Heritage Cultural 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 Negombo (15km / approx. 25 mins). Overnight Negambo

Welcome to the Sri Lanka

Day 2

Negombo is one of the country’oldest centres for the fishing trade and it’s worth an early start to see the fascinating main fish market at its busiest. You will be picked up at approximately 05:30 for the drive to the market. Take a walk around to see fishermen bringing in the catch of the day and traders preparing their wares before returning to your hotel for breakfast (closed on weekends, Poya days and Public Holidays)Later head to drive to Anuradhpura. Overnight Anurhadapura.

Anuradhapura Ruwanweli Maha Seya

Day 3

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilisation

Later in the afternoon you will be drive to Habarana Overnight Habarana.

Day 4

After breakfast drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa.(46km/approx.1.5hrs).

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders from southern India in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Over the following three centuries Polonnaruwa became a thriving commercial and religious centre, reaching its zenith under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century. He created beautiful parks, huge buildings and an enormous tank (reservoir) which acted both as a defensive border against intruders and as an important water source.

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 Habarana.

Polonnaruw Gal Viharaya

Day 5

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. Experience traditional village life on this private tour. Accompanied by a guide, take an oxen cart ride through the village. Admire the views on a catamaran ride over a reservoir and try to spot the local wildlife. Observe a cooking lesson from a local villager share a traditional lunch. Overnight Habarana.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Day 6

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. This amazing complex of five caves was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. 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. Overnight Kandy.

Day 7

After breakfast enjoy a tour of Kandy,

Later head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens (10km / approx. 45 mins) to enjoy a leisurely stroll among the orchids and royal palms. Surrounded on three sides by the Mahaweli river, these botanical gardens were founded in 1824 and are still home to one of world’s largest collections of plants and trees. Giant ficus trees, palms,an orchid house and a vast array of trees such as ebony, teak, satinwood, mahogany and tamarind can be seen here.
Overnight Kandy.

Sri Lanka Longest River

Day 8

Today you will drive through the hill country to Nuwara Eliya (115km / approx. 3 hrs).

En route you will stop at a tea factory and tea plantation where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the tea making process and the different grades of tea. Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country at an elevation of 1900m, Nuwara Eliya was a favoured retreat of the British in the 19th Century thanks to its cool climate. With an abundance of red and green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse, the town still has a decidedly British feel. The surrounding mountain slopes and valleys are carpeted with lush green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls.

Take a walk around the town centre, passing the Victorian post office, the old Hill Club and golf course before a stop at Holy Trinity Church, a quaint building constructed by the British in the mid 19th Century. Continue to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Nuwara Eliya or Ella

Day 9

Depart your hotel and drive towards Yala National Park (190 km / approx. 4 hrs).

Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country with a varied terrain of dry woodland and grassy plains which supports an abundance of wildlife. It is home to a large number of elephants, spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, jackals, mongoose and crocodiles. The park boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, but they are elusive creatures so any sighting is sure to be a highlight. Ancient ruins are also found here and this mixture of natural beauty, wildlife and ancient culture make this park a national treasure. Evening you will be game drive around yala national park Overnight Yala

Yala National Park Animals

Day 10

This morning you will lave your hotel after breakfast and freshen up before heading to Galle (180km / approx. 4.5 hrs). Set on a promontory on the southwest tip of Sri Lanka, Galle is an immensely charming town and remains the best preserved example of a European built fortified city in Asia. The fort was built by the Dutch from the 17th Century and is today- or UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow streets are a delight to explore with decaying colonial buildings and numerous boutiques and cafés surrounded by grand fort walls. Overnight Galle.

Day 11/12

Day at leisure. Drive north to Colombo airport for your onward flight (157 km / approx. 3 hrs).