Glimpse of Paradise, Sri Lanka

Duration: 11 Days | 10 Nights
Destination: Sri Lanka

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day, 10-night adventure across Sri Lanka. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience vibrant local culture, and enjoy scenic landscapes from Negombo to Colombo. Highlights include Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, a picturesque train ride to Nuwara Eliya, and thrilling safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks. Book now for an immersive cultural and natural experience.

The weather in Sri Lanka is dictated by two monsoon seasons which bring rain to the west and south-west coasts from May to September; and the east coast and northern region between October and February. The rest of the year is sunny and dry. Temperatures are constant year-round, with coastal regions enjoying average temperatures of 25-30C and the highlands 15-18C on average.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination since there is something for every discerning traveler. From pilgrim experiences to adventure, beach holidays, culture, honeymoon, or even special interest experiences, there is something you can do in Sri Lanka anytime of the year. 

Day 1: Airport → Negombo (16 KM / 20-30 Min)
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive at the Colombo International Airport, here, you will be met by a designated guid. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and then transfer to Negombo. Your first destination will be Negombo. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Negombo 1 Night

Day 2: Negombo → Anuradhapura (175 KM / 3h30m)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to the Ancient city of Anuradhaura a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anuradhapura – the first capital of Sri Lanka. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas brick stupas, ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Today, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples. A few famous visits include the Ruwanveli Maha Seya, Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Abhayagiriya, Isurumuniya. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Anuradhapura 1 Night

Day 3: Anuradhapura → Hiriwaduna → Dambulla (65 KM / 1h15m)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Hiriwaduna, Hiriwaduna Village Safari offers an immersive cultural experience in the rural heartland of Sri Lanka. Located near Sigiriya, this safari allows visitors to witness the traditional way of life in a village setting. Visitors can explore paddy fields, lush greenery, and serene lakes while interacting with friendly locals. The safari includes activities such as bullock cart rides, boat rides, and traditional cooking demonstrations. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about local customs, traditions, and farming practices. Hiriwaduna Village Safari is a delightful journey that showcases the authentic rural lifestyle of Sri Lanka. Later visit Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Featuring impressive mural paintings and 157 statues, including a massive Buddha monument, it's a sacred pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the place dates back to the first century BCE, when King Valagambahu took refuge here. Today, it's worth visiting not only for the cave temple but also for the beautiful view over the countryside. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Village Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Dambulla for 2 Nights

Day 4: Dambulla→ Polonnaruwa→ Minneriya (70 KM / 1h15m)
Breakfast at hotel. Engage in a city sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and part of the famous Cultural Triangle. See the impressive and intricately designed Gal Vihara Temple Complex, which features three colossal granite Buddha statues. Next, explore Parakrama Samudra, a 2,500-hectare reservoir constructed under King Parakramabahu’s reign in the 12th century. Overall, the city is divided into a new and old town, both of which can be easily explored on foot. Thereafter an afternoon safari at the Minneriya National Park. Minneriya National Park, a vast preserve of forest and grasslands. Locate between Habarana & Polonnaruwa, the park is home to elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and langur monkeys. At its heart is the extraordinary Minneriya Tank reservoir. Created by the Anuradhapura civilization over 1800 years ago, its peaceful shores are the perfect place to observe herds of elephants and flocks of storks. Transfer back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Dambulla→ Sigiriya → Matale → Kandy (72 KM / 3h30m)
Breakfast at hotel. Leave for the climb to one of the most interesting sites in Sri Lanka – the Sigiriya Rock fortress. The rocky monolith rises high out of the lush jungle and is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late 5th century CE. The name translates to “Lion Rock,” a reference to the way visitors traditionally began their final ascent to the top of the monument, passing through the open jaws and throat of a lion. Today, the only remains of this lion figure today are the gigantic paws sculpted into the side of the rock. Later, travel to Kandy. Upon arriving at Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and thereafter enjoy a cultural show. Kandy, strategically situated between three mountain ranges, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive temple complex, dating back to the 16th century, is made up of numerous buildings decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. As the name suggests, it's home to an important relic, the tooth of the Buddha, which is carefully guarded by security night and day. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Kandy for 1 Night

