A Sri Lankan odyssey

After breakfast, you'll head to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the thriving capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you'll explore the ruins of the ancient city, including the impressive Royal Palace and Gal Vihara, a group of four Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face. In the afternoon, you can take an optional bike ride through the area's lush paddy fields and countryside, or simply relax at your hotel.

En-route Highlights

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

Today, you'll continue your journey through Sri Lanka's ancient history as you head to Anuradhapura, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first capital of Sri Lanka. Here, you'll visit the impressive Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, a towering Buddhist monument, as well as other important sites like the Brazen Palace and Isurumuniya Temple. In the evening, you can relax at your hotel or take a sunset boat ride on a nearby lake.

En-route Highlights

• Siri Maha Bodhi ( oldest planted tree)
• Ruwanweli Maha Seya
• Ancient City
• Ancient Temples

After breakfast, you'll leave the ancient cities behind and head towards Kandy, a bustling city nestled in the hills of central Sri Lanka. En route, you'll visit a spice garden, where you'll learn about Sri Lanka's world-renowned spices and their uses in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In Kandy, you'll visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most sacred relic - a tooth of the Buddha. In the evening, you'll witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance before returning to your hotel.

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

Today, you'll embark on a scenic drive through Sri Lanka's hill country to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque town known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and stunning scenery. Along the way, you'll stop at a tea factory to learn about the process of tea production and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. In Nuwara Eliya, you can explore the town's colonial-era architecture, visit a local market, or simply relax at your hotel.

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

After breakfast, you'll leave Nuwara Eliya and head towards Ella, a charming town surrounded by misty mountains and tea-covered hills. Along the way, you'll stop at the picturesque Ramboda Falls and the breathtaking Ella Gap viewpoint. In Ella, you can take a leisurely walk through the town, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, or hike to Little Adam's Peak for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

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.

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

After breakfast, head to Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital. Take a city tour and explore some of Colombo's iconic landmarks, including the Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, and the Old Dutch Hospital.

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.