Timeless Treasures of Sri Lanka: A Cultural and Natural Odyssey
Duration
7 Days
Timeless Treasures of Sri Lanka: A Cultural and Natural Odyssey
Duration
7 Days
Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards and elephants, and explore the serene tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. Stroll through spice gardens, visit iconic temples like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and marvel at architectural masterpieces such as the Dambulla Cave Temple. Along the way, enjoy scenic train rides, cascading waterfalls, and the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka.
This carefully designed tour invites you to discover the best of Sri Lanka, a land of timeless treasures, lush landscapes, and cultural richness. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or spiritual connection, this trip promises a journey like no other.
Picture the Experience
Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01
Welcome to Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise filled with centuries-old history, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to Colombo, the bustling commercial capital of the island.
After checking into your hotel, you will embark on a city tour of Colombo. Your first stop will be the Gangaramaya Temple, a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Established in the late 19th century, this temple is not only a place of worship but also a museum housing a vast collection of Buddhist relics and art from across Asia.
You’ll then visit the Old Parliament Building, a grand colonial structure that was once the seat of Sri Lanka’s government, and now houses the Presidential Secretariat. Next, take a stroll through Independence Square, built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. The tour concludes with a visit to Galle Face Green, where you can witness the Indian Ocean crashing against the promenade as locals gather to fly kites, snack on street food, and enjoy the sunset.
Colombo – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Anuradhapura
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation, this sanctuary is dedicated to the care and conservation of orphaned elephants. Here, you can watch as these majestic creatures bathe in the nearby river, feed on fruits, and interact with each other in their natural habitat. The orphanage plays a critical role in ensuring the survival of the Asian elephant, a species that has faced significant challenges due to habitat loss and human encroachment.
After your visit to Pinnawala, continue your journey to Anuradhapura, one of the oldest and most important cities in Sri Lanka’s history. Anuradhapura served as the capital of the island for over a millennium, starting from the 4th century BCE. The city is revered for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you will visit the Sacred Bodhi Tree, grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This tree has been tended for over 2,000 years, making it the oldest human-planted tree with a known planting date. As you explore the ancient stupas, such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, you’ll discover the architectural grandeur and spiritual significance these structures held for the island’s early Buddhist civilization.
After breakfast, embark on a journey to Polonnaruwa, another great ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Polonnaruwa flourished between the 10th and 12th centuries CE, and its well-preserved ruins showcase the height of Sri Lankan art and architecture during this period. You’ll visit the Royal Palace, once a grand residence with 1,000 rooms, and the Lankatilaka Vihara, a massive brick temple that houses a giant standing Buddha statue. Don’t miss the Gal Vihara, where you’ll find four beautifully carved statues of the Buddha, each depicting different stages of enlightenment. These masterpieces of rock-cut sculpture reflect the skill and spiritual devotion of the artisans who created them.
In the afternoon, continue to Sigiriya, home to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as the “Lion’s Rock.” Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century CE, Sigiriya served as both a royal palace and a fortress. As you ascend the rock, you’ll pass by the famous Sigiriya Frescoes, delicate paintings of celestial maidens believed to represent either goddesses or concubines of the king. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, as well as the remnants of the royal palace, including the throne room, swimming pools, and royal gardens. Sigiriya is considered one of the best-preserved examples of urban planning in the ancient world, and its strategic location made it nearly impregnable.
Today, you’ll travel to the historic city of Kandy, a place steeped in cultural and religious significance. En route, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a vast cave complex that has been a pilgrimage site for over 2,000 years. The temple complex houses more than 150 Buddha statues and vibrant murals that depict the life of the Buddha, making it one of the most impressive cave temples in the world.
Afterwards, you’ll stop at a spice garden in Matale, where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s long history of cultivating spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper, which were once so valuable they were referred to as “black gold.” This part of the island has been a center for spice cultivation for centuries, with techniques passed down through generations.
Upon arrival in Kandy, you’ll explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most venerated Buddhist sites in the world. The temple houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, which has played a central role in Sri Lankan politics and religion for centuries. The complex itself is an architectural wonder, with stunning Kandyan designs, intricate carvings, and a serene atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural show, where you’ll witness the vibrant dances and drumming that are an integral part of the region’s heritage.
After breakfast, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, originally established as a pleasure garden for the Kandyan royalty. Today, the gardens are home to over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, palms, medicinal plants, and bamboo. Stroll through the well-manicured gardens and discover rare plants, giant Javan fig trees, and lush fern gardens.
Next, board a first-class train for a scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England.” The train ride is one of the most beautiful in the world, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and misty mountains. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, explore the town’s colonial architecture, including the Queen’s Cottage and Grand Hotel, which date back to the British colonial period. Visit Gregory Lake, a serene spot in the heart of the town where you can take a leisurely boat ride or simply enjoy the cool climate.
You’ll also have the chance to visit a tea plantation and tea factory, where you can observe the process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. Sri Lanka’s highland tea estates produce some of the finest tea in the world, and you’ll have the opportunity to taste fresh Ceylon tea straight from the source.
Today, drive to Ella, a charming hill station known for its stunning views and laid-back atmosphere. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, an engineering marvel built during the British colonial period. Surrounded by dense jungle and tea plantations, the bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in Sri Lanka.
Next, visit Ravana Falls, a cascading waterfall named after the legendary King Ravana from the Ramayana epic. According to local legend, King Ravana used a cave hidden behind the waterfall to hide Princess Sita, whom he had kidnapped. The natural beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings make it a must-see spot in Ella.
In the afternoon, travel to Yala, home to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. Yala is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world, as well as elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a rich array of birdlife. Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling 4×4 jeep safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Begin your day, drive along the southern coast to the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia. Walk along the cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and cafes. Visit the Galle Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country, and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
As you journey towards the airport for your departure, make a stop in Koggala to witness the traditional practice of stilt fishing, where fishermen balance on wooden poles planted in the shallow waters to catch fish. This ancient technique, passed down through generations, is a unique and picturesque sight.
What Our Elite Guests Say
What Our Elite Guests Say
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