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You will see the wide range of sights Sri Lanka has to offer, from busy coastal ports to isolated highland settlements, from inland tropical ruins to the nation's largest city.
Although Sri Lanka experiences year-round warmth, the wet season causes more rainfall in the spring and summer. You will be driven to each of the various locations, which are all within three to four hours' drive. This is the best choice if you want to see Sri Lanka's people, historical landmarks, and wildlife in less than two weeks with little physical stress!
The highlights
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Explore Galle Fort, Temple of the Tooth, and Sigiriya.
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Explore Dambulla, one of the most well-known cave complexes in the world.
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Visit a traditional tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya for a day.
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Go on a wildlife safari in Udawalawe to see elephants, tropical birds, and other animals.
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Take a thorough cultural tour of the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Negombo
A Negombo traditional dhow boat
Go to Negombo, a fishing town with an interesting colonial past, after landing at the Colombo airport. At the height of the spice trade, the British, Dutch, and Portuguese all tried to control the port, which was once a profitable source of cinnamon. While cinnamon had an impact on Negombo's economic growth, many of the local customs were influenced by the Catholic Church. In Negombo, colonial-style buildings are still frequently seen today, and Western influences coexist with centuries-old local cultures. Visit this fascinating town as your first stop in Sri Lanka, and then relax in your luxurious hotel while exploring your new surroundings.
Day 2
Experience Sigiriya
Sri Lanka's top ecotourism destination is the historic city of Sigiririya. In 1982, it was named a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was even suggested that it be ranked as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" on par with the Egyptian Pyramids and the Grand Canyon. The monument that marks the route to the summit of the structure—which required going through the open jaws and throat of a stone lion—inspired the name Sigiriya, which means "Lion Throat" in English. Regretfully, the enormous paws of this lion figure, which are carved into the side of the larger rock base, are all that are left of it today. Sigiriya is a sight to behold, rising an astounding 600 feet above its lush and comparatively flat tropical surroundings!
Day 3
Excursion to Polonnaruwa
See Polonnaruwa, one of the historic capitals of Sri Lanka and a component of the well-known Cultural Triangle. See the three enormous granite Buddha statues at the magnificent and elaborately designed Gal Vihara Temple Complex. Next, visit Parakrama Samudra, a 2,500-hectare reservoir built in the 12th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu. The city is generally separated into two areas, the old town and the new town, both of which are easily accessible on foot.
Day 4
The Caves of Dambulla
The ancient city of Dambulla is well-known for its famous Buddha statue and stunning cave temples. More than 150 Buddha images can be found within the complex's five caves, some of which date back to the first century BC, when King Valagambahu first sought sanctuary there.
A huge reclining Buddha statue stands in the background of the most elaborate and spectacular of the caves, which are 170 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 21 feet high. There are also statues of King Valagambahu and King Nissankamalla, who significantly expanded Dambulla, and a large pool in the middle that collects the year-round water droplets that fall from the surface. After exploring the cave complex, you can step outside and enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Day 5
Historical Sites in Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is located in Kandy, the capital of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The temple is the entry point to the hill country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is ideally surrounded by three mountain ranges. The site has mostly remained intact since Kandy was first constructed as a natural fortress against foreign invasions.
These days, both domestic and foreign tourists consider Kandy to be one of Sri Lanka's most popular travel destinations. You will have the opportunity to see the stunning Peradeniya Botanical Garden, home to more than 4,000 plant species, after touring the Temple of the Tooth.
Day 6
The Highlands of Nuwara Eliya
Discover British and Sri Lankan history in the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya, which also offers a picturesque train ride through the rainforest. The town, which is also referred to as "Little England," has a distinct vibe from other parts of Sri Lanka. Its climate is cooler and more refreshing than lower regions because of its high elevation. Because many of the opulent colonial buildings still stand and the outskirts were under British control, Nuwara Eliya is also known for its old-world charm. The town is well-known today for its horse races and its 1889-founded golf club. After a special dinner and a stroll around the town, head back to your hotel.
Day 7
Tea Tour in Nuwara Eliya
Go to one of the area's leading harvesters of the renowned Ceylon tea to extend your stay in Nuwara Eliya. Tea, a major export from Sri Lanka, influences the lives of hundreds of people who labor in factories and on plantations. You will get a completely different perspective on Sri Lankan daily life and the amount of work that goes into making even a simple cup of tea if you visit a working plantation.
Observe how tea-pickers traverse undulating hills, their vibrant attire emphasizing the verdant expanses of tea plants. Watch them gather leaves with amazing skill, transport sacks to the factory, and then prepare the leaves for packaging. You will have witnessed every step of the tea-making process, from the tea plant to the teapot, after this tour!
Day 8
Transfer to Udawalawe
Because Udawalawe is situated on the boundary between Sri Lanka's dry and wet regions, its flora and fauna are remarkably diverse. Even the most experienced tourist will be delighted by Udawalawe's diverse range of historical landmarks and natural wonders, as well as its intriguing history and culture. After a long day of travel, settle into the Big Game Safari Campsite and relax.
Day 9
Safari in Udawalawe
Go on a safari inside the Udawalawe grounds today. There are an estimated 400 elephants in the park, and you might be able to see a herd congregating at a waterhole to bathe and feed.
Watch for sambar deer, water buffalo, monkeys, water monitor lizards, and occasionally even leopards. Numerous native bird species, including hornbills, eagles, and the characteristic red-faced malkoha, are also present.
The safari will include a packed lunch and run for the full first half of the day. Today will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip if you enjoy animals!
Day 10
Galle and Unawatuna Bay
Sri Lanka's first international trading hub was the historic port of Galle. This town is now the southern region's provincial capital and a thriving administrative hub. Galle is home to an impressive collection of sites that span hundreds of years, even with its contemporary architecture and civic amenities. Experience the stunning Unawatuna Bay, which is encircled by a reef and is the location of the namesake Galle Fort, while visiting Galle. The 36-hectare fort, which is surrounded by the ocean on three sides, was constructed by the Portuguese in 1587 and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 11
Colombo City Tour
On your final day in Sri Lanka, take a city tour of Colombo to engage with welcoming locals and gain a true understanding of the nation's history and rich culture. Colombo, the commercial and cultural center of Sri Lanka, is well-known for its diverse culture and offers a wide range of attractions amidst the bustling city. Its history as a melting pot of foreign influences—from Arab traders to the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonists who occupied the city—defines Colombo.
Day 12
Depart from Colombo
This concludes your trip to Sri Lanka. Take off for the airport and return home with a ton of new memories to treasure.
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