Refreshingly Sri Lanka Tour

Upon arrival, meet at Colombo airport and drive to Habarana. On the way, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a facility in Pinnawala village that serves as an orphanage, nursery, and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Then, make another stop at the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. This World Heritage Site, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The area features over 80 documented caves, with the main attractions located in five caves housing statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. In total, there are 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses.

Overnight at hotel in Habarana.

Depart for Hiriwadunna by car to enjoy a trekking experience that immerses you in Sri Lankan village life. Hiriwadunna Trek - Early in the morning, with a packed breakfast, head to Hiriwadunna for a 3-hour trek through a traditional Sri Lankan village. Experience a bullock cart ride and a catamaran boat ride, enjoying the warm hospitality of local farmers. Learn how fresh vegetables are picked from the garden and join in preparing a simple meal using traditional methods with earthenware pots and firewood. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine. The trek continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other animals.

Elephant Back Safari - Enjoy a fun elephant ride that also allows you to observe wildlife and become familiar with the nature and behavior of tamed elephants. Afterward, proceed to your hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Habarana.

Post breakfast, depart for Trincomalee. Your first stop is Pigeon Island National Park.

Pigeon Island National Park - Located 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli in the Eastern Province, this is one of Sri Lanka's three marine national parks. It boasts some of the finest remaining coral reefs in the country.

In the afternoon, visit Thiru Koneswaram Temple.

Thiru Koneswaram Temple - This magnificent temple sits atop a rock promontory in Trincomalee. Built by Rishi Agastya under the guidance of Lord Shiva, it honors King Ravana's devotion. This temple is unique because the Lord himself built it as a reward for his devotee. It is also believed that Lord Rama prayed here to absolve himself of the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahmin. The temple, first built during the reigns of the Tamil Pallava, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, was demolished by Portuguese Christians between 1622 and 1624.

On the way, visit the Ravana Hot Water Wells.

Ravana Hot Water Wells - Located near the main road to Anuradhapura in Trincomalee, these hot wells are believed to have healing powers. According to legend, this is where King Ravana performed the last rites for his mother. Unable to find water, he struck the ground with his Trishula seven times, causing water to gush out. The first hot water cooled to its current temperature as Ravana's anger subsided. Each of the seven springs has a different water temperature

Overnight at hotel in Habarana.

Post breakfast, drive to Kandy. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Temple of the Tooth Relic - Located in the royal palace complex of Kandy, this Buddhist temple houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Historically, the relic has been crucial in local politics, as it is believed that possession of the relic grants governance of the country. Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, is a World Heritage site largely because of this temple. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance. Cultural Dance Show - Experience a vibrant and unique display of traditional Sri Lankan dances at the Kandy cultural show. Performed by the Kandy Lake Club dance troupe, the show features up to 12 different folk and traditional dances within an hour.

Overnight at hotel in Kandy.

Post breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. Royal Botanical Garden - The origins of these gardens date back to 1371 when King Wickramabahu III established his court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli River. Covering a total area of 147 acres, the garden features over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Return to the hotel afterward

Overnight at hotel in Kandy.

Post breakfast, drive to Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route to visit Hanuman Kovil. Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple - According to ancient tales, Ramboda is where Rama's forces gathered to fight King Ravana. Built by the Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka, this temple is dedicated to Hanuman and features a 16-foot-tall statue of the deity. In the afternoon, visit the Seetha Amman Temple (Kovil).

Seetha Amman Temple - Located about 1 kilometer from Hakgala Botanical Garden and 5 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya, this temple in the village of Seetha Eliya is believed to be where Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana. It is said she prayed here daily for Rama to rescue her.

Later, take a short walk in Victoria Park or around Gregory Lake.

Overnight at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Early in the morning, depart for a tour of Horton Plains with a packed breakfast.

Horton Plains - Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, this protected area features montane grassland and cloud forest. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, many of the species found here are endemic to the region. Designated as a national park in 1988, Horton Plains is a popular tourist destination situated 8 kilometers from Ohiya.

Overnight at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Post breakfast, experience a train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. On arrival transfer to hotel, complete the check in formalities. Day at leisure for own activities.

Overnight at hotel in Ella.

Post breakfast, visit Ravana Falls and the nearby cave. Ravana Cave - Located about 2 km from Ella town, this small cave is historically significant as it is believed to have been used by King Ravana to hide Princess Sita. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park.

Udawalawe Jeep Safari - This national park, the third most visited in Sri Lanka, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Drive through the park, listen to the sounds of nature, and experience some of the best animal sightings in a pristine, natural setting.

Overnight at hotel in Udawalawa.

Leave early in the morning for a whale watching excursion. Mirissa - Known for its beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife, Mirissa is a popular tourist destination and a major fishing port. It is one of the primary locations for whale and dolphin watching in Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Galle, including a visit to the Galle Fort.

Galle - Galle is a prime example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showcasing a blend of Portuguese architectural styles and local traditions. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European colonizers

Overnight at hotel in Galle.

Post breakfast, head to Bentota and enjoy a river safari. Madu Ganga River Safari - Located off the southwest coast in Balapitiya, the Madu River is one of nature's fascinating creations. A boat trip offers a wonderful opportunity to see a variety of plant and animal species.

Next, visit the Turtle Hatchery. Turtle Hatchery - At Bentota Beach, turtle eggs are collected and brought to the hatchery where they are safely incubated. Once the baby turtles hatch, they are released into the ocean to ensure their survival.

Overnight at hotel in Bentota.

Post breakfast, travel to Colombo by car. In the afternoon, explore the city on a guided tour.

Colombo - Serving as the financial hub and a renowned tourist hotspot of the island, Colombo boasts several iconic landmarks. These include Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Beira Lake, Colombo Racecourse, the Planetarium, Mount Lavinia beach, and the National Museum. Conclude your tour by returning to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight at hotel in Colombo.

Post breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to airport to board the flight for onwards journey.

***TOUR END***