sigiriya Fort
  • Jeep safari in Yala National Park
  • Trekking in Hiriwaduna
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural show in Kandy
  • Jeep safari in Yala National Park
  • Enjoy a trek in Sinharaja Rainforest
  • Colombo city tour by Tuk-Tuk as per the program

Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrive at Colombo / Negombo

    Arrive in Colombo. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and drive to Negombo.

    On arrival in Colombo, drive to the Negombo.

    Negombo – Negombo is a charismatic fishing town north of Colombo. The Sinhalese refer to Negombo as Meegamuwa “The village of honey” (or bees) due to story about a swarm of bees that had settled in a boat pulled ashore here. However, it was not honey or bees that made this town know but cinnamon. Discovered by the Moors (a term first used during the Portuguese period to refer to Muslims) who settled on the west coast cinnamon trade. Due to its significant Catholic population, Negombo is dominated by shrines and picturesque churches. Apart from this, Negombo offers some better beached on the west coast of Sri Lanka, coral reefs and a 50 years old shipwreck (Kudapaduwa) that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish.

    On arrival in Negombo, transfer to hotel.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 02: Negombo / Wilpattu National Park /Anuradhapura

    After breakfast, drive to Anuradhapura. On the way enjoy park safari at Wilpattu National Park

    After safari, continue drive to Anuradhapura.

    Anuradhapura – It is Sri Lanka's first historical capital founded around the 5 th century B.C. gives a fascinating glimpse of a stately, well laid-out pre-Christian metropolis of gigantic Buddhist shrines and monasteries, splendid palaces, pavilions, and parks, bathing ponds and vast reservoirs, many of them are masterpieces of architecture, art, sculpture and engineering. Anuradhapura offers a host of memorable sightseeing highlights. On arrival in Anuradhapura, transfer to the hotel.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 03: Anuradhapura

    After breakfast enjoy the visit City Tour of Anuradhapura - It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Anuradhapura is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagabas constructed of small sun-dried bricks and hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagabas are the Ruvanveliseya which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and is 300ft in diameter; the Jetawanarama is 370ft and the Thuparama which enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 4 : Anuradhapura / Trincomalee

    After breakfast drive to Trincomalee.

    Trincomalee - Trincomalee is situated in the Trincomalee district. The famed Trincomaleeharbor is also located here. Further, many historical kovils are found here, visited by many hindu and Buddhist devotees. The famous hot springs, whale watching, clean and shallow beaches are some of the other tourist attractions. Nilaveli is situated on the North West of Trincomalee and has one of the best beaches. Tourist industry is blooming here once again after the end of the civil war. Airforce and domestic airport is found at China Bay in the South West part of Trincomalee

    On arrival in Trincomalee, transfer to the hotel.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 5: Trincomalee

    After breakfast day at leisure.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 6 : Trincomalee / Dambulla(Or Sigiriya)

    After breakfast drive to Dambulla.

    Dambullais mainly known for Dambulla Cave Temple – the largest, best-preserved, cave-temple complex in the country. The complex has sculptures, including a 47 feet long rock-cut reclining Buddha, pre-Christian rock inscriptions, and Buddhist murals, which cover more than 20,000 square feet of the walls and ceilings.The mural paintings here belong to different time periods. Ancient marvels of engineering—like the drip-ledge drainage that still keeps the caves free of seeping water—reflect the sophistication of planning and thought behind this marvel in stone.A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dambulla Cave Temple is a treasure trove of artistic heritage.

    On arrival in Dambulla, transfer to hotel.

    Dambulla Cave Temple
    A complex of five cave shrines, Dambulla in the Central Province of Sri Lanka is a rock temple from the 1st century BCE..The complex has sculptures, including a 47 feet long rock-cut reclining Buddha, pre-Christian rock inscriptions, and Buddhist murals, which cover more than 20,000 square feet of the walls and ceilings.

    The mural paintings here belong to different time periods. Ancient marvels of engineering—like the drip-ledge drainage that still keeps the caves free of seeping water—reflect the sophistication of planning and thought behind this marvel in stone. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dambulla Cave Temple is a treasure trove of artistic heritage.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 7 : Dambulla / Sigiriya / Hiriwadunna / Sigiriya

    After breakfast, enjoy the visit of Sigiriya Lion Rock - Sigiriya is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka close to Dambulla. It is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. Undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, The most looked forward feature of the fortress is the frescoes. Another fascinating detail is its mirror wall. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings make the tedious climb to the top.

    Later drive to Hiriwadunna and enjoy the Village of Hiriwadunna- Start the Hiriwaduna trek. Trek will be through the archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins transferring the clients in Land Masters. You can see the amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. If you are lucky you can see the villagers as they go about their morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect cultivation. You can enjoy a catamaran ride, bullock cart ride and finally a tasty Sri Lankan meal made at home by the villagers

    After visit drive back to Sigiriya.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 8 : Dambulla (Or Sigiriya) / Kandy

    After breakfast drive to Kandy.

