(Tour code: GST RT1 8D)
This tour package is focusing on mixed experience on cultural, wildlife and scenic beauty of hill country and Southern coast in Sri Lanka during 8 days and 7nights overnight. As utilized schedule in the best way.
We would recommend this trip to anyone who has the interest to experience in History, ancient culture, religious monuments, nature, wildlife and has reasonably good fitness level for walk and hiking.
Duration: 8 Full Days and 7 Nights
Time: 7.30am (Fixed)
Time: 9.00pm (Latest)
Upon your pre-confirmation, our company representative or the Driver/guide will meet you at your place at 7.30 am and will start drive for Dambulla. (Approximate 4 hours drive)
On route will stop for 30 minutes in a convenience restaurant to have breakfast, tea/coffee and refreshment before the first visit Dambulla Caves.
Dambulla Rock temple was influenced by King Walagamba during the 1st Century B.C. There are about 90 reported caves in the surrounding and main 5 cave shrines the paintings are done on the ceiling and walls. There is a total of 153 Buddha statues 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of god and goddess. Also, you can see the new temple with a large Golden Buddha statue at the lower part. Dambulla caves temple visit will take about 1 1/2 hours visit.
Then Drive for National Park safari (Approximate 45 minutes drive)
Evening Safari at one of these 3 safari sections, Minneriya / Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco National park (3 – 6 pm). Safari section will decide by your driver/guide since it is a seasonal gathering of wild elephants around these 3 safari sections.
After Safari drive to Sigiriya. Your driver will take you to your accommodation just a short distance away from Safari. You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
After morning hotel breakfast start drive for Sigiriya Rock fortress at earliest possible (About 20 minutes drive from the hotel).
The Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is treated as one of the most remarkable creations in the world, by King Kashyapa in (477-495 AD). The Path through the levels of gardens, boulders, Stone stairways come to the Lion Gate. Only the rock carving and the brick structure is evident today of the lion’s mouth through many local and foreign visitors to admire the beauty of this magnificent citadel. Sigiriya Rock hike visit will take about 2 hrs.
After Sigiriya hike drive to Polonnaruwa (Approximate 2 hours drive). And Stop for Lunch and refreshment before Polonnaruwa visits.
Polonnaruwa is the second ancient Kingdom and the capital of Sri Lanka from 1017 A.D. to 1235 A.D. The Golden Age of Polonnaruwa under the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great at 12th century AD and explore remains of greatest feats of the past. Take time to see the remains of ancient stupas, shrines, palaces, buildings, monasteries, tanks and parks, each one narrating its own story of a glorious past. Polonnaruwa ancient city visit will take about 4 hrs through the most important monuments and ruined city. After visit ancient city drive back to Sigiriya (About 1 1/2 hours drive from the Polonnaruwa).
When you reach Sigiriya, you can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
After morning hotel breakfast starts drive for Kandy at 8.00 am (Approximate 4 hours drive). On route visit Matale Alu Vihara temple.
Behind a boulder is a cave dedicated Buddhist scholars Buddhist literary history as the Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) were written down on ola leaves in Pali by a conclave who is supposed to have spent several years here while working on the Buddhist canon known as the Tipitaka. You can spend about 30 minutes in this temple and then continue your drive for Kandy. When you reach Kandy, first visit Temple of Tooth Relic in the Afternoon.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja(offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded sanctum open for offerings and the golden Casket is open to devotees and tourists. The revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums.
After visit Temple of Tooth Relic, you can have a free walk around Kandy Heritage city.
This free and easy walk around Kandy city tour you can have the modern urban experience as well as Explore Kandy’s historical monuments of declared by the UNESCO. Visit around the Kandy Market square, Bazar, Kandy City Center (KCC) shopping mall, handy craft shops, and other interesting places. We will take you on a walk around the beautiful Kandy Lake which is located close to the Temple of Tooth Relic. To experience Kandy city like a local have this fun-filled the relaxing walking tour with your guide roughly about 1 1/2 hours.
After the city walk Cultural Show (5 – 6 pm 1hour indoor performing show)
The cultural show is one of the famous events available for the visitors in their visit to Kandy. This spontaneous event upheld the Sri Lankan Folk-lore dance which prevailed from the history. It shows the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan dance performances and the drummers who are very unique to Sri Lanka. As the final event in the Cultural show, walking on fire is done with the everlasting faith towards the god and the skill of traditional artists.
After the cultural show, your driver will take you to your accommodation closer to Kandy city. You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
After morning hotel breakfast starts drive to Nuwara Eliya at 8.00 am (Approximate 4 hours drive) As the first visit of the day stop at Peradeniya botanical garden (About 30 minutes drive from the hotel).
This was a pleasure garden for the Kandyan kings. When Sri Lanka became a colony of the British, the gardens were developed as an agricultural research center. Accordingly, Cinchona and tea plants were planted for the first time for research purposes. The extent of the gardens is 64 Hectares and it exhibits more than 4000 species of flowering plants. Today Great lawn, Palm section, Double Coconut Avenue, Royal Palm avenue, Palmyrah avenue, Talipot Palm avenue, Medicinal plants, Spice gardens, and the Orchid House are popular sections of the gardens. you can have a free garden walk around 1 1/2 hours before proceeding to Nuwara Eliya.
