Culture & Coast
12 Day tour of Sri Lanka
This unique 12 Day tour of Sri Lanka is the complete package of Paradise Island. Your journey will take you to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, where ancient ruins and kingdoms romanticize the land with tales of times long since forgotten. Explore the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy and get lost in the beautiful, scenic, evergreen hills and valleys of Hatton and Ella. Conquer the wilderness of some of Sri Lanka’s most famous National Parks. Spend a leisurely number of days relaxing on the golden, sun-kissed shores of the southern coast and discover the post-colonial city of Galle. Finally experience the urban lifestyle of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo.
Highlights
- World Class – Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Titans of the Sea – Whale Watching in Mirissa
- Into the Wild – Yala and Minneriya National Parks
- Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture
- Misty Mountains – Evergreen peaks and cosy little towns in Hatton & Ella
- On the Shores – Postcolonial City of Galle and Ahangama Beach
- Urban Adventure – Discover the commercial hub, Colombo
Itinerary
Sigiriya - 2 Nights
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 Sigiriya and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 4 ½ to 5 hrs)
Later in the evening visit Dambulla Cave Temple. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
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 return to the hotel and relax.
Day 02
After the breakfast proceed to Polonnruwa and explore Ancient Kingdom. (Travel Time: 1 to 1½ 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 Minneriya and go a safari at Minneriya National Park. (Travel Time: 45 to 50 mins)
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 back 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 Kandalama
Kandy - 1 Night
Day 03
After breakfast proceed at the hotel check out and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 15 to 20 mins)
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 proceed to Kandy, en-route make a pause at Matale, visit a Spice Garden 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)
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, chili, 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 let’s you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality.
Thereafter continue to Kandy and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins) Later go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks and watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.
Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives you an opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s traditions. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get mesmerized by fire dances, sword dances, and watch the talented Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming, primal beat of the drums.
On completion return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency
Hatton - 1 Night
Day 04
After the breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Peradeniya and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
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 visit Temple of the Tooth. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit 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.
On completion proceed to Hatton, check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Laa Adams
Standard Option (4 Star) – Laa Adams
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Ceylon Tea Trails
Ella - 1 Night
Day 05
Early in the morning around 01.00 am start climbing the Adam’s Peak.
Adams Peak, there is probably no mountain anywhere more famous than Sri Pada – Adam’s Peak (7362ft/2250m) for non-mountain reasons than this. It is sacred to three religions; to Buddhists the human-foot-shaped hollow on the pinnacle boulder marks one of the personal appearances of the Buddha; the Muslims believe that the depression marks Adam’s expiation of his disobedience by standing there for an age on one foot; to the Hindus, by whom the Peak has been venerated for millennia, its name is Sivan Adi Padham, for it is the Creative Dance of the god Siva that the ‘print’ calls to remembrance. Whichever legend you may believe; this beautiful place has been a pilgrimage centre for over a thousand years.
On completion return to the hotel, have breakfast at the Hotel and relax. later check out from the hotel and proceed to Ella and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Ella Gap Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Ella Jungle Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – 98 Acres Resort
Yala - 1 Night
Day 06
Early in the morning embrace the marvelous of scenic 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 return to the hotel, check out and proceed to Yala and check in to the hotel. (Travel Tim: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Later proceed to Yala National Park and go on a lovely Jeep Safari.
This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
On completion return to the hotel and relax
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala
Ahangama - 4 Nights
Day 07
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Ahangama. On arrival to Ahanghama, visit Handungoda Tea Factory. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)
Handunugoda Tea Factory which is also known as the Virgin White Tea Factory. Learn the history of the tea that this factory produces. Get to know how the famous Virgin White Tea is plucked and processed completely untouched by human hands. Engage in a tasting session with a delicious cup of tea and scrumptious chocolate cake. Get a chance to purchase some tea leaves as a souvenir.
Thereafter proceed to the hotel, check in and relax. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
Later that evening visit Stilt Fisherman.
Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Hear the stories of how stilt fishing came to Sri Lanka, from the mouths of the fishermen who have practised the craft for generations. Learn how the stilt fishing is done in detail and marvel at the level of skill that goes into it. Get some amazing photographs of the fishermen silhouetted against the shoreline at sunset.
On completion return back to the hotel
Day 08
Early in the morning proceed to Mirissa harbor and go on a Whale Watching Safari in the Seas of Mirissa. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)
See the Whales in Southern Sea
This tour gives you an opportunity to see the biggest mammals on earth, the whales, in their natural habitat. Get a chance to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales as they swim in the waters to the south of Sri Lanka. Gain more knowledge about the whales as a species from a qualified naturalist and learn to identify them. This tour gives you a responsible whale watching experience with a minimal imprint on nature.
Thereafter return to the hotel and relax. Later in the evening visit Old Colonial City of Galle. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
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 return back to the hotel and relax.
Day 09 & 10
Spend the days Leisurely at Ahangama Beach
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Insight Ahangama
Standard Option (4 Star) – Mandara Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cape Weligama
Colombo - 1 Night
Day 11
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Balapitiya and go on a lovely bat safari in Madu River. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)
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.
Thereafter proceed to Kosgoda and visit 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.
Thereafter proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hours)
Experience the colourful 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.
On completion of the day return to the hotel.
Overnight Stay
Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Zmax Fairway
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand
Departure
Day 12
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 915 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?
Nuwara Eliya Town.
Horton Plains National Park.
Dambulla Cave Temples.
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.
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.