Epic Tour
13 nights private tour USD2,385 per person
Embark on our epic fourteen day journey, a meticulously crafted adventure that promises to immerse you in the essence of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural treasures. Ascend the mesmerizing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the historical gems of Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and soak in the rich heritage of Kandy. Immerse in the salubrious mountains of Nuwara Eliya and Ella. End the tour with an extended stay on the southern beach of historic Galle.
Tour Highlights
- Ascend the amazing the rock fortress of Sigiriya to experience breathtaking views of the cultural triangle
- Experience the rich heritage of ancient cities of Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and many of its historical attractions
- Visit a National Park to witness the gathering the majestic Elephants
- Experience the rich heritage of Kandy with visits to Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Botanical Gardens and other historical attractions
- Immerse yourself in the panoramic hills of tea plantations in chilly climes of Nuwara Eliya, and popular attractions in Ella;
- Enjoy the wild safari at Yala National Park known for the highest density of leopards in the world
- Discover the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle fort, mask workshops, turtle hatcheries and its many cultural attractions whilst enjoying the sun and sand.
Itinerary
Accommodation
Activities
Day 1 Negombo, North-West Coast
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, you will be met by our Tour Guide and transferred to your hotel in Negombo.
If you arrive early, have a stroll along the seaside to witness some of the local fishing craft. Maybe explore the beautiful surrounding city on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception.
Overnight stay at Club Hotel Dolphin Hotel.
Day 2 Negombo to Dambulla, Cultural Triangle
Following day explore Negombo, a city immersed in the colonial architecture influenced by the Dutch. During colonial periods the Dutch has used the Hamilton Canal to distribute spices, especially Cinnamon. The Dutch Colombo Fort is situated near the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon. Your Guide will help you navigate the organised frenzy of the Negombo Fish Market. A mix of European and Asian influences can be seen in the architecture, especially the churches of Dutch origin. Next we journey to Dambulla, where you'll spend the next three nights. Settle in to your hotel then in the late afternoon and relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Lake Hotel, Dambulla.
Activities Included:
- Negombo - Fish market and City Tour
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 3 Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Next morning before breakfast we visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) a UNESCO world heritage and considered the 8th wonder of the world. A ruined palace tops this dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains. It's a good workout to get to the top.
From the Lion's Paw it is a steep, 30-minute climb over often-narrow walkways and steps to reach all of the points of interest at the site. You must climb in order to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes and the mirror wall. The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours in total.
After breakfast we indulge in the local flavour rural life by going on the Hiriwaduna village tour. Here you will experience the true rural life of Sri Lanka and engage in village activities which include oxen cart ride, traditional catamaran safari, village cooking demonstration with a delicious traditional lunch served to you.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Lake Hotel, Dambulla.
Activities Included:
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Hiriwaduna Village Safari
Day 4 Polonnaruwa, Cultural Triangle
After breakfast you will make your way to Polonnaruwa to continue your explorations of the cultural triangle. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex. Visit the remains of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in intricate carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha.
On return from Polonnaruwa we will explore a national park in search of gathering elephants. The Kaudulla National Park, Minneriya Natioanl Park and Hurulu Eco Park are connected through elephant corridors and offer sightseeing opportunities depending on the season. Elephant gatherings up to 300-350 can be observed.
Later in the afternoon, head back for a final evening in Sigiriya, where you may want to enjoy a refreshing drink by the lake.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Lake Hotel, Dambulla.
Activities Included:
- Visit to a National Park
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, Statue of Parakramabahu I
- Polonnaruwa - Rankot Vihara, Quadrangle
- Polonnaruwa – Lankatilaka, Gal Vihara
Day 5 Dambulla to Kandy, Cultural Triangle
This morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices the country is famous for. Evening we embark on the Kandy City Tour visiting the Temple of Tooth, the Gem Museum. In the evening we go on tour to witness the Kandy Cultural Dance Show at the Kandy Lake Club.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, Kandy.
Activities Included:
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
- Matale - Spice Garden
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy - Gem museum & lapidary workshop visit
- Kandy Cultural Dance Show
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 6 Kandy, Cultural Triangle
In the morning, we will visit the three temples of the highlands, Embekke, Gadaladeniya and Lankathilaka Viharayas famous for its architectural beautify and long history associated with the kandy royalty.
Later on visit the Royal Botanical Garden and embark on a leisure walk through the scenic surroundings. This garden is home to 4000 different plants and is regarded amongst the most superior in Asia. The highlights are the orchid house, mighty avenue of palm trees and plant conservatories. Immerse in this 60-hectare plant paradise and capture photographs for memories.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, Kandy.
