Highlights of Sri Lanka (10 Days)

(SKU: LK10AAA000) Explore some of Sri Lanka’s most famous and historical, cultural destinations that include UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic Learn about Sri Lanka’s Arts & Crafts Go on a game drive in Yala National Park.

3 Days in Dambulla

During your time in Dambulla , you can engage in the following activities.

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Village Tour

Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your tastebuds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.

Polonnaruwa

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

2 Days in Kandy

During your time in Kandy, you can engage in the following activities.

Matale Spice Gardens

Do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. Take part in a traditional cooking demonstration that shows you how to make Sri Lankan cuisine while making full use of spices. Learn to make roti or create curry powder from scratch in one of the workshops.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Cultural Show

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

Royal Botanical Garden

Royal Botanical garden which was formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.

1 Day in Nuwara Eliya

During your time in Nuwara Eliya, you can engage in the following activities.

Tea Factory Visit

Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.

Nuwara Eliya City

Nuwara Eliya is set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town where the British succeeded in creating a replica of  the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Horton Plains National Park

Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World’s End and the cooling sprays from Baker’s Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archeological finds that were discovered in the area. On completion retirn back to the hotel and relax. Later in the evening go on city tour in Nuwara Eliya City.

1 Day in Yala

During your time in Yala, you can engage in the following activities.

Safari in Yala National Park

A nature lover’s paradise, Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers exceptional wilderness experiences, allowing guests to immerse themselves in some of the richest biodiversity in Sri Lanka. Vehicles will whisk guests to the quietest corners of Yala National Park, whilst expert naturalist guides will be on hand to talk guests through the incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including elephants, sloth bears and leopards. A variety of lectures and workshops, with focuses ranging from wild elephant behaviour to bird watching and nature walks, will offer an insight into the fascinating natural surroundings. We also offer fascinating excursions to the ancient Buddhist sites in the

2 Days in Galle

During your time in Galle, you can engage in the following activities.

Old Colonial City of Galle

Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

Stilt Fishermen in Koggala

Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Learn how stilt fishing is done in detail and marvel at the level of skill that goes into it. Get some amazing photographs of the fishermen silhouetted against the shoreline at sunset.

Sea Turtle Hatchery and Conservation

Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

Departure

After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel check out and, drive to the Airport for your flight back home!

Includes:

• Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
• Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
• All prevailing taxes and service charges.
• 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.

Excludes:

• Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
• Entrance fees to the respective sites.
• Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
• Expenses of personal nature.
• Visa and Related Expenses.
• Tips & Portages.

Complimentary:

• 1 x 1 Litre water bottle per person per day.
• 1 x Local SIM card per room.