Discover Sri Lanka out of the beaten track


Trip description

Discover the Spice Island with Tour Blue

"Travel is one of the most beautiful experiences we have had, create it, design it and make it happen is our job.

Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world that offers such an extraordinary combination of diversity, cultural heritage, wildlife, adventures, and unique experiences. This magical island is also known as Serendib, Taprobane, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon.

Discover the agency :
Tour Blue


17 days

From : €1,800*

Maximum recommended reservation date
20/04/2021



Lucile

Going to discover a culture by living as close as possible to people and nature during your travels is one of the most beautiful human experiences that it is given to live. Make in happen it is my job.

Day 1: Ayubowan Sri Lanka

Day 2: From Negombo to Kelaniya

Day 3: Discover Colombo !

Day 4: Lets go to the North Coast !

Day 5: Discovery and Safari

Day 6: On the road to the Cultural Triangle

Day 7: Getaways to Lion Rock

Day 8: On the road to sacred sites

Day 9: Discover the Golden Buddha

Day 10: Walk with an elephant

Day 11: Kandy and its surroundings

Day 12: Next destination: Tea Plantations !

Day 13: Tuktuk ride and nature

Day 14: Next destination: Downsouth !

Day 15: Safari and UNESCO treasures

Day 16: Meet the locals

Day 17: Discover the Sri Lankan Mangrove

Day 1 : Ayubowan Sri Lanka



Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Your driver welcomes you and takes you to the 1st stage of your tour, Negombo

Modern hotel with a swimming pool perfect for resting from your trip!

-Dinner and overnight in Negombo-




Day 2 : From Negombo to Kelaniya



After breakfast, you will reach the Kelaniya temple. This temple, built on the banks of the Kelaniya River, is one of the holiest sites in Sri Lanka. This temple is particularly venerated on Vesak day.

After lunch, you will leave in the direction of Negombo. You can then freely visit the historic heart accompanied by your guide. You will discover very charming little alleys, canals. A real leap in history!

-Dinner and overnight in Negombo-




Day 3 : Discover Colombo !

Temple hindou, Colombo ©Cali - Iconotec


After breakfast, you will join a dynamic team that offers you a city tour of Colombo where you will discover the different spices present throughout the country, the historic district of Pettah, and its premises. This walk will continue through temples, rooftops, and a tasting of local products. A must in Colombo.

After lunch, you will leave to discover this lively city with different cultures. The temples of Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka near Lake Beira are an integral part of the capital's landscape. The Hindu temple of Sri Kailasnathasr, located near the central station of the Fort is also worth a visit. (Additional charge - 5 euros for the two temples)

-Dinner and overnight in Negombo-




Day 4 : Lets go to the North Coast !



A new day for new activities!

At dawn, you will explore the site of Yapahuwa. This off-the-beaten-path site is a perfect stopover before joining the cultural triangle. Located on a rocky promontory, this ancient city will surprise you with its Buddhist monastery, its remains, and above all its view of 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 : Discovery and Safari



After a good breakfast, your driver will take you to the emblematic Anuradhapura site. Sri Mahabodhi, the sacred tree, from a site over 2200 years old and recognized as the oldest documented historical tree in the world! It is said that Buddha is illuminated 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. One of the least visited and breathtaking landscapes: You can spot lazy bears, birds, elephants, or even water buffaloes. If you're lucky, you might find leopards, especially in the late afternoon,

-Dinner and overnight in Anuradhapura-




Day 6 : On the road to the Cultural Triangle



This morning you will take the road for a stage off the beaten track: the Aukana Statute. This 25m 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 take the road to Dambulla. Located at the top of a 160-meter high rock, the five Dambulla Caves have been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. These separate caves contain around 150 absolutely breathtaking Buddha statues and paintings. The Buddha images were created here over 2000 years ago and over the centuries the following kings have added and embellished this art. The caves offer superb views of the surrounding countryside.

- Dinner and overnight in Dambulla-




Day 7 : Getaways to Lion Rock



This morning at dawn, you set off for the ascent of the famous Rock of Sigiriya. Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is located in central Sri Lanka and is made up of ruins of an ancient fortress built in the late 5th century. Once you reach the summit, take advantage of its breathtaking view!

After lunch, you can continue to explore the gardens of Sigiriya. At the end of the afternoon, you will climb to the top of Pidurangala (45 minutes, the last meters of which are steep). The view of its neighbor Sigiriya at sunset is wonderful.

