Airport – Dambulla

Bandaranaike International Airport - Upon arrival by flight, you will be transferred to the arrival terminal. Please complete immigration and visa procedures, collect your luggage, and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you have no goods to declare to customs. A representative from Apple Vacations will meet you with a paging board displaying your name in the meeting area and introduce you to your English-speaking chauffeur guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Dambulla. (Pick up at Negombo or Colombo City)

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple - Known as Jumbukola Vihara in the Mahavamsa, the principal Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka, the Rock Temple of Dambulla is located about 47 miles northwest of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, on the main road to Anuradhapura. Dambulla is a site of unique interest, featuring the most extensive and well-preserved rock temples on the island.

Golden Temple of Dambulla - Dambulla is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and appealing tourist destinations. This historical and religious site, imbued with Buddhist ideas, offers visitors a unique sensation even before arriving in the city. (photo stop)

Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre - Established in 1999 in the Dambulla Secretariat Division of Matale District, this center serves as a wholesale market for vegetables and fruits, allowing for more direct participation of farmers in selling their produce.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium - This 30,000-seat cricket stadium, the first and only international cricket pitch in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, is located in Dambulla on land leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple. The stadium offers views of the Dambulla Tank (reservoir) and the Dambulla Rock.

Sigiriya Museum - This museum provides an excellent overview of Sigiriya’s cultural significance beyond its natural beauty, featuring a fine diorama of the site. While the theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is presented, the prevailing view is that it was a palace or fortress. (Combine with Sigiriya fortress)

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Rising dramatically from the central plains, Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most striking sight. Near-vertical walls lead to a flat-topped summit containing the ruins of an ancient civilization, believed to be the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa. The summit offers breathtaking views of mist-covered forests in the early morning.

After descending from the rock, enjoy a taste of delicious Sri Lankan food.

Optional Tours

• Village safari-USD 30-Canoe Ride, Bull cart ride, tuktuk safari, and Sri Lankan Food

Sigiriya - Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - This golden-roofed temple houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room containing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists, although the tooth itself is kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa) and is not visible. The complex also includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums.

Kandy View Point - Climb the hill by Kandy Lake to reach this viewpoint for an unbeatable view of the city. While popular with tourists, the area attracts many peddlers selling sub-par items and is known for pickpocket activity, so keep an eye on your belongings. The hill offers great views over the lake and the city.

Kandy Lake - Also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, this artificial lake in the heart of Kandy was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, the lake has been reduced in size and is now a protected area where fishing is banned. Legends and folklore surround the lake, including one that the small island at its center was used by the king’s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.

Kandy - Nuwaraeliya

Nuwara Eliya - This city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka features the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, which showcase roses and tree ferns and are home to monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby, the colorful Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu temple, is adorned with religious figures.

Ramboda Waterfall - As rivers flow over uneven ground or down mountains, they often split into tributaries or form waterfalls. In the Pussellawa area of Nuwara Eliya, the Ramboda Falls, created from Puna Oya, a tributary of Kothmale Oya, form a unique Y shape as they combine with Dunsinane Falls, created by Pundalu Oya, another tributary of Kothmale River.

Gregory Lake - Created in 1873 by British Governor Sir William Gregory, this lake was initially intended to provide electricity but became a popular spot for leisure and recreation. At its peak, Gregory Lake was the area’s most prominent attraction, offering a place for visitors to relax.

Sita Temple - Dedicated to Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, this temple in the hills of Nuwara Eliya is the only one of its kind in the world. Located five kilometers from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, it is believed to be the place where King Ravana held Sita captive. The temple features footprints by the river, thought to be those of Hanuman.

Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple - In 1980, Gurudev envisioned setting up a spiritual center at Rambodha. With his blessings, Chinmaya Mission Sri Lanka purchased 10 acres of land in 1981 at Wevanden Hills, naming it “Rambodha.” Situated 3,200 ft above sea level and 150 km from Colombo, it is believed that Sri Hanumanji set foot in these hills while searching for Sitaji. The temple, consecrated on April 8, 2001, by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, features a 16 ft idol of Lord Hanuman as the Moola Murti, along with Vinayakar, Dhyaneshwar, and Sri Rama with Mother Sita and Lakshmana as parivara murtis.

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden - Explore the tea bushes and discover where Sri Lanka’s famous tea comes from. Many tea plantations and factories offer tours, explaining the tea plucking and making processes and allowing you to sample freshly brewed tea—a truly Sri Lankan experience.

Nuwaraeliya - Colombo

Rafting Team 39 - Experience white-water rafting on the picturesque Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old, the activity includes safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing by our instructors. The 5 km route offers an enchanting experience on the river and its surroundings.

Colombo - The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo has a rich history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, successively ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, blending colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. The Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, is located near the sprawling Vihara Mahadevi Park.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Travel in comfort with air-conditioning
• Complimentary WiFi access (subject to availability)
• Savor included dinner
• Stay hydrated with bottled water provided
• Benefit from an English-speaking chauffeur
• Enjoy included breakfast

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Lunch
• Gratuities