Sri Lanka: a little piece of paradise

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Sri Lanka

  Upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be greeted by your driver, who will take you to Dambulla. On the way, you can take a short break in Chilaw and visit the Munneswaram Temple. This regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka has existed for 1000 years, although the myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the five ancient temples dedicated to the god Shiva. You will then continue on to Dambulla, where you can check in at your hotel. Later in the evening, you will visit the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. You will be able to admire the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. This temple is filled with hundreds of Buddha figurines and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. You will thus discover the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King, and the Great New Monastery. Outside the cave complex stands the giant golden statue of the Buddha.

• day 2

  Polonnaruwa Direction

  

  After a good breakfast, you will head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second capital of Sri Lanka, and you will be able to explore the hidden treasures of the ruins of the Ancient Kingdom, built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Accompanied by your guide, you will learn more about Sri Lankan history by visiting important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, the Lankathilaka temple, and the statue of King Parakramabahu, whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Next, you will continue with a pleasant safari that will take you to Minneriya National Park. If you are lucky enough to visit Sri Lanka during the dry season, between May and October, we invite you to enjoy the sight of more than 150 elephants gathering in one place during the famous gathering of the great elephants. In addition to the elephants, you will also have the opportunity to see many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the scrublands, forests, and other areas.

• day 3

  Discovery of Sigiriya and heading to Kandy

  

  Today, you will visit the Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya, from where you can watch the sunset from the top of the fortress. Before that, you will have to climb this incredible site, which was once under the rule of King Kasyapa, passing through the lion's paws. You will be able to admire the magnificent murals that make Sigiriya famous, as well as the terraced gardens and the reservoirs, while climbing the steep staircase. If you go through the tunnels, you will reach the palace, which will allow you to discover the historical past of this site, which is very popular with tourists. After this little exploration, you will set off to discover Matala, located an hour from Sigiriya. You will visit a garden of spices and medicinal herbs, where you will discover the many spices and their uses, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. This will be an opportunity to acquire knowledge about spices, herbs, and the benefits of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve their ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call "The Spice Tour", allows visitors to experience the sensation of Sri Lankan spices and herbs in different foreign languages. In the evening, you will arrive in the splendid city of Kandy, where you will visit the handicrafts of precious stones, wood carving, and batiks. You will also have the chance to discover the traditions and customs of the country by attending a cultural show of colorful traditional dances, accompanied by their rhythmic music to the sound of drums. A unique opportunity to be charmed by the fire and sword dancers. You will return to the hotel to rest from this day full of visits and discoveries.

• day 4

  Excursion to Nuwara Eliya

  

  On this new day, you will change scenery by taking an excursion to the tea plantations located in Nuwara Eliya. On the way, you will make a short stop at Ramboda where you will visit a tea factory to learn more about the varieties, processing methods, and qualities of tea, by observing the tea pickers, locally known as "tea pluckers," who move along the paths of the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets. Afterwards, you will enjoy a guided tour explaining the fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sifting, and grading of tea, and you will finish with a tea tasting, why not Ceylon tea, considered one of the best in the world. You can also visit Ramboda Falls, the 11th highest site in the country. Then, you will head back to Nuwara Eliya. You will take a panoramic tour of the city and admire the highlands of the city, which was the holiday resort of British settlers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Stroll through the streets with their pretty little country houses, picturesque villas, and beautiful mansions. If you wish, you can buy yourself a small souvenir at the old red brick post office, by purchasing an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. After these visits, you can relax quietly at Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory. You will return to Kandy in the early evening.

• day 5

  Visit of Kandy

  

  This morning, you will begin the visit of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 16th century as a place of veneration and protection for the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha. You will have the privilege of experiencing an unforgettable journey through history and art as you let yourself be surprised by the beautifully embellished corridors painted in red, cream, and black, as well as the lounges with delicately carved pillars and beautiful golden statues. Once the journey is over, your driver will take you to Bentota where you will spend the night.

• day 6

  Meetings with the turtles of Kosgoda and visit of Galle.

  Today, you will have a unique experience by meeting the turtles of Kosgoda. Before that, you can spend the morning relaxing on the paradise white sand beach near the hotel. You will then head to the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. There, you will discover the five endangered species of sea turtles that come to nest on the country's shores, as well as the Kosgoda turtle care program, which helps protect the nests until hatching and increases the survival chances of the babies. You will not only have the chance to see the baby turtles, but also to touch them, feed them, and care for injured turtles. After this memorable experience, you will head to the city of Galle where you will visit the old colonial fort of Galle, one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. You will discover the secrets of this former headquarters of the Portuguese and the Dutch. You can take a break by strolling through the cobbled streets with Dutch names, while listening to your guide tell the colonial history. You won't miss the chance to enjoy a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a tropical breeze.

• day 7

  Visit of Colombo and return flight.

  Early this morning, after the morning breakfast, you will leave for the economic capital of the country, Colombo. You can take the opportunity to explore the city and go shopping in the malls at Independence Square or the racecourse. You will thus discover a city with colorful lights and its historical monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, the Galle Face Hotel, and the National Museum, among others. This stay in Sri Lanka is already coming to an end, but we are convinced that this short authentic stay has allowed you to discover a little corner of paradise thanks to the different experiences you have had, which you will remember for a long time. Depending on the time of your flight, your driver will take you to the nearest airport.