ESSENCE OF SRI LANKA

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to Habarana through picturesque villages, lush rice fields, and coconut plantations. Enjoy lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, you may choose to experience an optional Elephant Safari, relax in the hotel’s peaceful gardens, or enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage or herbal bath at the wellness centre. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Habarana

After breakfast, depart for an excursion to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover magnificent stupas, ancient monasteries, royal palaces, beautifully carved moonstones, guard stones, twin ponds, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi—the world’s oldest historically documented tree. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Mihintale, regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Climb the ancient granite steps to admire monasteries, meditation caves, and spectacular panoramic views. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Habarana

Experience authentic village life with a scenic morning walk through rural countryside. Highlights include: • Traditional bullock cart ride • Catamaran ride across a peaceful reservoir • Visit to a local farmer’s home • Traditional Sri Lankan black tea • Walk through chena cultivation and village woodland After lunch, visit the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the famous Lion Rock featuring: • Frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens • Mirror Wall • Lion Platform • Royal Palace ruins • Beautiful landscaped gardens Dinner and Overnight Stay: Habarana

After breakfast, visit Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the remarkably preserved royal palace, temples, shrines, statues, and ancient reservoirs that showcase the island’s glorious past. After lunch, continue to Medirigiriya Watadage, an ancient circular relic house beautifully situated on an elevated terrace with impressive seated Buddha statues. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Habarana

Leave for Kandy via Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1st Century BC. Discover five magnificent cave temples decorated with over 150 Buddha statues and beautiful ancient murals. Continue to a Spice Garden where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices and enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Proceed to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital. In the evening: • Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic • Enjoy a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance Dinner and Overnight Stay: Kandy

Begin the day with a fun Tuk Tuk ride to Kandy Railway Station. Enjoy a scenic train journey to Rambukkana before visiting the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued elephants. Witness the elephants bathing in the Ma Oya River—one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Kandy and visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its orchid collection, giant trees, and tropical flora. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Kandy

Visit a renowned Gem Museum and Lapidary, showcasing Sri Lanka’s world-famous gemstones and jewellery craftsmanship. Continue to the hill country with visits to: • Tea plantation • Tea factory • Tea tasting experience Learn how freshly picked green tea leaves are transformed into premium Ceylon Tea. After lunch, explore Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” famous for its cool climate, colonial architecture, tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic mountain landscapes. Proceed to Bandarawela. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Bandarawela

Travel to the charming mountain village of Ella, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Visit the spectacular Ravana Falls before continuing to Tissamaharama. Lunch during the journey. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Tissamaharama

Early morning or afternoon enjoy an exciting Jeep Safari at Yala National Park. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve and is home to: • Leopards • Elephants • Sloth Bears • Crocodiles • Deer • Monkeys • Numerous bird species In the afternoon, visit the sacred Kataragama Temple, an important pilgrimage site revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and indigenous communities. If time permits, witness the traditional evening Pooja ceremony. Dinner and Overnight Stay: Tissamaharama

Depart for Sri Lanka’s southern coast. En route visit the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Dutch Fort, colonial buildings, charming streets, boutique shops, and ocean views. Enjoy free time to explore the fort before lunch. Continue to Bentota or Beruwala for a relaxing beach stay. Enjoy a special farewell dinner. Overnight Stay: Bentota / Beruwala

After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of Sri Lanka. Tour Includes • Accommodation in selected 3? / 4? / 5? hotels • Full Board Basis (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) • Accommodation on twin-sharing basis • Airport transfers • Air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour • Services of a Professional National Tourist Guide • Sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary • Village experience in Sigiriya • Scenic train journey • Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy Tour Excludes • International airfare • Visa fees • Optional excursions • Jeep Safari charges (unless specified) • Entrance fees (unless specified) • Early check-in and late check-out • Travel insurance • Tips, porterage, and personal expenses • Beverages with meals • Any services not specifically mentioned under “Tour Includes” Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights Destinations: Habarana • Anuradhapura • Mihintale • Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa • Dambulla • Kandy • Pinnawala • Nuwara Eliya • Bandarawela • Ella • Tissamaharama • Yala • Galle • Bentota