Sri Lanka Ocean Coast Exploration

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. Colombo is a vibrant and bustling city where modern skyscrapers rise alongside historic colonial districts near the port. We explore the city on a guided tour, visiting key historical, religious and commercial sites including the lively Pettah market, the upscale Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood, Galle Face Green promenade and Viharamahadevi Park. The blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy offers a fascinating introduction to Sri Lanka. You will spend the night in Colombo.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Ridi Viharaya, also known as the Silver Temple. This rock-cut Buddhist sanctuary features a 9-metre reclining Buddha surrounded by intricate walls and carvings. Prepare for a short trek in the surrounding area to fully appreciate the site. We then continue to Dambulla, located in the islands central region, famous for its remarkable cave temple complex. The five caves here have been decorated with Buddhist frescoes and statues for over 2,000 years, housing more than 150 Buddha images, including a colossal 14-metre figure carved directly from the rock. This impressive site is one of eight in Sri Lanka designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the visit, we transfer to your hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana, where you can relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

After breakfast, we visit Sigiriya, one of Sri Lankas most iconic sites. The towering rock rises some 200 metres above the jungle, crowned by the ruins of a 5th-century royal citadel. We enter through the lion-shaped gateway carved from the rockSigiriya means Lion Rock in Sinhalese. Explore the ancient frescoes, including the famous heavenly maidens painted with earth pigments. Afterwards, we travel through the jungle to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we tour the well-preserved ruins of the Royal Palace and other significant structures, including Gal Viharaya with its three impressive Buddha statues in different postures, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the statue of King Parakramabahu. We return to the hotel in Sigiriya or Habarana for the evening, leaving the rest of the day at your leisure.

After breakfast, we travel to Matale to visit the Matale Spice Garden. This town is known for its pleasant climate and aromatic spices. In the garden, we explore the cultivation and processing methods behind Sri Lankas renowned spices. You will have the opportunity to sample a refreshing cup of herbal tea while learning about the therapeutic properties of various spices. We then stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Kandy (transfer not included, available as an optional extra). This evening, enjoy a traditional Sinhalese dance performance in Kandy. Overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast, we explore the key sights of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city set beside its namesake lake. Once the last Sinhalese kingdoms capital before colonial rule, Kandy is rich in history and culture. We visit the Temple of the Buddhas Tooth, a sacred Buddhist site, and take in the palace and its gardens within the temple complex, as well as the scenic artificial lake that lies at the heart of the city. Afterwards, we travel from Kandy to a nearby tea plantation and factory, pausing en route for lunch (not included, available as an optional extra). At the plantation, we observe the full tea production process and enjoy a tasting of authentic Ceylon tea, renowned worldwide. Continuing through rolling hills covered in lush tea fields, we arrive in Nuwara Eliyaknown as the City of Lighta charming town famed for its cool climate and colonial-era architecture. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we transfer to Ella, travelling through the lush landscapes of the Central Highlands and enjoying sights such as the impressive Ravana Falls. From Ella, we continue to Yala National Park, pausing for lunch at a local restaurant (not included, available as an optional extra). On arrival at the park, we embark on a two to three-hour safari in an open, rustic jeep without air conditioning. Yala is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, wild boar, buffalo, leopards, deer, bears, crocodiles and numerous native and migratory bird species. We spend the night in Tissamaharama or near Yala National Park.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel along the Indian Ocean coast to Weligama. Here, you can observe the unique traditional fishing method where fishermen balance on stilts planted 20 to 50 metres into the sea. We then continue to Galle, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). In Galle, explore the historic fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Within its walls, youll find colonial-era buildings including a Dutch-style church, the old hospital, and the governors residence. After the visit, we transfer to your chosen beach destination on the southeast coast, where you can relax by the Indian Ocean. Overnight in the beach area.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Colombo Airport for your onward journey.