Best of Sri Lanka: Heritage, Tea Plantation & Wildlife Safari

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 driven to your hotel in Negombo, a seaside town which is only 20 minutes away from the airport. Rest of the day is at your leisure.

In the morning, start with a visit to the landmark of this country, the 5th-century legendary sky citadel of "Lion Rock" - arguably the most impressive site in Sri Lanka; although a steep climb is requested, the story behind the monument and the panoramic view of Dambulla seen on the top are definitely worth the effort.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration in the rural village of Hiriwadunna. Travel into the lush Sri Lankan countryside by a jeep or a tuk tuk. At dusk, take a boat ride and sail to the other side of a lake, enjoying the fantastic sunset view.

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

After arriving in Kandy (approx. 3.5 hrs by road), appreciate a vivid and traditional Cultural Dance (Kandyan Dance) before walking to the nearby Sacred Temple of the 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.

After breakfast, set off for Nuwara Eliya by train (subjected to availability), a picturesque journey packed with beautiful mountains, waterfalls and tea plantations. The train takes about 4 hours. Upon your arrival at Nanu Oya Railway Station, your chauffeur guide will pick you up and escort you to your Nuwara Eliya hotel, rest of the day is at your leisure after check-in. 

Get up in the early morning and head to Horton Plains National Park, where you take 3-4 hours easy trek and see sambar deers, waterfall, diverse flora & fauna, and the stunning views over World's End.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the world's best Ceylon Tea is produced. After learning about the process of manufacturing tea, get hands-on experience of tea picking, and don't forget to sip a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory. 

Check out after breakfast and head for Yala (approx. 3 hours by road), en route enjoys the beautiful scenery of Ella. Upon arrival at Yala, check in the hotel and have a rest before your afternoon jeep safari at Yala National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife including elephants, leopards, wild buffalo, sambar deer, musk deer, black bears, macaques, jackals and a numerous variety of birds. The park is renowned as the best park in the world to observe and shoot pictures of leopards.

Note: Yala National Park keeps closed during September, if so we will use alternatives (e.g. Bundala National Park).

This morning, you will take a second jeep safari in Yala National Park. The afternoon is left for relaxation. If possible, don't forget to taste the seafood at one of the local restaurants here, which is so popular among locals and travelers.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive around the south coast towards Galle (approx. 4 hours), en route you might see the iconic stilt fishermen at the beach.

Upon arrival at Galle, a colonial port fortified by Portuguese first then Dutch, spend your time at the Galle Dutch Fort, regarded as one of the best-preserved fortresses in Sri Lanka.

Later, drive to Bentota and unwind at there in the next 2 days. Bentota is known for its dazzling marine life, and you will love the atmosphere once you step in. Its blissful beauty will scintillate you like never before, especially for the newly-wed couples.

Today is free for you to relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Bentota offers many choices of water sports. Feel free to ask your hotel if you're interested in.

Enjoy another leisure time in Bentota. You may want to do nothing but stretch yourself out on the beach, with the cool sea breeze.

After a leisurely morning, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Colombo (approx. 1.5 hours by road). Upon arrival in Colombo, take a guided city tour to explore Colombo's colonial legacies including Independence Square, Gangarama Temple of Colombo, a mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green and Colombo's National Museum, etc. Stop for taking pictures when we drive by the former British Administrative Center, etc.

In the evening, you will be escorted to CMB airport (1-hour drive from Colombo city) for your onward flight.