Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 to Day 03
Day 1
Upon your arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be picked up from the Bandaranaike International Airport by one of our chauffeurs and be driven to Negombo, a coastal town north of the airport. Once you reach the hotel, you can freshen up and visit the town in the evening. Negombo is a town with heavy Catholic influence due to its being under the colonization of the Portuguese, Dutch and British many centuries ago and is also known as ‘Little Rome’ due to its strong Catholic faith. Negombo is also a famous fishing town where you can find plenty of fresh seafood such as lobster, crabs and prawns. Whilst at the beach, you will also have the opportunity to visit the fish auction that takes place on the shore. The city also houses several buildings that has an influence of colonial style architecture and was once a famous village for profitable cinnamon business during the Dutch era. After a visit of the town you will head back to the hotel – Goldi Sands – where you will be staying for dinner and a nightcap.
Day 2
After breakfast you will be checking out of the hotel and be driven to Dambulla to visit the famous Sigiriya. Before visiting this World Heritage Site, you will first check-in to Lakmini Lodge, to freshen up before the mount. Then in the evening you will begin mounting the Lion Rock Fortress that gets its name from the giant carving of a lion (Sinha) whose widely open jaws (giriya) creates an entryway up the rock. Unfortunately the only remains are his paws which have been sculpted onto the side of the rock. The site is also a premier eco-tourism destination and was also proposed to be the 8th wonder of the world, making it on par with other wonders such as the Great Pyramids of Giza or the magnificent Grand Canyon. Afterwards you will head back to the hotel for your 2nd night in Sri Lanka.
Day 3
Today you will be visiting the Dambulla Cave Temples en route to Kandy. Dambulla is an ancient village known for its beautiful Cave Temples holding both a religious and historic significance. The 5 Cave Temples holds more than 150 images of Lord Buddha, a large 170 feet long 75 feet broad and 21 feet high statue of a reclining Buddha, two statues of Kings Valagambahu and Nissankamalla and in addition, a large container to collect the water that drips from the rock ceiling even during the dry season. The cave temples were first built by King Valagambahu who took refuge here and then later by King Nissankamalla who did more renovations to this place. Since the cave is located 150 meters above sea level, you are also treated to the beautiful view over the surrounding countryside. After checking out the caves, we will resume our drive to Kandy and check-into Hotel Suisse, that is constructed to make you feel like a royal in this ancient and final kingdom of Sri Lanka. Thereafter, you will visit the Kandy town and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 to Day 06
Day 4
After breakfast you will be taken for a morning stroll around the central hill town. Kandy is strategically nestled amidst 3 mountain ranges with thick forest coverage – now part of which has been cut down to facilitate the development of roads and other infrastructure – which at one point provided protection from foreign armies from invading the city. Thereafter you will proceed to Tamarind Garden in Digana and have the opportunity to interact with locals and be part of an incense stick making process. Incense sticks are often lit at temples and even homes when paying respect to Lord Buddha and they have a beautiful and pleasing smell. You will then proceed for lunch at the Eco Lodge and relax before heading to the hotel to end your day.
Day 5
Today will be a day of rapid adventure as you will begin your day by white water rafting at Kitulgala. The rafting will take place at the white water section of the Kelani River that is suitable for both amateurs as well as professionals. During the river run, you will have to work in teams and individually to get through, making you experience the thrill of shooting rapids and euphoria of having made through. As the river widens, we will be passing through the scenic location where they shot the 1956 film ‘Bridge over River Kwai’ where you could even jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, we could even dive in to see the remains of the actual bridge and carriages used for the film – however we suggest this only for experienced divers with proper equipment. Afterwards you will be taken on a nature walk in the Makandawa Rainforest, one of the oldest forest reserves in the country. Here, you will have the opportunity to see endemic birds and other biodiversity. Afterwards, you head back to the rest house followed dinner and an overnight stay at the Kitulgala Rest House.
