The essentials of Sri Lanka

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival and visit of Pinnawala and Sigiriya

  

  Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will take you towards Sigiriya. Before that, you will have the opportunity to visit the wild elephant reserve at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of the city of Kegalle, in the Sabaragamuwa province. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, 96 elephants were counted, including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations. After lunch, the driver will take you to Sigiriya, also called Sinhagiri, meaning "Lion Rock." This site is notable for being the former royal capital of Sri Lanka and a major archaeological site, more specifically an ancient rock fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site of historical and archaeological importance is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters (660 feet) high and is decorated with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau, about halfway up the side of this rock, is the enormous lion. If you wish, you can go for a hike at Pidurangala Rock and admire the magnificent view of the city of Sigiriya, as well as the famous Lion Rock, visit a spice garden, or even take a hot air balloon ride for the more adventurous. You will spend the night in Dambulla or Sigiriya.

• day 2

  Visit of Dambulla and discovery of Kandy

  

  This morning, you will visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rocky towers rise 160 m above the surrounding plain, with more than 80 documented caves in the area. The main attractions are spread across five caves containing statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. You will find a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses, including Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 meters and the depictions on the cave walls include the temptation of the demon Mara and Buddha's first sermon. After lunch, we will take you to visit the Temple of the Tooth, located in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom in Kandy. There you will see the relic of Buddha's tooth. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics and, according to legend, whoever possesses the relic can rule the country. The city of Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After these visits, you can attend a traditional dance show typical of the Kandy region. If you wish, you can visit the Gem Museum and discover the secrets of precious stones, the Kandy Garrison Cemetery, the Udawattekele Sanctuary, or the batik and woodcraft factory. You will spend the night in Kandy.

• day 3

  Visit of Nuwara Eliya

  

  Today, you will set off for an off-the-beaten-path visit in the mountainous region of Nuwara Eliya and will discover, among other things, the tea factory as well as the waterfall. You will also be able to admire the splendid Lake Gregory, also called Gregory Reservoir, built during the time of the British governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. Lake Gregory and its surroundings form the Gregory Lake area. Take the opportunity as well to visit one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka, namely the pink post office. Last night in Kandy.

• day 4

  Discovery of Yala

  

  On this new day, your driver will accompany you to the city of Yala. You will visit in particular the Nine Arches Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Sri Lanka, built in 1926. You will be able to observe the beautiful scene of trains moving on the bridge and heading towards Badulla. You will finish with a visit to the Ravana waterfall, a major tourist attraction as it is considered one of the largest waterfalls in the country. You will spend the night in Yala.

• day 5

  Safari in Yala

  Today, you will have the opportunity to go on a safari while exploring Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, but also the most visited. This park, located on the edge of the Indian Ocean, includes many parks to visit, such as Ruhuna National Park and Kumana National Park, or "Yala East" for the adjacent area. Yala is home to a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the most important bird conservation areas (IBA) in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Yala has a resplendent wildlife with 215 species of birds, including six species endemic to Sri Lanka. The number of mammals recorded in the park is 44, and the density of leopards is one of the highest in the world. After this safari rich in discoveries of Sri Lankan wildlife, you will head to the small coastal town of Mirissa, in the Matara district, in the Southern Province. For those who love relaxation, you can unwind on the beautiful paradise beaches with fine white sand, and enjoy its lively nightlife. For fishing enthusiasts, you will find one of the main whale and dolphin watching sites on the island. You will spend the night in Mirissa.

• day 6

  Galle and Unawatuna

  

  Early this morning, you will have the opportunity to observe whales. After breakfast, you will head to the large city of Galle, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. This city is full of heritage sites to visit. Accompanied by your guide, you will take a tour of the city, including the Galle Fort, the National Maritime Museum, and the Galle Lighthouse. If you wish and have time, we recommend that you fully explore the city of Galle, a former city that belonged to the Portuguese and the Dutch. You will discover a little piece of Europe there with its magnificent colonial houses. After visiting the city of Galle, the driver will take you to Unawatuna, not far from Galle, where you can relax on Unawatuna beach and explore its corals and marine life. Overnight in Galle.

• day 7

  Excursion to Madu Ganga and return flight

  On this last day in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy a boat ride on the Madu Ganga River, located in Balapitiya, along the southern coast of the country, in the Galle district. This river, which opens onto the Indian Ocean, is a very beautiful and wide lagoon, located in the wetland area of Sri Lanka, with great biodiversity. In 2004, the Madu River was designated a Ramsar wetland site in the world. For nature lovers, you can visit Captain Gangabada Asiriya's house in Balapitiya. After this tour discovering the essentials of Sri Lanka, filled with memories, your driver will accompany you to the airport for your return flight.