On route to Nuwara Eliya stop at famous Ramboda waterfalls.
Ramboda Water Falls is 111 meters high twin fall is in the area that flow into the Puna Oya Reservoir, a subpart of Kotmale River. The first part is above the road and is hidden from hills and the second part is close to the main road. To see this falls to take the Peradeniya – Nuwara Eliya main road. From the road, you can see only the upper segment of the fall on the mountainside. Need to climb down near the Ramboda Bridge to get a good view of this captivating waterfall. If you suppose to go to the bottom of the waterfall it will worth to do a short hike about 20 minutes through the famous Ramboda Falls Hotel.
After few kilometers drive toward Nuwara Eliya road stop at a Tea Factory visit. you will bypass Ramboda Blue field and labukele Damro Tea factories and plantations. when you visit one of these tea factories there tourist-friendly staff will take you a factory visit and you can see the technical process of tea manufacturing and the functions of a classic tea factory. then you can enjoy a Ceylon teacup and also don’t forget to buy a factory-made best quality Ceylon tea pack take to home.
After tea factory visit and Before Nuwaraeliya you can stop for lunch and refreshment.
The name Nuwara Eliya means the city of plains or city of light. The elevation is 1868 m above from the sea level. Therefore it has a subtropical climate. During the colonial period of the British, in 19th 20th centuries. This was the place where the British officers came for the recreational works. Such as play golf, cricket, hunting, and many more. Even today can witness many colonial buildings in the surroundings and refer as little England. If we look at the structure of some building it reminds England. Many English names in signboard can be seen.
After Nuwaraeliya city sightseeing, your driver will take you to your accommodation closer to Nuwaraeliya city. You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
early morning hotel will arrange your take away breakfast packs and start drive to Horton Plains national park at 4.30 am (Approximate 1 hour drive to the National park entrance)
The Horton plains national park. There many types of floras and faunas, in which some are endemic to the region. Sambur deers, torque macaques, purple-faced leaf monkeys and many more. And also a flower call Nelu flower which blooming every 14 years and last for nearly 2 weeks. Many people go there to witness it. The finally announced national park is Horton Plains. unlike the other national parks this one located in high elevation with 1900m above from the sea level. there some species which endemic to this region. this national park belongs to peak wilderness which is one of the world heritage sites of Sri Lanka. This is the only national park in Sri Lanka, visitors allowed to walk. Walking track is a loop of 9 kilometers and it will take about 3 hours to complete through the cloud forest.
After Horton plain hike. Your driver will take you to Nanu Oya train station (about 1 1/2 hours drive) and take the train to Ella.
Before train, your driver will stop for quick Lunch/ Snack/ takeaway food with time permission for your train schedule.
It will take about 3 hours train journey through the most scenic part of the central hill country. (Note: Train Journey will totally depend on your early confirmation and seat availability – Train availability is not 100% confirmed at this inquiry level. If train bookings not available still you can continue by car.)
The driver will meet you again at Ella train station at the time of your train arrive and will take you to your accommodation in Ella.
You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
After morning hotel breakfast starts to explore Ella at 7.30 am.
Ella is a small town elevation about 1040 meters above sea level. Ella area is most popular among local and foreign travelers. Greenery, hills, misty forests and tea fields make beauty for Ella. Most of the visitors are selecting this place as their destination for Mountain hiking, climbing and jungle tracking are the most famous activities in this area. As the first visit hike Mini Adam’s peak.
Mini Adams peak is a famous decent and the closest hike from Ella town. It will take about 1 1/2 hours and will see a panoramic view of Ella gap at the summit.
Fabulous architectural construction about 100 years old huge bridge with Nine Arches for the train track. This will be another attraction you must visit in Ella. When head out 1and 1/2km in Passara road there is a turning point to the left side. When walk 15 Minutes by that path you will find nine arch bridge. If you check the train time and reach to the Nine arch bridge it makes a wonderful picture of the train passing the Nine Arch bridge. It will take about one hour hike.
Natural swimming pool and bath, and Rawana Ella waterfall is another famous attraction around Ella with convenient access. When you passing road bypassing Ella gap you will see this side of the road. The location and Ravana waterfall have a connection with the Ramayana legend story Sri Lanka.
After the attractions in Ella, you can stop for lunch and refreshment. And continue drive toYala. About 2 ½ hours drive on the route, stop at Udawalawa Elephant transits home and target the time of bottle-feeding evening session at 3.00 pm.
Buduruwagala is a historical site meaning of image, GALA-rock Buddha image on a rock. There is one main Buddha sculpture and another six sculptures recognized as the Mahayana style of the 7-9th century. The main Buddha is 51 feet in height and has three statues on each side. In addition, a large number of buildings, ruins belonging to the Buduruwagala monastery can see around the peaceful premises.
