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Travelling to Sri Lanka is an adventure that takes you through a myriad of stunning destinations. Starting in Negombo, you can relax on its pristine beaches before embarking on a journey to Sigiriya, home to the ancient rock fortress and breathtaking views. Moving on to Knuckles, nature enthusiasts will be captivated by its lush forests and hiking trails. Kandy offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history with its iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic. |
On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will then be escorted to the vehicle park for your transfer to Negombo. On arrival in Negombo check into your hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure.
Afternoon visits Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Considered the 8th wonder of the world, Sigiriya was built in 5 AD by patricide King Kasyappa and boasts the world-famous frescoes of women carved on the sheer rock faces. Climb the rock fortress and marvel at the feats of architecture achieved in the moats, the lion's paw and finally at the summit of the rock, where the palace was situated. King Kasyappa had 500 handmaidens living in
this palace.
After breakfast proceed to Ritagala and visit Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve. Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in
Sri Lanka. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to the 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura. Ritigala mountain range consists of four peaks of which the main and the highest peak at the south of the range is named
Ritigala Kanda. One of the mysterious aspects is the belief in powerful medicinal herbs found near the crest. A herb called “Sansevi” is believed to have the power to confer long life and cure all human pain. According to legend, all vegetation on Ritigala is protected by Yakkas, the guardian spirits of the mountain.
Late afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park, where you can see Sri Lankan wild animals in their natural state. Inside the park, you will come across wild boar, deer, elephants, bears, peacocks and many more animals roaming freely as nature intended them to live.
After breakfast proceed to Knuckles. Optional – Visit Riverston & Bambarakiri Ella. The Riverston Peak in Sri Lanka can be reached by
travelling, about 30km away from Matale town, down the Matale – Girandurukotte Road. This secretive windy road, with its sharp hairpin turns, offers some of the best views of the surrounding countryside; to the extent that it is called the Mini World’s End. Though it is very popular among locals, the area is comparatively unknown among mainstream tourists. Therefore, the area offers up the natural beauty of Sri Lanka; fresh, green and unpolluted by vendors, tourists, garbage and unsightly buildings.
With climates very similar to the Hortons Plains, where the World’s End is located, the Riverston trek also offers two graceful waterfalls, Sera Ella and Bambarakiri Ella. Sera Ella also has some conveniently located rock seats from which a visitor can enjoy the refreshing cold spray of misty droplets. The nearby freshwater river, Thelgamu Oya, can be used for a quick cooling dip or even just a refreshing splash before or after a long arduous trek.
After breakfast proceed to Kandy.
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla is a town built around a vast isolated rock mass of 500 ft and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here that King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. The view from the top of this rock is breathtaking 350 ft. above are a series of five caves which were later turned into a magnificent rock temple by King Valagambahu. In the first
cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47 ft, long, cut out from the rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism. The frescoes on the walls and ceiling could be dated to the 15th - 18th centuries. In the second cave, the finest and the largest, are not less than 150 life-size statues of gods. There are numerous images of the Buddha as well. The ceiling too is covered with frescoes which depict great events in the life of the Buddha, and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala People.
After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya
Visit Ramboda Waterfalls.
Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in the Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It was formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. The altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level.
En route visit a working tea factory. Nuwara Eliya… nestled in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala Sri Lanka’s highest peak, this region at 6,183ft above sea level has a cool, crisp climate unknown
elsewhere in Sri Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town seems like a piece of the English Lake District.
Early Morning visit to Horton Plains
Horton Plains forms an undulating plateau over 2000m high. It is a beautiful area, consisting mainly of grasslands, interspersed with patches of forest. The area provides excellent opportunities for walking, with panoramic views over the spectacular escarpment which drops a sheer 1000ft. They were formerly the hunting grounds of the British Raj.
Then leave for Ella.
Visit Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya Temple
Dhowa Rock Temple is a protected heritage site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central mountains of the Uva province. Dhowa is a small, ancient village situated on the Badulla - Bandarawela main road. This temple is situated 210 km (130 mi) east of Colombo and 120 km (75 mi) south
of Kandy.
Visit Little Adams Peak Ella
The climb of Little Adam’s Peak is an easy one, but winds can be surprisingly strong; the climb could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast or slow you want to take each step. We think mornings and afternoons are best, but these are not rules.
Visit the nine arches bridge
Nine arches bridge is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921.
After breakfast proceed to Mirissa
Visit Ussangoda National Park en route to Mirissa
Ussangoda National Park is the newest and the 21st national park in Sri Lanka. The objective of establishing the new national park is to provide long-term protection for the area's biological, archaeological and geographical values. The park borders the Kalametiya Wildlife Sanctuary in the east.
In Hindu mythology, Ussangoda is believed to be the place where King Ravana lands his peacock chariot. Ussangoda is an important breeding ground for sea turtles and covers both land and sea areas. The red earth forms the soil of the area and the stunted vegetation is a feature resulting from heavy sea breeze. There are several archaeological sites of the origins in pre-historic times. The explanation for red soil is a high concentration of Ferric oxide in the area. Ussangoda is one of the four serpentine sites in Sri Lanka. The area is proposed to be designated as a Geopark originally. However, due to the area's biodiversity and other important features such as archaeological and geographical values, Ussangoda has been declared a national park.
Early in the morning do Whale & Dolphin Watching in Mirissa. This morning wake early and head out to sea for chance sightings of the giants of the deep blue sea. Whale watching in the south is a delight,
but the seas tend to get crowded in December with tourists looking for the same shy creatures. (Period for whale watching November to April)
At leisure on the beaches of Bentota
Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. It is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, at an elevation of 3 metres above sea level. The name of the town is derived from a mythical story which claims a demon named 'Bem' ruled the tota or river bank
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