12 Days
ITINERARY
DAY 01 -NEGOMBO
Trip starts in Negombo Arrive in Negombo, a beach resort a short distance from Sri Lanka’s capital city situated on the Indian Ocean. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Negombo at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Colombo’s Bandaranaike International airport (airport code CMB), which is 14km, 40 minutes from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day there is the option to head to the beach or make use of the hotel facilities which features a swimming pool and gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean.
DAY 02 -SIGIRYA
Today we drive out to Sigiriya via Dambulla . we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, and very well preserved, paintings and statues of the Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC.
Afternoon relax at the hotel and jump in the pool!
DAY 03 – MINNERIYA
We will climb ‘Lion Rock’ in the morning whilst its cooler (the return trip usually takes around three hours). Once used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. Crowning the flat summit of the rock are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where there are breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and will take a lot less time. Please make sure that your children are accompanied at all times as there are some steep drops on this climb. It is of course optional and you may not wish to climb to the top of the fortress itself.
Then heading to minneriya Elephant safari.
DAY 03 – KANDY via MATALE
In the afternoon we include the opportunity to visit local villages and soak up the atmosphere, which is usually a great experience for everyone (Village T After lunch we stop at a spice garden near Matale where we can smell the various spices and herbs growing and the resident expert explains their uses. There’s a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines.Before we drive to Kandy we stop by a rope making factory – which is a local house in the Matale area. The group will be able to visit the facility on the way to Kandy and witness the traditional process of rope making. Children will also be able to witness – and even experience – how interesting masterpieces are carved out a busy machine that strings out ropes of all colors and sizes. The activity lasts for approx. 30 minutes and the process could be a rewarding sight for both children and adults. We then drive to Kandy.
Kandy is a picturesque hill town situated on a lake and home to Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic. We begin with a visit to the temple during the ceremony. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are normally hundreds of worshippers who visit the temple each day and it is open to the public.
DAY 05 – KANDY
Visit the botanical garden, war cemetery, We then visit a sari factory, where we learn about these traditional garments that have been worn in Sri Lanka for thousands of years. We will watch how the silk is weaved into rolls of beautiful coloured fabric and there’s even time for some dressing up! The rest of the day is free to wander round Kandy.
DAY 06 – NUWARAELIYA
Today we make the spectacular drive through the tea plantation district to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station for the British during the colonial era, situated in the cool highland air at 1890m, it has a very British feel to it. Known locally as ‘Little England’ it is dotted with British style houses, hotels and even a racecourse. The area is famous for its high-quality tea and we visit a working plantation on the way. We stay in the hill country overnight.
DAY 07 – ELLA
This morning we continue on to Ella by train, the Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the entire southern part of the island should be in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible. We then visit nine arch bridge before heading to your local home stay or hotel in ella
DAY 08 – ELLA
After breakfast heading to the south out of the hills to Weligama. We then go to Udawalawe Elephent opernage on the way to south coast.
DAY 09 – GALLE
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site, Then Hikkaduwa glass bottom boat trip to see beautiful coral.
DAY 10 – BENTOTA
Heading to Bentota beach to spend rest your holiday relaxing with family in the beach
DAY 11 – COLOMBO
Relax in the beach and in the afternoon Visit Colombo capital city (Optional)
DAY 12 – AIRPORT
We have a relaxed breakfast before transfer to the airport for an early or late afternoon flight.
