07 Days Highlights of Srilanka

Day 1: Airport - Anuradhapura

1. 4h
   Arrive by flight and you will be transferred to the arrival terminal. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. You will meet one of the Representatives of Apple vacation will assist you as he will be having a paging board with your name in the meeting area, and he will introduce you to your own English speaking chauffeur guide who will transfer you to the hotel in Anuradhapura.
2. Negombo
   Pass by
   Before the continue to look at Sri Lanka. There are many houses of worship in Negombo. Because the Europeans were so successful in converting the locals to Catholicism, the town is known as "Little Rome." The majority of hotels and guesthouses are located on the main route that runs parallel to the seashore and north from the town center.
3. Anuradhapura
   30m
   Check into your Luxury hotel and unwind for the evening, or leave on your own and take advantage of the hotel's 30-minute horseback ride.

Day 2: Anuradhapura Sightseeing

1. Anuradhapura
   Pass by
   After the Breakfast & visit to UNESCO-designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, a sacred city. Discover historic Buddhist temples and monasteries by strolling amid the ruins. During your leisure time this afternoon, consider renting a bike.
2. Ranmasu Uyana
   Pass by
   Ranmasu Uyana is situated north to the Isurumuniya.The originator of this garden is lost in the history but Ranmasu Uyana was probably established as an alternate to all the parks donated to the maha sanga. Each of these ponds are designed with precision irrigation techniques so that the water from tissa weva passed through all the ponds and tanks in the garden before releasing them for irrigation work.
3. Ruwanweli Maha Seya
   20m · Admission ticket not included
   Ruwanwelisaya is one of the eight places of veneration situated in Anuradhapura. The stupa is believed to have been visited by Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka. It is located just a short walk away from Maha Bodhi tree and is considered an icon of architectural glory. (03 Hrs. - Ancient City combined)
4. Abayagiriya Stupa
   20m · Admission ticket not included
   Jethawana Stupa is the largest stupa in the Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
5. Tissa Wewa
   Pass by
   Tissa Wewa is an ancient irrigation tank was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC). The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. Only Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa are considered to be older than Tissa Wewa.
6. Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
   20m · Admission ticket not included
   Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is the oldest living tree in documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha enlightened. The oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
7. Abhayagiri
   20m · Admission ticket not included
   Colossal dagoba was the ceremonial focus of Abhayagiri Monastery in India. Originally over 100m high, it was one of the greatest structures in the ancient world. Today, after several reconstructions, it soars 75m above the forest floor. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
8. Dagoba of Thuparama
   20m · Admission ticket not included
   Thuparama Dagoba is the oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka. It was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. Its 'heap-of-paddy-rice' shape was restored in 1862 to a more conventional bell shape. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
9. Mirisaveti Stupa
   20m · Admission ticket not included
   Mirisawetiya Dagaba has been built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex.It is said that he called this dagaba "Mirisavatiya" because the king forgot to present a food made out of chilli (miris) to the Buddhist priests before he consumed it. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
10. The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya)
    Pass by
    Built in 1070 (some 12 centuries after Anuradhapura’s heyday), this palace was an attempt by King Vijayabahu I to link his reign with the glories of the ancient Sinhalese capital. Little remains today except two fine, but surprisingly modest, guard stones.
11. Lankarama Sthupa
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    The actual stupa has been renovated, but little remains of the vatadage except the ruins of a few broken pillars in the middle of the large courtyard. The name of the Stupa too has been changed from Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya to the simpler Lankaramaya. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
12. Lovamahapaya
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    Lovamahapaya in Sri Lanka, also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasada, is a set of ruins with hundreds and hundreds of stone pillars that lie between the stupa Ruwanwelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura. This is the location of a once mighty nine storied monastic structure built by the King Dutugemmunu in the 2nd century BC. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
13. Samadhi Statue
    Pass by
    Samadhi Statue is considered one of the best sculptures in the Anuradhapura era. It is made out of dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 metres) in height. The statue's eyes are hollow indicating they were impressed with crystal or precious stones.
14. Mihintale
    30m · Admission ticket not included
    With the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale Mountain began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. Soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas and bodhigharas.
15. Ritigala Forest Monastery
    Pass by
    The Ritigala Mountain is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka. It is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachaduwa tank and Kalueba Ela which feeds Huruluwewa.
16. Isurumuniya Temple
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BC), is set around a lovely lotus pond, the corner of which is carved with images of elephants playfully splashing water. The central temple has some particularly fine mural paintings. Climb around the back to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and a pair of Buddha footprints etched into the rock. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
17. Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond
    Pass by
    The approach to this ancient historical site is very pleasant, winding its way through paddy fields and vegetable cultivations – typical rural Sri Lanka, which gives way to beautiful stands of tall, dry monsoon forest. You even find peacocks crossing the road at intervals. The archeological site at Kaludiya Pokuna has a few ruins including a stupa, and it is very obvious to the visitor, that this ancient site screams of neglect.
18. Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    The moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) is a permanent feature of the Buddhist building of all historical periods. This is a semi-circular piece of stone which stood at the foot of a flight of steps in most Buddhist buildings. Although the moonstone is generally semi-circular, sometimes you can come across square moonstones. It is thought that the moon stones originated as blank square stone and later developed in to a semi-circular shape. This again developed to include multitude of carved decorations in later stages. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
19. Vessagiriya Ruins
    Pass by
    Vessagiriya is located few hundred meters left to the current Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-a-Kurunegala road. This temple complex is located in and around 3 beautiful bolder formations spread across a large area in front of the Tissa Weva. On one these is a remains of a dagaba. Remains of 23 caves with drip ledges which the monks used can be seen on two of the rock formations.
20. Abhayagiri Museum
    Pass by
    This museum, south of the Abhayagiri Dagoba, is arguably the most interesting in Anuradhapura and contains a collection of squatting plates, jewellery, pottery and religious sculpture from the site. The new museum at Abhayagiri Monastery, a source of valuable information to the tourists, was established in memory of Fa-hien to house the treasures discovered during the excavations at Abhayagiri Monastery.
    
