SUBCONTINENT TC JOURNEYS

Sri Lanka - The Island Odyssey

10  nights   |   2 adults

Trip highlights

  • Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Enjoy a Game Drive in Minneriya
  • Visit a Spice Garden in Matale
  • Small City Tour in Kandy and Visit the Famous Temple of the Tooth Relic
  • Enjoy White Water Rafting in Kitulgala
  • Visit a Tea Plantation
  • Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
  • Enjoy a Small City Tour in Ella and Visit the Nine Arch Bridge
  • Enjoy a Game Drive in Yala
  • Visit Galle Dutch Fort
Embark on an unforgettable 10-night journey through the enchanting landscapes of Sri Lanka, where each destination reveals a unique facet of this island paradise. Start your adventure in the ancient town of Sigiriya, home to the iconic Lion Rock and stunning frescoes. Next, immerse yourself in the cool, misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England," where lush tea plantations and charming colonial architecture await.
Continue your exploration in Yala, renowned for its diverse wildlife and thrilling safaris, before concluding your trip in the coastal paradise of Bentota, where golden beaches and vibrant waters offer the perfect relaxation. This itinerary promises a captivating blend of culture, nature, and adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred to by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The palace is situated in the heart of the island, between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana, on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles.

Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys, and fountains. The surrounding territories of Sigiriya were inhabited for several thousand years. Since the 3rd century BC, the rocky plateau of Sigiriya has served as a monastery. In the second half of the 5th century, King Kasyapa decided to construct a royal residence here.

Enjoy a Game Drive in Minneriya

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, this natural wonder is renowned for its stunning wildlife and, most notably, its vast gatherings of elephants.

Hop into a rugged 4x4 jeep and traverse the park's diverse terrain, from lush forests to open grasslands. As you venture deeper, be prepared to witness herds of majestic elephants, a myriad of bird species, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. It's a truly unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, providing an up-close encounter with the untamed beauty of Minneriya.

 

Visit a Spice Garden in Matale

Visit a spice garden in Matale to see many different types of spices that Sri Lanka is famous for. Just 25 km from the hill capital of Kandy, the 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.

Gardens are open to visitors, a delightful place to stroll in fragrant greenery and learn about nutmeg, pepper vines, clove trees, and curry, cinnamon, and the precious cardamom, a relative of ginger. It grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand. Visitors may. Buy spices, traditional remedies, and cosmetics, taste a herbal brew, and in some venues, enjoy the full flavors of Sri Lankan spices over lunch or an Ayurveda massage based on natural products from the garden.

 

Enjoy a Small City Tour in Kandy + Visit the Famous Temple of the Tooth Relic

Discover the enchanting allure of Kandy with a small city tour that unveils the essence of Sri Lanka's cultural tapestry. Wander through bustling markets and serene streets, where the city's rich history comes to life.

The journey culminates at the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred haven where ancient traditions converge with architectural splendor. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, witnessing timeless rituals that echo through the centuries. This cultural odyssey offers a glimpse into Kandy's soul, where tradition and modernity harmonize seamlessly. A visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic promises a profound and memorable experience.

Enjoy White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Experience White Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. This activity is for anyone above the age of 10 years.

Safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing will be given by our white water rafting instructors beforehand. The distance covered is around 5 KMs. The river and its surroundings will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable Experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kitulagala.

Visit a Tea Plantation

Immerse yourself in the lush, emerald world of Nuwara Eliya's Tea Plantations. Located in the picturesque hills of Sri Lanka, this experience offers a glimpse into the art of tea production. Wander through endless rows of meticulously manicured tea bushes, breathe in the fragrant air, and witness the skilled tea pluckers at work.

Visit a tea factory to witness the intricate process of turning leaves into the world-famous Ceylon tea. With the misty mountains as your backdrop, you'll savor the opportunity to taste a fresh cup of tea while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. A visit here is a journey into the heart of Sri Lanka's tea culture. 

Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Take a spectacular journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella along one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic railway networks. As the train passes through lush tea plantations, mist-laden mountains, and waterfalls, passengers take in the panoramic views of the island.

The trail offers a glimpse into rural life, where locals tend to their farms and villages nestled between green mountains. and be peaceably dismissed, thus making everyone the centerpiece of the itinerary

Enjoy a Small City Tour in Ella + Visit Nine Arch Bridge

Discover the enchanting town of Ella with a captivating City Tour that includes a visit to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Nestled in the lush green hills of Sri Lanka, Ella boasts breathtaking vistas and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the town's quaint streets, vibrant markets, and embrace its warm local culture.

The highlight of your journey is the awe-inspiring Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering surrounded by emerald tea plantations. Watch as trains pass gracefully over the bridge, offering a timeless scene. This tour is an immersion into nature, history, and the charm of Ella, leaving you with lasting memories.

Enjoy a Game Drive in Yala

Yala National Park, where you can see Sri Lankan wild animals in their natural state... Inside the park, you will come across wild boar, deer, leopards, elephants, bears, peacocks, and many more animals roaming freely as nature intended them to live. The elephants gather at the waterholes for drinking, and you may watch them bathing their young and immersing themselves in the river.

They can also be sighted at close range sometimes. You may also see leopards sunning themselves on rocks in the park. Herds of deer roam at will, keeping a wary eye on the predators. Peacocks flaunting their colorful feathers strut around, and flamingoes are a breathtaking sight. You will find Yala a delightful place to survey our wild animals.

Visit Galle Dutch Fort

Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka, and is the district capital of Galle District. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards.

The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia, built by European occupiers. Afterwards, proceed to visit the famous Dutch ramparts in the Galle Fort with a Portuguese emblem on the southern wall. This fort now houses most of the offices of the government, like the old post office, the beautiful Dutch church, over 350 years old, and other colonial-style buildings, now monumental of the architectural patterns that prevailed in that era. Walk along the ramparts which rolling plains of green inside the fort, with a view of the harbour and the famous old lighthouse... Galle is well known for its cottage industries and lace making, which is a traditional southern Sri Lankan craft. Visit a lace-making craft center as well as a mask-making center. These wooden masks are used in various ceremonies and festivals in Sri Lanka. Each one is hand-carved and significant to a certain human feeling.

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