- Dinner and overnight in Dambulla




Day 8 : On the road to sacred sites



This morning you leave for the visit of the Polonnaruwa site by bike. This site is home to the vast ruins of a medieval civilization that has been 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 in the center of a sacred site. It consists of 68 pillars with four Buddhas which face the four cardinal points.

A very nice discovery off the beaten track.

- Dinner and overnight in Dambulla-




Day 9 : Discover the Golden Buddha



This morning at dawn, you leave for the visit of the Temple of Nalanda Gedige. Its original site was considered the religious center of Sri Lanka and was built between the 8th and the 10th century, with a mysterious mixture of Hindu and Buddhist architecture

After lunch, you will explore the Aluvihare site. The site is original on the one hand for the place (between the rocks) where it is built. Do not hesitate to climb up and discover the Golden Buddha.

- Overnight in Kandy - The hotel is located right in the center. Many restaurants will be available for dinner.




Day 10 : Walk with an elephant



After having breakfast in the morning, you set off for discovery at the Millenium Elephant Foundation. You will walk next to the elephant for 45 minutes through the jungle. You will feed him and participate in his daily bath. This tour ends with a succulent Rice and Curry in the colonial house. Before you leave, do not hesitate to discover the paper factory. A real ethical and responsible approach.

Your driver will then drive you to Kandy for a visit to its historic heart, local markets,  art galleries, and the famous temple declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take part in the 6 p.m. ceremony, you will meet the locals. A beautiful authentic atmosphere.

- Overnight in Kandy- The hotel is located right in the center. Many restaurants are available




Day 11 : Kandy and its surroundings



After breakfast, far from its 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 combine a 7 km walk through rice fields and small villages. 

In the afternoon, you can lounge in the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Take a walk and admire all these magnificent plants, trees, and flowers. The park is home to more than 4,000 different plant species, including Seychelles coconut palms.

- Overnight in Kandy - The hotel is located right in the center. Many restaurants are available for dinner.




Day 12 : Next destination: Tea Plantations !



This morning you will take the direction of the tea plantations. The route takes you through magnificent green landscapes and discovers the Ramboda waterfalls.

Once in Nuwara Eliya, you can admire the colonial architecture of this charming little town. Stroll around the lake, or go for tea at the Grand Hotel.

You will then take the train around 4 p.m. to reach Ella. You will discover plantations as far as the eye can see. It’s one of the best train trips in the country. To your camera!

- Dinner and overnight in Ella-




Day 13 : Tuktuk ride and nature



After breakfast, early in the morning, your driver will take you to Bandarawella station to discover the Lipton Seat plantations in Tuk Tuk. This activity will allow you to discover a breathtaking panorama, understand the process of planting, and have the chance to meet the tea pickers. A snack will be served in the heart of its plantations. A wonderful memory in perspective.

You will head towards Little Adams Peak to enjoy its breathtaking panorama or discover the famous 9 Arch Bridge in the middle of tea plantations. Get your cameras!

- Dinner and overnight in Ella-




Day 14 : Next destination: Downsouth !



New day, new destination!

You are leaving today for the south of the country. You will visit 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 of the place can guide you in your visit (any donation is welcome)

You will then stop at the Diyaluma waterfalls for a traditional swim. The view is just sublime from these 171 meters high. On the tea plantation route, you will stop to observe the Buddha status in 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 treasures



At dawn, you go on a 4x4 safari. Udawalawe was declared a National Park in 1972. The numerous elephants that live there have made the reputation of this place extending over more than 300 km² between the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe river. Take your cameras, and take advantage of this safari to admire these magnificent specimens.

You will continue your journey by discovering Galle and its ramparts. This UNESCO World Heritage city will amaze you with the charm of its alleys!

-Dinner and overnight in Balapitiya-




Day 16 : Meet the locals



After your breakfast, you will continue your journey by visiting the center of the Foundation of Goodness. This foundation was created following the 2004 tsunami, providing access to education, employment, and sports by helping the local population. A great ethical and responsible approach.

In the afternoon, you will take the direction of Karandeniya: It is a beautiful stopover off the beaten track that awaits you here. would be the largest reclining Buddha in Asia (35m)

-Dinner and overnight in Balapitiya-




Day 17 : Discover the Sri Lankan Mangrove



This tour takes you on a boat safari through the mangroves of the Madu River. You will learn more about the mangroves and their positive effect on the ecology. With a little luck, you will be able to spot crocodiles, water snakes, or even wild boars in their natural habitat. You will visit an ancient Buddhist Temple on one of the islands that border the river, and stop at another of these, for a little discovery on cinnamon.

You take the road towards the airport to take your return flight, memories in your head.

See you soon!




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