Day 1 – Fly to Colombo

Today you will start your Sri Lankan adventure by flying to Colombo International Airport.

Day 2 – Arrival → Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya

“Ayubowan” & ‘’Vanakkam’’ Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed and greeted by your guide or The Earth Trip representative on arrival at the waiting area at Colombo International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Dambulla. Travel time approximately 3 hours.

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Sri Lanka • The Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya King’s Resort

We want to make sure that you feel like you are part of our family when...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 3 – Ritigala & Kaudulla or Minneriya Nationa Park – Safari

In the morning you will visit the Ritigala jungle Monastery & Nature Reserve which is nestled deep inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve. Ritigala is a fascinating nature reserve which harbours countless species of rare flora and fauna. Moreover, one finds the partially excavated ruins of a large Buddhist monastery. The ruins date from the pre-Christian times. The monastery was abandoned following the South Indian invasions in the 10th and 11 Centuries, but today holds a special charm with its strange mixture of Archaeology – atmosphere. Walking around the beautiful ruins will certainly give you a sense of adventure in search of the mythical past. It is easy to imagine yourself as Indiana Jones as you clamber the boulders and walk among the moss-covered relics of a bygone civilization.

Afternoon safari at Kaudulla National Park, the most recent to be added to the list of 15 parks in Sri Lanka. Famous for its elephants and bird population, species include the nation’s largest bird, the Lesser Adjutant and the Pompadour Green Pigeon. Built around the year 300 A.D, the tank slowly fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in 1959, and with its variety of plant life it has now become home to 24 species of mammals, 25 species of amphibians and countless bird types. The endangered Rusty Spotted Cat can be spotted in Kaudulla National Park, as well as large herds of Asian elephants, elusive leopards and both Sambar and Axis Deer.

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Sri Lanka • The Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya King’s Resort

We want to make sure that you feel like you are part of our family when...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 4 – Cultural Triangle – Polonnoruwa

Today your family will enjoy a bicycle tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

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

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Sri Lanka • The Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya King’s Resort

We want to make sure that you feel like you are part of our family when...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 5 – Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya → Kandy

Climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock and drive to Kandy. Travel time approximately 2 hours.

In the morning you will visit Sigiriya which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and 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 Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 m high also known as ‘Lion’s Rock’, which dominates the jungle from all sides.

Afternoon drive to the cultural capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy.

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Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

The Kandy House

This luxury hotel in Kandy is well-placed to spend time to relax as well as explore...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6 – Kandy – Knuckles Hike

In the morning you will travel to Knuckles Mountain Range.

Afternoon hike – approximately 3 hours.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the least explored areas by tourists in Sri Lanka. You will be rewarded with spectacular scenery and authentic villages. The Knuckles Mountain Range is located towards the North East of the city of Kandy. The name derives from its shape of a clenched fist and it offers one of the most breathtaking climbs among the Sri Lankan hill country. A paradise for those who love to hike, the range offers numerous mountainous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls, lush tea plantations, paddy fields and traditional small mountain villages.

The Knuckles Range is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud. The area comprises of 34 clearly identified ranges within 62 square miles, and 3000-6500 feet in height. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic capsule of the rest of Sri Lanka. The conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited here. Its forested peaks harbour a variety of flora and fauna, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island’s total area it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country’s biodiversity. The Knuckles Range has been declared a ‘National Heritage and Wilderness Area’.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Rangala House

Rangala House is a converted tea-planter's bungalow offering top class accommodation in the Hill Country of...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7- Knuckles Mountain Range.

Hike in the morning and rest of day at leisure.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Kandy & the Knuckles Mountain Range

Rangala House

Rangala House is a converted tea-planter's bungalow offering top class accommodation in the Hill Country of...

Day 8 – White Water Rafting

Experience white water rafting in the Kelaniya River from 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids with the rafting stretch approximately 6.5 kilometres in length and taking between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on water levels. This is for anyone over the age of 12 with safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing provided. Alternatively, you can choose the more relaxing flat water rafting.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9 – Train Journey to Haputale

Today you will experience one of the most breathtaking train journeys. You will travel from Hatton to Haputale through tea plantations and rolling hills on a scenic train. This train journey is recorded in the Guinness Books of Records as one of the world best scenic train journeys. Your guide will pick you up at the Haputale Station upon arrival.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

Melheim Resort Haputale

It is nothing more than a perfect getaway destination taking you into the heavens of tranquillity...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 10 – Haputale – Lipton Seat & Tea Plantations

After breakfast you will visit Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory.

