12 DAY EXPLORE LANKA-CLASSIC

Ayubowan and welcome to the paradise island of Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the Katunayaka airport, you will be warmly greeted by one of our friendly chauffeur guides. You will then be transferred to the hotel in Negombo to refresh and relax. Negombo is a small fishing village with wide sandy beaches, lush tall coconut palm trees and gourmet seafood. A perfect way to start your holiday in this tropical island!

Accommodation: Goldi Sands (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 30 min

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A

After a scrumptious breakfast, we will depart Negombo and visit the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, a UNESCO world heritage site. Anuradhapura is also a significant place for the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. During your tour, you will visit the magnificent 13 meter high statue of Lord Buddha carved out of solid granite, the most renowned relic of the Bodhi Tree (grown from a branch transported from India) under which Buddha was believed to have attained enlightenment and the famous samadhi buddha statue with meditation posture. You will also visit some of the grand stupas which include the second century BC, 330 feet tall Ruwanweliseya, Jetavana, Abhayagiri and the Mirisavetiya. Anuradhapura is not only a significant site for the Buddhists of Sri Lanka, the ancient architecture and remains are also most appealing for the history enthusiasts!

Accommodation: Alakamanda Hotel (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 4 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 4 hours

In the morning, we will depart Anuradhapura and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. It is listed as a world Heritage Site and considered to hold the most breathtaking masterpieces of Buddhist Art in Sri Lanka. The temple is encrusted into a magnificently large rock. It sits more than 160m above the surrounding land and spans for more than 1.5 km around the base. Upon completion, proceed to your hotel and spend rest of day at leisure.

Accommodation: Kassapa Lions Rock (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 1.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 2 hours

Today we will start with an early morning climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage listed site), built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). Also called the “Fortress in the sky”, it was built to protect the king from its rivals. The climb up to the top of the fortress not only offers breathtaking views but there is so much to discover. Highlights include the mirror wall, Lion gate, water gardens and the amazing artistic frescoes. On completion, return back to your hotel and spend the rest of day at leisure. Later in the afternoon, we will proceed to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital between 11th and 13th Century. Built alongside an artificial lake, Polonnaruwa has well preserved ruins of palaces, bath pools, architecture and statues of Lord Buddha. Sophisticated irrigation structures and civilisations are evident from the remains of the site. One of the many highlights of the site are the 4 large rock cut Buddha’s statutes depicting the four significant poses of Buddha.

Accommodation: Kassapa Lions Rock (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 3 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 4 hours

After breakfast we will visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage before heading to Kandy. Some highlights of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage include witnessing herds of elephants making their way down to the river for their daily bath. You will also have fantastic photo opportunities as you get up close to these gentle giants. Next proceed to Kandy, the gateway to Sri Lanka’s beautiful Hill Country. Kandy is the last kingdom of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. You will also experience the bustling city of Kandy filled with many bazzars and local eateries. Late in the afternoon, we will visit “Temple of The Tooth” (home to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha). It is also home to the palm-leaf transcripts and its history dates back to 1687. The temple is a symbol of pride, protection and religious significance for the many locals Buddhists. As the evening sets, watch a fascinating cultural show that exhibits the art of traditional low country and up country dancing.

Accommodation: Hotel Suisse (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 4 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 4 hours

A relaxing day is ahead as you drive through the picturesque hill country of Sri Lanka. You will notice the temperature becomes much cooler and the air is crisp. You will also witness the endless luscious green tea plantations and the beautiful cascading waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya located 2000m above sea level is also called the “Little England” due to chill climate and the many colonial bungalows built by the British. En-route we will visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here you will learn about the process of manufacturing tea. You can also experience how tea is graded and taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.

Accommodation: Jetwing St Andrew's (4 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 2.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1.5 hours

After breakfast leave for Tissa via Ella. The view from Ella Gap is a spectacular scenic sight– the landscape falls ways in a dizzy drop of 3000ft to the eastern plains. It is also a great place for the photo enthusiasts. After a little break, proceed to Tissa and check-in to your hotel. We suggest an early night as you prepare to embark on an early morning safari the next day!

Accommodation: Chaarya Resort and Spa (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 30 min

Wake up at dawn for an exciting wildlife jeep Safari at the Yala National Park. Yala National Park is about 1,260 sq. Km in size and is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. It has a picturesque scenic ocean frontage and its vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. The highlight of Yala is the large herd of elephants. Yala West Park is the best location to observe and photograph the famous and renowned leopards. There are estimated to be about 35 leopards in the park. It is also home to a large variety of water birds, sloth bears, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, toque monkey, mongoose and crocodiles. You also have the opportunity to do another safari in the afternoon (At an extra cost).

Accommodation: Chaarya Resort and Spa (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 1.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 3 hours

After a leisurely breakfast drive along the beautiful south coast of Sri Lanka. En-route visit the famous Galle Fort, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO overlooking the spectacular Indian Ocean. The Fort which was initially built by the Portuguese in 1619 has been expanded and further developed by the Dutch and the British. After visiting the Galle Fort, proceed to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Pamper yourself with a massage (Extra cost) OR relax by the pool overlooking the beautiful Indian ocean.

Accommodation: Coral Sands - Upgraded Deluxe Room (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: 4 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: 1 hour

A leisurely day is ahead and the choice is yours whether to simply chill by the pool OR to visit the nearby attractions and activities (Extra cost may apply).

Accommodation: Coral Sands - Upgraded Deluxe Room (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: N/A

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A

You have another relaxing day to spend by the pool OR you may decide to further explore the nearby attractions and activities (Extra cost may apply).

Accommodation: Coral Sands - Upgraded Deluxe Room (3 Star)

Total Transfer Time: N/A

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A

This morning, we will leave Hikkaduwa for the airport with a warm good bye. We hope you have enjoyed your time in this beautiful island paradise and take home memories of a lifetime.

Total Transfer Time: 2.5 hours

Total Time Spent on Attractions/Activities: N/A