AEI- 61 Sri Lanka 5N-6D
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
“This itinerary is the most efficient and comprehensive route for discovering the essence of Sri Lanka in a short time. It stands out for its masterful balance of the monumental Cultural Triangle with the tranquility of the tea mountains, avoiding unnecessary transfers by using strategic bases in Habarana and Kandy. It is the ideal choice for travelers seeking archaeology, spirituality, and unspoiled nature, all within a high-quality and comfortable experience.”
Day 1. Colombo-Dambulla-Habarana Airport - Half Board
Arrival at Colombo airport, assistance, and departure for Habarana. En route, visit a cave temple. After the visit, transfer to the hotel in Habarana and check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel .
– The cave temple is carved into a rocky outcrop and contains an extraordinary number of images, statues, carvings, and paintings. The reclining Buddha statue is truly magnificent, measuring 14 meters in length and carved directly into the rock. These cave temples date back to the 1st century BC, and some of the paintings are ancient, while others date from the 19th century. In addition to the numerous Buddha statues, there are also images of Vishnu and Saman. Many of the Buddha statues are depicted in meditative poses. There are a total of five caves, and some of them feature striking murals on the walls and ceiling.
Day 2. Habarana-Polonnaruwa-Safari in Minneriya National Park-Habarana - Half Board Day 3. Habarana-Siguir
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Polonnaruwa. This city is located southeast of Anuradhapura, in an area of ponds built centuries ago by the kings of Sri Lanka. Incredibly, these ponds continue to function today. The impressive fortified complex of Parakrama Samudra, covering approximately 2,400 hectares, is a highlight. After the 11th century, Indian invaders conquered the city. Next, visit the impressive ruins of Polonnaruwa, the medieval jewel and second capital of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Located southeast of Anuradhapura, in an area of ponds built centuries ago by the kings of Sri Lanka,
it is famous for its artistic beauty. Among other sights, we will see the four giant statues carved into the rock of Gal Vihara, depicting one of Polonnaruwa’s greatest kings, Parakramabahu. Safari in Minneriya National Park, return to the hotel, dinner at the hotel, and overnight stay.
Day 3. Habarana-Siguiriya-Habarana - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit Sigiriya and climb Lion Rock, known for its frescoes of the Golden Maidens. We will visit the Royal Leisure Gardens, believed to be among the earliest landscaped gardens in Asia. The Mirror Wall, another distinctive feature of Sigiriya, is located right next to the paintings; its surface is polished and covered with the writing known as “Sigiri graffiti” in the form of poems. We will also visit the Lion Staircase, which leads to the summit and is distinguished by the enormous lion’s paw carved at the base of the ascent. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4. Habarana-Matale-Kandy - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Kandy. En route, we will visit spice plantations in Matale. This area is famous for its spices. During the early days of Sri Lanka, it was known as a “spicy island.” Most spices are used to enhance the flavor of curries. Sometimes they are also used in herbal medicine. Many spices have a pleasant fragrance that piques the appetite for food. KANDY – The holiest city in Sri Lanka, where the precious relic, the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, is permanently enshrined. First established in Anuradhapura, then in Polonnaruwa, and finally in the beautiful, unforgettable, and endearing Kandy. The Perahera festival, held in its full splendor, also takes place here in July and August. In 1590, the rulers of Kotte made Kandy their capital. For more than two centuries, Kandy was an independent kingdom, resisting the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English. Only in 1815 did the British finally subdue this beautiful city in the land of mountains. Temple of the Tooth – Built between 1678 and 1782, during the reigns of several monarchs. It features a beautiful octagonal building, constructed during the time of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, which houses an impressive library. Every evening, people throng the temple halls, eagerly awaiting their turn to view the precious relic. All this unfolds to the lively rhythm of instant trumpets and Kandyana drums, heralding the long-awaited moment of religious contemplation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5. Kandy (excursion to Nuwara Eliya)-Kandy Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a day trip to Nuwara Eliya. We will enjoy an unforgettable walk through the tea plantations and the surrounding mountains. The village is located at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level. Visit to a tea factory (subject to holidays). The Ceylon Tea designation of origin is certainly indisputable for its quality. Its cultivation in tropical or subtropical areas improves the result, although the ideal touch of quality comes when this factor is combined with altitude, as is the case with what is considered the best tea in the world, originating from the plantations of this region of Sri Lanka. Departure for return to Kandy, arrival and dinner, overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6. Kandy-Colombo
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Colombo airport, arrival and take flight to next destination.
Price Includes
- 5 Night Accommodation.
- 5 breakfasts.
- 5 dinners at the hotels where we stayed.
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- Air-conditioned transport throughout the trip.
- Visits according to schedule.
- Assistance at airports and train stations by an English-speaking representative.
- Entrance fees to monuments/temples according to the itinerary.
- 1 safari in Minneriya Park.
- The rates applicable at this time.
Price does not include
- Tips for porters, waiters, drivers, guides, etc.
- Camera fees at monuments.
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Cities | The Most Important (Highlights) |
Dambulla | Visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple (World Heritage Site), known for the large 14-meter reclining Buddha statue and ancient mural paintings. |
Sigiriya | Ascent to the Lion Rock , famous for the frescoes of the “Golden Maidens” and its monumental architecture. |
Polonnaruwa | Explore the ruins of Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital . Highlights include the four giant Buddha statues carved into the rock at Gal Vihara . |
Minneriya | Safari in the National Park for wildlife observation, especially the large herds of elephants . |
Kill him | Stop at Spice Plantations to learn about the cultivation of cinnamon, pepper, etc. (the history of the “spicy island”). |
Kandy | Visit the Temple of the Tooth , the most sacred place in Sri Lanka that houses the precious relic of the Buddha’s Tooth . |
Nuwara Eliya | Excursion to the highlands to tour the tea plantations and visit a factory, learning about the process of the famous Ceylon Tea . |
CITIES / NIGHTS | CAT. A HOTELS | CAT. B HOTELS | CAT. C HOTELS |
Habarana | Sigiriya Village | Habarana Village by Cinnamon | Cinnamon Lodge |
Kandy | Radisson Hotel | Cinnamon Citadel | Golden Crown |
