Explore during this ten-day private tour Sri Lanka high and low with this fascinating round-trip starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main historic, cultural and natural attractions of this magical island. Discover a world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities and historic temples selecting the activities that suit you better!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Negombo: a historic coastal city that enjoys a substantial colonial heritage.
Nuwara Eliya: augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world.
Day 1: ARRIVAL COLOMBO – NEGOMBO (8 km – 30 min)
Upon arrival to Sri Lanka, you will be met and assisted by our representative, who will direct you to your very own chauffeur who will be guiding you throughout the tour. If you have spare time, your chauffeur guide will introduce you to some of Negombo’s curious sites such as the Dutch churches, perhaps take a boat ride along the Dutch canals or laze on the golden sands. Negombo was an important port during the colonial periods. In the late 17th century the Dutch built a network of canals, over 100km in length that was used to transport cinnamon and other spices from inland plantations to the coast.
Overnight in Negombo.
Day 2: NEGOMBO
After breakfast proceed to Negombo for a city tour (duration approx. 2-3hrs). Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka. Regarded as the traditional fishing town, no wonder Negombo is a gourmet's delight with seafood available in plenty. Also produces spices, ceramics and brassware. And visit the fish market where you will see several kinds of fish in one place and you will see how busy that market can be. On completion continue to the hotel.
Overnight in Negombo.
Day 3: NEGOMBO – SIGIRIYA (145km – 3.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel today you will proceed to the cultural Triangle. Proceed to Sigiriya and check in to the hotel. Alternatively, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included):
Polonnaruwa bicycle tour (Private): In the afternoon visit Polonnaruwa and do the city on a bicycle, duration approx. 2-3hrs. The ruins of the Royal Palace and various buildings and structures can be seen even today. Another highlight of this city is the Gal Viharaya which has 3 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of a rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the former Temple of Tooth Relic, Shivan Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha, and KiriViharaya. On completion return to the hotel.
Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 4: SIGIRIYA
After breakfast at your hotel enjoy an Organic Garden tour. For the nature-loving foodie: a guided tour of our organic herb and vegetable garden, during which you can hand-pick fresh, juicy ingredients for your lunch. End your walk with a visit to our traditional hearth kitchen, where the herbs and vegetables selected by you will be transformed into delicious Sri Lankan dishes especially for you. Later in the afternoon, enjoy your leisure time at the hotel. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Private): The 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ''Lion Rock'' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ''Heavenly Maidens'' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Duration approx. 2.5hrs.
Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 5: SIGIRIYA – ALUVIHARE – KANDY (90km – 2.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Kandy the Hill capital of the country where the culture and Buddhism are seen differently than in any other place in Sri Lanka. On the way, you can visit Aluvihare (not included):
Aluvihare tour (private): The AlokaVihara became Aluvihara. Folklore has many meanings to the name Aluvihara. One is that the Pali word Aloka was Alu (light) in ancient Sinhala and as it was the abode of Theras, it was a Viharaya. Hence the two words have been coined to make it Aluvihara. Another view is that although there is a huge rock, east of the main rock cave, it has not cut off the light. The history of Aluvihara is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C in the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It is believed that the King built the dagoba and planted the Bo sapling.
Check-in to the hotel and in the evening, you can do a Kandy city tour in a TukTuk (not included):
Kandy city tour in a TukTuk (private): the World Heritage Site, Kandy, was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings before the country was brought under British rule in 1815. Famous for its rich heritage and splendour, this magnificent city was last ruled by Sri Wickramarajasinghe. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most significant highlight of the city along with the Kandy Lake, the town and other attractions.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 6: KANDY – PERADENIYA – NANU OYA – NUWARA ELIYA (6km – 14min / 3.5hrs by train / 10km – 30min)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will proceed to Peradeniya Station to enjoy a scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya. (Please note that Train Tickets can only be confirmed 10 days prior to the travel date subject to availability) A ride in the observation carriage gives you an unparalleled view and penetrating glimpse of both the scenic beauty and culture of the hill country as you travel along. You will be picked up from the Nanuoya and driven to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 7: NUWARA ELIYA – HORTON PLAINS – NUWARA ELIYA (60km – 2hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a nice little trek in Horton Plains (not included):
Horton Plains Trek (private): located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka at an altitude of 2,100 to 2,300 metres. Lush greenery and wide-spread grasslands add to the beauty of Horton Plains. The country¿s second and third tallest mountain peaks, Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola Kanda are located on the west and north of the plains. The key attraction at Horton Plains is the World¿s End, a sheer drop of over 2,800 feet. Tourists and locals alike travel in their numbers to enjoy the amazing view and the thrill that World¿s End offers. The beautiful Baker¿s Falls is another famous attraction in this region. The Horton Plains Park is home to mammals such as samburs, leopards, bears, monkeys and endemic lizards and also many birds and plants.
Return to the hotel and rest and commence a city tour in Nuwara Eliya, duration approx. 2-3hrs (included).
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 8: NUWARA ELIYA – HIKKADUWA (275km – 5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for your beach stay. On route you have a choice of commencing one of the following tours in Kitulgala (not included):
White water rafting (private): The Kelani River provides adventure seekers with a treat with shooting rapids that facilitate white water rafting. The river's clear water is born in the heart of the peak wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala. As you progress on the thrilling journey, you will pass the scenic location of the river where the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed.
Makandarawa Rain forest trek (private): you can reach Kithulgala, a small town in Colombo – Nuwaraeliya road after a 3-hour drive from Colombo. You can get into the forest by taking the road to Kithulgala Rest House, and then turn left to a car park. You can take a swim in the river close to Kithulgala Rest House or take a boat ride to the other side of the river and there you will reach Makandawa Forest Reserve (195 hectares). Key attractions in this area include Natural swimming and bathing in Kelani River, small but biodiversity-rich Kithugala Rain Forest (Makandawa Forest Reserve) and bird watching
On completion continue to proceed with your beach stay.
Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
Day 9: HIKKADUWA – GALLE – HIKKADUWA (45km – 1.5hr)
After breakfast at the hotel, you could experience below at an optional cost.
Galle Walking Tour and culinary cooking experience (private): Learn the secrets of Fort food and then go around the Fort sampling the best of Sri Lankan street food. The cooking course teaches you how to make some traditional Sri Lankan favourites, including pol (coconut) sambol and fish curry, all of which you get to sample throughout the lesson and eat at the end of the tour. During this half-day afternoon tour, you will also find out about spice tea's medicinal uses with the Storyteller of the Fort, and learn about a quaint Sri Lankan tradition - 'short eats' on bicycle-mounted cabinets. Meet the 'thambili guy' and drink freshly plucked thambili or king coconut. Learn how cinnamon, if sniffed daily, will increase your long-term memory and if you hear the cry of 'Maalu, Maalu', it's just the local fisherman selling his latest catch off the back of his bicycle. Round off the evening with hot, freshly made 'pol roti' and experience the living history that makes this the most exciting fort in Asia.
Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
Day 10: HIKKADUWA – DEPARTURE COLOMBO (140km – 2hrs)
Now that you are at the end of your journey with us, after breakfast your chauffeur will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your departure flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Clients arriving on early morning flights will have to wait until the last tour participant has arrived.
