After breakfast, you will travel to Dambulla.

Dambulla is an ancient city that offers many natural and spiritual wonders to be discovered. It is one of the most sought-after attractions in our Sri Lanka tour packages filled with dominance and epic grandeur. With its scenic spots such as the ironwood forest, the breathtaking rose quartz mountain, the world-famous Rangiri International Stadium, and the serene landscape of Na Uyana Aranya, the majestic city of Dambulla is sure to be one of your favorites in an adventurous Sri Lanka trip to explore and enjoy the magnificence of this ancient paradise. As you traverse this fascinating city, you are welcomed by the largest and most well-preserved cave complex on the island, filled with rich and colorful paintings and sculptures depicting the bold history of Lanka. Yes, you are absolutely right! This is your chance to grab the perfect adventurous and fun getaway on this beautiful tropical island.

You will visit the Dambulla Cave temple. Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple is a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and 1.6 km around the base. Here is found the impressive Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island. The complex consists of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings. It is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the first Cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 14 meters long cut out of the Rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the ceiling date back to the 15th - 18th Centuries. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of Gods from the Buddhist religion along with numerous images of the Buddha himself.

Afterward evening you can enjoy a Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park (Duration – 2 hours). It’s on the banks of the Minneriya reservoir, which was built in the 4th century A.C. Minneriya is a hide-out for many elephants, where you could see herds of elephants approximately 50 to 60 elephants in a herd. Here from July to September one of the World’s top ten wildlife spectacles takes place known as ‘The Gathering’, more than 250 elephants gather around the Minneriya water tank in search of water and food. Apart from elephants, it is a habitat for migrant and resident bird species like Grey herons, Open built storks, Painted storks &, etc. And also, you could see 3 different species of monkeys Silica make, Pink faced leaf monkey and Grey Langer.

Late evening you will have a romantic dinner at the hotel premises.

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After Early breakfast, you will travel to Polonnaruwa, which bears a rich history to be discovered by you. Welcome to the city that was once a kingdom and thus protects some of the best-preserved archaeological relics of the world. You walk into the remnants of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, the archaeological museum of Polonnaruwa, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, and many more well-conserved historical sites. You are amazed by the details put into each of these remnants. You then visit a royal Sri Lanka attraction called Parakrama Samudraya, a water reservoir consisting of five lakes. You spend the evening beside one of these lakes surrounded by lush greenery. – A moment to remember!

Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and today it is one of the most beautiful centers of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and a UNESCO Heritage site. With its comparatively brief history and a dozen rules, it is far more completely preserved ruin than Anuradhapura. Visit the ancient ruins and Gal Vihara complex, where 3 gigantic Buddha statues are carved out of a single rock. You also will be able to see the toque macaque monkeys found only in Sri Lanka.

After back to the hotel, evening enjoys an Ayurveda Massage for one hour each per person to rejuvenate your body. Ayurveda is the ancient health care system in South Asia that has been passed down from father to son and is based on herbs and diet. It is one of the world’s oldest forms of healing and treatment. You will find some of the best Ayurveda practitioners in Sri Lanka. Ayurveda is a well-known treatment for stress, diabetes, migraine, asthma, arthritis, immune system, and high blood pressure. Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit for life (Ayuh) and knowledge (Veda), which means ‘the science of life. Therefore, Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical sciences in the world and its origins date back as far as 5,000 years in South Asia.

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After breakfast, you will visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is proposed to be the 8th wonder of the World. Sigiriya, a massive rock in the green scrub jungle, is perhaps the most memorable place for visitors to Sri Lanka. The site was known from ancient times as a hermitage for Buddhist monks. A well-planned monastic complex included caved temples, bathing pools, lovely ponds, and Asia's oldest surviving landscaped gardens. The "Lion stairway", the "mirror wall" and the "water gardens" are its other highlights. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kashyapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides).

After visiting Sigiriya, you will travel to Trincomalee.

Afternoon you will discover Trincomalee is a port city and has the fifth-largest natural harbor in the world. The city is surrounded by lagoons, bays, and hills and is situated on a peninsula. The white powder golden sandy beaches spread across the area offer its visitors calm azure waters to immerse themselves in the water. This is a perfect place for snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. This port city has a history worth exploring, the strategic location of the natural harbor made it a city worthwhile conquering, and hence it was conquered by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Trincomalee is fondly referred to as Trinco by the locals; the Anglicized Tamil word 'Trincomalee' denotes the meaning lord of the sacred hill.

