Day 01: Arrive Colombo

Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as it was known for many years, is an ancient land with a recorded history that began around 4th century BC, when people settled in Anuradhapura. Our tour includes six impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, influenced largely by Buddhism, in addition to gorgeous rolling hills carpeted with tea gardens. The entire island is teeming with bird life and animals like elephants and leopards are not uncommon. Upon arrival, we are welcomed at the airport and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo (2 Nights) (D)

Day 02: Colombo

Explore Colombo on a full-day tour. As the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a fascinating city with a diverse mix of cultures. We see Sri Lanka’s first colonial fort, built by the Portuguese in 1518, Sea Street, and famous Pettah with its bazaar area. We also experience a Hindu temple, Davatagaha Mosque, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Buddhist temple, and Wolvendaal Church. We end our tour at Colombo National Museum. (B, D)

Day 03: Colombo/Sigiriya (Drive)

We journey along the lovely countryside to the Ancient City of Sigiriya*, Sri Lanka’s most iconic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we marvel at the beautiful frescoes on Sigiriya Rock. The ruins of the capital built by King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 meters high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.

Overnight: Cultural Triangle, Heritance Kandalam, Dambulla (3 Nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Sigiriya/Anuradhapura/Aukana/Sigiriya (Drive)

Visit the Ancient City of Anuradhapura* to see the world’s oldest living Bodhi tree, the Brazen Palace, the twin ponds and the Queens’ Bath. This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought here in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again. We visit Gal Vihara, the Tivanka Pilimage and Parakrama Samudra. (B, D)

Day 05: Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa/Habarana/Sigiriya (Drive)

We visit the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa*. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It includes Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. We then visit the magnificent rock-cut statue of Lord Buddha in Aukana. (B, D)

Day 06: Sigiriya/Dambulla/Matale/Kandy (Drive)

Today, we experience the five cave temples of the Golden Temple of Dambulla*. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues. We then continue to the Matale Spice Gardens and the Sacred City of Kandy*. This sacred Buddhist site, popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura, was the last capital of the Sinhala kings, whose patronage enabled the Dinahala culture to flourish for more than 2,500 years until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815.

Overnight: Earl’s Regency, Kandy (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Kandy

Experience the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela, followed by visits to the Lankatilaka Temple, Embekke temples, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic (the sacred tooth of the Buddha), which is a famous pilgrimage site. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dance performance with fire eating and walking rituals. (B, D)

Day 08: Kandy/Nuwara Eliya (Drive)

We first visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya before enjoying an incredibly scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya.  The rolling hills here are covered in vibrant green tea plantations and dotted with stunning waterfalls. In Nuwara Eliya, we visit a tea factory to see how famous Ceylon tea is produced.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 09: Nuwara Eliya/Galle (Drive)

Today, explore the lovely tea gardens, then continue to the coast to visit the historic city of Galle*. Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is perhaps the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

Overnight: Light House, Galle (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Galle

Explore Galle’s natural harbour and the historic fortress, with its Dutch churches, museum, light house and imposing ramparts, followed by an excursion to Weligama, to visit the Statue of the Leper King and the Purvarama Image House. (B, D)

Day 11: Galle/Negombo (Drive)

Scenic coastal drive to Ambalangoda, where we visit of the traditional fishing village of Negombo.

Overnight: Jetwing Blue, Negombo (1 Night) (B, D)

Day 12: Negombo/Colombo (Drive)/Depart Colombo

After an unforgettable experience of one of Asia’s oldest cultures, enjoying the hospitality of Sri Lanka and its people, we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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