Day 1 - Arrive in Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our Airport Representative and will be introduced to your Chauffeur Guide. Transfer from Airport to your hotel in Negombo. (Approximate Duration-20 Mints-Distance 10 Km)

Afternoon proceed to Negombo for a sightseeing tour. 

Located north of Colombo and just 30 minutes’ drive from Bandaranaike International Airport lies the fishing town of Negombo. With its hectic harbor and bustling fish market (every day except Sundays and Poya holidays), this town is a gourmet paradise with seafood aplenty. Palm-fringed beaches, old-fashioned catamarans, the Dutch-built canal, colonial architecture and colorful boutiques all add character to this hub of activity. You will notice that ornate churches pepper the landscape in this part of the country since the majority of people here are Catholic or Christian. That said, there are still a few very important Buddhist temples to explore as well. 
Return to your hotel in the evening at spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Jetwing Blue (Deluxe Room)

Day 2 - Negombo - Sigiriya - Kandalama

After an early breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya. (Approximate Duration-4 hours-Distance 145 Km)

Visit the Sigiriya Rock fortress - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising up 200 metres out of the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the 5th Century AD and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years, something that seems more astonishing with every step you climb. Pause occasionally during your ascent to admire the mirror wall, the sigiri graffiti, the famous Sigiriya frescoes and the great lion paws. Keep going until you reach the top and you’ll immediately see that it was worth the effort. Wander through the ruins and admire the courage and work it must have taken to build this palace all those years ago. To think that there is still a fully functional swimming pool up there is simply awe-inspiring. But aside from the ruins, with the unparalleled 360 degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills, it won’t just be the climb that takes your breath away.

On completion, leave for Kandalama and check in at the hotel. (Approximate Duration-40 Mints-Distance 25 Km)

Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (Luxury Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Kandalama-Polonnaruwa-Minneriya-Kandalama

Morning after breakfast we will drive to Polonnaruwa (Approximate Duration – 2 Hrs - Distance 88 Km) to visit the 5th century Ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the Archaeological museum. 

An interesting blend of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic manmade reservoir, which you will do well to miss, was appropriately named Parakrama Samudra, or ‘the sea of Parakrama’, due to its enormous size. Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or, ‘Rock Temple’ where you can see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity and strength. Polonnaruwa also boasts ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moon stones and royal baths. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, this whole site can also be explored on bike and your guide will be more than happy to arrange this for you.

Late afternoon enjoy a game drive in the Minneriya National Park (Approximate Duration – 30 Mints - Distance 25 Km)

Minneriya national park is a haven for flora and fauna. Being part of the elephant corridor, which joins up with Kaudulla National Park and Wasgomuwa National Park, you have guaranteed sightings of elephants throughout the year. Every year during August to October, one of the most awesome wildlife spectacles “The Gathering” takes place. Over 300 elephants are seen making their way to Minneriya tank as the ancient tank slowly dries up giving way to fresh grass and shoots which is a feast in abundance. Apart from elephants, there is a huge species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fishes, butterflies, etc. The highlight of the park is the Minneriya reservoir with its historical importance, built in 3rd century AD by the famous monarch King Mahasen. It covers an area of 4,670 acres.

Evening return to your hotel and relax. (Approximate Duration 1 hour & 30 Mins –Distance – 50 Km).

Overnight: Heritance Kandalama (Luxury Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Kandalama-Dambulla-Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel checkout this morning and drive to Kandy.  (Approximate Duration 2 hours –Distance - 72 Km). 

Along the way, visit World Heritage Dambulla, known for its richly painted cave temples. 
Dating back to the 1st Century BC, Dambulla was a vast cave complex, converted into a rock temple and still regarded now as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. Covering the rock ceiling is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple. You will also see the highest number of Buddha statues found in one single place here. As you wander through the temple, notice the serenity and the exceedingly well-preserved nature of the place. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Continue your drive to Kandy.

En route, Visit a spice garden in Matale, to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Matale spice gardens are among the best on the island. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. A processing and training unit has been set up in the area and farmers are grouped in a cooperative to ensure fair prices and you will also be able to purchase spices. 

Continue your drive to Kandy.

The city of Kandy was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will notice a more comfortable temperature here, compared with the tropical climate prevailing throughout the rest of the island. The Sacred Temple of the Tooth is certainly the most revered and iconic place to visit in this cultural capital but other highlights include the historic Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the scenic Victoria Golf Club. Whilst you are in Kandy, also look out for the silverware, brassware and gem-studded jewellery, carefully carved and designed by the Kandyan craftsman who are known to be the most skilled in the country. Kandy can be a bustling place in the day but there is nothing quite like a late evening stroll around the serene lake with a view to the Sacred Temple and the distant sound of drums in the background.
Late evening check-in at your hotel where you will spend the rest of the two nights.

