Explore Sri LankaExplore Sri Lanka
Forgot password?

Exploring Paradise

Sri Lanka Waterfall

HomeToursExploring Paradise

Exploring Paradise

15 Day Tour of Sri Lanka

Exploring Paradise- like the name suggests, is a journey of discovery that takes you on an unimaginably wonderful trip to some of Sri Lanka’s most treasured locations. Walk with the gentle giants of Pinnawala’s Millennium Elephant Foundation. Learn of Sri Lanka’s most sacred ancient cities and monuments- World Heritage sites that attract countless wanderers throughout the world. Travel through the picturesque hill country with its breathtaking views. Bask in the aroma of a multitude of spices as you walk through the exotic gardens in Matale and finally rest in luxurious comfort in between discovering the golden beaches and turquoise seas of the Southern Coastal Belt.

Highlights

  • World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Gentle Giants – Millennium Elephant Foundation in Pinnawala.
  • Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
  • Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
  • Misty Mountains – Evergreen peaks and cozy little towns in Hatton.
  • On the Shores – Rest & Relaxation on the Southern Coastal Belt.

Itinerary

Negambo - 2 Nights

Day 01

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffeur 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)

Day 02

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to discover the city of Negombo.

Negombo

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 of the day 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

Sigiriya - 3 Nights

Day 03

After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Sigiriya, en-route, make a stop in Pinnawala to visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation (Club Concept Elephant Riding). (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Millennium Elephant Foundation

The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a family run non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. The Foundation provides and fund 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.

Afterwards, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples before checking in at the hotel and relaxing. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Dambulla Golden Cave Temples

Visit the 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. Marvel at the hundreds of Buddha figurines and other deities scattered across 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 and hear the tales of this ancient kingdom.

On completion of the day return to the hotel and relax.

Day 04

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Sigiriya and climb Sigiriya rock fortress.

Sigiriya ‘Lion 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 tour in the Sigiriya Village.

Sigiriya Village Tour

Hiriwaduna is a little village that retains its authentic traditions and culture. 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 Polonnaruwa and explore ancient ruin kingdom. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Ruined City of Polonnaruwa

Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD, which was also known as the second major capital of Sri Lanka. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the Lotus Bath (Nelum Pokuna), the Lankathilake Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa

On completion of the day return to the hotel and relax.

Day 05

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Anuradhapura. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Walk through the ancient 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 continue to Minneriya to go on a safari. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

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 of the day 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 Kandalama

Kandy - 2 Nights

Day 06

Thereafter proceed to proceed to Matale visit a Spice Garden and 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)

Spice & Herbal Garden

The Euphoria Spice & Herbal Garden, is located approximately 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient origins.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)
Later in the evening go on a gem tour and the cultural show.

Kandy Cultural Show

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

On completion of the day check into the hotel and relax.

Day 07

After the breakfast, proceed to Peradeniya and visit Royal Botanical Gardens. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 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 visit Temple of the Tooth Relic and do a guided tour.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 of the day 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 - 2 Nights

Day 08

After breakfast proceed to Hatton Check in to the hotel and relax (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Day 09

After breakfast proceed to the Horton Plains. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Horton Plains National Park

Day 09; after breakfast at the hotel, 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.

Thereafter return to your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Laa Adams
Standard Option (4 Star) – Laa Adams
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Ceylon Tea Trails

Yala - 1 Night

Day 10

After breakfast proceed to Yala check into the hotel and relax (Travel Time: 4 to 4 ½ hrs) later in the evening go on a lovely safari in Yala National Park for a half day safari.

Yala National Park

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 of the day check into the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Oak Ray Lake
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala

Weligama - 4 Nights

Day 11

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Weligama. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)

Day 12 To 14

During these days, you can visit some of the best southern coastal areas. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)

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.

Stilt Fishermen

Hear the stories of how stilt fishing came to Sri Lanka, from the mouths of the fishermen who have practiced 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.

Whale Watching Tour

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.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Insight Ahangama
Standard Option (4 Star) – Mandara Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cape Weligama

Departure

Day 15

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 1200 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.