Glamour of Sri Lanka

Discover the very best of Sri Lanka on this carefully crafted 10-day journey showcasing the island’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant wildlife. From the bustling capital of Colombo to the ancient kingdoms of the Cultural Triangle, the misty tea plantations of the hill country, and the golden beaches of Negombo, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and adventure.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Enjoy an exciting wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park, immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Kandy, and relax amidst the colonial elegance of Nuwara Eliya. Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced traveler, this comprehensive itinerary perfectly captures the glamour, diversity, and timeless beauty of Sri Lanka.

• Explore the vibrant capital city of Colombo, including its colonial landmarks, bustling shopping districts, and cultural attractions.

• Visit the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temples.

• Experience shopping at modern malls and the famous Pettah market.

• Climb the magnificent Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most remarkable ancient fortresses.

• Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan village experience with a bullock cart ride, tuk-tuk ride, catamaran ride, and traditional home-cooked lunch.

• Discover the ancient UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, featuring royal palaces, temples, and impressive stone carvings.

• Embark on an exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its large gatherings of wild elephants and diverse wildlife.

• Experience an unforgettable elephant ride through scenic countryside (optional, subject to availability and animal welfare considerations).

• Visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex.

• Learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices during a visit to a traditional spice garden in Matale.

• Explore the cultural capital of Kandy, including the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

• Witness a spectacular Sri Lankan cultural dance performance.

• Visit picturesque tea plantations and a tea factory to discover how world-renowned Ceylon Tea is produced.

• Admire the breathtaking beauty of Ramboda Falls.

• Relax in the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” surrounded by rolling tea plantations, colonial architecture, Gregory Lake, and strawberry farms.

• Experience the lively coastal atmosphere of Negombo, including its fishing village, beach, and an optional Dutch Canal boat ride.

• Enjoy comfortable accommodation, scenic drives, authentic local cuisine, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality throughout your journey.

Ideal For

This tour is perfect for:

• First-time visitors to Sri Lanka

• Couples and honeymooners

• Families

• Nature and wildlife enthusiasts

• History and culture lovers

• Adventure seekers

• Photography enthusiasts

• Travelers looking for a comprehensive Sri Lankan experience

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome to Colombo

• Route: Airport to Colombo

• Activities: Meet and assist, hotel check-in

• Overnight: Colombo

Arrive at Colombo International Airport where you will meet your Explore Lanka Travels representative at the entrance lobby. Transfer to your hotel in Colombo. As the commercial and business center of Sri Lanka, Colombo beautifully blends old colonial-type buildings with high-rise modern architecture. Relax and recover from your flight, or take an evening stroll to see preserved colonial structures, such as the 100-year-old clock tower or the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Day 2: City Buzz & Cultural Treasures

• Route: Colombo Sightseeing

• Activities: Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo City Tour, Shopping

• Overnight: Colombo

After breakfast, explore the iconic Gangaramaya Temple. Once a swamp adjoining Beira Lake, it is today a vibrant complex comprising the main temple, the picturesque ‘seema malaka’ assembly hall sitting on the lake, and a vocational training institute.

In the afternoon, dive into a city and shopping tour. From modern, air-conditioned malls to the famously buzzing street markets of Pettah, Colombo is a shopper’s haven. Whether you are bargaining in the narrow, clustered streets of Pettah or browsing designer boutiques for clothing and jewelry, the city offers a rich and diverse retail experience.

Day 3: The Lion Rock & Authentic Village Life

• Route: Colombo to Sigiriya

• Activities: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Traditional Village Tour

• Overnight: Sigiriya

Transfer from Colombo to Sigiriya to climb the spectacular 5th-century rock citadel built by King Kashyapa. Sigiriya is widely considered one of the most remarkable creations in the ancient world. Walk through the landscaped water gardens and ascend the stone stairways to the Lion Gate, admiring the magnificent rock carvings and brick structures along the way.

Later, enjoy a guided excursion through a real Sri Lankan village. Experience a traditional bullock cart ride, hop into a tuk-tuk, and savor an authentic, home-cooked Sri Lankan meal for a truly pleasant and immersive cultural experience.

Day 4: Ancient Ruins of Polonnaruwa

• Route: Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa, returning to Sigiriya

• Activities: Polonnaruwa Ancient City

• Overnight: Polonnaruwa (or Sigiriya/Habarana based on hotel selection)

Transfer to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka (1017 A.D to 1235 A.D.) and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Explore the breathtaking ruins of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, the Audience Hall, the Watadage, and the elegant 12th-century Lotus Pond. Do not miss the magnificent Gal Viharaya, which features four beautifully carved Buddha statues, or the massive Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama), an ancient reservoir covering nearly 6,000 acres.

Day 5: Wildlife & Safari Adventures

• Route: Polonnaruwa to Habarana

• Activities: Minneriya Jeep Safari, Elephant Back Safari

• Overnight: Habarana

Depart for Habarana to experience Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife. Embark on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, an 8,889-hectare sanctuary home to 160 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and an abundance of butterflies. The park is highly famous for elephant and leopard watching. Later, enjoy an unforgettable elephant back safari, riding through beautiful jungles and crossing shallow rivers.

Day 6: Golden Caves to the Cultural Capital

• Route: Habarana to Dambulla, Matale, and Kandy

• Activities: Dambulla Cave Temple, Matale Spice Garden, Kandy City Tour, Cultural Show

• Overnight: Kandy

Transfer to Dambulla to visit the magnificent Rock Temple built by King Walagambahu during the 1st Century B.C. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, featuring exquisite ceiling paintings and 153 Buddha statues.

Continue to Matale for a tour of a traditional Spice Garden to learn about the island’s world-renowned spices. Finally, arrive in Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, browse the arts and crafts center, and end your evening witnessing a spectacular Sri Lankan cultural show.

Day 7: Waterfalls & Ceylon Tea

• Route: Kandy to Ramboda, then Nuwara Eliya

• Activities: Tea Factory visit, Ramboda Falls

• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Leave Kandy and drive up into the scenic hill country. Stop in Ramboda to marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ramboda Falls from the viewing deck. Visit a working tea plantation and factory to witness the intricate processing of world-famous Ceylon Tea, enjoying a hot cup of the finest brew right at the source. Continue your ascent into the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya.

Day 8: Relaxing in “Little England”

• Route: Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing

• Activities: City stroll, Golf Club, Strawberry Farms, Gregory Lake

• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Located 6,182 feet above sea level, Nuwara Eliya retains the charm of an old English town with its styled bungalows and colonial buildings. The cool climate and rolling tea plantations make it one of the most beautiful towns in the world. Spend the day at your leisure: visit the 18-hole golf course, pick fresh fruit at a local strawberry farm, take a scenic evening walk around Gregory Lake, or enjoy a peddling boat ride on the water.

Day 9: Coastal Vibes in Negombo

• Route: Nuwara Eliya to Negombo

• Activities: Negombo beach road, Fishing Village, Optional Dutch Canal Boat Ride

• Overnight: Negombo

Descend from the highlands and travel to the lively coastal city of Negombo, located on the West Coast. Famous as a fishing hub, Negombo is home to thousands of traditional fishermen. Visit a local fishing village to see how the daily catch is dried and preserved using indigenous techniques—the distinct aroma is all part of the authentic experience! Spend the evening relaxing at the pubs and restaurants along the beach road, or opt for a peaceful boat ride down the historic Dutch Canal.

Day 10: Departure

• Route: Negombo to Airport

• Activities: Transfer for departure

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the nearby Colombo International Airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of the glamour of Sri Lanka.