Overnight: Earls Regency Hotel (Luxury Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to Peradeniya to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Original created in the 14th Century as a pleasure garden for the Queens, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is located in the city of Kandy. Spread over 147 acres and bordered by the charming Mahaweli River - the longest in Sri Lanka - it is the largest botanical garden on the island. It is home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants, all complemented by an array of butterflies and bird species. Take time to admire over 300 varieties of orchids; an incredible collection and probably one of the garden’s highlights. The giant trees, many over one hundred years old, create a natural canopy. Note the enormous bamboo trees and the double palm trees, both of which are of foreign origin. A leisurely stroll through the immaculate lawns and along the quiet paths, perhaps stopping to enjoy a sumptuous picnic, is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.  

Then walk around the city of Kandy which is where the arts and crafts of the Sinhalese best kept alive from the art of mat weaving, silver crafts, and lacquer ware to wood carving. The Kandyan craftsmen produce the most exquisite items and consequently entire traditional craft villages are set up in the area.

Later in the day visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic - Built during the 16th Century AD, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is one the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The Relic of the Tooth is kept in a two-story inner sanctum. The ‘Thevava’ or auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic takes place three times a day at pre-set times and a visit during this time is quite an experience. The resident monks demonstrate this age-old tradition as you become surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense. In July and August the whole city comes to life as the Kandy Esala Perehara pageant takes place in honour of the Relic.

Overnight: Earls Regency Hotel (Luxury Rom)

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Kandy-Galle

This morning after breakfast you will proceed to Galle. (Approximate Duration 4 Hrs –Distance - 170 Km) On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight: Light House Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Galle

After breakfast, Transfer to Virgin white tips tea factory.

Drive 40-50 minutes outside of Galle to the Handunugoda Tea Estate; the only plantation to produce Virgin White Tea, completely untouched by the human hand. This unique variety of tea is high in antioxidants and is considered a completely pure tea. Take an escorted tour around the estate and admire the meticulous process of plucking the tea leaves whilst your guide explains the culture of tea to you. Your tour of the estate comes to an end at the tea factory, where you can watch the manufacturing process taking place before tasting over 20 varieties of the tea produced at Handunugoda. Subject to availability, Herman Gunaratne, owner of the estate and veteran planter, will meet you and share his personal stories over a cup of his award-winning tea.

Return to Galle. En route, witness the stilt fishermen. 

Stilt fishing is an age-old method that is practiced on the southern coast of the island, mainly in areas like Weligama and Koggala and is a tradition unique to Sri Lanka. The stilt, which is locally made by tying a small cross bar to a wooden pole, is mounted in the shallow sea while wooden rods are used to catch the fish. During your stay on the south coast, watch in awe at how carefully the fishermen have to balance on the thin stilt. The rest of the process demands much patience and requires the fishermen to wait in complete silence since the slightest disturbance will scare the fish away. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot this spectacle and how they then go on to sell the fish, mostly spotted herring or small mackerel. If you’re feeling brave enough, try mounting the stilt yourself to win your catch! 

Enjoy a tour of Galle. 
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive Fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and followed by the Dutch, exists still today with only a few changes and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries. Explore the Galle Fort on foot at your own pace, perhaps paying a visit to the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions, the lighthouse and the trendy souvenir shops afterwards.  Early evening is the perfect time to climb the ramparts and sip a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea, or maybe something stronger, as you watch the sun go down. (payable locally)
Return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Light House Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Galle-Colombo

 Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Colombo. (Approximate Duration 2 hours –Distance – 116 Km)
The city of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city, is a blend of both historic value and modern vibes. Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers. One of the first things you will notice on your tour is how diverse the city has become. Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the various beliefs practiced all over the island and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern but elegant shopping arcades that have been developed inside.

Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a famous Buddhist temple daily frequented by many devotees.On one hand, the temple is specially marked by its architecture, which is a blend of Chinese, Sri Lankan and Indian styles.

Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Galle Face Hotel (Superior Sea View Room)

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Depart Sri Lanka

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Colombo to airport (Approximate Duration – 40 minutes - Distance 35 Km) in time to connect with the international flight for departure.

Meal Plan: B