11D Best of Sri Lanka

Arrival at Colombo airport and transfer to your hotel.

Begin your sightseeing tour of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.Visit prominent landmarks such as the Gangaramaya Temple, known for its eclectic architecture and religious art Explore Independence Square, a historical landmark commemorating Sri Lanka's independence from British rule.Tour the National Museum to delve into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and history.

Drive to Kandy, enroute visiting Sigiriya, climb the 5^th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectares fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by aspiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.

Today proceed for a city tour of Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. In 2016, the garden was visited by 1.2 million locals and 400,000 foreign visitors. It is near the Mahaweli River. It is renowned for its collection of orchids. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Kandy, exploring markets and cafes.

The journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the most scenic trips in Sri Lanka, taking you through lush hill country, tea estates, waterfalls, and charming towns. Enjoy a train through Sri Lanka's central highlands, offering a cooler climate, spectacular views, and countless spots worth stopping for. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those wanting to experience authentic hill country life.

Nuwara Eliya- The Little England of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations.  It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England Spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence.  Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.Then, we will proceed for a guided tour to Tea Factory and tea plucking experience with local estate workers in a tea plantation.Visit Greory Park and Greory Lake.

Transfer to Nanu Oya station and board a scenic train journey to Ella, renowned for its breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty hills. On arrival, continue your roaqd trip to Yala National Park..

Early morning, enjoy a packed breakfast before embarking on an early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, the best time to spot wildlife.Yala is famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Though elusive, the chances of spotting a Sri Lankan leopard here are relatively high. Apart from leopards, safaris may offer sightings of elephants, Sloth bears, spotted deer, sambur, and wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys.

In the afternoon, go for another jeep safari to explore different areas of the park.

The drive from Yala National Park to Galle is a beautiful and relaxing journeyalong Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, offering a perfect transition from the wild heart of nature to the charm of a colonial seaside city. As you leave Yala’s wilderness behind, the landscape shifts to quaint villages, lush greenery, and coconut-lined beaches.Traveling along the road, you’ll pass through small coastal towns like Tangalle, Dikwella, and Mirissa, each offering glimpses of local life and fishing culture.

Evening, enjoy a boatride on River Madu.

Today visit the city of Galle, Galle Fort (Dutch Fort) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century.Walk along the ramparts for stunning views of the Indian Ocean.Explore cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Galle LighthouseIconic white lighthouse standing at the southeast tip of the Fort.Great for sunrise/sunset photos and a relaxing coastal walk.Surrounded by palm trees and ocean views.

National Maritime Museum, housed in an old Dutch warehouse inside the Fort exhibits about marine life, shipwrecks, fishing communities, and colonial history.Dutch Reformed Church (Groote Kerk)Built in 1755 with a beautiful baroque interior and Dutch tombstones.One of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in Sri Lanka.

Drive to Colombo and transfer to the airport. The drive from Galle to Colombo is a scenic journey along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, offering the choice between a fast expressway or a slower, more scenic coastal route.