Two Weeks in Sri Lanka

AYUBOWAN-! Welcome to Sri Lanka, the land like no other and 12 days of explorations giving 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 entertainments. 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 cosy hotel. Evening, you may walk along the seashore while enjoying the beautiful sun setting and the pleasant evening atmosphere of Negombo beach.

> After having a delicious breakfast with a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea or a coffee, you will have a wonderful journey across the stunning Sri Lankan countryside towards Anuradhapura ancient city (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE).

> Upon arrival take a tour around the ancient city, Sri Lanka has a rich heritage and Anuradhapura is one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world. It was the first capital, ruled by 113 kings for over 1000 years.

> Thereafter, visit Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and that has stood with pride for more than 2200 years.

> Afternoon, visit Ruwanweliseya, a monument built in 140 BC that embodies the culture, heritage, and supremacy of the strongest kingdom in Sri Lankan history.

> Evening, check in to your cozy hotel and relax with the calm and quiet surrounding nature.

Overnight stay in a Nature-Friendly Resort at Anuradhapura

> In the morning, you'll be heading toward the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, and you will visit the city of Trincomalee, a fascinating place sitting on one of the finest natural harbors in the world.

> Trincomalee is an amazing multicultural town with lovely places such as Nilaveli Beach, Natural hot well, and Koneshwaram Kovil. With its white sand and gentle waves, Trincomalee Beach is the ultimate getaway for those who desire a relaxing vacation in Sri Lanka. Here you will experience quiet bliss in a tropical heaven, far away from the busy and chaotic life. There are many activities available in this location such as kite surfing, jet-skiing, and sailing across in a canoe.


Overnight stay in a beach resort at Trincomalee.

> You could grab a towel to relax on the beach and sunbathe while enjoying a cocktail under the shade of a palm tree. You have two days to relax and explore this wonderful place. Thanks to its white sand and gentle waves, this beach is the ultimate getaway for those who desire a relaxing vacation in Sri Lanka. Here you will experience a quiet bliss in a tropical heaven, far away from the busy and chaotic life.

> Also, Trincomalee 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. Please note that whale watching is a SEASONAL activity.


Overnight stay in a beach resort at Trincomalee

> En route to Dambulla, you'll visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation. Take the opportunity to feed them and give them a bath at the nearby river.

> Upon arrival at Dambulla, you’ll enjoy a wonderful cultural village tour while exploring the beautiful countryside (ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED). It will start with a Tuk-Tuk ride towards the farmer’s house where you will enjoy the typical Sri Lankan countryside hospitality. Thereafter, you will have a canoeing boat ride across the lake to capture the beautiful scenery of Sigiriya. Finally, it will end with a cart ride through the lush green rural village.

> Evening, you will visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE), since it is the best time to witness and capture the sunset. King Kashyapa (477 – 495 BC) built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes


Overnight stay in a Nature-Friendly Resort at Dambulla / Sigiriya

> Early morning, join with the Pidurangala Rock hike to witness and take pictures of the sunrise (optional activity).

> After breakfast, visit 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's ancient locations is a wonderful experience.

> Afternoon, you will be heading to Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park for an afternoon 4x4 jeep safari, since it is the best time to spot wild elephants in 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. It is always a pleasure to watch baby elephants playing at the lake under the evening sunset.

> Thereafter, head back to your cozy hotel and relax. If you are interested, you could experience an Ayurvedic herbal massage at your hotel.


Overnight stay in a Nature-Friendly Resort at Dambulla / Sigiriya

> After breakfast, proceed towards Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and bio-diverse rainforests. Kandy is also famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

> En route to Kandy, you will visit Matale Spice Garden (ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED).

> In the Afternoon, visit the Temple of Tooth Relic (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) and the Kandy viewpoint.

> Evening, you’ll enjoy a walk around Kandy's city center before engaging with a cultural dance show which is inspired by Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance, and cultural heritage (ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED).


Overnight stay in Mount View City Hotel ay Kandy.

> After breakfast, you’ll have a wonderful journey toward Sri Lanka's 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.

> After breakfast, you will visit the Tiesh gem museum; Get to know more about the world-renowned and most prestigious Sri Lankan gems and jewelry in the gem museum tour.

> En-route to Nuwara Eliya, stop at the Peradeniya Royal Garden, which is known as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. You will walk through it by exploring the 300 varieties of orchids, a stately avenue of royal palms, the extraordinary, aptly named cannonball fruit tree, and 40m-high Burma bamboo. Another big hit is the giant fig tree on the great lawn, with its colossal central trunk and umbrella-like canopy of branches.

> While driving through the cold and misty hills that host lush green tea plantations, stop at a tea factory to observe the rich tradition of making Ceylon tea kept alive and up to date. Make sure to end your factory visit in style over a perfectly blended cup of tea.

> Afternoon, you will walk through Nuwara Eliya city center and the fruit and vegetable market.

Overnight stay in a Mount View Villa at Nuwara Eliya

> Sinharaja forest, is one of the finest natural rain forests in the world which has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s probably one of the oldest living ecosystems, a place that certainly deserves a visit and a place that promises to lives up to its expectations. Biodiversity of Sinharaja is a very high and large proportion of the flora here is endemic to the country. Sinharaja is arguably the most important biodiversity site in Sri Lanka and it is also internationally famous for tropical biodiversity.

>This incredibly beautiful place is home to a vast number of animals such as Sambar deer’s, Wild boar, Barking deer, Squirrel, Monkey, Porcupines and the rare Leopard and many other mammals. Also, can be spotted a fascinating birdlife includes 160 species of which 20 endemic species in Sri Lanka are found here.

Overnight stay in a nature resort at Deniyaya

. After an amazing journey through the mountains and waterfalls, you have finally arrived at the world-famous beachside 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 cozy seafront hotel at Mirissa

>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.

>Thereafter, 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.

>Afternoon, 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.