Then proceed another 1 1/2 hours to Yala National park
Yala National Park visitors have more chances to witness varies Ecosystems, moist monsoon forest, dry monsoon forest, grasslands, freshwater wetlands, and marine wetlands. Yala National Park is known as the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Also, floras and faunas which includes endemics to Sri Lanka. Other specialty of Yala is Sri Lankan leopardess paradise as they are the top in the food chain. And there are over 200 elephants are there. Sri Lankan sloth bears, wild buffaloes, deers, crocodiles, peacocks, etc. Your driver-guide will arrange this afternoon half-day game drive by a privet safari jeep.
After the safari, your driver/guide will take you to your accommodation in Yala. You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
After morning hotel breakfast starts at 7.00 am. First drive to Kataragama Temple visit about 45 minutes drive.
Kataragama temple is a sacred premise located on the bank of the Menik River. Devotees of all religions in Sri Lanka visit Kataragama and pay their homage. Here is a Buddhist temple is known as Kiri Vehera, a church, a Hindu kovil and a mosque in the vicinity which affirm its multi-religious nature. Kataragama Devalaya which has a long history back to legends and According to ancient chronicles was constructed during 2 century BC.
Kataragama is crowded during the daily ceremony seasons. A large number of pilgrims visit this sacred place daily as well. Most Sri Lankans annually allocate a couple of days in their calendar to pay homage to God Kataragama.
After visit Kataragama drive to Galle. About 2 hours drive on route stop at Deundara Lighthouse, which is a unique landmark in Southern Sri Lanka.
Devundara lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, Its located at the Southernmost point of Sri Lanka, which built by British in 1889 in Dondara point Matara. The 54 meters high lighthouse at Devundara is It is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka and also one of the tallest in South East Asia as well.
After visit Devundara, you can stop for lunch and refreshment in Matara town. Then after continue another 45 minutes along the coastal drive and see the Stilt fisherman.
Stilt fishing is a traditional small scale fishing method practiced by village fishermen along the Southern coast, in areas like Welipenna, Koggala, Kumbalgama, Aranwala, Midigama, Thalarambe and Kathaluwa along the southern coast. These are the fisherfolk who engage in fishing from a narrow pole tied to a stick installed on the sea bed. For the scenic picture it creates, stilt fishermen become a huge attraction for those passing-by, especially tourists.
Then continue your drive another 1 hour up to Galle heritage city.
You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
After morning hotel breakfast starts to explore Galle at 7.00 am.
Galle was declared as a World Heritage Site (living City) by UNESCO. Even today visitors feel the atmosphere of a bygone era in Galle because of the buildings and Narrow Streets. Its worth to have a walkabout 1 ½ hours through tourist attractions are : Museums, bastions, Black fort, Old gate with emblems of VOC and English, ( in and out) wall, Kruise Kerk, (Dutch Reformed Church) mosque, Lighthouse, commander’s House, belfry Anglican Church, Clock Tower, lighthouse, Leynbahn street ( rope making st) Pedler st. etc. Dutch hospital (New development)
After the visit, Galle Heritage fort starts to drive toward Colombo along the Southern coastal way. On route, you will stop at Hikkaduwa famous tourist beach site and coral beach, which can see many tourist roaming around. The town has many hotels. Restaurants and cafes. Also, the Hikkaduwa marine national park is here. People do snorkeling.
Also, you can stop at Tsunami memorial photo gallery for a few minutes.
About 1 ½ hour’s drive from Galle stop at Balapitiya for riverboat ride in Madu River.
when you reach Balapitiya, can see the Madhu river. Though it’s known as river its second-largest wetland in Sri Lanka. This wetland is a famous part of natural mangroves adapted to this environment in brackish water, generally less oxygen in the water. Also, home to many species can be seen here, people take a boat ride to see those, where they will take for 2 hours through small island along the river and see the local’s lifestyles and industries such as cinnamon cultivation and fishery.
Then stop at Turtle hatchery center in Kosgoda after another 30 minutes drive.
Kosgoda is an area home for many sea turtle conservation projects. Many sea turtles come to these beaches to lay eggs. Here mostly ex-situ conservation projects bring or buy the turtle eggs and lay the eggs in their place. Once the baby turtle born they send back to the sea.
Then another 45 minutes drive along the coastal road the end of our drive along the coast will end at Bentota which is a resort town with many hotels which planned and created. The town its self has a wonderful beach and the Bentota River. This wonderful golden sandy beach attracts many tourists around the world. Also a famous destination for water sports.
Boat riding, speed boat ridings, canoeing, jet skis, waterskis, banana rides. Fishings, divings are some of the water sports which can be accessed here. Also home to many seafood restaurants is here.
Finally will proceed to Southern express highway for another one hour drive for the next half distance to Colombo.
Then continue your drive another 1 hour up to Galle heritage city.
You can separate order dinner at the hotel or our driver-guide will take you for suitable outside restaurant upon your choice.
Genuine Lanka Holiday & Tours PVT (LTD)
165/F Kekulngoda,
Gampaha, Sri Lanka.