day | Location/Route | duration | Overnight |
---|---|---|---|
Day 01 | Arrival | Negombo | |
Day 02 | En route the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage | Habarana | |
Day 03 | Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya National Park | Habarana | |
Day 04 | Trincomalee city | Trincomalee | |
Day 05 | Relax & Unwind | Trincomalee | |
Day 06 | Dambulla Cave Temple & tour of Kandy City | Kandy | |
Day 07 | Village Walk & Cookery Demo | Kandy | |
Day 08 | Visit a Tea Plantation | Haputale | |
Day 09 | Ella Gap | Haputale | |
Day 10 | Waterfalls | Tissamaharama | |
Day 11 | Yala National Park Safaris | Tissamaharama | |
Day 12 | Explore Galle Fort & Colombo | Colombo | |
Day 13 | Departure |
Galle Dutch Fort is a proud structure that still stands tall and mighty in southern Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, the fort was fortified by the Dutch, upon their invasion of the island. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited and admired by many, all through the year.
Built by King Kasyapa (477 to 495 CE), the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s glorious past. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it features stunning boulder and water gardens and world-famous frescoes. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of the king’s palace and a breath-taking view of the surroundings.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is known to be the best-preserved and largest cave temple complex that is found in Sri Lanka. With over 80 documented caves spread across the vicinity, the Dambulla Cave Temple has rightfully earned its name as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 153 statues of Lord Buddha can be found in this temple which is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.
Situated along Sri Lanka’s east coast, Trincomalee has long been a favourite location. Rest your weary feet and join our naturalist aboard an 18-foot, fibreglass motorboat. Enjoy a three hour cruise, touring the town’s highlights. Feast your gaze on attractions such as the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery and Swami Rock located within the 17th century fort.
See if you can make out the scattered remnants of an almost 2,000 year old Hindu temple which was demolished by the Portuguese in the fort’s making. The tour begins either at 07:00am, during the cool morning hours or at 04:00pm, and concludes with a spectacular setting sun as it paints the sky pink and orange.
Ayubowan!!!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your chauffeur Guide from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals lounge to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
Check in at the Hotel and relax.
Set out after a leisurely breakfast through rural Sri Lanka, heading to Habarana in the Cultural Triangle. En route you will visit the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage (Approx. 4.30 Hrs drive).
Evening at leisure!
An early start in the cool of the day for a leisurely drive up to Sigiriya. Begin the exhilarating climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Return to your hotel and take a rest before setting out on a safari to the scenic Minneriya National Park.
After breakfast, transfer to the east coast (Approx. 2 Hrs drive)
Evening at leisure!
After breakfast, set off to discover Trincomalee.
Visit the Koneswaram Temple and explore the lively market.
Evening at leisure!
This morning, head out to the central highlands, stopping on the way to explore the Dambulla Cave Temples (Approx. 4.5 Hrs drive)
Proceed to Kandy via Matale. If you love fresh spices, you may visit a spice garden en route. (Approx. 1.5 Hrs drive)
Continue on to Kandy.
Check in to the Manor and relax from your journey.
The rest of the evening is at your leisure to relax or enjoy a stroll to explore more of the village.
Continue on your drive to a cooler climate further up in the hills to Ella (Approx. 4.5 Hrs drive). The drive will take you through the winding roads up into the hills through tea plantations and beautiful landscapes. Visit Nuwara Eliya on the way.
Spend the day at leisure to explore and admire the sceneries of the locality
A hike up Little Adams Peak would of interest or your Chauffeur Guide will be happy to accompany you on short walking trails.
An early start for a game drive into Yala, one of the most popular and scenic parks where chances of spotting leopard, elephant and the sloth bear among others rate high.
Venture into the National Park for a second Safari, before returning to the hotel to share the Photographic Moments of the day.
Continue on to the Southern capital of Sri Lanka, Galle (Approx. 3.5 Hrs drive). On the way you will pass small rural and fishing villages. Look out for the famous stilt fisherman carefully balancing on their stilts.
You could also witness the fisherman auctioning their days catch by the road side or simply stop to quench your thirst with coconut water while gazing at the Indian Ocean.
Explore the historic Fort with its quaint narrow streets buzzing with activity. You will then head back leisurely to your overnight hotel in Colombo (Approx. 2 Hrs drive)
Proceed for a scenic drive to Colombo (Approx. 2 Hrs drive). You will be taken on a panoramic tour around the city.
Colombo is a great place to try street food, ideally at Galle face along the marine stretch. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight home. (Approx. 45 Mins drive)