Lipton’s Seat is located on the top of Poonagala hill; this is quite literally the point from which the Scottish tea baron Thomas Lipton would often proudly survey his tea plantations. On a clear day it offers a spectacular view of the mountain ranges, lakes and valleys all the way to the southern coast. You can hike to the point through lush tea plantations or you can opt to drive up in comfort with your guide.

Visit to Dambatenne Tea Factory – it was built in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton himself, this colonial tea factory is still in operation today. The term “Ceylon Tea” was coined here, and Lipton’s Tea was founded and sold its first pound of tea from the precincts of this very factory. The factory tour is an education in the intricate processes involved in the fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and grading of tea, and the comprehensive tour culminates with an authentic tea tasting experience. Please note it is closed on Sundays.

Mid-range

Sri Lanka • Nuwara Eliya & the Hill Country

Melheim Resort Haputale

It is nothing more than a perfect getaway destination taking you into the heavens of tranquillity...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 11 – Haputale → Yala

After breakfast at the hotel,  you will travel to Yala. Travel time’s approximately 2 ½ hours.

In the afternoon you will experience the safari at Yala national park. Jeep Safari in Yala is one of the best national parks in Asia for spotting and photographing elusive and prowling leopards in the wild. The best times to spot these magnificent creatures roaming freely in the park are early in the morning and in the evening. Evaluators state that there are between 500 – 650 leopards living in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Leopard is a recognized subspecies of the Indian Leopard and is the largest leopard living in Asia making this wildlife safari as one that is not easily forgotten.

Yala is home to 32 recorded species of mammals and is abundant with birds of migratory and non-migratory birds. Some of the mammals are sloth bears, Leopards, wild elephants, Water buffalos, Wild boars, spotted deer, Sambars, and Golden jackal. You will also be able to spot Mugger Crocodiles, Estuarine Crocodile and giant lizards that are left over after ages. There are 130 species of birds recorded at the park. The brilliant blue Peacocks can be found on every corner of Yala.

Location: – Yala      Hotel: Tranquil Wild         Room: Deluxe       Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 12 – Yala – Galle – Balapitiya

Optional in the morning: Yala Safari.

After Safari you will travel to Balapitiya. On the way we recommend stopping in Galle (UNESCO).

In the afternoon you will discover the Galle 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 the 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 harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, 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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Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

Mosvold Sundara

Sundara by Mosvold is a luxurious beach hotel located in the tranquil town of Balapitiya. With...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 13&14 – Balapitiya – At leisure

Today you will relax in the beach hotel

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Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

Mosvold Sundara

Sundara by Mosvold is a luxurious beach hotel located in the tranquil town of Balapitiya. With...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 15- River Safari & Culinary Experience

Today you will explore Madu River on a Boat Tour.  You will explore this remote area and Cinnamon Islands. Madu Ganga or (Madu River) wet land 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.

In the afternoon, experience Sri Lanka culinary with a local family to learn about Sri Lankan food.

Enjoy Sri Lankan traditional culinary experience for Lunch (included). You will visit a local family in Bentota and will be welcomed. Here you will learn how to prepare and cook certain Sri Lankan dishes with aromatic spices and organic herbs; Also discover how coconut milk is made, learn to crack open and scrape out your own coconut, and taste the samples of each dish as you go along. The end product is a feast of 7 unique dishes served in a lotus leaf which you can eat local style with your fingers if you are up for a challenge. (If you like to spend the day buying ingredients with the host in local markets, you are welcome to join in the Morning).

Superior

Sri Lanka • Colombo & the West

Mosvold Sundara

Sundara by Mosvold is a luxurious beach hotel located in the tranquil town of Balapitiya. With...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 16 – Balapitiya → Departure

You will be transferred to Colombo Airport to fly home.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast