Grand Tour Of Sri Lanka

> AYUBOWAN-! Welcome to Sri Lanka, a land like no other and 12 days of explorations give you the opportunity to touch the UNESCO World Heritage sites and unique Sri Lankan culture, the lush green tea estates and waterfalls in the hills, the wildlife and exciting adventures, the beautiful soft sandy and remote beaches. Upon arrival at Colombo CMB Airport, you will meet and greet by the tour leader and then will be transferred to your hotel.

> The first destination will be Negombo coastal town, which has long been known as the most popular beach in Sri Lanka, famous for its golden sandy beach, food, and entertainment. For day one we haven't planned any activity, so you will have a relaxing day at Negombo beach or by the pool of your cozy hotel. Evening, you may walk along the seashore while enjoying the beautiful sunsetting and the pleasant evening atmosphere of Negombo beach.

Overnight stay in a seafront hotel at Negombo

>After having a delicious breakfast with a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea or a coffee, you will take a wonderful journey across the stunning Sri Lankan countryside towards Dambulla city, which is the central point of the cultural triangle on the island.

>En-route you may also visit the Pinnawala Elephant Rehabilitation Center. Upon arrival at Dambulla, you'll enjoy a wonderful cultural village tour while exploring the beautiful countryside (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE). It will start with a Bullock Cart ride, one of the most ancient and prime transportation systems in Sri Lanka, still used in some villages. While on the tour you will also enjoy a canoeing Boat ride across the lake and TukTuk ride before reaching the farmer’s house where you will experience the typical Sri Lankan countryside hospitality and visit his farm.


>Thereafter, you will visit the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE), where you may capture the beautiful scenery of sun setting.

Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort at Dabulla/Sigiriya

> In the morning, you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). In 1070 King Vijayabahu chose this place as his kingdom, one of the most ancient in the history of Sri Lanka. Cycling through Polonnaruwa ancient sites is a wonderful experience (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE).

>Afterwards, your tour leader will take you to Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park for an afternoon 4x4 Jeep safari, since it is the best time to spot wild elephants on their natural habitat. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya/Kaudulla is your ideal destination! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this park is mainly a sanctuary for elephants, but it is also home to herds of deer, bulls, wild boars and colourful birdlife. It is always a pleasure to watch baby elephants playing with water by the main lake of the park. This place is well known as the largest elephant gathering place in the world.

> Thereafter, if you are interested, you could experience an Ayurvedic massage before heading back to your hotel. From a healing perspective, Ayurvedic head massage is said to relieve mental stress and fatigue and to help achieve calmness and clarity.

Overnight stay in a nature-friendly resort at Dambulla/Sigiriya

>After breakfast, visit the Golden Buddha Statue and the Royal Cave Temple (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE).

>Afterwards, you will visit Matale Spice Garden (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE).

>Then proceed towards Kandy city, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforests. Kandy is also famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE).

>Thereafter, you’ll enjoy a walk around Kandy's busy city center, including a tour of the Central Market, before engaging with a cultural dance show which is inspired by Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance and cultural heritage (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE).

Overnight stay in a cozy mount view hotel at Kandy

> In the morning, you will visit the Peradeniya Royal Garden, which is known as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia.

> Afterwards, proceed to Kitulgala and enjoy an authentic village lunch at your resort before starting some adventure activities. Kitulgala is a major ecotourism venue in Sri Lanka. It is a real paradise for those who love adventure experiences in the mountains since it offers numerous hill trails that journey across clear rivers, dense forests, waterfalls and lush tea plantations. The activities (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE) are river rafting, jungle trekking, water sliding and confidence jumps.

Overnight stay in a cosy mount view hotel at Kandy

> After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a wonderful journey through the lush green tea plantations, the scenic view of the mountains and the waterfalls towards the tea region of Nuwara Eliya. It is often referred to as “Little England” because many of the buildings in this city retain from the British colonial period, such as the Queen's Cottage, the General's House, the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club and the Town Post Office. Since this amazing town is located in the mountains, it is characterised by a cool climate all year long. Visit a tea plantation (INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE). Sri Lanka, tea and tourism are words which cannot be separated. Explore the cold and misty hills that host lush green blankets of tea plantations.

> En route you also have the opportunity to visit a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. Make sure to end your factory visit in style over a perfectly blended cup of tea.

>In the afternoon, you will walk through Nuwara Eliya city center and the fruit and vegetable market. Try some snacks around lanes filled with ‘short eats’, street-food possibilities and bustling local eateries.

Overnight stay in a modern cottage bungalow at Nuwara Eliya

> In the morning, you will enjoy a spectacular train journey from Nanu - Oya station to Ella village. It is known as one of the most picturesque hill country train journeys in the world (Train ticket class categories are subject to availability since they can’t be pre-booked). Ella is everyone’s favorite hill country village due to the fact that it’s a wonderful nature-friendly location. The Nine Arch Bridge, a major tourist attraction in Ella, is a massive bridge built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. Ella is a great place for walking and climbing and its most famous trekking route is to “Little Adam’s Peak”.

> In the evening, you could chill out at the village center where there are lots of restaurants, pubs and also evening entertainments. Ella is a stunning location that anyone who is visiting Sri Lanka should not miss out.

Overnight stay in a mount view hotel at Ella Village

> After breakfast, depart from Ella towards Yala National Park. En-route you will visit Ravana waterfall, one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Ella. Afternoon, visit Yala National Park, the largest and most stunning national park in Sri Lanka. Thanks to a river running through it, Yala National Park is divided into two sections. Because the river makes crossing to the other side difficult, Yala is really treated as two separate parks. But that doesn’t change the fantastic offerings! Encompassing a range of diverse ecosystems, the park has an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards and lots of colorful birds. Enjoy a 4x4 jeep ride searching for leopards hanging on trees or whispering through the bushes, crocodiles patrolling the river or wild elephants drinking water and playing around under the evening sunset.

Overnight stay in a safari lodge at Yala

> After an amazing journey through the mountains and waterfalls, you have finally arrived at the world-famous beach side of Sri Lanka. In the morning, you will head towards Mirissa while enjoying the magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. Mirissa/Dickwella is a delightful sandy beach that was a well-kept secret in the past, but now more restaurants and pubs are opening up to visitors. Mirissa/Dickwella is also characterized by white sands and coconut palms growing right from the edge of the sea as if in imitation of a postcard of the perfect tropical beach.

> Upon arrival at your hotel, you could grab a towel to relax on the beach while enjoying a cocktail or a chill beer under the shade of a beach umbrella.

> In the evening, perhaps you could walk down along the seashore and you could find a seafront restaurant to try some authentic Sri Lankan seafood - a wonderful crab curry is likely to be on the menu.

Overnight stay in a cosy seafront hotel at Down South

> Early in the morning, hit back to the beautiful golden sandy beach and jump into a boat for an amazing ride on the sea to capture the Blue Whales and Dolphins. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to spot the biggest creature on the planet. If you are up to it, jump into a boat to watch as blue whales swim and dive around you and be blown away by their size. Please note that whale watching is a SEASONAL activity.

> In the afternoon, experience a local cookery demonstration. Traditional Sri Lanka food is very enjoyable and world-famous, but cooking it yourself adds yet another dimension to the experience. You will discover the unique flavors of the local cuisine while learning about traditional Sri Lankan's culture and cooking secrets.

Overnight stay in a cosy seafront hotel at Down South

> After breakfast, your tour leader will drive you along the southwest coast towards Galle, a city well known for its Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). It is the intersection where classic Dutch and British architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walkthrough the streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions nowadays flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Historical Galle Lighthouse stands proudly on the southeast tip of the fort.

> In the afternoon, you will enjoy a Madu river-boat tour, which offers several memorable experiences such as Madu River fish therapy.

> Thereafter, you’ll visit a turtle hatchery center where baby turtles learn to take that first swim and injured adults are rehabilitated back into the wild. Both locals and international volunteers are battling for the protection of sea turtles since they are endangered creatures.

Overnight stay in a beach resort at Bentota

> After breakfast, you’ll visit the capital city of Colombo, which has an interesting history running back to the fifth century. Even in ancient times, this was an important port city in the East-West sea trade. Nowadays it has become a bustling modern town with a unique atmosphere. The colourful streets, restaurants and modern shopping malls attract hordes of locals and tourists alike. In Colombo, you have the opportunity to visit the most highlighted places in the city and also do some last-minute shopping as well. Perhaps, you may intend to pop into a famous and internationally renowned restaurant in Colombo to end your trip over an unforgettable meal.

> Thereafter, proceed to the airport in time for the return flight or we drop you back to your hotel in Colombo or Negombo to end this wonderful tour across the island.


***END OF THE TOUR***