PARADISE ISLAND TOUR IN SRI LANKA

Once you have arrived at the Bandaranayike International Airport, you are to be warmly greeted by one of our reliable representatives, who will accompany you to your private vehicle and your chauffer, who will then safely convey you to your desired place of accomodation in Negombo.

As soon as you have made yourself comfortable, you are welcome to tour around the city of Negombo where you can also drop by at the popular fish market. If not, feel free to relax by the Negombo beach!

A city famous for it's fishing industry and spectacular ocean, Negombo is bound to make you wish you spent one more day in this beautiful city! . Of course, who could stay away from the good-natured, amiable local fishermen who always have a smile on their faces no matter how hard they work each day? Surely, you won't be able to resist the gentle ocean breeze soothing your body as you walk by the seashore!

Highlights of the day are,
- Tour around the Negombo city
- Dutch Canal boat safari (optional)
- Lounging by the beach during the evening
Overnight stay in Negombo

Once you have helped yourself to a satisfying breakfast and checked out of your place of accomodation at Negombo, your journey to Sigiriya begins!

Now, prepare yourself to climb all the way up to the top of the Sigiriya rock! The fortress, which was built by the legendary King Kassapa, is located at the very top of the rock and will help you to get a glimpse of how the legendary kings of Sri Lanka established themselves in Sri Lankan history. As you climb the rock, you will come across various attractions which are highly valued in the Sri Lankan community, such as the Mirror Wall and the Frescoes. Finally, when you get to the top, you will be rejuvenated by the breathtaking view of the whole area, which is bound to make you not regret a single step you climbed!

Engaging in an elephant ride during the evening is a suggested activity to take part in as it is bound to make your trip to Sigiriya even better! It is also a popular activity many tourists participate in when visiting the island. A safari around the Minneriya National Park is another recommended activity to participate in if you are keen to observe Asian elephants roam around in their natural habitats. As the park is known to be the "meeting spot" of the elephants, upto almost 300 elephants of all sizes can be seen yearly! When the dry seaosn begins, elephants from the surrounding wilderness travel towards the Minneriya Reservoir in search of water to quench their thirst, which is why such a large number of elephants can be spotted at the park. So have your cameras ready to photograph some memorable events!

Highlights of the day are,
-Proceed to Sigiriya
-Check in at your desired place of accomodation
-Elephant ride (Optional)
-Climbing the Sigiriya Rock (Optional)
-Elephant safari at the Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park (Optional)
Overnight stay in Sigiriya/Dambulla

The next day, we will begin our journey towards Anuradhapura, which is one of the most religous sites on the island. An early breakfast is much appreciated in order to start the journey on time. So if you're a morning person, you're in luck! Known as the capital of the North Central Province, Anuradhapura is home to the many tall stupas such as Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayagiri and the Jetawana dagoba.

The city of Anuradhapura plays a huge role in Sri Lankan history as many legendary kings of the island established their power in this city. The kings are highly praised for their dedication towards Buddhism by building stupas and monastries, which is why Anuradhapura is greatly visited by many Buddhist pilgrims. King Vasabha, who is greatly respected by Sri Lankans for his determination to develop Anuradhapura, constructed numerous amounts of ponds which distributed water to the entire community. A memorable king who is based at Anuradhapura is the prestigious King Tissa, who is more commonly known as Devanampiya Tissa. The king's action of establishing Buddhism in the country is the reason why he is one of the most admired kings of Sri Lanka. The full moon day of the month of Poson is traditionally related to this event. The Tissa Wewa, which is an artificial reservoir built by the legendary king Devanampiya Tissa also immensely supplies water to the city and is located right by the Isurumuniya Temple, which is a must visit site if you interested in observing ancient Sri Lankan carvings such as the Isurumuni Lovers and the Royal Family Carving.

After you have helped yourself to a delicious lunch, you will be safely returned to the hotel in the evening.

Tip- When visiting Anuradhapura, ensure that you wear clothing that covers both your legs and your shoulders. A sarong or a scarf can be taken if needed. White clothing is much appreciated when visiting the temples.

