Spirit of Sri Lanka
Your Best Experience in Sri Lanka
Introduction
Sri Lanka is a lush tropical island paradise, once known to ancient Greek mariners as Taprobane. Arab traders later called it Serendib—giving rise to the word “serendipity,” meaning a fortunate or unexpected discovery. It was also famously described by Marco Polo as “undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world.”
Rich in culture and natural beauty, the country is home to nine World Heritage Sites, some dating back to the 3rd century BC. It boasts incredible biodiversity, including 86 species of mammals—such as elephants and leopards—and over 400 species of birds, with many found nowhere else on Earth. The landscape is equally diverse, featuring vibrant flora, scenic hill country renowned for tea plantations, and 14 national parks within a network of protected areas. Along its shores, the Indian Ocean reveals stunning stretches of palm-fringed, golden beaches.
Hotels
Discounts
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Flights
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Tour Details
Day 1 - Airport / Pinnawala / Dambulla
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be greeted by a professional chauffeur-guide. After completing airport formalities, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to your hotel in Dambulla.
En route, you will visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located on the banks of the Maha Oya. This sanctuary provides care for young elephants that have been displaced or orphaned due to environmental changes, accidents, or abandonment. Currently, around 60 elephants call the orphanage home, including approximately 50 babies, all of which are cared for, fed, and trained by the wildlife authorities.
After the visit, continue the journey to Dambulla and check into your hotel.
Day 2 - Dambulla / Hiriwadunna / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla
After breakfast, depart for Hiriwadunna Village to enjoy an immersive village experience. This unique adventure combines jungle trekking and rural life, offering a memorable insight into traditional Sri Lankan culture. Begin with a walk along village paths, an ancient reservoir (tank) bund, and through the forest. Cross a small jungle rivulet by catamaran to reach a farmer’s simple wattle-and-daub home. Continue through vegetable plots and a scrub forest, where a bullock cart awaits to carry you through the jungle and past scenic paddy fields—a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience.
Following this, visit Polonnaruwa, the ruined medieval capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s heyday in the 12th century marks one of the high points of early Sri Lankan civilization. Polonnaruwa’s well-preserved remains offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, including some of the island’s finest monuments. Highlights include the Gal Vihara, a remarkable collection of Buddha statues carved from solid rock, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the era.
After exploring Polonnaruwa, return to the hotel and relax.
Day 3 - Dambulla / Sigiriya / Dambulla
With a packed breakfast, depart for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage site was built by King Kashyapa (477–495) and rises dramatically from the plains of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. The fortress was the innermost stronghold of a 70-hectare fortified town, surrounded by a moat, ramparts, and extensive gardens, including the famous water gardens. Climb the rock to explore the world-renowned frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens”, located in a sheltered pocket accessible via a spiral stairway.
Afterwards, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North Central Province. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the complex consists of five caves originally used as a refuge by an ancient king. Subsequent rulers commissioned magnificent carvings and paintings, and today the caves contain over 150 Buddha images, including a colossal 15-meter figure.
Upon completion of the visits, return to the hotel and relax.
Day 4 - Dambulla / Sigiriya / Matale / Kandy
With a packed breakfast, depart for Kandy, stopping en route at the Matale Spice Garden to explore its aromatic array of spices and learn about their traditional uses.
In the early evening, enjoy a Kandyan dance performance, culminating in a spectacular fire-walking finale. Kandy is also renowned for its vibrant shopping scene, offering gems and jewelry, handicrafts, batiks, silks, and more, giving you the opportunity to browse and shop at your leisure.
Day 5 - Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled about 480 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains, Kandy was historically known as Kanda Uda Rata, meaning “hill country.” It was home to Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom, which endured two centuries of colonial invasions before falling to the British in the early 19th century.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of the country’s most sacred sites, and enjoy panoramic views of the town from Upper Lake Drive. Afterwards, proceed to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s most famous tea-growing region. A visit to a local tea factory and its surrounding lush plantations offers a fascinating insight into tea production, showcasing the world-renowned Ceylon tea.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Check into your hotel and relax.
Day 6
After breakfast, proceed to Ambewella station and board the train to Ella (approx. 3 hours). This train journey is renowned as one of the most scenic in the world, passing through lush tea plantations, deep valleys, mountains, charming villages, and forests. The slow-paced ride allows ample time to soak in the breathtaking landscapes of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.
Upon arrival in Ella, enjoy a sightseeing tour, including a visit to Little Adam’s Peak, one of the area’s most famous viewpoints. The climb is relatively straightforward and surrounded by greenery, beautiful trees, and vibrant flora. From the summit, you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Ella, especially enchanting when clouds drift across the valleys or during a fiery sunset.
After the exploration, continue your journey to Tissamaharama and check into the hotel for an evening of relaxation.
Day 7 - Yala National Park Jeep safari
With a packed breakfast, depart for an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park. Renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, Yala is home to a rich variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and wild boars. Covering over 97,800 hectares, the park features a mix of open plains, dense shrub jungle, and forested areas, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
After the safari, proceed to your beach destination. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 8 - Tissamaharama /Bentota
Day 9 - Bentota
After breakfast relax on the beach and enjoy the hotel facilities
Day 10 - Bentota / Airport
After breakfast proceed to the airport for your departure flight with all the happy memories of the tropical isle; Sri Lanka once known as TAPROBANE.
Accommodation
The tour price is based on the above-mentioned hotels or properties of a similar category, subject to availability. Please note that prices may vary due to seasonal fluctuations, festive periods, or cultural events, and additional supplements may apply during such times. The itinerary and accommodation can be tailored to suit your preferred hotels, and upgrades to higher categories are also available—please inquire for details.
Proposed accommodations:
- Sigiriya: EKHO Sigiriya – Deluxe Room, 3 nights, HB
- Kandy: Hotel Suisse – Deluxe Room, 1 night, HB
- Nuwara Eliya: The Blackpool Hotel – Deluxe Room, 1 night, HB
- Tissamaharama: EKHO Safari Hotel – Superior Room, 2 nights, HB
- Bentota: EKHO Surf Hotel – Superior Sea View, 2 nights, HB