Trip description
Experience Sri Lanka intensely, from the historic cultural triangle to the paradise beaches of the southwest to the spectacular tea plantations of Ceylon.
Day 1 : First steps in Sri Lanka
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka, your driver will welcome you and take you to Negombo, a small port town located a few kilometers from the airport. You are already immersed in the Sri Lankan atmosphere, between tuk-tuks, sun and smiles. Take some time to visit Negombo and relax.
Day 2 : Sigiriya and the Lion's Rock
After an early morning stop at the big fish market in Negombo, you leave in the direction of Sigiriya and the cultural triangle! In the afternoon you climb to the top of the famous Lion Rock, where King Kassapa erected his palace in the fifth century. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Sri Lankan jungle before you descend and return to your hotel.
Day 3 : Polonnaruwa, the old city
This morning you drive towards the ancient capital of the kingdom: Polonnaruwa. You wander through the remains of the city, by car or bicycle. The second option remains the most pleasant to appreciate the many ruins of Buddhist and Hindu temples, scattered over several kilometers, and allowing you to imagine the splendor of the city at its peak. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 4 : Kandy and the Tooth Temple
Direction Kandy, the southern tip of the cultural triangle and the last capital of the kingdom before the arrival of the settlers. On the way you stop at the Dambulla Caves, dug into the top of a rock and containing an impressive collection of Buddha statues. You cross Matale and the spice region before arriving in Kandy. You mingle with the faithful in the late afternoon for the ceremony at the Tooth Temple, Sri Lanka's highest place of worship.
Day 5 : The elephants of Pinnawela and the garden of Peradeniya
Today you visit the surroundings of Kandy, with first a stop at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Then you take the road again before taking a leisurely stroll in the restful botanical garden of Peradeniya, which has no less than 4000 different plants! Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 6 : Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the tea plantations
After wandering through the colourful alleys of its market, you leave Kandy for the hilly area of the tea plantations. You can choose train or car for this trip. In both cases, the sublime scenery accompanies you until you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a small town nestled at over 1800m altitude, which was a favourite of the British settlers with its cooler temperatures.
Day 7 : Ella via Horton Plains.
Early in the morning your driver will take you to Horton Plains National Park. A beautiful 9 km hike awaits you and takes you to the cliff at the "world end". Then you get back in the vehicle to Ella, a lively town in the heart of the tea plantations.
Day 8 : The Uda Walawe National Park
In the morning you take a short walk to Little Adam's Peak and admire the view of the tea plantations. You then drive to Rawana Falls before reaching Uda Walawe National Park, an elephant paradise. You then take a 4WD safari through the park, in search of these Asian giants, but also to meet buffalo, crocodiles and eagles. You spend the night in your accommodation near the park.
Day 9 : South, towards Galle and Bentota
You head to the south coast in the morning, drive along the Indian Ocean and make a first stop in the walled city of Wales. The ramparts were built in the 17th century by the Dutch. The small streets inside the fort invite you to stroll, before taking the road to Bentota, a heavenly seaside resort in the south-west of the island.
Day 10 : Bentota, an infinite expanse of sand
Take advantage of this day to relax to the rhythm of the waves on the immense Bentota beach. You can also indulge in water sports or take a tuk tuk tour to discover the surroundings of the resort. Let yourself be carried away by the softness of the Sri Lankan west coast.
Day 11 : Last moments in Sri Lanka
Last day on Sri Lankan soil. Depending on your flight schedule you can enjoy the Indian Ocean one last time or visit Colombo which is on the way to the airport. The capital of the country is teeming with life and small authentic shops. Your driver will then drop you off at the airport and you say goodbye to Sri Lanka.