We invite you to discover the hidden beauty of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, in a journey full of charm and adventure. The Grand Tour will offer us unforgettable experiences, taking us from the mysterious ancient fortress of Sigiriya to a safari in the Yala nature reserve, the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, and the enchanting mountain town of Ella.
ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES:
- Sigiriya Lion’s Rock (Sigiriya): Ancient fortress perched on an imposing rock, known for its frescoes and spectacular views.
- Temple of the Tooth (Kandy): Sacred temple housing a relic believed to be a tooth of Buddha, a central site in Sri Lankan Buddhism.
- Anuradhapura Ancient City (Anuradhapura): Ancient city with impressive temple ruins and stupas, a former Buddhist capital and UNESCO site.
- Yala National Park Safari (Tissamaharama/Yala): Safari in a national park renowned for its leopard populations and other wildlife.
- Dambulla Cave Temple (Dambulla): Temple complex carved into rock, featuring impressive frescoes and Buddha statues, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Adam’s Peak (Nallathanniya): Sacred peak important in Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions, known for its stunning summit views.
- Horton Plains (Nuwara Eliya): National park also known as "World’s End," famous for its breathtaking mountain landscapes.
- Nine Arch Bridge (Ella): Historic stone bridge with remarkable architecture and picturesque views, popular among photographers and tourists.
- Galle Dutch Fort (Galle): Well-preserved Dutch fortress offering a glimpse into colonial architecture and the history of Galle.
- Minneriya National Park (Habarana): National park famous for the elephant migration, a major attraction during the dry season.
- Idyllic beaches in Galle: Fine sand and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
TRIP DETAILS
- Meeting place: 12.02.2025, at the hotel in Negombo. (If you require transfer to/from the airport, please mention it at the time of booking)
- Tour starts: 12.02.2025
- Tour ends: 23.02.2025
ACCOMODATION
- Negombo: Goldi Sand Hotel 4* or similar
- Anuradhapura: Rajarata Hotel 4* or similar
- Sigiriya: Hotel Sigiriya 4* or similar
- Kandy: Radisson Hotel 4* or similar
- Kitulgala: Kitulgala Hotel Room 4* or similar
- Nuwara Eliya: Araliya Green Hills Hotel 4* or similar
- Ella: Morning Dew Hotel 4* or similar
- Tissamaharama: EKHO Safari Tissa 4* or similar
- Galle: Blue Beach 4* or similar
ITINERARY
Here is a day-by-day description of the tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Negombo and City Tour
The adventure in Sri Lanka begins in Negombo, where we stroll through the city with its Dutch colonial influences. We visit the fish market, a bustling and colorful place where fishermen bring in fresh catches. Next, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Dutch Canal, exploring this network of waterways that runs through the city.
Day 2: From Chilaw to Anuradhapura
We head north to discover the Munessvaram Hindu Temple, a sacred place with a deep history. We then stop at the Puttalam Lagoon, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the landscape. The day ends with a visit to the Ancient City of Anuradhapura, a historic site filled with impressive ruins of the former Buddhist capital.
Day 3: Mihinthale and Minneriya National Park
We climb Mihinthale Mountain Peak, a place of deep spiritual significance with excellent views of the area. Afterwards, we venture into Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, where from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we have the chance to see wild elephants and other animals in their natural habitat.
Day 4: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Pidurangala
We explore Sigiriya Lion's Rock, an ancient fortress with fascinating frescoes and remarkable views. We continue with a visit to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, a site with remnants of an important medieval city. After a traditional lunch in a village house, we head to Pidurangala Rock to admire the sunset, offering a spectacular view of the landscape.
Day 5: Kandy
The day begins with a tour of Sigiriya village, including a traditional lunch. We then visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a Buddhist complex carved into the rock. A stop at Nalanda Gedige Temple introduces us to Hindu and Buddhist influences. We continue with a visit to the Spice and Herbal Garden, followed by a stop at a Hindu temple in Matale. In the evening, we enjoy a local cultural show in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred place for Buddhists.
Day 6: Kandy and Adam’s Peak
We start the day by exploring the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the city’s lake. We then visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the Ambuluwawa Tower, offering an overview of the mountainous landscape. In Kithulgala, we try our hand at rafting before heading to Adam's Peak, where we climb in the early morning to reach the sacred summit and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya and Tea Plantation
We visit Devon’s Falls and St. Clair’s Falls, two picturesque waterfalls. We continue with a tour of a tea plantation and tea factory in Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England" due to its mountainous landscape and colonial architecture.
Day 8: From Nuwara Eliya to Ella
We explore Horton Plains, including "World’s End," a place with dramatic mountain landscapes. Then we embark on a train journey to Ella, traversing a beautiful natural landscape. Upon arrival, we climb Little Adam’s Peak for a wonderful view and end the day with dinner in Ella village.
Day 9: Ella and Yala Safari
We visit the Nine Arch Bridge, an old and beautiful structure surrounded by nature. We continue with an exploration of Buduruwagala Temple, known for its rock-carved statues. After arriving in Tissamaharama, we prepare for a safari in Yala National Park, where we have the chance to see leopards and other wildlife.
Day 10: From Yala to Galle
We visit the stilt fishermen, a traditional image of coastal life in Sri Lanka. We relax on the beaches of Mirissa and Dalawella, known for their fine sand and clear waters. In Galle, we explore the Dutch Fort, a place with colonial architecture and significant history.
Day 11: Free Time in Galle
A day dedicated to relaxing on the beaches of Galle, with free time to explore and enjoy the beauty of the coastline.
Day 12: Departure
Your trip has come to an end, and you are free to depart at any time from Galle.