Explore Sri LankaExplore Sri Lanka
Forgot password?

Adventure and Leisure

Mountains in Sri Lanka

HomeToursAdventure and Leisure

Adventure and Leisure

11 Day tour of Sri Lanka

Make your tour a blend of leisure and adventure. Walk on the sandy beaches and watch the sun slides down to the west in the south western coastal belt. Go on trekking adventures in Horton and safaris in Minneriya where the Gentle giants roam freely in the Wilderness. Have the rare chance to observe the Elephants in both Wilderness and who are reared in the Sanctuary in Pinnawala. Take a tour in the heart of Sri Lanka, Colombo and discover the secrets hidden among the urbanised environment.

Highlights

  • World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Into the Wild – Udawalawa & Horton Plains National Park.
  • Gentle Giants – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
  • Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
  • Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
  • Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.

Itinerary

Dambulla - 2 Nights

Day 01

Arrive at Colombo International Airport at 1500 hrs. 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 Dambulla en route make a pause at Pinnawala and visit Elephant Orphanage. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

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 Dambulla and visit Cave Temples. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs).

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.

On completion check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Day 02

After the breakfast at the hotel go and visit the rock fortress, Sigiriya. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

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.

Thereafter go on a lovely village tour around Sigiriya.

Local Village Experience in Sigiriya

Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. 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 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 Minneriiya for the evening safari (Travel Time: 45 to 60 mins)

Minneriya Safari

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.

On completion return to the hotel for relaxation.

Overnight Stay

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

Nuwara Eliya - 2 Nights

Day 03

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En-route make a stop at Matale and visit Matale Spice Gardens and do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Matale Spice Gardens

Do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. Take part in a traditional cooking demonstration that shows you how to make Sri Lankan cuisine while making full use of spices. Learn to make roti or create curry powder from scratch in one of the workshops.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic 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.

Thereafter continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Later go on a sightseeing tour in Nuwara Eliya City.

Nuwara Eliya

Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post-office as you purchase an inexpensive and colourful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

Day 04

With packed breakfast, proceed to Horton Plains.

Horton Plains National Park

Visit the beautiful, scenic, cloud-kissed forests and grasslands of Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World’s End and the cooling sprays from Baker’s Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic faunae that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Summer Hill Breeze
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing St.Andrews
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Tea Factory

Ella - 1 Night

Day 05

After a breakfast at the hotel check out and visit a Tea Factory and a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea.

Tea Factory Visit

Learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as ‘tea pluckers’ as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets.Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.

Thereafter proceed to Nanu Oya railway station to catch the train to Ella. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Scenic Train Ride

The Nanu Oya to Ella train journey takes you on scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant greens carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Haputale. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows.

You will be picked up by your chauffeur at the Ella Rail way station and proceed to 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

Udawalawa - 1 Night

Day 06

After breakfast at the hotel check out and explore misty Ella.

Explore the Marvels of Ella 

Explore Ella’s 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.

Thereafter proceed to Udawalawe and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Centauria Wild
Standard Option (4 Star) – Centauria Wild
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Grand Udawalawe Safari

Bentota - 3 Nights

Day 07

Early in the morning proceed to Udawalwe National Park to go on lovely jeep safari.

Udawalawa National Park

Enjoy a three-hour safari which would give you a chance to explore the amazing 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.

After the safari return to the hotel, check out and proceed Old Colonial City of Galle. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Old Colonial City of Galle

Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

On completion of the day proceed to Bentota and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Day 08 & 09

Spend the day leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities. One of these days go on a lovely Boat safari in Madu River, visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Madu River Boat Safari

Go on a wonderful 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.

Turtle Hatchery

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.

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 10

After a relaxed morning and breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo and go on a City and Shopping tour in Colombo City. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

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.

Thereafter return to the hotel and relax. Later in the evening go out and enjoy the night life in Colombo City. 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 11

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 890 Per Person

When to go on this trip?

The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from December to May. Calm south coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are traveling 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. Have a chat with one of our Tour Consultants to help you decide.

Our Experts are ready to help

For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.

    Full Name *

    Email Address *

    Contact Number * (Include Country Code)

    Your Country *

    What other details would you like us to consider? *

    Where did you hear about us?


    Hotel Timing

    Standard Check in time : 1400 hrs.
    Standard Check out time : 1200 hrs.
    The above may differ from hotel to hotel. Speak to your travel expert for more details.
    We are able to arrange early check-in and late check-outs depending on the hotels you choose. However, you may be subject to additional charges.

    Booking Process

    After deciding on which trip you want to go, send us an inquiry with the requested details. If you want to further customize this trip, our travel experts would be glad to help perfect the tour itinerary for you. Once all planning is final, the next step is starting the booking process. We request for a 20% deposit to confirm the booking. On receipt of the deposit, our team will start booking your hotels and the vehicles that were agreed upon. The balance 80% payment can be made 30 to 45 days prior to the date of arrival. For cancellation and refund policies please take a look at the terms & conditions.

    Price

    The price quoted is valid till April 2018. Will be subject to seasonal supplements. Speak to your travel expert to learn more details.

    Packing Essentials

    When packing for Sri Lanka, you only need to remember that this is a tropical country. Sunny weather & warm water. Hence, packing thin cotton clothing is essential. However, if your stay includes places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella, we recommend that you pack a few sweaters just in case. You must not forget the following:

    • Effective mosquito repellent.
    • A good sunscreen.
    • (Ladies) Tampons – Nearly impossible to find outside Colombo.
    • Universal power adapter.

    Travel Insurance

    We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.

    VISA

    Visa can be obtained online via www.eta.gov.lk. You can obtain Visa on arrival as well, however, this option is not available for some countries. Do read more on this topic here.

    Travel Information

    Sri Lanka is a developing nation. Yet, there are many things you must look out for during your travel. For example; when visiting religious sites, it is important that you dress to cover. All key information you need to know before traveling is right here.