The Flora & Fauna 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’ (175km / approx. 4 hrs) Overnight Habarana

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 Habarana

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. 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. Late afternoon you will: head to a Local 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.
Overnight Kandy

Day 4

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.

Peradeniya Botanic Garden

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.  Overnight Kandy.

Day 5

Journey on one of the most scenic train trips in the world through Sri Lanka’s emerald-hued tea plantations between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Haggle with local vendors and enjoy some spectacular views as you travel through rural villages and over impressively high bridges! instead (115km / approx 3 hrs) which also follows a scenic route, Overnight Nuwaraeliya

Day 6

After the break you have to drive to Lipton’s Seat is a popular vantage point, from where Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and proudly look over his estate.

Today, you can still have one of the best views from the lookout, and there is even a life-sized statue of Lipton on a bench to take pictures with! The Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton used to survey his burgeoning empire from here. And also you can visit the world famous Lipton tea factory. Then you have a Tuk Tuk ride to see the surrounding .Lipton’s seat is a panoramic overlooking destination in Sri Lanka. Handapanagala lake, Chandrika lake, Udawalwe lake, Wedihiti Kanda mountains, and also the Hambanthota harbor alocated in the in the southern coastal area nd five provinces in sri lanka . And also you can visit the world famous lipton tea factory. Then you have a tuk tuk ride to see the surrounding . Continue to ella. Overnight Ella

Tuk Tuk Ride

Day 7

Across the valley towards Ella Rock.After an early breakfast enjoy a short hike up nearby Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking views. Continue to another viewpoint to see the famous and picturesque Nine Arch Bridge accessed by a short walk along the railway and then drive to Rawana Ella waterfall for a photo stop. This pretty waterfall has links to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Rawana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall. After you will drive on to Yala ( 120km / 3hrs)

Day 8

Full day safari at Yala National park.

Yala National Park “Peacock”

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.  Overnight yala

Day 9

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 10

Drive north to Colombo airport for your onward flight (157 km / approx. 3 hrs).or Beach Stay