Tour Details:
Discover Sri Lanka's stunning beaches and wildlife over 10 days, with visits to Kandy, Ella, Yala, Tangalle, and Weligama. Enjoy safaris, scenic train rides, and water activities before departure.
According to your travel itinerary for six nights and seven days, you will land at Bandaranaike International Airport today. A representative from Ceylon Waves<> will be there to welcome you upon arrival. After that, you’ll get into your vehicle and head towards the historic city of Sigiriya,making a stop at the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage along the way.
Pinnawala is a unique place to observe elephants in a natural setting. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation, the facility was designed to take care of baby elephants who were abandoned or lost in the wild. These adorable animals are nurturedand protected within this sanctuary. Situated 13 kilometers northeast of Kegalle town in thevillage of Pinnawala, this orphanage is home to the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. Avisit starting from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is ideal as this is the time when the young elephantsare bathed and fed milk. It offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to witness these elephantsenjoying themselves and bathing in the nearby river.
On the second day, you will engage in rock climbing before heading to Kandy, which is famous for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Also known as the "Lion Rock," Sigiriya served as theadministrative center and capital of the nation during the reign of King Kashyapa. The king iscredited with building a massive lion-shaped gateway midway up the cliff. The rock’s shape iswhat inspired the name “Lion Rock” (Sigiriya). After the king’s death, the fortress wasabandoned and was later used as a Buddhist monastery in the 14th century. The remnants ofthe fortress, still visible today, have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our next stop is the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Dambulla Golden Temple. This five-chambered structure is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in SriLanka. The cave complex covers a total surface area of 2100 square meters with murals and features 157 statues in all. The temple is a marvel due to the massive rock that forms its ceiling,standing at 150 meters in height. Following extensive renovations, the gigantic 15-meter-tallgolden statue and pagoda were constructed. This temple is also listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. Our next visit will be to the Spice Garden, a beautiful area rich in scents andgreenery. You will have the opportunity to learn about various applications of spices in cuisineand medicine. We’ll then visit the Matale Muthumariamman Temple, a temple dedicated toMariamman, the Hindu goddess of rain and fertility. The temple’s unique architecture is a visualdelight, and it frequently hosts religious ceremonies like weddings. The main religious event is the chariot festival held annually in March.
Next, we’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cultural sites. It is a sacred place highly revered by Buddhists worldwide and is where the left canine tooth of Buddha is venerated. It was declared a WorldHeritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Our final activity for the day is attending the Kandy Cultural Dance Show, a captivating performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dances. The show, held by the Kandy Lake Club since 1982, aims to perform every traditional Sri Lankan dance on a single platform. After the show, you will be transported to your hotel for an overnight stay.
On the third day, we’ll travel to the charming town of Ella, a small village nestled in the Central Province hills. Along the way, you’ll encounter lush greenery, mountains, and picturesque waterfalls. One of the stops will be at Ramboda Falls, the eleventh-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, standing at 109 meters (358 ft). We’ll then visit the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden, Sri Lanka’s first tea establishment, where you can enjoy tea tastings and a complimentary factory tour.
Our journey continues to the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya, where we’ll make a few more stops, such as at Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy a pony ride and a delicious lunch. We’ll also visit the Nuwara Eliya post office, one of the oldest in Sri Lanka, showcasing a unique architectural design. From there, you will board a train for a scenic ride to the delightful town of Ella. This train ride is considered one of the most picturesque in Sri Lanka. It offers breathtaking views of the island’s lush green tea gardens, mountains, valleys, and rich wilderness. It is the ideal way to experience the essence of Sri Lankan culture. After your journey, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night.
On the fourth day, we will travel to Yala, making a stop at Little Adam’s Peak. Little Adam’s Peak, also known as Mini Adam’s Peak, is so named due to its resemblance to the famous Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada). After a short hike, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of tea plantations and the sight of workers plucking tea leaves. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the climb. Our next stop is the Nine Arch Bridge, a stunning piece of colonial-era engineering, also known as “The Bridge in the Sky.” We will also visit another beautiful natural landmark—Ravana Falls, which is steeped in local folklore and is considered one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Later, we’ll embark on an exciting safari at Yala National Park, the second-largest park in the country, which borders the Indian Ocean. Two of the five blocks—Ruhunu and Kumana—are open to visitors. Yala was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. After the safari adventure, you will be taken to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
On the fifth day, you’ll be brought straight to Mirissa. We’ll go to Coconut Tree Hill when you get to Mirissa. It’s possibly the most well-known site in Mirissa. There is a mineralized headland close to Mirissa that faces the Indian Ocean. From the street, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to stroll down to the beach. You must take a picture in this beautiful frame as you reach the top, which offers a breathtaking view of the beach and Mirissa bay. After that, we’ll visit the waterfront and fish market to see fishermen bring in their catches and hold auctions. You might then browse the town before retiring to your accommodation for the night.
On the sixth day, you’ll go on a whale-watching tour, giving you a rare chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Whale and dolphin watching is one of the most thrilling activities in Sri Lanka, and the waters around Mirissa are home to blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and various dolphin species. The best time for whale watching is between November and April when the waters are calm and warm.
We will then proceed to Bentota, making a stop at the historic Galle Fort along the way. Situated along the Galle Coast, the fort was originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch starting in 1649. It is now considered a significant architectural landmark and continues to impress visitors with its grandeur. Our next visit is to the Turtle Hatchery Farm in Galle, a facility that aims to improve the survival rate of young turtles. You will be guided through the facility and get an in-depth explanation of the conservation efforts. We will then head to the picturesque Madu River in the town of Balapitiya for a boating experience. This unique wetland ecosystem is home to numerous islands and a rich biodiversity. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.
On the final day of your splendid seven-day sightseeing tour, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you back to Colombo or to the airport in time for your departure flight home. You booked a seven-day trip with Ceylon Waves, and it promises to be a remarkable and memorable experience.