Day 6: Kandy→ Nuwara Eliya (Includes a Train Journey) (72 KM / 3h30m)
Breakfast at the hotel and thereafter leave for the Train Ride to Nanu Oya. One of the world's most gorgeous rail journeys may be found in the heart of Sri Lanka. The 3-hour train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya passes through lush tea estates, and unending mountain views. Remarkably, it's also one of the best travel experiences in Sri Lanka. The colonial British built the railway in 1864 to transport tea from the hills to the capital city, but it has since become a very affordable way to explore the beautiful scenery. The train excursion is now a must-do on any trip to Sri Lanka. Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea plantation.
Head to one of the region’s preeminent harvesters of world-famous Ceylon tea. One of Sri Lanka’s main exports, tea, shapes the lives of hundreds of locals who work on plantations and in factories. By visiting a working plantation, you will gain an entirely new perspective on daily life in Sri Lanka and how much goes into every humble cup of tea. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast & High-Tea at the Iconic Grand Hotel
Accommodation: Nuwara Eliya for 1 Night

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Tissamaharama (185 KM / 4h30m)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to the wilderness of Yala. En-route visiting the 9 Arch Bridge in Ella. Jeep Safari at Yala is considered to be the world’s highest leopard-density National Park. Located in the southeast region of the country, Yala is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife that you’ll have the chance to see on a Jeep safari. Leopards are the stars here, but the park is also home to the large herds of elephants, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal, and mongoose. The birds are also fantastic, and many species such as Rosy Starlings, Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, Blue-tailed Bee-Eaters, and Common Loras inhabit the area. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Tissamaharama for 1 Night

Day 8: Tissamaharama → Weligama → Galle (190 KM / 2h30m)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to the beautiful beaches of the South visiting Stilt Fisherman in Weligama. Visit the ancient port of Galle was Sri Lanka's first international center of trade. Today, this town is a bustling administrative center and the provincial capital of the southern region. Despite the presence of modern architecture and civic amenities, Galle still hosts a stunning collection of sites dating back over hundreds of years. On your trip to Galle, you will also experience the unforgettable Unawatuna Bay, which is surrounded by a reef and home to the namesake Galle Fort. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, the 36-hectare fort was built by the Portuguese in 1587 and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Beach stay for 2 Nights

Day 9: Galle (N/A)
Breakfast at hotel. Free and easy. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 10: Galle → Colombo (120 KM / 2h30m)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Colombo, Afternoon Balapitiya Madu River Boat Safari is a scenic boat tour that takes visitors through the tranquil waters of the Madu River, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. The boat safari offers a unique opportunity to explore the lush mangrove forests, and observe the diverse wildlife, such as crocodiles, monkeys, and various bird species that call this region home. Visitors can also visit the small islands located within the Madu River, where they can explore the temples, cinnamon plantations, and traditional handicraft workshops. Colombo, drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative Centre and military garrison, Lotus Tower, Sea Street – the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749. Colombo Shopping Tour: Take a fascinating journey in the capital of the isle paradise. This commercial and administrative hub of the country proves to be a blend of cultural texture, religions, and socioeconomic classes. Visit bargain markets, Independence Square, Odel Shopping Mall, Colombo City Center, One Galle Face, Shopping at Laksala state owned Handicraft’s emporium. Overnight at hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Colombo stay for 1 Night

Day 11: Colombo→ Airport (40 KM / 45m)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Airport for the departure flight.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on per twin share accommodation.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Includes:
• Daily Guided Tours, excursions and transfers based on schedule
• Accommodation as specified on the itinerary
• Meal Plan as per specified on the itinerary
• Entrance tickets to all sites specified on the itinerary
• 2 Jeep Safari’s in Minneriya & Yala National Parks
• Arrival Grand Welcome by Esna Holidays
• Welcome Drinks at Every Hotel
• Traditional welcome in Hotel in Kandy
• Bottle/Filtered water during tour & hotel
• Coffee/Tea Making Facilities at every hotel
• Local Experiences English Speaking Guide
• All Taxes

Exclusions:
• Meals not specified
• Tips & Porter age
• Visa Charges
• Spa & Laundry

Compliments:
• Wi-Fi during the tour

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.