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 Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Mount Lavinia Hotel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand

Day 02

After an early breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Kandy, en route visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Millennium Elephant Foundation

The Foundation provides and funds the care, medical treatments, food, mahout salaries, the running costs of the charity as well as having an on-call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the country treating sick elephants in need. The Elephant Walk Experience is another alternative to elephant riding for tourists, which is an ethical, up close and personal experience for tourists.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Later on proceed to Kandy and go on a tour around this bustling city including stops at the local markets and architectural marvels.

Kandy

Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, and is the islands cultural centre. It was Sri Lanka’s capital until the British took control in 1815 and due to its significant association with Buddhism; UNESCO has now made the Sacred City of Kandy a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient kingdom of Kandy is also home to Edwardian buildings, a king-made lake, a nature reserve and exciting shops. As the second largest city of the island and the capital of the Central Province, Kandy has grown from being a medieval kingdom to a friendly, busy city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations and close to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Take a tour around this bustling city including stops at the local markets and architectural marvels.

Day 03

After the breakfast at the hotel proceed to Peradeniya and visit the Royal Botanical Garden. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Royal Botanical Gardens

Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.

Thereafter proceed to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency

Day 04

On this day start your journey to Cultural Triangle.

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Matale visit a Spice Garden. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Matale Spice Tour

The Matale Spice Tour gives you a hands-on experience of a Spice & Herbal Garden within the Spice capital of Sri Lanka, Matale. Here you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as coriander, chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and their uses. The garden is enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that heighten the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Apart from gaining knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, this unique tour also lets you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient origins.

Thereafter proceed to visit Dambulla Cave Temple. (Travel Time: 35 to 45 mins)

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.

Day 05

After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

The Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

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.

Afterwards, go on a lovely jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Minneriya National Park

This 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.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama

Day 06

After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Sigiriya.  (Travel Time: 20 to 30 min)

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. 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.  Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Afterwards, climb down the rock fortress, visit a local village and get an an authentic experience of Sri Lankan village life. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Sigiriya Village Tour

Have a relaxing catamaran safari through 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 tastebuds 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 visit to Kalpitiya. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)

Day 07 to Day 08

Kalpitiya

Travel to North West to the coastal town of Kalpitiya, where you will settle for 3 nights enjoying a perfect beach stay.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Villa Seetha Wadi
Standard Option (4 Star) – Villa Seetha Wadi
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Kodev Kalpitiya

Day 09

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.