Negombo - Sigiriya or Habarana

Dambulla Cave Temple - Your tour driver will meet you at the airport arrival lobby or at your hotel in Negombo or Colombo.

After a brief discussion, you will be driven to Habarana, with a stop to visit the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple along the way.

Sigiriya/Habarana

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Start your day with an early morning hike up to the Sigiriya Royal City.

Sigiriya is a significant archaeological site in Asia, once referred to as the 8th wonder of the world by Sir Arthur C. Clarke. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sigiriya is a must-visit attraction in Sri Lanka. Your chauffeur guide will share the history as you begin your ascent.

Minneriya National Park - After your hike, return to your hotel for a few hours of relaxation by the pool.

Around 2 pm, depart for a safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to see wild elephants in their natural habitat.

During the dry season, large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are drawn to the grass fields near the reservoir. The Minneriya tank supports a large herd, with numbers ranging from 150-200, and sometimes as high as 700.

These elephants migrate from Wasgamuwa National Park, benefiting from the park’s food and shelter. Tourists visit Minneriya mainly to see the elephants, especially during the dry season.

After the safari, return to your hotel.

Sigiriya/Habarana

Polonnaruwa Vatadage - Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

In 1055 A.D., Prince Kirthi from Ruhuna became King Wijayabahu of Sri Lanka by defeating the Cholas after 62 years. He chose Polonnaruwa as the capital for its strategic importance and ruled for 40 years.

The next powerful ruler was King Parakramabahu, under whom the country prospered.

Pidurangala Rock - In the evening, your driver will take you to Pidurangala Rock for a stunning sunset view.

According to ancient chronicles, Prince Kashyapa killed his father, King Dhatusena, and fled to Sigiriya to avoid retaliation from his half-brother, Mugalan. The monks meditating there were asked to move to nearby Pidurangala. In compensation, King Kashyapa refurbished the temple, making it a prominent place.

Sigiriya/Habarna to Kandy

Sri Muthumariamman Temple - Originally part of a paddy field, the land was gifted by the owner in 1852. The current temple was built in 1874, funded by the Nattukkottai Chettiar. It is used by both Hindus and Buddhists.

The temple started as a small statue under a tree and was developed by the people of Matale. The first Kumbhabhishekham was held in 1960.

The temple was damaged during the anti-Tamil riots in July 1983 but was restored. One of its dominant features is the 32.9 m (108 ft) high Gopuram, completed in 2007 at a cost of approximately Rs 150M. It features 1008 statues of Hindu deities, crafted by South Indian sculptor Nagalingam and his son Ramanathan, with help from about 100 designers, painters, and architects from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - After visiting the Sri Muthumariamman Temple, you will be driven to Kandy, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Dambulla.

The Temple of the Tooth is the most visited tourist attraction on the island. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, it houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The relic has played a significant role in local politics, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic governs the country. The temple is a World Heritage Site due to the relic.

Stay overnight in Kandy.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Royal Botanical Gardens - The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya are about 5.5 km west of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. In 2016, the garden was visited by 1.2 million locals and 400,000 foreign visitors.

Located near the Mahaweli River, the garden is renowned for its collection of orchids and includes more than 4000 species of plants. It also houses the “National Herbarium of Sri Lanka.” The garden covers 147 acres at 460 meters above sea level, with a 200-day annual rainfall. It is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens.

Blue Field Tea Factory - After visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens, you will be driven to Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea factory to see the tea production process, along with a couple of tea plantations and waterfalls.

This journey through lush tea plantations is one of the most scenic drives on the island.

Ramboda Waterfall - Visit Ramboda Waterfall.

Nuwara Eliya - Explore Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Its name means “city on the plain” or “city of light.” It is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, known for its picturesque landscape and temperate climate. At an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft), it is a key location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, and is known for its cool climate.

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Nanu Oya railway station - Take the scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

This train ride is considered one of the most scenic in the world, passing through beautiful lush green tea plantations.

Ella

Little Adam’s Peak View Point - Hike to Little Adam’s Peak.

Nine Arches Bridge - Popular rumors suggest that when construction of the bridge began, the First World War started, and the steel assigned for the bridge was reallocated to Britain’s war efforts. As a result, the bridge was built with stone bricks and cement, without steel.

Ramboda Waterfall - Visit Ramboda Waterfall.

Ella - Haputale - Yala

Lipton’s Seat - Check out from your hotel in Ella and travel to Lipton’s Seat tea plantation.

Lipton’s Seat is a high observation point in the hills of Poonagala, near the Dambatenne Tea Factory. It is named after Sir Thomas Lipton, who used it to survey his tea empire.

Diyaluma Falls - After visiting Lipton’s Seat, travel to Yala for a safari at Yala National Park. On the way, visit Diyaluma Waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at about 220 meters.

Buduruwagala Temple - On the way to Yala, stop to visit the Buduruwagala Buddha statues.

Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, consisting of seven statues from the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still shows traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange paint.

Yala

Yala National Park - Full-day safari at Yala National Park.

Yala is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka, home to 215 bird species, seven of which are endemic. The park also hosts 44 species of mammals, including the Sri Lankan elephant, and has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The park’s reptile fauna includes 47 species, six of which are endemic.

Yala to Tangalle/Mirissa/Unawatuna/Hikkaduwa/Bentota or Colombo

Mirissa - After the safari, you will be driven to your hotel at any beach destination on the south and west coast of the country.

• Personal English Speaking Experienced Driver
• Unlimited Mileage
• One mineral water bottle per person everyday
• Driver’s Accommodation and Meals Cost
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Airport Charges
• Private transport
• Fuel + Insurance + Taxes + Toll Fees + Parking Fees

• Accommodation
• All entrance fees