Day 6
Depending on the time of your travel, you will begin your ascent to the Adams Peak. During the season of December to May you will begin this climb at night of the previous day (day 5) and during the season of June to November you will begin this climb early in the morning today (day 6). Adams Peak is the island’s 4th highest mountain with a peak at 2,240 meters in height and looms over massive hills covered with a lush green jungle, making it a great place to view birds and butterflies.
There is a mythical legend surrounding the footprint – which is now covered by an oversized reproduction in cement – found at the peak of the summit. Buddhists believe it to be the footprint made by Buddha during his 3rd visit to the island, Christians believe it is the footprint of Adam after he was banished from the Garden of Eden (hence the name ‘Adams Peak’) while other Christians believe it to be of St. Thomas the Apostle and Hindus believe it to be the footprint of Lord Shiva. The mountain is also known as the ‘butterfly mountain’ due to the large number of butterflies to who visit the peak to perish every year. Although it usually takes about 4 hours to reach the summit, during the months of pilgrimage, it can take up to 30 minutes to reach from one step to another. The summit overlooks beautiful lush flora and fauna as well as provides an uninterrupted look into the skyline causing most climbers to prefer a night ascent so they can witness the glorious sunrise in the misty morning hours. After spending some time at Adams Peak and enjoying snacks along the way, we will begin our descent to have lunch at the guest house and rest before dinner followed by an overnight stay.
Day 07 to Day 10
Day 7
After breakfast, you will proceed to Kinchigune and meet the locals to experience and witness the village lifestyle followed by a locally prepared lunch. This is a historic town of blacksmiths, where ancient villagers made steel weaponry for the army of the Great Sinhalese King Dutugamunu and even to Damascus Steel, the world’s finest makers of steel. Afterwards you will take part in a Bodhi Puja, a Buddhist religious ceremony to understand how Buddhism is deeply rooted in their lifestyles. After checking into our campsite at Kinchigune, you will enjoy an evening canoeing session down the still calm waters of Samanala Wewa. You are completely free to decide if you wish to go for a leisurely paddle for a couple of hours or venture out into the mouth of Belihuloya river and spend an entire day of exploring the perimeter of the reservoir with its surrounding mountains (instead of taking part in the village expedition). Afterwards you will head back to the campsite and enjoy a sumptuous dinner followed by an overnight stay.
Day 8
Today post breakfast you will be driven to Udawalawe, for a 4WD open top jeep safari in Sri Lanka’s oldest and first National Camp. The park is said to be home to at least 400 elephants residing within the park boundaries and a 2011 census reported that there are 5800 elephants around the island. When on safari in the park, you will be able to catch a glimpse of these legendary animals as they are famous for their sighting as they gather at the park’s waterhole in herds to feed and bathe. In addition to the park’s main attraction, you will also be able to see many water buffaloes, water monitor lizards, sambhar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopards as well as birds such as the hornbills, eagles and the peculiar red faced malkoha for those bird watching enthusiasts. All of this will be shown to you by our experienced and knowledgeable Eco Naturalists who will ensure you have the best wildlife safari experience!
Day 9
After breakfast we will proceed to Galle, which was once an ancient port and an international commerce and trade center. Today, Galle is a bustling provincial capital and administrative center of the south and is famous for its beautiful Unawatuna Bay where the sea is protected by the reef making it perfectly safe for a swim in the ocean. You will tour the city and cover archeological and historic sites such as the old Dutch Star Fort, a 36 hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site, the well preserved Groote Kerk (a Dutch church), the Dutch government house, the New Oriental Hotel which was built in 1684, the old bell tower and a tide based sewage system which was introduced during the times of the Dutch rule. You could also see the ‘pillo lace’ introduced during the Dutch reign and even do fine ebony carving and gem polishing when in Galle. Afterwards you will be transferred to Ahangama and check-in at the Garton’s Cape Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 10
Today being your last day in Sri Lanka, you will be heading back to the airport to catch your flight back home after making many wonderful memories and a longing to visit Sri Lanka for more.
You are advised to check-in at least 60 minutes before the time of your expected departure.