Activities Included:
- Three Temples Tour
- Kandy - Botanical Gardens
Day 7 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Hill Country
Start your day with a scenic train journey to Nuwar Eliya, passing through tea plantations and winding along mountains into the highlands. Nestled even deeper into tea plantation country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1800 metres, making it one of the coolest regions in Sri Lanka.
In the evening immerse yourself with a city tour with our guide taking you to see key attractions that cover Lake Gregory, visits to colonial buildings in the town, Grand Hotel and the Golf Club. You could experience the perfect English high tea at the Grand Hotel in its beautiful surroundings.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.
Activities Included:
- Nuwara Eliya - High Tea
- Nuwara Eliya - Orientation Tour
- Kandy - Scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya
Today’s train journey is approximately 4.5 hours.
Day 8 Nuwara Eliya, Hill Country
The following day with a packed breakfast we will move to Horton Plains National Park, one of worlds highest plateaus, to embark on a 9.5km walking trail to experience “The World’s End” a sheer precipice offering a panoramic view across the south-eastern side of the Island. This tour will take around three hours.
Later in the evening we visit the Haggala Botanical Garden.
Overnight stay at Grand Hotel.
Activities Included:
- Horton Plains trek
- Haggala Botanical Gardens
Day 9 Nuwara Eliya to Ella, Hill Country
In the morning after breakfast we journey to cloud-laden Ella where you will stay one night. Rest and relax in this beautiful hill country experiencing the great outdoors. Here, visit Ella Gap, which offers beautiful vistas out across the plains. On the way stop at amazing landmarks namely Ravana Falls and the nine-arch bridge, a colonial marvel. Visit a Tea factory and learn the process of making tea.
Overnight stay at Ekho Ella Hotel.
Activities Included:
- Ella Gap view point
- Tea factory visit
- Scenic tour of nine arch bridge and Ravana Falls
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 10 Ella to Yala National Park, Yala
After breakfast you can awaken your adventurous spirit by climbing little Adam’s Peak and enjoying the great outdoors. This gives you an amazing view of the surrounding tea plantations and misty mountains. Later on we will journey to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve. Here you’ll board a 4x4 and embark on a safari through open grasslands, lush forest and tranquil lagoons. Your guide will carefully listen out for the rustling of concealed animals that would go unnoticed by those not in the know. There's a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffaloes and if you are lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive beauties. After an exciting day of wildlife spotting, retire to your resort for dinner.
Overnight stay at Jetwing Yala Hotel.
Activities Included:
- Trek to Little Adam’s Peak
- Yala National Park - Wildlife safari
Day 11,12 & 13 Yala to Galle , Down-South
Later you will transfer to Galle, a beautiful seaside town near Sri Lanka's southernmost tip. Settle into your hotel, and then take a walking tour through what is considered to be the best-preserved colonial town in Sri Lanka, the Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage. At its core is a Dutch-built fort surrounded on three sides by the ocean, and its streets hold a treasure trove of ancient mosques and churches, museums, boutiques and more.
At Galle you will enjoy an extended beach stay for four days during which you can take optional tours or relax by the beach/Pool and bask in the sun.
Three nights stay at Radisson Blue Hotel.
Activities Included:
- Galle Fort Walking tour
- Visit to a Turtle Hatchery
- Whale watching in Mirissa (optional)
- Cinnamon experience with lunch (optional)
Today’s total driving time from Yala to Galle is approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 14 Galle to Airport - Departure
The following day after breakfast you will proceed to Colombo Airport. En route visit a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, a turtle conservation effort by the locals and also popular tourist attractions down south. You will get the opportunity get hold of baby turtles and if the time is opportune release baby turtles to sea.
Total driving time is approximately 3 hours to the Air Port.
Our representative will meet up with you at the Airport to bid you farewell and to see you again in the near future
Tour Package Includes
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room on HB basis.
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days).
- Both airport transfers on Arrival & Departure.
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour.
- Entrance fees at tour sites and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephones, beverages, etc.
- Entrance fees, related expenses to any other tour site mentioned as “(optional)”.
- International flights.
- Visa.
- Please refer our detailed Terms & Conditions.
About this Tour
This fourteen day Epic Sri Lanka round trip includes the highlights of this stunning tropical island – ancient cities, tea-growing hills, wildlife parks and stunning beaches. You can explore the island at your own pace. End the tour with an extended stay on the southern beach of historic city of Galle. We can tailor this itinerary according to your preferences. Feel free to contact us.
Price Guide : Per person based on double occupancy on half board basis.
