This interesting tour leads from the west coast via the old royal cities in the interior of Sri Lanka to the charming east coast with its dream beaches and through the green highlands back to Colombo.
Day 1: Colombo (D)
Arrival at the airport, welcome by the tour guide and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon city tour (Gangarama Temple, Old Parliament, Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Old Market, Colombo Fort). The cityscape is characterized by modern architecture, British colonial past and religious sites. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Colombo - Hingula - Minneriya - Sigiriya (B, D)
After breakfast, depart for the village of Hingula. Here you will travel by tuk tuk through rubber plantations and rice fields, experience a short ox cart ride and learn interesting facts about the history of the local temple. You can also observe how coconuts are harvested and learn how roti and pol sambol are prepared. Afterwards, you will go on safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, where you can observe wild elephants and other animals in their natural environment. Continue to Sigiriya. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Trincomalee (B, D)
In the early morning, you climb the unique rock fortress of Sigiriya. In former times, a stone lion was enthroned at the entrance of the fortress, so the rock is also called Lion Rock. The two paws of the lion have been preserved. In the middle of the extensive complex, the rock rises almost 200 meters out of the plain. Afterwards, drive to Polonnaruwa, where you can admire the remains of the ancient royal city. The archaeological park with numerous dagobas and temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Trincomalee (B, D)
This day is at leisure to enjoy the beaches of the region or explore on your own. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Trincomalee (B, D)
Day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Trincomalee - Dambulla - Matale - Kandy (B, D)
After breakfast, drive to Dambulla to visit the rock temple with its countless Buddha statues. Then continue to Kandy for a late afternoon visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. Afterwards you will visit a gemstone museum. Afterwards, traditional Sinhalese dances will be performed. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (B, D)
In the morning, city tour through the bustling city of Kandy, then drive through the green highlands to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, stop at a tea plantation and tea factory where you can watch the harvesting and processing of the delicious Ceylon tea. In the afternoon, walk through the small colonial town. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Kithulgala - Colombo (B)
Return to the airport, en route stop at Kithulgala for a rafting trip on the scenic Kelani River. Return and onward flights are only possible in the evening.
B= Breakfast / L= Lunch / D = Dinner
Note: Travel in standard, air-conditioned cars, minivans or buses. Subject to changes that do not affect the overall tour. On public holidays / major events e.g. cricket tournaments / Perahera additional surcharges may apply. Due to the cool climate in the mountains (Nuwara Eliya), warm clothing is advisable, for the visits to the national parks and the climb of Sigiriya Rock we recommend bringing sturdy shoes. The infrastructure in Sri Lanka is poorly developed, travelling takes a lot of time even on short distances (the total distance given refers to the pure travelling time from place to place - without visits). Services are subject to change without notice.