    Kandy –Sri Lanka's picturesque highland capital, last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings against European conquest from the 16 th to the 19 th centuries. It is the sanctuary of traditional culture, and the island's most visited tourist resort. Its diverse charm offer a feast of memorable sight-scenery and exciting experiences. Kandy is set amidst tea and spice gardens, mountains, lake and a river, 490 metres above sea level. Road and rail access from Colombo through the Kadugannawa and Balane passes is picturesque, dramatic and befitting a medieval mountain stronghold.

    On arrival in Kandy, transfer to hotel.

    Enjoy the Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 9 : Kandy

    After breakfast enjoy the visit of Kandy including following:
    Peradeniya Botanical Garden - Peradeniya Botanical Garden is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and visited approximately 02 million people annually. The unusual name is Sinhalese translation of guava plain. The garden is notable for its collection of a variety of Orchids. It is home to various species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is also one of the largest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, An artificial lake with water plants including giant water lily and papyrus seeds is found in the centre of the garden.

    In the evening visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural Show - Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 10 : Kandy / NuwaraEliya

    After breakfast drive to NuwaraEliya.

    NuwaraEliya - NuwaraEliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province in Sri Lanka. The city is considered to be one of the most important locations for tea cultivation and well known for its cool climate being the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Many of the buildings have still preserved features from the colonial period. Many private homes have also maintained their old English-style lawns and gardens. The town wakes up with many activities in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New year. Main allure during April season includes the motor and horse racing events.

    On arrival in Negombo, transfer to hotel.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 11 : NuwaraEliya/ Yala

    After breakfast , drive to Yala.

    Yala - Sri Lanka's oldest national park the Yala National Park is located in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka and has an area of about 127,000 ha. The major activities are bird and game watching, especially elephants which are best seen from October to December. It is 305 km from Colombo and access to the Park is via Ratnapura, Tissamaharama. Yala is by far the most popular national park in Sri Lanka and renowned for the variety of the wildlife, largely characteristic of dry zone tropical thorn forest and fine coastline and associated coral reefs. Large number of important cultural ruins bear testimony to earlier civilization and indicate that much of the area was populated and well developed, with an irrigation system supplying water to the surround paddy fields, including those of Yala. The vegetation at the Yala National Park comprises secondary forest, possibly a few hundred years old. It is predominantly semi-arid thorn scrub, interspersed with pockets of fairly dense forest. In respect of Fauna a total of 32 species of mammals has been recorded. The lagoon fauna includes various species of prawns, crabs and fish.

    On arrival in Yala, transfer to the hotel.

    In the evening enjoy Jeep safari in Yala National Park

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 12 : Yala

    After breakfast enjoy Jeep safari in Yala National Park - Yala is approximately 1259 Kms in extent and is located in the south eastern corner of the Island. The terrain is varied, flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle a must for any wildlife enthusiast with the specialty being the large number of Elephants, Deer, Wild Boar and Sāmbhar.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 13 : Yala / Sinharaja

    After breakfast drive to Sinharaja.

    Sinharajais located between the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. It is a rain forest and national park.School children in the age group of 13 and above are often taken on excursions to this forest reserve as it is included intheir school curriculum. This is one of world heritage sites declared by UNESCO and is home to a variety of endangeredmammal, birds, reptiles, butterflies including leopards. It is ideal for trekking but advisable to do so with a forest guide.

    On arrival in Sinharaja, transfer to the hotel.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 14 : Sinharaja

    After the breakfast at hotel enjoy a trek in Sinharaja Rainforest. (Duration of the Trek: 04 Hours)

    Trek through the quaint paths of Sinharaja where placid undergrowth lie in wait for the appreciation of all whowish to indulge in an adventure to the tranquil wilderness of Sri Lanka’s world renowned rainforest.

    Highlights of the trek
    - Walk through the best rainforest in South asia
    - Endemic Birds
    - Endemic fauna and Flora
    - Waterfalls

    What kind of terrain - Main trail – 4km through varying rain forest types, 3 ft clearance, erosion prevention, and steep slopes avoided

    Difficulty level – Easy to Moderate

    Elevation or Altitude - 636m / 2087feet
    Distance – 4 Km
    Appx Travel time – 3 Hours

    After the scenic trek in Sinharaja return to the hotel and the rest of the day free at leisure.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 14 : Sinharaja / Colombo

    After breakfast drive to Colombo.

    On arrival enjoy the Colombo City Tour by Tuk - Tuk- a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith's quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square

    On arrival in Colombo, transfer to hotel.

    Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 14 : Colombo Departure

    After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board a flight for your onward destination or back home. (Room will be available till 12:00 hrs only)