Highlights of the day are,
- Visiting the historical sites of Anuradhapura (Optional)
-Lounging at the hotel during the evening
Overnight stay in Sigiriya/Dambulla

After having your breakfast on your 3rd day on the island, you will be taken to explore the ruins of the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century A.D- the City of Polonnaruwa.

After Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was the city which rose to power as the kingdoms shifted. King Parakramabahu I, who is known as the "Hero of Polonnaruwa" was eager to develop the city by not wasting a single drop of water falling from the sky as it was greatly needed for paddy cultivation, which fed the community of Polonnaruwa. The king's existence has had such a huge impact on the development of the city, which is why his reign is considered to be the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. The famous Sea of Parakrama, which is a must-visit site on your trip to Polonnaruwa, was built by King Parakramabahu I and is actually larger than the Colombo harbour itself! . The Gal Vihara, which is a rock temple of the Buddha was also founded by the king, which depicts how much Buddhism was valued during the medieval times of Sri Lanka. There are also many more monuments of the city which are well preserved upto date, such as the Royal Palace complex and the Quadrangle, which will surely give you an insight of how the kings of Sri Lanka reigned a city on their own!

Tip- When visiting Polonnaruwa, ensure that you wear clothing that covers both your legs and your shoulders. A sarong or a scarf can be taken if needed. White clothing is much appreciated when visiting the temples.

Highlights of the day are,
-Visiting the sites of Polonnaruwa
-Lounging at the hotel during the evening
Overnight stay in Sigiriya/Dambulla

Ah, Kandy! The most majestic city in Sri Lanka. Filled with monumental sites, Kandy will be one of those destinations which you would never want to leave! After breakfast at the hotel, you will be safely conveyed to Kandy by your chauffeur. You are able to drop by at the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple on the way as well!

During the evening, you are more than welcome to visit the Temple of the Tooth, which has preserved the tooth relic of Lord Buddha for centuries. You can also engage in a shopping spree and pay a visit to the Art and craft center, the Gem Museum and the Batik factory, which produces clothing by applying dye to a whole cloth. Historically known as Senkadagala, Kandy is situated right at the center of the island, which makes it convenient for people to travel to the city from any direction. Lateron, you are able to observe a cultural dance performance by talented Sri Lankan dances, so have your cameras ready!

Tip- When visiting the Temple of the Tooth, ensure that you wear clothing that covers both your legs and your shoulders. A sarong or a scarf can be taken if needed. White clothing is much appreciated when visiting the temples.

Highlights of the day are,
-Tour around the Dambulla cave temple (Optional)
-Visit to the Temple of the Tooth (Optional)
-Kandy city tour
-Batik factory tour
-Visit to the Arts and Crafts center
-Tour around the gem museum
-Observing a cultural dance performance during the evening
-Lounging at the hotel during the evening.
Overnight stay in Kandy

Once you have helped yourself to a satisfying breakfast and checked out of your place of accomodation at Kandy, your journey to Nuwara Eliya begins! Since the city is popular for it's production of tea, you will be able to observe a vast number of tea plantations and tea pluckers during your drive. Once you have arrived at Nuwara Eliya, you are able to tour around the well-known tea factory, where you also have the opportunity to taste diverse flavours of Ceylon Tea, which is a must try beverage on your trip to Sri Lanka!

Afterwards, prepare yourselves to visit one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the island, known as the Ramboda Falls, which is considered to be the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka! Once you have had a square meal for lunch, why not spend the late afternoon touring around the popular race track of Nuwara Eliya? That's not it! Visits to the well-known Holy Trinity Church, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, which consists of an 18-hole golf course, and Lake Gregory, a tranquil reservoir named after Sir William Gregory, are highly recommended! Lateron, you can return to your hotel and spend your night as you please.

Tip- The Grand Indian or the Sri Ambaal are two recommended restaurants for you to visit if you are interested in having an Indian cuisine for lunch.

