The Ultimate Ceylon Experience

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, your personal guide will be waiting to welcome you and take you on a scenic journey to Sigiriya. Along the way, you will get to witness the true beauty of Sri Lanka, with lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Once you reach Sigiriya, you will have the rest of the day to relax and explore the charming town. Sigiriya is famous for its ancient rock fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. You can climb the fortress to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, explore the ancient ruins and marvel at the beautiful frescoes.

En-route Highlights

• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Lion Rock (1200 steps)
• Habarana Elephant Safari
• Village Tour
• Catamaran (Oruwa) Ride
• Chena Tour
• Bullock Cart ride
• Tuk Tuk Ride
• Hot Air Balooning
• Golden Temple Dambulla

After breakfast, your journey continues to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries and boasts well-preserved ruins, including the impressive royal palace complex, temples, and massive stupas. You will have the opportunity to explore the area by bike or foot, and witness the fascinating architecture and intricate stone carvings. The highlight of the day is the Gal Vihara, a group of four massive Buddha statues, carved into granite rock faces, which are considered some of the most impressive ancient sculptures in Asia.

En-route Highlights

• Parakrama Samudaraya (A shallow reservoir consisting of five separate reservoirs)
• Parakrama Statue
• Ancient City
• Ancient Temples

On day three, you will travel to Trincomalee, a charming coastal town on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is known for its beautiful beaches, natural harbor, and ancient temples. Upon arrival, you can visit the historic Koneswaram Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. You can also explore the famous Pigeon Island National Park, where you can snorkel, dive, and witness vibrant marine life in its natural habitat.

En-route Highlights

• Marble Beach
• Nilaveli Beach
• Dolphin watching
• Whale watching
• Pigeon Island - Corals
• Watersports

Today is a leisure day, and you can spend your time relaxing on the beach or exploring the town at your leisure. The town has a vibrant life, and you can sample some of the delicious local cuisine, and witness traditional performances.

After breakfast, you will depart for Kandy, a bustling city in the heart of Sri Lanka. Kandy is known for its stunning botanical gardens, ancient temples, and traditional dance performances. You will have the opportunity to visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

En-route Highlights

• Temple of the Tooth Relic
• Kandy City tour
• Kandy View Point
• Gem Factory
• Wood Carvings Factory
• Spice Gardens
• Batik Factory
• Cultural Dance Show

On day six, you will travel to Nuwara Eliya, a scenic hill country town, and one of Sri Lanka's most popular destinations. Nuwara Eliya is known for its rolling hills, tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture. Along the way, you will witness some of the stunning waterfalls and scenic landscapes of Sri Lanka. You can visit a tea plantation and witness the tea-making process, or explore the town at your leisure.

En-route Highlights

• World’s End
• Ramboda Waterfalls
• Tea Plantations
• Tea Factory visit
• Nuwara Eliya City Tour
• Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
• Seetha Amman Temple 

Route via Kitulgala - Highlights

• Rafting
• St Clair’s waterfall
• Devon Waterfall

Today, you will embark on one of the world's most scenic train journeys, from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The journey takes you through some of Sri Lanka's most picturesque landscapes, including lush green hills, tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls. Once you arrive in Ella, you can explore the town and visit the stunning Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka's most famous waterfalls.

En-route Highlights

• Rafting
• St Clair’s waterfall
• Devon Waterfall
• Mini Adam’s Peak
• Ravana Waterfall
• Flying Ravana (Zipline)

After breakfast, we'll embark on a scenic journey from Ella to Yala. Our destination is the Yala National Park, one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, leopards, and various species of birds. Upon arrival, we'll check into our accommodation and get ready for an afternoon safari in the park. During the safari, we'll have the opportunity to see the park's wildlife up close and personal, and our experienced guide will help us spot animals and provide interesting information about them.

En-route Highlights

• Yala Safari

Today, we'll say goodbye to the wildlife of Yala and make our way to Bentota, a beautiful coastal town in the southwest of Sri Lanka. After breakfast, we'll set off on our journey, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way. When we arrive in Bentota, we'll check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach, taking a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and soaking up the sun.

En-route Highlights

• Fish Therapy
• Turtle Hatchery
• Watersports
• Dutch Port City - Galle
• Madhu River Boat Ride (60 Islands)
• Tsunami Statue

These two days are free for you to spend as you wish. You can choose to relax on the beach, take part in watersports, or explore the local area. If you're feeling adventurous, you could take a boat trip on the Bentota River or visit the nearby Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Alternatively, you could simply spend your days lounging by the pool, sipping on a cocktail, and enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.

After a relaxing few days in Bentota, it's time to make our way to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant and bustling capital city. We'll have breakfast at our hotel before setting off on the journey, which will take us through lush green countryside and past busy towns and villages. When we arrive in Colombo, we'll check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Colombo is a fascinating blend of old and new, with colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant markets and street food stalls.

En-route Highlights

• Colombo City Tour
• Gangaarama Temple
• Independence Square
• Red Mosque
• Pettah Local Market

Explore the vibrant Sri Lanka one last time before you leave. 

Treat your taste buds to a mouthwatering lunch at a local eatery or one of Colombo's trendy restaurants. Indulge in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine or explore a variety of international flavors to satisfy your cravings.

Explore the vibrant Pettah Market, a bustling bazaar where you can experience the true essence of Colombo's local life. Browse through colorful stalls selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and street food.

As the sun begins to set, head towards Galle Face Green, a scenic promenade overlooking the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, feel the refreshing sea breeze, and witness a breathtaking sunset. You might even spot locals flying colorful kites against the backdrop of the ocean.

In the night, you can indulge in a delightful seafood dinner at one of the seaside restaurants along the Galle Face area. Savor the freshest catches of the day while relishing the stunning ocean views.

Conclude your day with a visit to one of Colombo's trendy rooftop bars. Sip on a refreshing cocktail or beverage of your choice while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. Unwind, relax, and reflect on the wonderful experiences of your journey in Sri Lanka.

Sadly, our Sri Lankan adventure has come to an end. After breakfast, we'll make our way to the airport for our flight home, taking with us memories of stunning landscapes, fascinating culture, and unforgettable experiences. We hope you've had a magical time on The Ceylon Experience tour and that you'll come back to visit us soon.