AEI-64 Sri Lanka 7N-8D
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
“This itinerary stands out for its dynamism and authenticity, integrating memorable local experiences such as the scenic train and a tuk-tuk ride . It’s a perfectly balanced route that ranges from the majesty of the Cultural Triangle to the tranquility of the highlands, culminating in an ideal break on the beaches of Beruwala. An excellent choice for travelers seeking total immersion in Sri Lankan culture and nature at a varied and captivating pace.”
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
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-Sigiriya-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,” which is written in the form of a poem. 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-Pinnawala-Tuk Tuk Ride-Kandy - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll take an unforgettable train journey to Rambukkana (Tea Route) , where we can enjoy the beauty of its endless green terraced tea plantations and mountainsides. The route we follow will allow us to admire some of the most spectacular landscapes on the island.
We’ll visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in a traditional tuk-tuk , home to young elephants displaced from their natural habitats. We’ll have the opportunity to watch these animals bathing and eating. Return to Kandy. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay .
Day 6. Kandy-Nuwara Eliya - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Nuwara Eliya. We will enjoy an unforgettable tour through the tea plantations and the surrounding mountains. The town is located at approximately 1,900 meters above sea level. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon to explore the town center and the traditional market or visit a tea factory. The Ceylon Tea designation of origin is certainly indisputable for its quality. Its cultivation in tropical or subtropical areas enhances the result, although the ideal touch of quality comes from the added factor of 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. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay .
Day 7. Kandy-Beruwala - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Beruwala, arrival and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay .
Day 8. Beruwala-Colombo Airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price Includes
- 7 Night Accommodation.
- 7 breakfasts.
- 7 dinners at the hotels where we stayed.
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- 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 | Golden Cave Temple: Visit the ancient caves with mural paintings and the majestic 14-meter Buddha statue carved from rock. |
Polonnaruwa | Ancient Medieval Capital: Tour of the historical ruins and the 4 giant statues of Gal Vihara , cradle of medieval artistic beauty. |
Minneriya | Elephant Safari: 4×4 adventure through the National Park to observe herds of wild elephants in their natural state. |
Sigiriya | The Lion Rock: Ascend to the iconic fortress to see the Maiden frescoes and the colossal Lion Paws at the entrance. |
Kill him | Spice Garden: A sensory experience in the spice and medicinal herb plantations that give fame to the country’s gastronomy. |
Kandy | Temple of the Tooth of Buddha: Visit the most sacred place of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the octagonal library to the rhythms of traditional drums. |
Pinnawala | Elephant Orphanage & Train: Scenic train journey along the Tea Route , followed by a Tuk-Tuk visit to see the elephants bathing. |
Nuwara Eliya | “Little England”: Mountain landscapes at 1,900m, visit to a Ceylon Tea factory and stroll through the typical village market. |
Beruwala | Relax on the Beach: A day of rest on the coast of Sri Lanka to enjoy the Indian Ocean before returning. |
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 |
Nuwara Eliya | Araliya Green Hills | Araliya Green Hills | Araliya Green City |
Beruwala | The Palms | Cinnamon Bey | Cinnamon Bey |
