Day 1: Arrival Colombo

Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Colombo was a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbour took place during the British period. It became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo

After breakfast, proceed for Colombo sightseeing. Also visit to “Odel”, shopping hub a “House of Fashions”. The remains of the buildings during the period of the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kayman’s Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th C.B.C. Dawatagaha Mosque, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha in front and the Independence Square. Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo.

Day 3: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Sigiriya

After breakfast drive to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (OPTIONAL) The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants.
Timings at 9:15 AM, 1:15 pm & 5:00 pm and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm.
Later drive to Sigiriya. On arrival transfer to hotel.

(OPTIONAL) MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK - Located between Habarana and POLONNARUWA, the 8890 hectares of MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rdcentury AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants & painted storks. Overnight stay at hotel Elephas.

Day 4: Sigiriya

After breakfast proceed for Sigiriya sightseeing.
(OPTIONAL) SIGIRIYA – is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colors. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed. Overnight stay at hotel Elephas.

(OPTIONAL TOURS)

1. Hiriwaduna Trek in Habarana

OR

2. Village tour : Catamaran ride + oxcart ride + cooking workshop + village home lunch

 

Day 5: Sigiriya - Trincomalee

After breakfast drive to Trincomalee. On arrival transfer to hotel. 
OPTIONAL: Visit Konneswarum Hindu Temple, Hot water wells, Boat ride to Pigeon Island Overnight stay at hotel Amaranthe Bey Resort.

Day 6: Trincomalee

Breakfast at hotel. Rest day free to roam around beach area. Overnight stay at hotel Amaranthe Bey Resort.

Day 7: Trincomalee - Dambulla- Kandy

After breakfast drive to Kandy via visiting (OPTIONAL) Dambulla Cave Temples & spice garden.

KANDY – the hill capital is another “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule before ceded to the British in 1815. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture. Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances.  

(OPTIONAL) TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH RELIC - When King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1604 A.D.) became King in Kandy, he searched for the Tooth Relic and the bowl Relic of the Buddha and found that it was kept at the Delgomuwa Buddhist Temple at Kuruwita, for more than 44 years, hidden in a grinding stone. The King had gone there personally and brought the Sacred Tooth Relic to Kandy in a procession accompanied by the King. The first Temple of the Tooth Relic was constructed by Wimaladharmasuriya I to house it next to the Royal Palace.        

(OPTIONAL) CULTURAL SHOW - Today Kandy is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture. Visitors can see these dance & music performances at the daily cultural performance which starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hour. With more than 7 different dance performances, captivating drumming and the skills of the traditional musicians on display, this show will give you a great insight to traditional Sri Lankan culture.
Overnight stay at Earls Regent. 

Day 8: Kandy - Kitulgala

After breakfast drive to Kitulgala via visiting Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden.

(OPTIONAL) ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, PERADENIYA – This majestic botanical garden is 147 acres in extent and was started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy.  There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some of which are rare and endemic, as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists.  On arrival transfer to hotel.

Adventure activities (OPTIONAL) white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, mountain biking etc. Overnight stay.

Day 9: Kitulgala - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast drive to Nuwara Eliya via visiting Tea Factories & Tea Plantations.

TEA PLANTATION - Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824 at the Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, when a few plants were brought from China. In 1873, the tea export industry of Sri Lanka began with a modest 23 lbs. being shipped to London. Tea will grow only on rolling terrain and is classified by elevation into low grown, medium grown and high grown into 3 main groups. Today more than 200,000 hectares in highlands and other areas are under Tea and around 300 million Kilograms, with a 25% of world tea exports are done by Sri Lanka as the World’s largest Tea exporter.

RAMBODA FALLS - gigantic water fall having three parts and very close to the 53k m post along the above A-5 trunk road. The first part is above the road in the jungle (100m), second part is close to the road (3m) and the third part (100m) is below the road.

On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay. 

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at hotel. (OPTIONAL) Horton Plains - Trek to visit the “Worlds End” and “Bakers” waterfall (Total approx 8 kms trekking).

NUWARA ELIYA – Known as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.

OPTIONAL - The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this Park.
Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity. Overnight stay. 

Day 11: Nuwara Eliya - Yala

After breakfast drive to Yala. On arrival transfer to hotel. ,
At 2 pm Jeep safari at Yala National Park (OPTIONAL)

YALA NATIONAL PARK- It is famous for its big herds and large number of Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, and many other animals. More than 130 bird species are recorded which includes the resident and winter visitors.
There are 7 Bungalows inside the Park with few Camp Sites.
Overnight stay.

Day 12: Yala - Bentota

After breakfast, drive to Bentota. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 13: Bentota

After breakfast Proceed to Balapitiya for a boat ride & then to Kosgoda to visit the Turtle Hatchery.

(OPTIONAL TOURS)

1. MADU RIVER BOAT RIDE
2. TURTLE HATCHERY, KOSGODA – Operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka this hatchery was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. You can see five species of turtle here - Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle. This Hatchery has released more than 1,750,000 turtles to the sea. Overnight stay.
   

Day 14: Bentota

Breakfast at hotel. Rest day free for independent activities.  Overnight stay.

Day 15: Bentota

Breakfast at hotel. Rest day free for independent activities.  Overnight stay.

Day 16: Bentota

Breakfast at hotel. Rest day free for independent activities.  Overnight stay.

Day 17: Bentota Colombo

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo. On arrival transfer to hotel.

COLOMBO NIGHT LIFE - Colombo has such an active nightlife. After-dark entertainment takes place around the Fort and Cinnamon Gardens. A few bars that are popular with both locals and visitors include Galle Face Hotel, Cheers Pub in Cinnamon Grand, White Horse on Navam Mawatha, & Koluu's Tulips on Duplication Road. If you plan to go dancing and clubbing, dress well and show up late. Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo

Day 18: Colombo – Departure

Breakfast at hotel. CHECK-OUT 1200 HRS. Later transfer to airport for onward destination.