Sri Lanka differently

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Ayubowan Sri Lanka

  Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your driver welcomes you and takes you to the first stop of your tour, Negombo. Modern hotel with a pool, perfect for resting after your journey! - Dinner and overnight in Negombo -

• day 2

  From Negombo to Kelaniya

  After breakfast, you will head to the Kelaniya temple. This temple, built on the banks of the Kelaniya river, is one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka. This temple is especially venerated on the day of Vessak. After lunch, you will depart towards Negombo. You can then freely visit, accompanied by your guide, the historic heart. There you will discover very charming little streets and canals. A real leap into history! - Dinner and overnight in Negombo -

• day 3

  Discovering the capital

  

  After breakfast, you will join a dynamic team that offers you a tour of Colombo off the beaten path. There, you will discover the different spices found throughout the country, the historic Pettah district and its locals. This walk will continue through temples, rooftops, and a tasting of local products. A must-see in Colombo. After lunch, you will set out to discover this lively city with its different cultures. The Gangaramaya temples as well as Seema Malaka, near Beira Lake, are an integral part of the capital's landscape. The Sri Kailasnathasr Hindu temple, located near the Fort central station, is also worth a visit. (Extra charge: 5 euros for both temples) - Dinner and overnight in Negombo -

• day 4

  Heading North!

  New day for new activities! At dawn, you will set off to discover the site of Yapahuwa. This site, off the beaten path, is a perfect stop before joining the cultural triangle. Located on a rocky promontory, this ancient city will surprise you with its Buddhist monastery, its remains, and especially its view over the surrounding plains. After lunch, you can explore Mihintale. It is certainly the most interesting archaeological site after Anuradhapura. Discover the place where Buddhism took root in Sri Lanka. - Dinner and overnight in Anuradhapura -

• day 5

  Discoveries and safari

  After a good breakfast, your driver will take you to the iconic site of Anuradhapura. The Sri Mahabodhi, the sacred tree, originating from a site over 2200 years old, is recognized as the oldest documented historical tree in the world! It is said that Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree. It is therefore a very holy place for Buddhists. This site is ideally visited by bicycle. After lunch, you will go on a 4x4 safari in the oldest national park in Sri Lanka: Wilpattu. It is one of the least visited and its landscapes are breathtaking: you can spot sloth bears, birds, elephants, or even water buffaloes. If you are lucky, you might spot leopards, especially in the late afternoon. - Dinner and overnight in Anuradhapura -

• day 6

  On the way to the cultural triangle

  This morning, you will take the road for a stage off the beaten path: the Aukana statue. This 25 m high Buddha, dating from the 8th century, is the tallest ancient statue in the country. A beautiful discovery surrounded by lush nature. This afternoon, you will take the road to Dambulla. Located at the top of a 160-meter-high rock, the five caves of Dambulla have been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. These distinct caves contain about 150 absolutely stunning Buddha statues and paintings. The images of Buddha were created here more than 2000 years ago and, over the centuries, subsequent kings have added to and embellished this art. The caves offer a superb view of the surrounding countryside. - Dinner and overnight in Dambulla -

• day 7

  Getaway to the Lion Rock

  This morning, at dawn, you will set out to climb the famous Sigiriya Rock. Sigiriya, also called Lion Rock, is located in the center of Sri Lanka and consists of the ruins of an ancient fortress built at the end of the 5th century. Once you reach the top, enjoy its breathtaking view! After lunch, you can continue to explore the gardens of Sigiriya. In the late afternoon, you will climb to the top of Pidurangala (45 min, with the last few meters being steep). The view of its neighbor Sigiriya at sunset is wonderful. - Dinner and overnight in Dambulla -

• day 8

  On the way to the sacred sites

  This morning, you will leave for the visit of the Polonnaruwa site by bike. This site houses the vast ruins of a medieval civilization, incredibly well preserved, and which are still just as impressive to see. After lunch, I invite you to discover the site of Medirigiriya Vihara. This circular temple is located at the center of a sacred site. It is one of the 10 vatages listed on the island. It consists of 68 pillars, with four Buddhas facing the four cardinal points. A very beautiful discovery off the beaten path. - Dinner and overnight in Dambulla -

• day 9

  Discovery of the Golden Buddha

  This morning, at dawn, you will leave for a visit to the Nalanda Gedige Temple. Its original site was considered the religious center of Sri Lanka and was built between the 8th and 10th centuries, with a mysterious blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. After lunch, you will set off to discover the Aluvihare site. The site is unique, partly because of its location (between the rocks) where it is built. Do not hesitate to climb higher and discover the golden Buddha there. - Night in Kandy - The hotel is located right in the center. Many restaurants will be available for dinner.

