12 Days Best Touch Of Sri Lanka Tour
About this tour
When driving through the cold and misty hills that host lush green tea plantations. Stop at a tea factory to observe the tea processing technique
While having a Lonely Planet experience you get first-hand local knowledge, with on-the-ground expert guidance and the freedom and privacy to explore at your will.
Explore the UNESCO World heritage splendors, Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress architectural wonder. Amaze through the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy
Enjoy 4x4 Jeep safaris through stunning National parks, home for Asian wild elephant families. Capture a hunting Leopard in flesh is unforgettable
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bandaranaike International Airport, කටුනායක, Sri Lanka to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
We will pick you up from the Bandaranaike International Airport and drive to Anuradhapura. You will spend two nights at a hotel in Anuradhapura. You have the option to select what quality hotel you want to stay, Dinner, and overnight stay at Hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 2: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
After breakfast, you will visit main sites in Anuradhapura such as Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya (between Ruwanvaliseya and Sri Maha Bodiya). In the evening you will visit Minitale, which is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Anuradhapura
Day 3: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
After breakfast, you will go to Polonnaruwa and sightsee there. Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic cities in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers, and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Polonnaruwa.
Day 4: Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka to Minneriya National Park Safari, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
After breakfast, you will visit the Polonnaruwa Archaeological sights (including Vatadage, NIssanka Lata, Mandapaya, etc.). In the evening you will enjoy a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Minneriya National Park is a national park in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The reason for declaring the area as a national park is to protect the catchment of the Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. Large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. Elephants gathered here are numbering around 150-200, sometimes 700. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Sigiriya
Day 5: Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
You will climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the morning. After you will go on a Bullock cart ride to see the Sri Lankan rural life and have an Ayurvedic massage. Sigiriya is the most exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art, architecture, and landscaping. Built over 1,600 years ago, the now sinister-looking 600 ft high black rock once appeared like a massive dazzling white cloud floating above the surrounding forests. Its sides were painted with beautiful frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. A large gatehouse in the form of a lion guarded the entrance to the innermost sanctum of the city – the Sky Palace on top of the rock. Sigiriya burst briefly into pre-eminence and was then abandoned and lay hidden in the forests for nearly 1,500 years. The climb to the top is strenuous but it is worth it. Definitely, a must-visit site! Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Sigiriya
Day 6: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka to Kandy, Sri Lanka
You will head to Kandy after breakfast. On the way, you will visit the Dambulla cave temple, Hindu Temple (Muthmariamman Temple), and the Spice Garden. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Dambulla – one of UNESO World Heritage Site, is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Kandy
Day 7: Kandy, Sri Lanka
After breakfast, you will take off to the city of Kandy. You will visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (also known as Dalada Maligawa) which is one of the most important Temple to visit in Sri Lanka. Afterward, you will visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Enveloped in the Mahaweli River, this 60-hectare botanical garden includes over 4000 types of flora such as orchids, spices, palm trees, and medicinal plants. You will then visit the Gem Museum in Kandy. And visit Kandy View Point, walk around Kandy Lake, and shopping excursion Kandy is a major city located in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient king's era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. You will visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, this golden roofed Temple houses the relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Kandy
Day 8: Kandy, Sri Lanka to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
You will travel to Ella through Nuwara Eliya. From Nanu Oya, you will travel by train to Ella which is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. This memorable journey commences from Nanuoya; the last royal capital of the country to Ella a peaceful, scenic village in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka to Yala National Park Safari, Yala, Sri Lanka
The next day you will head towards the Tissamaharama (near Yala National Park) for a Safari. This is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Divided into 5 blocks, the park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks, and lagoons. Two blocks are currently opened to the public. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and aquatic birds. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Tissamaharama.
Day 10: Yala National Park Safari, Yala, Sri Lanka to Mirissa, Sri Lanka
You will proceed to Mirissa where you will relax on the beach, go on a whale and dolphin watching tour. You will spend two nights at a hotel in Mirissa. Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa are one of the most thrilling water activities in Sri Lanka. The warm waters around Sri Lanka are ideal to spot blue whales, Bryde´s whales, sperm whales, fin whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sometimes killer whales. Spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphins can be seen too. The whale watching season starts in November and ends in April when the waters are warm and calm. Whale watching boats can ideally carry up to 40 passengers at a time with an observation deck. Whale watching tours usually start around 7.00 am as boats leave the harbor around that time and last about 3.5- 4 hours Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Mirissa
Day 11: Mirissa, Sri Lanka to Mirissa Beach, Mirissa, Sri Lanka
You will go for dolphin and whale watching in the morning. Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa are one of the most thrilling water activities in Sri Lanka. The warm waters around Sri Lanka are ideal to spot blue whales, Bryde´s whales, sperm whales, fin whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sometimes killer whales. Spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphins can be seen too. The whale watching season starts in November and ends in April when the waters are warm and calm. Whale watching boats can ideally carry up to 40 passengers at a time with an observation deck. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Mirissa
Day 12: Galle, Sri Lanka to Bandaranaike International Airport, කටුනායක, Sri Lanka
You will visit the Galled old town and the Meeting moonstone factory. Galled is the capital city of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Galled reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galled is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. After this you will be dropped off at the Bandaranaike International Airport / any location you want us to drop off you, concluding the end of the tour.
What's included
Transport by private (A/C) vehicle English speaking driver/Guide Hotel or Airport pickup & drop-off All taxes, fees, and handling charges Bottled water (1l per person per day) Free Wi-Fi during the whole tour Local insurance for the vehicle/passengers 4 Star Standard accommodation with Half Board
Lunch Gratuities Souvenir photos (available to purchase) Excess luggage charges (where applicable) Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase) All Entrance Fees at interest places and Historical sites.
What to know
during this 8 days Round Tour we will be sight-seeing areas in the following destinations: The guests will be provided with good quality, air-conditioned, comfortable vehicles with a driver-guide to help with your tour and free wi-fi. All vehicles will have baby seats available if needed. We provide hotel accommodations for 8 nights in good quality hotels varying from Economy / Budget hotels to Standard Hotels to Luxury Hotels. The charges will change depending on your selection. Family holidays in Sri Lanka with your loved ones are one of the ideal holiday experiences for your family. Sri Lanka is one of the best family holiday destinations in Asia with ample attractions which you can experience within a shorter period. Ceylon classic Tours has carefully crafted this family holiday considering family-friendly resorts in Sri Lanka / safety aspect etc, and we will further tailor-make this family adventure itinerary in Sri Lanka considering the ages of the children & parents/duration of the holiday, and we ensure to have an unforgettable lifetime holiday experience when you arrive at our motherland, Sri Lanka. Your English-speaking tour guide who has excessive knowledge of all aspects of this incredible country will show you many fascinating and interesting places and will share his knowledge about Sri Lankan history and culture. You will have the opportunity to experience exciting outdoor activities. And wildlife safaris and also explore remote areas with unique landscapes that you will remember for a lifetime. Sri Lanka is an economy-friendly holiday destination; it’s a place where you can have world-class experiences without world-class cost.is tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Bandaranaike International Airport, කටුනායක, Sri Lanka to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka