Discover Sri Lanka on this round trip! A world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakes, cities, castles and historic temples. Breathe in the scents of Sri Lanka in its herb and spice gardens. Meet some of the gentlest and friendliest creatures of the animal kingdom. Enjoy the cultural program and spiritual experiences you will have during this unforgettable trip. Sri Lanka, paradise on earth!
Day 1: Airport - Dambulla - Habarana (A)
Arrive at Colombo airport early morning. Welcome by the local tour guide (in case of late arrival, we recommend an overnight stop in Negombo (if you are picked up from the city hotel in Colombo, a transfer surcharge will apply). Then continue to Dambulla. In Dambulla you will visit the cave temple from the 1st century BC. At the entrance of the temple, a golden Buddha statue of about 30 m height awaits you. After about 600 steps you reach the entrance of the temple, from where you have a fantastic view of the surroundings. There are five impressive caves in a rocky outcrop. Afterwards, you will continue to Habarana. Here you have time in the afternoon to get to know the typical village cuisine of Habarana. Prepare your dinner with the help of some cooks and self-selected organic vegetables. Enjoy the experience! Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Habarana - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Habarana (B, A)
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya. There you will visit the imposing rock fortress of Sigiriya. Also explore the gardens with fountains, pavilions and swimming pools. Then continue the journey to Polonnaruwa. See the ancient ruins of the kingdom, such as the remains of the royal palace, the Gal Vihare with three Buddha figures carved out of the rock, the beautifully landscaped Parakrama reservoir, the lotus bath and the remains of the ancient tooth temple. After the visit, return to Habarana. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Habarana - Matale - Kandy (B, A)
After breakfast, drive to Kandy. On the way, you will visit one of the countless spice gardens in Matale. In Kandy itself, you will get to know the city during a short city tour. Kandy is the former royal city in the central mountains of Sri Lanka. Afterwards, you will visit the largest sanctuary in the country, the Temple of the Tooth. Of course, you will visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth. According to tradition, the left canine tooth of Buddha is kept here as a relic. This tooth is believed to possess spiritual powers. Thus, the relic makes the Tooth Temple of Kandy one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka for Buddhists. Afterwards, visit a gemstone museum in Kandy. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Kandy - Peradeniya - Nuwara Eliya (B, A)
Today you will visit the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya after breakfast. With its 62 hectares, this garden is the second-largest botanical garden in the whole of Asia. On the way to Nuwara Eliya you will visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, you will take a city tour to get to know the place better. Nuwara Eliya is also called "Little England". The horse racing track, the golf course and Victoria Park are some relics of times gone by. The weather here also shows its British side, with cool nights. Nothing to forget, a good cup of Ceylon tea by the fireplace. Take a stroll through the city! Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala (B, A)
After breakfast today, we head to Yala, with a stopover in Ella. The view from Ella Gap is one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular scenic sights. Next to the Ella Gap is the Rawana Ella. The Rawana Ella waterfall has a height of 90 meters. In the afternoon you reach Yala. In the late afternoon, you go on a jeep safari in Yala National Park. The national park is the oldest nature reserve in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the variety of animals and the diversity of vegetation in the park. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Yala - Galle - Colombo / Airport (B)
After breakfast today, drive to the old harbor town of Galle. You will visit the old Dutch fort and the old harbor town. This is the end of this round trip. Return to the airport or alternatively drop off at your seaside hotel on the southwest coast (Wadduwa/Kalutara/Beruwela/Bentota).
F = Breakfast / M = Lunch / A = Dinner
Note: Travel in local air-conditioned cars, minivans or buses. Subject to changes that do not affect the overall tour. On public holidays / major events (e.g. cricket tournaments / perahera) there may be surcharges. Due to the cool climate in the mountains (Nuwara Eliya), warm clothing is advisable, for the visits to the national parks and the climb of the Sigiriya rock we recommend bringing sturdy shoes. The infrastructure in Sri Lanka is partly poorly developed, travelling takes a lot of time even on short distances (the total travel distance given refers to the pure travel time from place to place - without visits). Services are subject to change without notice.
