9 Days Guided Tour Through Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your chauffer guide will warmly welcome you at the arrival lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). You will be given a brief introduction and then commence your trip to the coastal town of Negombo (Approximately 1/2 hour drive).

If you wake up early you can visit the local Fish Market. Negombo is well known for its traditional fishing industry. It is home to the Island’s second largest fish market, as locals call – “Lellama”. You get a chance to walk on the beach and watch fishermen untangle their fishing nets from the mornings catch. After the breakfast leave for Sigiriya.

En route visit Dambulla Cave Temple. This was built by king Walagamba in the 1st century B.C. and is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples. Located at a height of over 100 m on a huge rock. The cave contain beautiful images of the, Buddha totalling up to 150 as well as those of Hindu deities. The walls are also adorned with colourful frescoes of various scenes related to the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka

Set off this morning for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’ This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. 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 thought to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477 - 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery. You might like to start your visit at the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the site, before wandering through the vast landscaped gardens to the base of the rock.

Late morning leave for Habarana where you could experience, authentic village living at Hiriwadunna. You will ride a bullock cart, a catamaran safari and end the excursion with a typical Sri Lankan lunch at a farmer’s house.

In the afternoon head to Polonnaruwa. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. After the end of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). It was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982.

Visit the Matale spice garden where you will be taken through the gardens to learn more about the spices of Sri Lanka. Your visit ends at the spice shop where purchasing of spices is at your discretion.

Check into the hotel and relax. In the afternoon you will go on a city tour and 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.

In the evening you will see the colourful of typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance. You will be captivated by the vibrant event filled with colourful costumes, graceful dances and oriental music, making it an unforgettable experience.

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. From Peradeniya Station you will disembark the train on arrival at Nanu Oya railway station where you will be picked up by your cheuffer. *Please note all train tickets can only be confirmed approximately 10 days prior to the date of travel and unfortunately seats cannot be guaranteed as they are often pre-reserved by government officials and groups. We will continue to try to book tickets up until the date of the train journey. If the train journey cannot be booked you will travel by road to Nuwara Eliya instead (115km / approx. 3 hrs) which also follows a scenic route, climbing 1,400m along winding roads past tea plantations and crystalline reservoirs.

You will visit a tea factory/plantation to learn the art of making Ceylon tea.

In the evening, you will engage in a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya city that covers the famous Gregory lake.

Optional visit. Depart early morning with a packed breakfast proceed for a hike in Horton Plains. With misty mountains, ice cold streams, lakes and waterfalls, Horton Plains National Park offers a scenic hike through the Sri Lanka countryside. On your hike (approx. 9km) you will pass beautiful Baker’s Falls and admire the spectacular views from the World’s End escarpment. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the local wildlife including sambar deer, bear monkeys, barking deer, giant squirrels, fishing cats and wild boar which inhabit the area. This is a relatively easy hike but over uneven terrain with some steep sections. Proceed to Tissamaharama via Ella.

En route you will stop in Ella. Ella is a breath taking hill town in Sri Lanka, famous for its tea plantations, waterfalls, hiking trails, and laid- back vibes. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax in the misty mountains. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, you will visit One of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks of Nine Arches Bridge.

This morning you will be picked up early in your private jeep for a morning game drive around Yala National Park. You will proceed in your jeep to the park entrance where your guide will collect tickets prior to the park opening at 06:00. In busy periods this process may take up to 45 minutes. You can expect to see wild boar, deer, leopards, crocodiles, elephants, monkeys in their national surroundings. You will then proceed to Unawatuna.

Spend your day at leisure on the beach or at the pool. You can explore some of Mirissa's bars and restaurants.

Take walking tour of Galle Fort where you Wander along the ramparts past the iconic cricket ground and listen as your guide recounts the captivating history of this unique city. Meander through the streets past some of the best-known landmarks, including the lighthouse and old Portuguese harbour, plus many of the historic churches and residences located within the walls of the fort.

If your holiday extends to another coastal town on the south coast, a transfer can be arranged. Transfer to the airport for the departure flight. It is advisable to be at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight.