On arrival at the Bandaranayke International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; a representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Negombo.
Overnight stay at Suriya Arana - Standard Room or Similar
In the early morning, you will visit the Fish Market (Lellama) where there are fish auctions daily. You can observe how local people bargain and buy your own fish and have it preserved in a cold box for your BBQ dinner in Sigiriya. The Fishing Village is located across the lagoon bridge, near the Old Dutch Gate in Negombo. This is the second largest open-air fish market in Sri Lanka. This will give you a better insight to a local fisher community. You will be able to witness the fishermen in hundreds of boats bringing in their days catch. See how the wholesalers and restaurateurs trade and watch the packing & loading of fish for distribution across the country as well as for export worldwide. A wooden or galvanized box was strapped to the cycles and eventually, the cycle vendors paddled down the streets, making their way through makeshift fish stalls and little teashops. After breakfast, transfer to Sigiriya where you will climb the Sigiriya rock fortress in the afternoon. The 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. In the evening, barbecue the fish you bought from Lellama. It will be a nice experience to make your own BBQ while learning the techniques of barbecuing.
Overnight stay at Kassapa Lions Rock - Chalet Room or Similar
Early morning visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you will climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon visit to Minneriya National Park. (Herds of elephants can be spotted where the water is abundant inside the parks. Depending on that, you will visit either Minneriya or Kaudulla or Eco park). The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth bear which are rare and endangered species also inhabit this area. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in order to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.
Overnight stay at Kassapa Lions Rock Sigiriya - Chalet Room or Similar
After breakfast transfer to Trincomalee. The famed Trincomalee harbor is also located here. Further, many historical Kovils are found here, visited by many Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The famous hot springs, whale watching, clean and shallow beaches are some of the other tourist attractions. Nilaveli is situated on the North West of Trincomalee and has one of the best beaches. Tourist industry is blooming here once again after the end of the civil war. Airforce and domestic airport are found at China Bay in the South West part of Trincomalee. Explore the city of Trincomalee in the afternoon and then return to your hotel and relax.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel Anantamaa - Standard Room or Similar
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, you will have a session of snorkeling (only possible from May to September). Leave around 11:30 by boat to explore the Pigeon Island National Park, which is a sanctuary located about a kilometer off the mainland. The name Pigeon Island is due to the large number of pigeons that use the rocky cliffs of the island as nesting grounds. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch at Pigeon Island National Park (this includes a small packet of rice and curry in banana leaf). Return to the hotel and relax.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel Anantamaa - Standard Room or Similar
Breakfast at hotel. Spend the day enjoying the beach.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel Anantamaa - Standard Room or Similar
After breakfast transfer to Kandy. Along the way, you will visit to spice garden in Matale, where the scent of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace will overwhelm your senses. You will be provided an insight to the industry of spice production in Sri Lanka. After the spice garden visit, continue to Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts center, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also, if you are interested in Gems & Jewelry you could visit the gem museum shops in the area which is famous for so many years. In the evening, explore the city of Kandy and visit the temple of tooth relic during “ Thewawa” ceremony.
Overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel Kandy - Deluxe Room or Similar
After breakfast transfer to Nuwara Eliya. As you ascend in altitude, you will witness the scenic beauty of the hill country. En route, there is a visit to a tea factory and then a train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. This train ride is famous for its scenic beauty. Upon reaching Ella check into your hotel and relax.
**We always strive to secure the best seats in the train, but if these are not available 2nd or 3rd Class tickets will be booked instead. The train ride will be subjected to availability. If the train tickets are not available, you will be transferred to the destination by the vehicle used to do the tour. Please be aware that train tickets in Sri Lanka can only be booked 30 days before train departure and are therefore subject to availability. Should the tickets be sold out or unavailable you will of course be driven by your chauffeur / guide instead between your destinations.
Overnight stay at Morning Dew Boutique Hotel Ella - Deluxe Room with Mountain View Room
After breakfast, you can explore Ella. A short walk to Little Adams Peak viewpoint offers a great view of the Ella Gap. Visit the beautiful Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.
9 Arch Bridge
Built during the British Colonial period, located almost 3100 feet above the sea level with 99.6ft high When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches. This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using a single piece of steel. The bridge was finally commissioned in 1921.
Visit Ella Gap
No entrance fees, but there are Trekker charges (USD 23 net - not included).
The Ella Gap offers a stunning view and on a clear night you can see the subtle glow of the Great Basses light house in the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak has become an attraction to local and foreign tourist. Many people visit the area to admire its scenic beauty. It is located about 2 km from the Ella town. From this location Kataragama and the Hambantota beach which are hundreds of kilometers away can also be seen. The Namunukula, Poonagala and Narangala mountain ranges also located on near this place.
Optional: In the afternoon, you can participate in a simple but inspiring cooking class (not included).
Overnight stay at Morning Dew Boutique Hotel Ella - Deluxe Room with Mountain View Room
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is at your own leisure.
Overnight stay at Morning Dew Boutique Hotel Ella - Deluxe Room with Mountain View Room
After breakfast drive to Negombo. En route you will witness Devon and St. Claire’s waterfalls. The evening is free.
Optional: Nature walk in the village of Makandawa in Kitulgala (Approx. USD 35 per person - not included).
Overnight stay at Suriya Arana - Standard Room or Similar
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. This is the end of the tour.
Accommodation at specified hotels or similar standard hotels on BB basis
Services of an English-speaking driver
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
One bottle of mineral water per person per day
Picnic lunch at Pigeon Island National park
Entrance fees to
- Sigiriya
- Minneriya National Park + Jeep
- 01 Snorkeling session at Pigeon Island - Inclusive of boat trip
- Train Tickets
- Temple of tooth relic
- Tea factory visit