9 Nights Itinerary Coverage: Colombo - Negombo - Sigiriya - Kandy - Ella - Galle - Colombo
On your arrival at Colombo Airport meet our representative & transfer straight to Negombo is a beach town & perfect place for Sri Lankan feel. On arrival.
After breakfast depart for Sigiriya en-route stop at Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka dating back to 4th century B.C & remained spiritual or secular capital of Island for over a millennium. You will see the great Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest living tree in the world which is said to be the branch of Maha Bodhi tree of India. Visit the many stupas, reservoir tanks & other spectacular wonders of ancient world. Visit ancient Dagobas or Stupas which are still standing from the time of the Kings. Explore Anuradhapura at leisure & drive to Sigiriya.
Today start to Sigiriya, a world heritage site around 16 kms from Dambulla famous for ‘Lion Rock Fortress’, the ancient citadel constructed on a 660 feet high above the ground on a rock overlooking to luscious green jungle & often considered as eighth wonder of the world constructed by King Kashyapa. You will reach at the summit following the Lion staircase that emerges from the mouth of the beast & leads to the palace garden, it is the significant & geological masterpiece of Sri Lanka. See the ancient frescoes & paintings is another feature of this great site. Later proceed to Ritigala Ruins or Ritigala Monastery which is a part of Ritigala mountain range. Set deep within the forest range Ritigala ruins are mysterious & enchanting. After the entrance to the complex you follow the path along the edge of Banda Pokuna. Follow the stone paths meandering dense forests & after a roundabout you enter to sacred grounds of monastery. Spend couple of hours there & feel the spiritual energy.
In the morning after breakfast proceed for guided tour of Piduranagala is a large outcrop cave temple constructed by King Kashyapa. It was constructed for relocation of the monks who were living at Sigiriya to build the Rock Fortress. Enjoy the mega views form here & proceed next to Polonnaruwa which became second medieval capital in 1070 AD. after the fall of Anuradhapura. It is famous for well preserved ruins of ancient royal palaces, structures, stupas, temples and tombs.
Enjoy your transfer this morning to Kandy with your English-speaking chauffeur guide. Kandy is rich in history & culture and was the last bastion on Singhala Kings. Check in at hotel. After freshen up, take our authentic market tour of Kandy where you pay a fair price for spices & other fruits. We have arranged a private cooking lesion with a local specialist. Learn the local Sri Lankan dishes followed by lunch & at homely environment.
Kandy fell to British in 1815, after the rule of Portugese & Dutch. They created some beautiful colonial buildings among one of them is Queen’s Hotel. Roam around the streets of Kandy with your chauffeur guide & experience the rich culture and local markets. Ahead to Temple of Tooth Relic, it is a world heritage site & genuine place for worship. Later complete your day by having drinks at Royal Bar & deviled chicken.
Your English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide will transfer you to Kandy Railway Station for your scenic train journey to Ella through Sri Lanka’s hill country. Experience the magnificent views of beautiful lush valleys, scenic mountains & the tea estates. On arrival at Ella station meet your chauffeur guide & transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
This morning after breakfast check out from hotel & explore the highlands of Ella which has the best views of Ella. Explore Little Adam’s peak, a short trek of about 45 minutes. Trek to this peak passes through various tea plantations & a small village. Later drive to Galle with your private vehicle & chauffeur driver. On arrival in Galle, check in at hotel. Spend the remaining day at leisure.
Galle is a precious jewel & to experience this town it is best to explore on foot with our chauffeur guide. The fortified town of Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which enjoys artistic renaissance & beautiful beaches that are truly unavoidable for travelers. Walking tour to Galle takes you to old colonial buildings, churches, ancient mosques, museums & grand mansions. Also explore Galle Fort built by Dutch in 1663 & surrounded on three sides by ocean is a core attraction of Galle. After the tour complete your day with tastiest meal prepared by Mother Washanti along with wonderful stories of Dad Sam, he used to be a cabbie in New York & return to hotel after sweet memories from this lovely family.
Transfer to Colombo Airport in morning to board flight for onward journey.