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Trincomalee, the most popular east coast seaside hamlet in Sri Lanka famous for its powdery sandy beach and turquoise blue shallow waters. During the months from July to September calm seas provide the best opportunities to go too deep waters to see these marine giants, the Blue Whales of Sri Lanka.

You will see Blue Whales on the East coast of Sri Lanka by sailing to their resident colonies.

A whale-watching boat trip off the coast of Trincomalee will last for 4 to 5 hours. The speed boat leaves the shore of Trincomalee by 6.30 AM and mineral water bottles will be provided complimentary.

Rest of the day you can relax & enjoy the beach.

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In the morning after breakfast, you will travel by boat to Pigeon Island Marine National Park. It is a fantastic place for snorkeling to see the spectacular marine life with over 100 species of colorful corals teeming with 300 types of reef fish. This Pigeon Island National Park has one of the best remaining coral reefs with high live coral cover in the country and is an ideal location for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Pigeon Island National Park consists of two small islands off the east coast north of Trincomalee. The island gets its name from Blue Rock Pigeon, a native endangered bird that lives within the rocks in these islands. The islands were declared a sanctuary in 1963 for the purpose of protecting these birds. In 2003 this area was upgraded to the status of a National Park and the boundaries were extended to include coral reefs around them. The islands are situated about 1 km off the Nilaveli Coast in Trincomalee District.

After you will travel to Gal Oya.

Gal Oya National Park lies southeast of the Kandy in the eastern district. The Park was closed during the war for three decades. This Park was established to protect the catchments area of the Senanayake Samudraya (lake). With the wildlife richness of this wetland, the park is a natural habitat for a wide range of fauna and flora consisting of dry mixed vegetation including savannah grass and an extensive green cover. About 45% of the vegetation is evergreen forest, 33% savanna, 9% grassland, 2% china cultivations and the balance is water bodies dominated by Senanayake Samudraya.

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In the early morning, you will take a boat trip to watch the birds and wildlife of Gal Oya.

Gal Oya National Park is known for its resident elephant herds, flourishing birdlife, and 32 species of mammal including langurs, toque macaques, leopards, sloth bears, wild boar, water buffalo, and deer.

This is the only park in Sri Lanka where you can take a boat trip to watch the wildlife. A unique opportunity to observe the local wildlife from the stunning Gal Oya Lake: including crocodiles, deer, elephants, and many rare and endemic species of birds. This experience is the only one in Sri Lanka that enables you to spot wildlife from the water and truly immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. You may be lucky enough to see the elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge.

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After breakfast, you will travel to Kandy.

Kandy is a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It is not only known for its great kings who ruled the city for almost 225 years independently until the British took over in 1815, but it is also the place where the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha is laid in a magnificent temple. Strategically nestled amidst three mountain ranges, Kandy was initially built in this location as a natural fortress against attack. Kandy was not an easy target for foreign invaders who could gain control of coastal areas of the island without too much loss. Kandy’s main architectural monuments date mainly from the 19th Century when King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last King of Kandy, constructed many new buildings. At the time of the eventual surrender of Kandy to British Rule in 1815, King Rajasinha was captured, imprisoned, and finally deported to India where he died in 1832.

Upon arrival at Kandy, you will visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden.

The Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, near Kandy, was first established in the 14th century. Since British times Peradeniya has become one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia. When the British eventually wrested control of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, the site at Peradeniya was a Royal Pleasure Garden, apparently being enjoyed by the last Queen of Kandy. In typical fashion, the British were quick to establish their own indelible stamp on this lush corner that exists in the cradle of a deep bend in the wide and languid river, the Mahaweli. Initially managed by Alexander Moon, the gardens started as little more than a coffee and cinnamon plantation. Today, spread over a sprawling 147 hectares, they are home to some 4,000 species from all corners of the earth. There is a pungent and fascinating spice garden that provides a fine introduction to the long-practiced medicinal science of Ayurveda and an exceptional orchid house sheltering some 300 varieties. A number of the wider pathways are tree-lined, including the classic “Avenue of Palms” which has the aesthetic power to transform a simple stroll into an event.

In the evening you will see Traditional Kandyan Dance – Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second-largest city is home to a Sinhalese cultural tradition of which Sri Lankans are justifiably proud. Rich in color and agile in their movements, the Kandyan Dancers evoke images of pageantry and traditions past. Lively and exuberant, spellbinding, and hypnotic, this Cultural Show is a spectacle to remember with its nimble dancers, energetic drummers, and fireproof firewalkers.

