9-Day Private Sri Lanka Tour with Accomodation

Day 1: Pick Up/Airport - Anuradhapura

1. Anuradhapura Stupas Scenic Point
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   After you got picked up at the airport or your hotel, you will proceed to the ancient city of Anuradhapura while visiting coconut plantations and observing the famous toddy tappers at work. After you've checked into your hotel its time to explore the city dating back to 3rd century B.C to 10th century A.D. You will visit the Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest tree in the world with a written history and it is a sapling from the original tree under which Buddha got
   enlighted), the Brazen Palace, the Ruwanveli Seya Dagoba (the biggest dagoba in Sri Lanka), the Thuparama Dagoba (oldest dagoba), the Lankarama Dagoba, the Elephant Pond, the Abhayagiriya Monastery Complex, the world-famous Samadhi Buddha Statue and the Isurumuniya Temple (Stone carving of the Sri Lankan Romeo & Juliet).
   
   PLEASE NOTE: hotel check-in time is after 12 pm
2. Anuradhapura
   3h
   Free time to explore Anuradhapura. Your driver/guide will be happy to provide tips & suggestions.

Day 2: Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

1. Polonnaruwa Vatadage
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Sightseeing of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (10th-12th century A.D). You will visit the modern museum, the Parakrama Samudra (gigantic reservoir made by King Parakrama the Great), the Statue of King Parakrama, the Library Shrine, the Palace of King Parakrama, the
   Kumara Pokuna (a pond used by the royal family with the water flowing system), the Shiva temple, the Thuparama shrine room with its glittering statues, the Alahana Monastery Complex, the Gal Vihare (a master peace of stone carving), the Lotus Pond, and a traditional wood carving factory. Entry Fee US$ 25 pp
   After your afternoon tea you will proceed to Sigiriya.
2. Sigiriya
   3h
   Free time to explore Sigiriya City. Your driver/guide will be happy to provide tips & suggestions.

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Dambulla Cave Temple

1. Sigiriya Lion Rock
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   In the early morning you will have the opportunity to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built
   5th century A.D (claimed by some as the 8th wonder in the world), see the water garden, bolder garden, mural paintings, the mirror wall, the lion's paws, and the royal swimming pool on top. Back to the hotel for your well-deserved breakfast.
2. Golden Temple of Dambulla
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   After Sigiriya, you will proceed to the Dambulla Cave Temple (built by King Walagamba in the 1st century B.C. with 22.000 square feet of ceiling paintings). This is followed by Nalande Gedige (a temple built in the geographical center of Sri Lanka), the spice gardens in Matale and the Aluvihare Cave Temple (where Buddhism was brought into book form in the 1st century B.C).
3. Kandy
   2h
   Free time to explore Kandy City. Your driver/guide will be happy to provide tips & suggestions.

Day 4: Kandy Sightseeing - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Royal Botanic Gardens

1. Sri Dalada Museum
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Kandy Sightseeing including the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
2. Royal Botanical Gardens
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   In the afternoon visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy. Established in 1816, these gardens are located about 6.5km before Kandy on the side of the Colombo-Kandy highway. Initially planted with Coffee and Cinnamon, now includes beautiful Sri Lankan and overseas species.
   No vehicle is allowed entry to this 147-acre garden. It is bounded on three sides by a loop of the Mahaweli River. The Avenue of Royal Palms, Bamboo-fringed riverside drive, Bat drive, Spice garden, Orchard house, Cactus house and a Glasshouse of anthuriums, begonias, African Violets and other species, and the giant Javan fig tree found on the great lawn attract locals as well as visitors from overseas. It covers an area of 1600 sqm. Keep your eyes open for an oxen-driven lawn mover.

Day 5: Kandy - Tea Plantations & Tea Factory - Nuwara Eliya – Train to Ella

1. Nuwara Eliya
   2h
   After breakfast embark on a picturesque drive through Sri Lanka's hill country. En-route visit a tea factory and tea plantations.
   In the afternoon you will reach Nuwara Eliya (the so-called Little England) with its colonial hotels and golf courses. Nuwara Eliya or City of Light is the tea capital of Sri Lanka at an altitude of 1889 m and is the most visited hill station of the island.
2. Ella
   4h
   You will drive to Nanu Oya station where you can take the train to Ella.

Day 6: Ella Excursions

1. Ella
   6h
   Ella is a small village with only 2 streets, where some shops and a number of restaurants are located. It lies between several mountains; you have beautiful views. It is usually a lot cooler here than in the lower villages or towns. Various activities can be undertaken in this village.
   Excursions in and around Ella
   The "Little Adam's Peak" can also be climbed by less experienced hikers. In about 45 minutes you are at the top and you will be rewarded with a beautiful view.
   One of the highlights of Ella is the Nine Arch Bridge. You can walk over the railway tracks in about 20 minutes to this 24-meter-high bridge, built 100 years ago by the English, surrounded by beautiful nature. You can also get there by tuk-tuk.

Day 7: Ella - Yala National Park

1. Yala National Park
   3h
   First, watch the magnificent views of Ella Valley and the Rawana waterfall. (This section of
   the tour can be undertaken by optional train ride) After a stop at the Wellawaya Pottery Manufactory you will continue to the Yala National Park. Embark on an afternoon Jeep safari where you can watch leopards, elephants, bears, and thousands of local and migrant birds in the wild.
   Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia for seeing wildlife. The island’s isolation from the mainland and the country’s wide range of altitudes have given Sri Lanka a variation in climate and biodiversity normally found only across an entire continent.
   The top draw is the Sri Lankan leopard, a sub-species endemic to the country; in certain areas of the park, the average leopard density is as high as one cat to every square kilometer. During the fruiting of the palu trees in June and July, sloth bears are often observed.
   PLEASE NOTE: Jeep Safari (US$ 65 pp) is NOT included
2. Tissamaharama
   3h
   Free time to explore Tissamaharama. Your driver/guide will be happy to provide tips & suggestions.

Day 8: South Coast Beaches - Galle Fort - Negombo

1. Mirissa Beach
   1h · Admission ticket included
   On your way back to Negombo, you will drive along the beautiful beaches on Sri Lanka's South Coast with the opportunity to stop wherever you like to take a dip.
2. Unawatuna Beach
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The best-known beach resorts are Tangalle, Mirissa, and Unawatuna.
3. Galle Dutch Fort
   2h
   The port city of Galle is not only of historical interest but the business center of the South of Sri Lanka.
   This is the right place if you want to experience the Singhalese culture, away from the touristic hot-spots without losing out on your holiday itinerary.
   Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century when it was the main port on
   the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo.
   Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
   The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European invaders. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests.
4. Negombo Beach
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Free time to explore & relax & enjoy the sunset on Negombo Beach. Your driver/guide will be happy to provide tips & suggestions.

Day 9: Negombo Sightseeing Tour - Transfer to the airport or your next destination

1. Negombo
   5h
   Depending on your departure time, you can leave after breakfast directly for the airport or spend the waiting time on a Negombo Sightseeing Tour. Near the waterfront, you find the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort and the Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The neoclassical St. Mary’s Church features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.

Pickup details

Your driver will meet you at the airport after customs, holding a sign with your name and the Sri Holidays Logo. Hotel pick-ups are at the respective hotel reception. Pick-up details including time and driver name/contact details will be provided with your confirmation.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels