Buddha's Island - Sri Lanka

Join us on this unforgettable trip exploring Sri Lanka's highlights, ranging from wildlife watching at the Yala National Park to the country's Buddhist temples at Mihintale and Dambulla. This comprehensive trip on the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' uncovers Sri Lanka's ancient cities, rock carvings, gilded temples, and rich Buddhist history and culture. Besides natural parks and ancient cultural sites, the tour includes some downtime at an idyllic tropical coastline. The locals' generous hospitality and friendly attitude along the way will also add to the experience of Sri Lanka.

Highlights:
♦ Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya - Explore ancient capitals, painted cave temples View the colorful painted frescos on the climb up to King Kasyapa's ancient sky fortress set on the top of Lion's Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
♦ Yala National Park - Take a jeep safari to search for leopards, elephants and sambar deer
♦ Kandy and the Hill Country - Explore the rich cultural heritage of the 'Hill Capital' and the lush tea plantations and colonial charm of the surrounding area
♦ Adam's Peak - Join pilgrims in a trek to the summit of this sacred mountain in time for sunrise
♦ Mirissa and Galle - relax on the white sand beaches of the south coast and soak up the laid-back, artistic vibe of Galle and take an optional whale watching excursion from Marissa

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Negombo
According to your arrival time your driver will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel. Overnight at Negombo.

Day 2. Negombo - Anuradhapura
After breakfast, our journey goes toward Anuradphapura. You will see some of the best known and highest Dagobas in Sri Lanka - one known for its elephant wall and Thuparama Dagoba. We will see ruins of king palaces and the "Sri Maha Bodhi", also called the sacred Bo tree, which is over 2200 years old and the oldest in history. Overnight at Anuradhapura. B/-/-

Day 3. Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa via Sigiriya
After breakfast we leave to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's capital from 11h-13h century. A well planned medieval city defended by walls. The city is littered with very well preserved ruins of which "Vatadage" and "Thuparama image house" are the most spectacular. Drive to Sigiriya for overnight. B/-/-

Day 4. Dambulla - Kandy
We drive to Dambulla and visit the famous cave temple, the "Golden Rock", which is on UNESCO's world heritage list. This cave monastery, with its 5 caves is the largest and best preserved cave temple complexity in Sri Lanka. The complex is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world. Proceed to Kandy, en route we will visit a spice garden in Matale. Kandy is a busy hill country capital city is now on UNESCO world heritage list. After arrival in Kandy we check into hotel. In the evening we visit the "Tooth temple", the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and then we enjoy a cultural show at the "Kandyan Arts & Cultural Center." Overnight in Kandy. B/-/-

Day 5. Kandy-Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we head to Nuwara Eliya. On the wat to the Ramboda waterfall, we can visit a tea factory and witness how one of the world's favourate drinks is produced. Nuwara Eliya resembles an old English town. full with small lakes and well maintained green alleys, as well as an Anglican Church and golf course with 18 holes. Overnight at at Nuwara Eliya. B/-/-

Day 6. Nuwara Eliya - Ella
Your driver will pick you up and take you to Horton Plains in Sri Lanka - the coldest and windiest location in the country. It consists of ecosystems such as Mountain evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010. After the Horton Plain visit we take you to Ohiya Railway Station for do the Train Ride to Ella. Train Ride Nanu Oya to Ella- The ride between Nanu Oya and Ella takes about 3 hours and is as beautiful. You’ll see tea pickers at work in the tea plantations and you’ll feel the urge to wave back to the school kids waiting for the train to pass by to cross the way over the rail tracks. Overnight stay at Ella. B/-/-

Day 7. Ella – Tissamaharama
After the Breakfast Explore Ella. Little Adam’s Peak – Nine Arch Bridge – Rawana Falls and Proceeds to Tissamaharama. Overnight Stay at Tissamaharama. B/-/-

Day 8. Tissamaharama - Mirissa
Today we drive to Yala National Park for early morning safari in Yala National park. Continue to Mirissa on the way visit with Weherehena Underground Temple, Blow Hole. B/-/-

Day 9. Mirissa
Optional whale watching in the morning. If you are not interested in Whale Watching you can do City tour in Galle. Relax on Unawatuna Beach and Proceed to Galle Dutch Fort. Turtle Farm. Stilt Fishermen. Overnight at Mirissa. B/-/-

Day 10. Departure - Mirissa to the Airport
According to your Departure Flight time we take you the Airport via Highway.

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Price Includes:
9 nights accommodation in guest houses and standard hotels with breakfast;
all transfers and transport in an AC car
English speaking driver/guide.

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Not Included:
flight tickets
drinks and meals not mentioned
entrance fees
insurance
tips
personal expenses
visa
optional tours

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Additional Services:
approximate overall price for entrance tickets and activities: 190 EUR (attendance is optional and can be decided on spot);
Yala Safari (Day 7): price on request;
whale watching (Day 8): price on request

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Gallery

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