Essential Sri Lanka

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Colombo

  Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! On arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you're met by your private chauffeur-guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

  • Colombo

• Day 2: Colombo, City Sightseeing

  Enjoy your leisure time at your hotel and recover from your long journey. 

  In the afternoon, take a guided city tour to explore Colombo's colonial legacies, including Independence Square, Gangarama Temple of Colombo, the mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green and Colombo's National Museum, etc. Stop to take pictures when driving by the former British Administrative Center.

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  • Colombo

• Day 3: Colombo - Pinnawala - Sigiriya

  Be prepared to Pinnawala (approx. 2.5 hours) where you can visit the Elephant Orphanage and get up close with these lovely guys. After lunch, head to Sigiriya (about 3 hours' drive), home to the Lion Rock Fortress, and an ideal base for exploring the many natural wonders and historical sites in this charming area. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a local Sri Lankan family for a coconut break.

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  • Sigiriya

• Day 4: Sigiriya, Highlights Exploration

  The first stop will be the Landmark of this country, the 5th-century legendary sky citadel of "Lion Rock", definitely the most impressive site in Sri Lanka. Despite the steep climb is requested, the story behind the monument and the panoramic view of Dambulla seen from the top are worth your effort.

  In the afternoon, continue to explore the rural village of Hiriwadunna. Travel the lush Sri Lankan countryside by a jeep or a tuk-tuk, alongside paddy fields and rural vegetable plantations. At dusk, hop on a catamaran and sail to the other side of a lake to enjoy the fantastic sunset view and look out for birds, butterflies, as well as the villagers fishing or washing clothes by the lake.

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  • Sigiriya

• Day 5: Sigiriya - Kandy

  Today, get started with the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, home to many magnificent Buddha images and rock painting dating back to 2nd century BC. Then head for Ceylon's old capital of Kandy, en route stop for an interesting visit to learn a wide range of spices at one of spice garden, whose 15-minute complimentary Ayurveda Massage is recommended.

  After arriving in Kandy (approx. 3.5 hours), appreciate a vivid and traditional cultural dance (Kandyan Dance) before walking to the nearby Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine, the Puja Ritual held in the temple with all the fanfare, drums, trumpets and brightly colored Monks definitely shows you how special and spiritually important the temple means to Sri Lanka.

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  • Kandy

• Day 6: Kandy - Galle

  You can visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden in the morning. In there, you will immerse into the beauty of more than 300 orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.

  Afterward, drive to Galle (approx. 6 hours), a Dutch colonial town on this tropical country anchored by a World Heritage-listed fort.

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  • Galle

• Day 7: Galle - Colombo, Departure

  Today, your guide will show you the colonial Dutch Fort of Galle. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved fortresses in Sri Lanka, where you will find some small museums and magnificent Dutch churches.

  After that, you will be escorted to CMB Airport (2 hours' drive) for your home-bound flight.

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