• day 10

  Walk with the elephants.

  After having your breakfast, early in the morning, you leave for a discovery at the Millenium Elephant Foundation (NGO). You will walk alongside the elephant for 45 minutes through the jungle. You will feed it and take part in its daily bath. This visit ends with a delicious Rice and Curry in the colonial house. Before you leave, feel free to discover the paper factory. A truly ethical and responsible approach. Your driver will then take you to Kandy, for a visit to its historic heart, its local markets, its art galleries, and its very famous temple, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take part in the 6pm ceremony, where you will meet the locals. A beautiful authentic atmosphere. - Night in Kandy - The hotel is located right in the center. Many restaurants are available for dinner.

• day 11

  Kandy and its surroundings

  After breakfast, far from the tourist trails, today you will visit three of the oldest and most interesting temples in the highlands of Kandy. The three fascinating ancient temples, Embekke, Lankathilake, and Gadaladeniya, are connected by a 7 km walk through rice fields and small villages. There you will learn all about Buddhism. In the afternoon, you can relax in the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Stroll around and admire all these magnificent plants, trees, and flowers. The park is home to more than 4000 different plant species, including coconut palms from the Seychelles. - Night in Kandy - The hotel is located right in the center. Many restaurants are available for dinner.

• day 12

  On the way to the tea plantations

  This morning, you will head towards the tea plantations. The journey takes you through magnificent green landscapes and lets you discover the Ramboda waterfalls. Once in Nuwara Eliya, you can admire the colonial architecture of this charming little town. Take a walk around the lake, or go have tea at the Grand Hotel. You will then take the train around 4pm to arrive in Ella. There, you will discover endless tea plantations. It is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the country. Get your cameras ready! - Dinner and overnight in Ella -

• day 13

  Tuktuk and nature

  After breakfast, early in the morning, your driver will take you to the Bandarawella train station to discover the Lipton Seat plantations by Tuk Tuk. This activity will allow you to admire a breathtaking panorama, understand the process of a plantation, and have the chance to meet the tea pickers. A snack will be served to you in the very heart of these plantations. A wonderful memory in the making. You will head towards Little Adam’s Peak to enjoy its exceptional panorama or discover the famous 9 Arch Bridge in the middle of the tea plantations. Get your cameras ready! - Dinner and overnight in Ella -

• day 14

  Heading South!

  New day, new destination! Today you are heading south of the country. You will visit the Dhowa Rock Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple dating from the 6th century, renowned for its large 11-meter Buddha carved in granite, contains many frescoes and statues. One of the young monks there may guide you during your visit (any donation is welcome). You will then stop at the Diyaluma waterfalls for a traditional swim. The view is simply sublime from these 171 meters high. On the tea plantation road, you will stop to observe the Buddha statue at Buduruwagala. At the end of the day, you will reach your comfortable hotel for a safari the next morning. - Dinner and overnight in Udawalawe -

• day 15

  Safari and UNESCO jewel

  At dawn, you set off for a 4x4 safari. Udawalawe was declared a national park in 1972. The many elephants living there have made this place famous, stretching over more than 300 km² between the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe river. So take your cameras and enjoy this safari to admire these magnificent specimens. You will continue your journey by discovering Galle and its ramparts. This city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will amaze you with the charm of its little streets! - Dinner and overnight in Balapitiya -

• day 16

  Meeting with the population

  After your breakfast, you will continue your journey by visiting the Goodness Foundation center. This foundation was created following the 2004 tsunami, providing access to education, employment, and sports, by helping the local population. A beautiful ethical and responsible approach. In the afternoon, you will head towards Karandeniya: a beautiful stop off the beaten path awaits you here. This reclining Buddha is considered a true jewel of Sri Lankan heritage and is said to be the largest reclining Buddha in Asia (35 m). Discovery of the Sri Lankan mangrove. - Dinner and overnight in Balapitiya -

• day 17

  Discovery of the Sri Lankan mangrove

  This excursion takes you on a boat safari through the mangroves of the Madu River. You will also learn more about the mangroves and their positive effect on ecology. With a bit of luck, you may spot crocodiles, water snakes, or even wild boars in their natural habitat. You will visit an ancient Buddhist temple on one of the islands bordering the river, and you will stop on another of these islands for a brief discovery about cinnamon. You head towards the airport to catch your return flight, your mind full of memories. See you soon!