An 11-day journey combining Sri Lanka’s central heartland and sundrenched east coast…
- Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura
- Relax and unwind in the warm beaches of Kalkudah
- Climb the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress
- Visit Kandy’s main attractions and botanical gardens
- Central and east coast areas are at their best during European summer (April-October)
Day 1
Colombo Airport arrival – transfer to Colombo hotel (45 minutes)
Arrive at Colomobo Bandaranaike Airport. Transfer to Colombo. Check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Optional city sightseeing of Colombo city with some time free for shopping.
Once your Columbus Tours Sri Lanka Representative meets you personally on arrival, you will then begin your journey to uncover the wonders of this island. Feel the vivacity of this island nation, bask in this emerald isle’s intoxicating beauty and enjoy an extraordinary travel experience. Explore Sri Lanka’s golden beaches, the glorious history, the rich wilderness and the bustling cities and be amazed!
Accommodation: Tintagel Colombo, staying in a Suite
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2
Colombo to Anuradhapura (4 hours)
Breakfast. Leave for Anuradhapura. Arrival and check into your hotel. Relax and unwind
Accommodation: Uga Ulagalla Wallawwa Anuradhapura, staying Ulagalla pool villa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Anuradhapura
Go sightseeing in Anuradhapura’s ancient, ruined city and visit the Mihintale Temple, which is considered to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel. Relax and unwind.
Anuradhapura was the first, chronicled capital of ancient Ceylon. Sri Lanka’s first capital is situated in the dry zone. It is one of Sri Lanka’s premier ancient cities. Attractions: The sacred Bo Tree, temples, Brazen Place, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna, and Mihintale (12 kilometres from Anuradhapura).
In 247 B.C. Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka on the mountain of Mihintale. Since then, various kings of Sri Lanka have blessed this rock with magnificent masterpieces of architecture. These include a hospital, a monastic complex, stupas and dagobas. While some of these structures are in an almost perfect state of preservation, others are in complete ruin. The most spectacular of these is the Kantaka Chaitiya, which displays some of the finest architecture of the early Anuradhapura era.
Accommodation: Uga Ulagalla Wallawwa Anuradhapura, staying in a Ulagalla pool villa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Anuradhapura to Passikudah (3.5 hours)
Breakfast. Leave for the east coast of the island to Passikudah beaches. Arrival and check into your hotel. Relax and unwind on the beaches of Kalkudah Passikudah.
Accommodation: Karpaha Sands, staying in a Palam Suite
Meals: Breakfast
Days 5-8
Kalkudah Passikudah
Relax and unwind on the beaches of Kalkudah Passikudah.
Accommodation: Karpaha Sands, staying in Palam Suite
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Passikudah to Sigiriya (3 hours)
Breakfast. Leave for Sigiriya En route visit and climb them Sigiriya rock fortress.
Sigiriya, also known as the Lion’s Rock, is possibly Sri Lanka’s most iconic site; the ruins of this rock fortress are a popular tourist attraction for its ancient paintings (frescos) similar to
India’s Ajanta Cave paintings. Built by King Kasyapa between 477 – 495 AD, the site is one of seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The climb of Sigiriya takes approximately an hour or even less, depending on how fast or slowly you want to get to the top. The climb consists of 1200 easy steps and is best done in the morning or late afternoon.
After visiting Sigiriya, proceed to visit Dambulla.
The Dambulla Cave Temples are the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160m over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. The site is of particular interest for anyone who loves historic art, as five of the caves contain ancient statues and paintings related to and depicting Lord Buddha and his life. The climb from the base is not strenuous and can be done at a leisurely pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Your guide will buy your entrance
fee and climb with you. There are approximately 200 steps. The best time to climb is in the early morning or the late afternoon to avoid the heat. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks.
Proceed to your hotel. Check in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Water Garden Sigiriya, staying in a Deluxe Villa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Sigiriya to Kandy (3 hours)
Breakfast. Transfer to Kandy. Sghtseeing of the Kandy town, lake and Temple of the Tooth, and also a visit to the Peradeniya botanical gardens.
Kandy’s main attraction is the Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa is a magnificently adorned shrine, with decorative walls, moat, turrets, golden roof and fine wood-work, and its 16th-19th century ambience is vividly alive. Three religious services (referred to as poojas ) with traditional music, held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening, can be viewed by visitors.
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka and the finest of its kind in Asia. During WWII, the gardens were the headquarters of the Allied command for the Pacific. It’s a leisurely circular walk; you can do this independently or with a resident botanist.
Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Villa Rosa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Kandy to Colombo Airport (3 hours)
Breakfast. Leave for Colombo Airport. Departure flight home.
Tour ends.
Hotel Check-in/out times: Standard check in time at your hotel is 1400hrs, however, the hotel will endeavour to do all possible to provide guests the room/s prior to this time depending on availability. Standard check out time at your hotels is 12.00 hrs.
Passport & Visas – you will need a passport with at least one blank page and validity for no less than six months from the date of arrival. Visa can be obtained online prior to your arrival for US$ 35 per person at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
Currency Exchange/Credit Cards – The local currency is Sri Lankan rupees (Rs.) and currency can be exchanged at bank counters in the arrival lounge. There are many certified money changers and banks throughout the country for currency exchange as well. All major credit cards are usually accepted at larger hotels, shops and restaurants.
General Behavior – Sri Lanka in general is a very conservative country so be respectful towards the culture and different religions. You are required to dress appropriately (covering all parts of your body) when visiting sacred places like temples/shrines or any place of worship.
Climate/Clothing – Most parts of the island get pretty hot and humid so you will mostly need light cotton clothing and comfortable shoes for walking/trekking. The hill country can get a little chilly at night so you will also need a light sweater for your stay there.
Electricity – Electricity runs at 230–240V. Round, three-pin sockets are the norm, though you’ll also sometimes find square three-pin sockets, especially in more upmarket hotels. Adaptors are cheap and widely available.
Health – Bring your mosquito repellent bug spray, sun block or tan lotion and any medication you may need for your trip. You can get them at supermarkets and pharmacies locally but it’s best to bring your own if you are comfortable with certain brands.
Festivals/Public Holidays – Sri Lanka is a land of many festivals and celebrations. You can find out the festivals taking place before your arrival into the country. Sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all Poya (full moon) days and religious festivals.
Tipping – Tipping your chauffer guide is at your discretion. If you are happy with your chauffer guide’s service and would like to tip him, we recommend a starting tip of USD$10 per day.