The highlights of the day are,
-Tea factory tour
-Visit to the Ramboda waterfall
-Nuwara Eliya city tour
-Visit to Lake Gregory
-Lounging at the hotel during the evening
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast at Nuwara Eliya, get ready to explore a national park on the island which is famous for it's biodiversity- the Horton Plains! Located at the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains is a popular tourist destination and contains many species who are endemic to the region. Valued as the most important watershed in Sri Lanka, the Horton Plains play a huge role to the environment of the island as they are headwaters of three of the main rivers-Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe. One of the many popular tourist attractions of the Horton Plains is the World's End, which is a sheer cliff with a drop of about 4000 feet. Horton Plains is the perfect site for you to visit if you interested in exploring the wilderness of Sri Lanka!

Highlights of the day are,
- Tour around the Horton Plains and the World's End (Optional)
- Lounging at the hotel during the evening.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

After a satisfying breakfast at Nuwara Eliya, you will be on your way to the Yala National Park, which is one of the island's most popular wildlife parks.

Locally known as the Ruhunu National Park, Yala is one of the biggest jungles on the island. The park is home to various animals of the wild such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species! In total, Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species, which includes the peacock- the national bird of Sri Lanka! Yala is known for having the highest leopard concentration in the world and is visited by many tourists almost everyday! If you travel further to the beachfront of the park, you are able to observe crocodiles lingering around, which is definitely something you would not see back at home!

After an interesting tour around the park, you will taken to your desired place of accomodation at Yala.

Highlights of the day are,
-Yala National Park jeep safari (Optional)
-Lounging at the hotel during the evening
Overnight stay in Yala

Once you have relished your refreshing breakfast, you will be able to start heading towards one of the most popular coastal areas of the island, known as Bentota. On the way, you can pay a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation Project, which has been launched to help protect the population of sea turtles, who are reportedly reaching extinction if action is not taken. You also have the opportunity to watch female turtles lay their eggs and protect them by hiding them under the sand! It will be such a delightful sight to see!

After lunch, you will be able to participate on a boat ride on the Madu Ganga river where you will also be able to observe the unique beauty of the environment of this tropical country! Afterwards, you can relax by the seashore and enjoy the sunset with your partner!

Highlights of the day are,
- Hatchery of the turtle eggs (Optional)
-Boat ride on the Madu Ganga river (Optional)
-Lounging by the beach during the evening
Overnight stay in Hikkaduwa/Bentota

Once you have had your morning meal, get ready to travel towards the south coast of the island, where you will be left open-mouthed at the sight of the beach at Dickwella and Mirissa!

Make the best out of your entire time by exploring the wonders of the ocean through whale and dolphin watching, where you can observe live dolphins and whales and familiarize yourself with their natural habitats and behaviours. So have your cameras ready!

After a hearty lunch, you are able to proceed to Hikkaduwa, where you can visit the popular coral sanctuary, which is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. You are able to examine the corals by travelling in a boat which consists of a glass at the bottom. The corals give color to the ocean and contributes to the ocean's beauty, which is why it is greatly valued in the local community. However, many individuals tend to invade the gardens and destroys the beauty of the ocean, which is why the coral sanctuary should always be protected.

After your trip to the coral reefs, you can tour around the city of Galle and engage in some recreational activities such as water sports. Feel free to laze by the beach during the evening!

Highlights of the day are,
- Whale and dolphin watching (Optional)
-Water sports (Optional)
-Hikkaduwa coral reef tour
-Tour around the city of Galle
-Lounging by the beach during the evening
Overnight stay in Hikkaduwa/Bentota

Last but not least! Colombo, the largest city of the island will be your final stop before you head back home. Known as the financial capital of the island, Colombo is where the most luxurious hotels and leading businesses of Sri Lanka are situated. As the city also contributes to the country's history, it has a mixture of both modernization and antiquity. With numerous attractions bringing beauty to the city, you would never want to leave!

Highlights of the day are,
- Tour around the city of Colombo
- National Museum tour (Optional)
- Visit to the Gangaramaya temple
- Visit to the Independence Square
- Shopping at popular malls in the city
- Relaxing by the Galle face beach during the evening
-Exploring the night life of Colombo

Overnight stay in Colombo

After a memorable journey across various locations of the island, you will be safely driven back to the Bandaranaike International Airport to catch your flight back home. We hope your tour around the island was one to never forget!