Ancient Kingdoms & Best of East
14 Day Tour of Sri Lanka
A vacation that takes you from the eastern coast to Sri Lanka’s central country. Bask in the sunlight and let the waves wash over your feet as you watch the sunrise from the eastern horizon. Explore the ancient Kingdoms of Sri Lanka and discover the secrets behind the prevailing ancient monuments of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Climb the world-renowned Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress and conquer the wilderness of Sri Lanka’s National Parks.
Highlights
- World Class – Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- On the Shores – Explore the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka.
- Ancient Ceylon – Yapahuwa Rock Fortress
- Cultural Origins – The Birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka & Mihintale Rock
- Into the Wild – Minneriya & Udawalawe National Park.
- Urban Adventure – Discover the commercial hub, Colombo
Itinerary
Negambo - 1 Night
Day 01
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 Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 15 to 20 mins)
Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo
Anuradhapura - 1 Night
Day 02
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Pinnawala and visit the Elephant Orphange. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat, located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the best place for an up close and personal experience with the world’s largest land mammals! Today with 70 elephants herein, Pinnawela has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world.
Thereafter proceed to Yapahuwa and visit the Ancient Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
Visit the rock fortress of Yapahuwa where the seat of government was based in the 13th century. It also had its own Temple of the Tooth Relic where the relic was housed at that time. View the majestic entrance arch and ornamental stairway. Walk through the ruins of the temple at the summit or along the terraces. Enjoy the detailed sculptures scattered throughout the entire fortress. Yapahuwa is an incredible place that defies description and is best seen with one’s own eyes.
On completion proceed to Anuradhapura and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Heritage Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Lakeside At Nuwarawewa
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Ulagalla By Uga Escapes
Dambulla - 2 Nights
Day 03
After the breakfast at the hotel, explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
The Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings, and ponds that are scattered all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.
Thereafter proceed to Mihintalaya. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
Visit the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. See the spot where the meeting of King Devanampiyatissa and Monk Mahinda took place. View the monastic ruins at the foot of the mountain. Walk in the footsteps of Mahinda as you visit the cave where he resided. View historic stupas, Ambasthala Dagoba and the Maha Stupa. Enter the ruins of an age long past to understand its impact on the history of Sri Lanka.
On completion proceed to Dambulla and check into the hotel.
Day 04
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress.
The 5th century AD rock fortress Sigiriya, once ruled by the Sri Lankan King Kashyapa, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most historical landmarks. 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, that is a mind-blowing example of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
After making your descent, proceed to a local village in Sigriya and get an authentic experience in Sri Lankan Village Life.
Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Enjoy a relaxing catamaran safari across 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 taste buds 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.
Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a lovely jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo
Pasikudha - 2 Nights
Day 05
After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.
Thereafter check out from the hotel and proceed to Polonnaruwa. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)
The Ancient Kingdom of 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.
Thereafter proceed to Pasikudha and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Day 06
After the breakfast at the hotel wander in the picturesque coasts of Pasikudha.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Amethyst Resort
Standard Option (4 Star) – Amaya Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Uga Bay Pasikuda
Arugambay - 2 Nights
Day 07
After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Arugambay.
Thereafter rest in the coast of Arugambay and enjoy the sea breeze and its magnificent tides. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)
Day 08
Spend the day leisurely enjoying the coast and the facilities provided by the hotel.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – The Blue Wave Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kottukal Beach House
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Kottukal Beach House
Ella - 1 Night
Day 09
After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Ella. (Travel Time: 2 to 3 ½ hrs)
Explore the city of Ella and its most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka
On completion check into the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Ella Gap Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort
Udawalawe - 1 Night
Day 10
After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Udawalawe. En-route visit the Rawana Falls. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
Rawana Ella: A beautiful natural wonder associated with legend is the Rawana Ella (Ravana Falls) located near the village of Udunuwara on the Ella-Wellawaya Road. A cave (“cave of gold”) hidden behind the falls is believed to be one of several places where Rawana hid his lovely Indian Princess Sita after abducting her.
On completion proceed to Udawalawe and check into the hotel and relax. Evening go on a safari in Udawalawa national park (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)
This three-hour safari gives you the chance to visit Udawalawe National Park. Travel through the marshes, forests and grasslands of the park that was created as a sanctuary for wildlife in the 1970s. See the water birds and Sri Lankan elephants for which the park is famed. Catch glimpses of the other mammals and birds, as well as the reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Centauria Wild
Standard Option (4 Star) – Centauria Wild
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Grand Udawalawe Safari
Hikkaduwa - 1 Night
Day 11
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Hikkaduwa. En-route make a stop at the Hummanaya Blow Hole. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Explore the wonders of the Hummanaya, which could possibly be the second largest blowhole in the world. Watch the impressive spraying fountain of sea water near the village of Kudawella that is part of Sri Lanka’s natural geology. Listen to the deep humming noise that gives the Hummanaya its name.
Thereafter proceed to Hikkaduwa en route visit the Old Colonial City of Galle.
Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics.
On completion proceed to hikkaduwa and check in to the hotel.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Coral Rock By Bansei
Standard Option (4 Star) – Coral Sands Hotel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Hikka Tranz By Cinnamon
Bentota - 1 Night
Day 12
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy the coast of Hikkaduwa.
Thereafter check out from the hotel and proceed to Bentota. En-route make a stop at the Balapitiya and go on a lovely boat safari in the Madu River. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
Go on a wonderful two-hour boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.
Thereafter proceed to Kosgoda and visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda 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.
On completion check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Earl’s Reef
Standard Option (4 Star) – The Surf
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Bey
Colombo - 1 Night
Day 13
After the breakfast at the hotel relax in the coast of Bentota.
Thereafter check out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs) Towards the evening go and explore the Commercial City of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores. Enjoy the nightlife as you party till the morn.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Fairway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand
Departure
Day 14
After breakfast at the hotel on your final day, proceed to the Colombo International Airport (CMB) and get ready for your departure after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Price Starting From:
USD 1180 Per Person
When to go on this trip?
The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from April to September. Calm east coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are travelling to.
When to book
We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.
What add-ons are available for this trip?
We can arrange for just about any add-on’s on this trip. Discuss with our travel expert to help you decide.
Our Experts are ready to help
For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.