Sri Lanka, Distilled
Day 01 – Airport | Habarana
We’ll be there to warmly welcome you at the airport and whisk you off, through woodlands and rice paddies, to Habarana in the rural heartland of Sri Lanka.
*Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 02 – Habarana | Sigiriya | Anuradhapura | Habarana
Get ready for a day packed full of history. You’ll visit the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress; 8th wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the famous frescoes dating back over a thousand years, an ancient water garden and a pleasure palace built on top of a rock fortress for one of Sri Lanka’s most kings.
After the thrills of Sigiriya, you’ll visit the ancient ruins of the sacred city of Anuradhapura; a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of Buddhism’s holiest places and home to the world’s oldest historically authenticated tree, the Sri Maha Bodi, at more than 2,200 years old. The tree was a sapling taken from the original “Bo-tree” under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
*Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 03 – Polonnaruwa | Hiriwadunna
It’s another exciting day full of history and a unique experience of traditional Sri Lankan village life.
First stop, Polonnaruwa! Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, here you’ll see the ancient ruins of a walled garden city, which is one of the world’s best ancient examples of a planned city. You’ll stroll through the ruins of ancient palaces, royal rooms and Buddhist shrines. Polonnaruwa is the history buff’s dream.
Afterwards, you’ll visit the Hiriwadunna Village for a taste of traditional Sri Lankan village life. Ride a bullock cart and trek through rural vegetable and paddy fields and even visit a farmer’s house.
*Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 04 – Dambulla Cave Temple | Matale | Kandy
On your way to the hill capital of Kandy, you’ll visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is an amazing experience as the temple is built into a cave at the top of a rock. The ornate artwork covers the walls and ceilings and it isn’t difficult to imagine monks peacefully meditating there through the ages. You’ll also stop at a spice garden in Matale on your way to Kandy.
That evening, in Kandy, you will be treated to an entertaining cultural dance performance in the traditional Kandyan style, which is unique and not found anywhere else in the world.
*Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 05 – Kandy
Kandy is an ancient city in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and was the last stronghold of the Sinhala kings until the early 1800s when it became a British protectorate. The city is full of history and has a culture that is unique in Sri Lanka.
Today you’ll visit the Embekke Temple, a Buddhist temple dating back to the 14th century and thereafter proceed to Galadeniya to see another temple inspired by Dravidian architecture and finally visit the Lankatilaka Temple, renowned for its unique architectural significance.
Upon returning to Kandy later in the day, you will visit the world-famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is home to a tooth relic collected from the funeral pyre of the Buddha.
*Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 06 – Kandy | Dambana Vedda Village | Mahiyanganaya
After breakfast you’ll drive to Mahiyanganaya, a town in the heart of Sri Lanka. On the way you’ll get to meet and engage with the indigenous “Wedda” people; “Wedda” translating to “people of the forest”. You’ll get a chance to experience first-hand, the lifestyles of these indigenous communities that have been living in the Dambana forests for centuries.
*Overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya
Day 07 – Sorabora Lake Experience
Today you’re in for a special treat. You’ll head out onto the Sorabora lake to witness the sunrise. This is a magical experience as you watch the sky transforming before you amidst the sounds of chirping birds and the smell of the fresh morning air. After this amazing experience of a lifetime and checking out the traditional lakeside activities such as fishing and cow milking, your morning will be rounded off with a delicious breakfast, cooked in front of you, at Sorabora rock.
*Overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya
Day 08 – Mahiyanganaya | Seetha Amman Kovil | Nuwara Eliya
Now you will retreat to the cool climes of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Within just a few hours and with plenty of amazing scenery to take in, you’ll arrive in Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya. Home to arguably the best tea in the world, this hill station is one of the highest towns in Sri Lanka by elevation at 6,129 feet above sea level.
Once in Nuwara Eliya, you will continue sightseeing, visiting the Seetha Amman Kovil, the only place of worship dedicated to Lady Sita, the virtuous wife of Lord Rama; a central character in the Ramayana epic.
*Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Day 09 – Nuwara Eliya | Tissamaharama
Today you’ll drive down to Tissamaharama in the south of Sri Lanka. On the way, you’ll stop at the Kataragama temple where legend and reality collide. Tales of miracles and vengeance abound at this temple and thousands flock here during the Kataragama Festival during July and August.
*Overnight stay at Tissamaharama
Day 10 – Yala Safari | Galle | Negombo
The Yala National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. So, get your cameras out and be on the lookout. The park is home to leopards, elephants, wild buffaloes, musk deer, mongoose, pangolins, macaques, jackals and a host of other animals, not to mention a plethora of birds. If you want that awesome shot of natural wildlife to take home with you, this is your chance!
Later in the day, you’ll continue up the southern coast to the city of Galle, which is a bustling seaport and also home to the Galle Dutch Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a short tour around the fort, you’ll begin your journey to Negombo; a major coastal town in the vicinity of the Bandaranaike International Airport. Negombo is home to an amazing beachside atmosphere with plenty of shops and cafes to explore, and an amazing beach to walk along.
*Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 11 – Negombo |Airport
After a uniquely Sri Lankan experience and having seen the best that Sri Lanka has to offer, it’s now time for you to be on your way home or to your next destination. We’ll be there to drive you to the airport and bid you farewell as you carry back memories to treasure for life.