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Waking up on the ninth day of your Sri Lanka holiday itinerary, all you feel is the luscious nature. Surrounded by bio-diverse rainforests and misty mountain ranges, Kandy is an ancient capital located in the central hills and is one of the best places to visit in your Sri Lanka itinerary. It is among the top Sri Lanka destinations with scenic beauty! So, you wander around a royal botanical garden and sip a cup of tea in a café inside: while sinking in its spellbinding natural beauty.

In the morning you will visit The Temple of the Tooth & Buddhist Museum, Sri Dalada Maligawa dates back to the 16th century, though most of the present buildings were built in the 19th century. Venerated as the most important object in the Buddhist world, the Sacred Relic of the Tooth of Buddha is enshrined at the Temple. Brought from India 2500 years ago, it is said that the possessor of the Relic had the right to rule the country. The Relic is kept in a gold casket and stored amidst great security in the Inner Chamber.

After that, you can travel to Nuwara Eliya.

As the road winds through the hills, you will pass picturesque waterfalls, tumbling down hillsides, and vantage points, which afford views over a panorama of rugged hills stretching far into the distance. There are many viewpoints to stop by along the way.

Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as ‘Little England’ Nuwara Eliya has a climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Due to its high elevation, it offers a cooler and more invigorating climate than lower regions. Colonized by the British, the outskirts of Sri Lanka’s highest town, still retain its ‘yelled world feel and many of the original Hotels still retain their grandiose colonial style. Famous for its horse racing, Nuwara Eliya also boasts the impressive Golf Club which dates back to 1889. Stepping back in time when life was slightly more sedate, it is worthwhile visiting the Clubhouse to observe the photographs of life in Nuwara Eliya in years gone by. Rose gardens and abundant vegetable stalls crowd the sides of the road, whilst spectacular scenery will accompany you on the journey from Kandy.

Today you will visit Hakgala Botanical Garden. Hakgala Botanical Gardens is located within the Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve. The garden is also one of the best places on the island to spot endemic montane bird species & migratory birds during the North-East monsoon.

Dinner at the Hill Club Nuwara Eliya – The Hill Club was founded by British Coffee planters in 1876 as a private members club. To this day Hill Club remains exclusively for its members. As a temporary visitor, you will be able to experience British Colonial Traditions and travel back in time. From 7 .00 pm onwards the Dress Code is applicable, where gentlemen shall wear lounge suit/jacket with tie & shirt or Sri Lankan National Dress, and ladies shall wear suitable equivalent attire. In the case of children over 12 and under 18 years of age, boys shall wear at least a tie with a tucked-in shirt and long or short trousers and girls shall wear an acceptable mode of dress, when utilizing the dining room or other public areas. Jackets and ties are freely available and could be borrowed from the Club Wardrobe, free of charge.

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After an early breakfast, discover the Horton Plains, National Park. A plateau with an elevation of 2,134 m, sparsely populated, and almost without any roads. Here you walk for about 4 hours through mystic cloud forests and Patna grassland to "Worlds End", where the highland falls steeply almost a thousand meters, and the Bakers Falls. Horton Plains National Park is home to rare flora and fauna; Sambar deer and Bear-monkey as well as many birds. Horton Plains is located on a high windswept saddle at 2134 meters elevation; these plains are hard to reach. The scenery that can be seen from here is considered to be the finest view in Sri Lanka. Early morning the Indian Ocean rims the horizon, 80 km away. Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau discovered by Sir Thomas Farr in 19 hundred. And named Horton Plaines with respect to the then-British Governor of Sri Lanka Sir Horton and it is the only place where you could see the bear monkey. This is one of the world’s best nature tracks. And certain plant species, birds, and insects you see only at Horton Plaines. Nature lovers will enjoy this wide, Patna-grass-covered plain, the haunt of several wild yet harmless animals, and the home of many species of birds. Bridle paths through the plain will take you to the precipice, popularly referred to as “Worlds End’’ a sheer drop of 1050 meters. Lie on your stomach and peep over the ridge, the view when it is clear of mist, is simply magnificent.

Beautiful Sri Lanka is all you are asking for, and we give that on your wonderful Sri Lanka itinerary. Ella town is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka from your Sri Lanka tour itinerary. You experience one of the most picturesque train rides in the world when you pass beautiful mountains, steamy waterfalls, luscious forests, and villages with beaming locals: on the Ohiya to Ella train. You climb the Ella rock and walk along the rails on the famous Nine Arch Bridge. As promised by your customized Sri Lanka itinerary, you arrive at the edge of the Diyaluma falls yet, another Sri Lanka attraction. You jump right in the gushing water, and you feel like you are in an infinity pool, but it is all the magic of nature!

