From 1100€/person
8 days
Dreaming and slowing down in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a soul nurturer. Amazing weather, beautiful landscapes, old history and culture, colourful festivals, diverse people and mixed influences, all surrounded by a scenic blue sea, Sri Lanka is a small piece of land (at least compared to its Indian neighbour) but a pretty dense and rich one. On this trip to Sri Lanka, relax and soak into its wonderful culture and nature!
Mixed influences
This tiny island is home to a surprising diversity when it comes to its people: because of its location on the Spice and Silk Road in the Indian Ocean, the population is a mix of Cinghalese, Tamul, Malaysian and Mauresque descendants with strong Hindu, Buddhist, Christian or Muslim cultures. The Europeans also influenced the country's economic production (tea of course!) and the cities' architecture.
Itinerary
For a first trip to Sri Lanka, a tour from the southwest to the centre of the island will show you a wide range of what the country has to offer: visit Sigiriya and the old medieval capital, Kandy and its Buddha tooth temple, tea plantations on the way to the mountains fresh air in Nuwara Eliya, a national park and its wild animals sanctuary, to finally reach the majestic beaches of Mirissa and the historic charm of Galle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo
Today you’ll fly to Colombo. Upon arrival you will meet your driver who will take you to your hotel in Negombo, a fishing town close to the airport. Rest of the day at leisure.
Visit the Dutch fort and the Catholic church, and meander through the old streets and buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonizations.
Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya (B)
In the morning, discover the authentic and popular fish market exposing its fresh products. Then you’ll reach Sigiriya Rock, a 370m high red monolith that stands in the middle of the jungle, one of the most impressive sight in the country. Enjoy the view of this natural wonder protected by Unesco. Stay in Sigiriya for the night.
Day 3: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya (B)
Today you will drive to Polonnaruwa, the old medieval capital of the country from the 11th to the 13th century: discover the ruins of the Royal Palace, amazing Buddha statues and the ancient irrigation system. In the afternoon, get initiated to the practice of ayurveda traditional medicine.
Day 4: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (B)
After breakfast you will visit the impressive Dambulla Temple that was digged inside the rock and painted inside. Then you will drive to Kandy. On the way, stop at Matale for its spices market. Enjoy the scents of cinammon, ginger, clove, nutmeg and so many others, ans learn about their specific use. In Kandy, you’ll visit the unmissable Tooth Temple, where a venerable relic of Buddha himself is said to be kept.
Day 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (B)
Today, on the way to Nuwara Eluyi, visit a tea plantation and fabric and learn about the development of tea production in Sri Lanka. Then take a train (~40mn) where you’ll get the chance to enjoy beautiful views from the windows while mingling with the locals: another way of traveling. Reach Nuwara Eliya and spend the rest of the day walking and enjoying the scenery. Developed under the British rule, this old town has a unique charm and produces some of the best tea in the world.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Uda Walawe (B)
Today, on the way to Uda Walawe, stop at Ella to admire the Ella Gap and Ravana Falls. In the afternoon, get on a Jeep safari in Uda Walawe national park. Explore this amazing landscape that stems from a man-made reservoir and observe the local elephants, birds, varans, buffalos and sometimes even leopards that live here. You’ll also visit an elephants’ orphanage.
Day 7: Uda Walawe – Mirissa (B)
Today you will drive to Mirissa, on the seaside. On the way, witness the local fishermen’s technique, all standing on stilts in Weligama. In Mirissa, rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the seaside, or go for a boat excursion to observe dolphins and wales (optional).
Day 8: Mirissa – Galle – Colombo Departure (B)
Before ending your trip to Sri Lanka, you will drive to Galle: discover one of the best preserved architectural heritage from the colonial times in all of South-East Asia. Visit its majestic Fort, but also discover its local craftswork: lace and ebony sculptures.
Finally, your driver will take you to the airport, where you will board a flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- Hotel with breakfast
- Private driver
- Domestic train tickets
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International flights
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
- Boat excursion in Mirissa
- Insurances
You want to explore more this area?