Nature Discover Tour

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lankal Upon arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel in ‘Cultural Triangle’ (222km/ approx. 4 hrs).

Stop en route to see the elephants bathing at Pinnewala.Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts ruined temples and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the striking rock fortress of Sigiriya and the crumbling archaeological treasures Polonnaruwa. The stunning setting and historic interest means a stay in this region is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka. Overnight Sigiriya.

Welcome to the Sri Lanka

Day 2

Set off this morning for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘lion Rock (15km / approx. 20 mins).

This UNESCO World Heriage Site is one of Sri lanka’s major altractions. A spectacular pillar of rock visible from miles around, geologically Sigiriya is a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano. Historically, the origins of the remains are disputed and it is thought to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery. Later in the afternoon you will drive to Minneriya National Park for a 2-3 hour jeep safari (20km /approx. 45 mins). Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, which was built in the 3rd Century AD by King Mahasena, the plains and forests of this park are home to herds of elephants who come to graze and to bathe in the tank’s waters. Flocks of cormorants and painted storks, toque macaque and sambar deer may also be spotted. Depending on the movement of the elephants you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park instead. Overnight Sigiriya

Sigiriya Rock and Forest

Day 3

Today you will drive towards Kandy with a stop to visit the Dambulla cave temples en route (105km / approx. 3 hrs).

The Dambulla cave temples are another UNESCO World Heritage Site which date back to the 1st Century BC.  Later kings made further improvements and the caves now contain over 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls. Continue the drive to Kandy. Late afternoon you will:head to a Jocal hall to watch a show of traditional Sri Lankan music, dance and drumming. Afterwards you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. This important shrine boasts intricate carvings and beautiful Sri Lankan art. During the evening ‘puja’ throngs of pilgrims visit the temple to line up to glimpse the golden casket said to hold the sacred relic and to make offerings of Hewers.

Sri Dalada Maligawa – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Day 4

Today you will drive on to Uda Walawe National Park for an afternoon jeep safari (235 Km / approx. 6 hrs).

UdaWalawe National Park is renowned as one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants. Centred on a large reservoir the light vegetation makes game watching easy and most visitors will be graced with numerous sightings of herds of these gentle giants as they roam the grassland and scrub landscapes. The park also hosts many other species such as water buffalo, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard. It is also a wonderful place to enjoy birding. Overnight Udawalawa

Day 5

Today you will drive to the Sinharaja Rainforest to engage in a trek (80 Km /approx. 3 hrs).Upon completion, return to the hotel.Overnight Udawalawa.

Sinharaja Rain Forest

Day 6

Start the morning at the Elephant Transit Home, a small facility on the border of the national park which cares for orphan elephants until they are ready to be released into the wild. You’ll watch from behind a barrier as the elephants follow the keeper into the compound and eagerly await their turn to receive their milk. Afterwards you will leave your hotel and drive back to the airport for your flight (190km / approx. 5hrs) or Bech stay