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Take breakfast in the hotel and afterward, you will visit the Udawalawe National Park safari and visit Elephant Transit Home en route to Yala. Elephant Transit Home (ETH), where the orphan wild elephants are treated, raised, and released back into the wild, also is located at Udawalawe. Visitors to this place can observe how the elephants are taken care of, twice a day. The total number of orphaned elephants exceeds 40, of which most of them are calves and juveniles. The animals become mature enough to live on their own, and are released back into the wild. Park authorities keep constant vigilance on the newly released animals until they get used to the new life in the wild. Click the link for BBC Natural World Documentary (Elephant Island) 2013.

You have been patiently waiting for the daring adventures in your Sri Lanka itinerary, and finally, it is the day! Yala National Park is one of the most loved Sri Lanka attractions for its jungle ride full of excitement, and it is never an option to miss on your Sri Lanka tour. You are in the jungle, and suddenly you realize that it doesn’t matter at what time you venture into the wilderness because, as the name declares, it is wild! As promised by your Sri Lanka itinerary, you witness the mesmerizing leopards, gigantic elephants, and different species of vibrant birds hovering on tree branches chittering and chattering as you arrive. Even though we planned your Sri Lanka tour itinerary, nothing is planned in the jungle!

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After breakfast, You will travel to Galle, along the way near the Village of Weligama, where you can see the Stilt Fisherman. Weligama literally translated as ‘sandy village,’ Weligama has a long stretch of fine golden sand. Famous for its stilt fishermen, visitors can see this unique sight only in this part of Sri Lanka. No one knows where, or even when this form of fishing originated, but it is an old tradition that lives on in the modern world today. This centuries-old traditional method of fishing is one of the best sustainable practices to catch fish. The Stilt Fisherman spends 2-4 hours sitting on a thin plank, hoping to catch one or two fish for their family’s lunch or dinner.

Afterward in route, you will visit the Dutch Fort. There are many boutique shops along the narrow streets of the Fort as well as antiques, art, and craft shops. Galle is situated in southern Sri Lanka. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the natural harbor, the National Maritime Museum, and St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, and one of the main Shiva temples on the island. Galle offers a unique opportunity to create a visible demonstration of the conservation of its inheritance.

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After breakfast, you will take Boat Tour on the Madu River.You will explore this remote area and Cinnamon Islands. Madu Ganga or (Madu River) wetland spreads across 915 hectares, out of which 770 hectares is covered with water. Sail downstream for about a kilometer, the river opens its doors to 36 spectacular islands covering the rest 145 hectares. The inhabitants of these islands are mostly traditional fishermen and to some extent, they are engaged in some traditional cottage industries such as producing peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.

Love for the sea never ends. On the tenth day of your Sri Lanka tour, you rent a bicycle in Bentota and cycle through the gorgeous city as you come across paddy fields, stunning ancient mural paintings in ‘Mullegoda temple’, and visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. You stop by to chit-chat with the friendly locals and enjoy the delicious local food. It is an amazing Sri Lanka itinerary if it includes the enchanting gardens resting in the heart of Bentota. But when we say Sri Lanka itinerary, no matter where it is: a little adventure awaits. So you jump back into the turquoise waters eagerly for water sports. You sit on the golden beach with your loved ones and think of your Sri Lanka holiday and itinerary while enjoying the beautiful sunset. A real vacation it is!

Afterward, you will be introduced to the local family after greetings and a cup of tea. Let your host know if you have any allergies or meal preferences. You will visit the bustling local market with your host. In the market, you will buy together with your host ingredients for your lunch. Your host will talk you through the core ingredients of Sri Lankan cuisine such as curry leaves, coconuts, local fruit and vegetables, pandan leaves, and spices. Afterward you will visit the daily fisherman catch of the day; here you will buy fish or seafood, local fishermen. From here you will drive to the host place to prepare the rice and curries. You will also discover the secrets of coconut, learn to crack open and scrape out your own coconut, and taste samples of each dish as you go along. The end product is a feast of 5-7 unique dishes served in a lotus/banana leaf which you can eat local-style with your fingers if you are up for the challenge with a local beer or soft drink.

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Shopping in Colombo city and travel to the airport. Travel time is approximately 03 hours depending on road traffic.

**** End of the Tour ****

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