    Once gather unforgettable memories Ancient City, will drop back to your accommodation

Day 3: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya

1. Anuradhapura
   Pass by
   After the breakfast at the Hotel & Transfer to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
2. Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
   Pass by
   Ibbankatuwa Ancient burial ground lies five kilometers before the Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. An archeological Department board will indicate the turn off from the main road. The site is reached by traveling about 500m in to this road. The site was developed in to a tourist attraction in 2017 and was formally open to the public.
3. Sigiriya Museum
   15m · Admission ticket not included
   This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. (Combine with Sigiriya fortress)
4. Sigiriya Lion Rock
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to be once the epicentre of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning.
   
   # Optional Tours
   • Village safari-USD 30-Canoe Ride, Bull cart ride, tuktuk safari and Sri Lankan Food
5. Pidurangala Rock
   Pass by
   Pidurangala Rock is adjacent to Sigiriya Rock and is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys but also Sigiriya Rock.
6. Oakray Woodcarvings
   Pass by
   From typical wooden elephant ornaments to the more intricately carved wooden traditional masks, Oak Ray Wood Carving boasts of one of the more comprehensive wood carving collections in Sri Lanka. The ‘Oak Ray’ brand, primarily catering to the hospitality needs of tourists has diversified its name into the niche of handicrafts and has quickly become a go-to establishment to find that perfect memento of your journey around the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka.
7. Minneriya National Park
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   One of the main reasons for visiting the beautiful country of Sri Lanka was to see the Sri Lankan elephant in the wild. Kaudulla/Minneriya National Park is one of best national parks to spot Elephants in Sri Lanka. It is home to 200+ elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and even a handful of leopards. The Gathering around the water reservoir takes place in the dry season from July to October. Besides from elephants, there is so much more to see. Peacocks, small black bears, crocodiles, deer, many monkeys and beautifully colored birds.
   
   Return to the hotel and relax.

Day 4: Sigiriya - Kandy

1. Sigiriya
   Pass by
   After the Breakfast at the Hotel & transfer to Kandy
2. Ederagala Wana Senasuna
   Pass by
   Enderagala Wana Senasuna is a Buddhist temple in a calm and quiet location in Dambulla in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. According to the inscription found in the caves, the history of this temple dates back to the 2nd – 1st century B.C. The temple is located beside the Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee (A006) Highway, only 6km away from the Dambulla city. You can reach Enderagala Wana Senasuna withing15 minutes from Dambulla Cave Temple.
3. Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
   Pass by
   Ibbankatuwa Ancient burial ground lies five kilometers before the Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. An archeological Department board will indicate the turn off from the main road. The site is reached by traveling about 500m in to this road. The site was developed in to a tourist attraction in 2017 and was formally open to the public.
4. Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
   Pass by
   Sri Lanka's 30,000-seat Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is a cricket stadium. The Stadium, the first and only international cricket pitch in Sri Lanka's dry zone, is located in Dambulla on land leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple. The Dambulla Tank (reservoir) and the Dambulla Rock are visible from the stadium.
5. Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
   Pass by
   Located in the Dambulla Secretariat Division of Matale District, in the center of Dambulla town started in 1999 to establish a wholesale market for vegetables and fruits. One important feature of the DDEC is thus a more direct participation of the farmers is selling farm produce.
6. Golden Temple of Dambulla
   10m · Admission ticket not included
   One of Sri Lanka's most frequented, appealing, and well-liked tourist destinations is Dambulla. Buddhist ideas are present in this historical and religious location, which allows visitors to sense that special sensation before even arriving in the city. (photo stop)
7. Golden Temple of Dambulla
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Rock Temple of Dambulla, called Jumbukola Vihara (Dambulla Cave Temple) in the (Mahavamsa)-the principal Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka, is situated about forty seven miles north west of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, on the main road to Anuradhupura. Dambulla is a scent of unique interest. Its rock temples are the most extensive in the Island, and one of the most ancient, and in the highest state of preservation and order.
8. Kandy Lake Club Cultural Show
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Kandyan move execution is one of the characterizing encounters of a stay in Kandy. Considering it a customary Kandyan move execution is something of a misnomer as the shows are particularly gone for crowd diversion and contain move schedules and outfits from the nation over, including the well-known 'fallen angel' moves of the west coast (which are exceptionally difficult to find in their home district).
9. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums.
10. Kandy Lake
    10m
    Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake in the heart of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, it was reduced in size. It is a protected lake, with fishing banned. There are many legends and folklore regarding the lake. One such is that the small island at its center was used by the king’s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.
11. Kandy View Point
    10m
    Kandy View Point Climb the hill by Kandy Lake to reach Kandy viewpoint and receive a view of the city that cannot be beaten. As a popular tourist spot, the area brings in a large number of peddlers, though they often sell sub-par items. The area also has a reputation for high pickpocket activity, so keep an eye on your belongings. From the hill, you can enjoy great views over the lake and the city as a whole.

Day 5: Kandy – Ella (By Train)

1. Kandy
   Pass by
   After the breakfast at the Hotel & transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya Railway Station Proceed to Ella by train.
2. Ella
   7h
   Train journeys are real cultural experiences, and the most scenic routes will be highlights of your visit - in particular the wonderful journey from Kandy to Ella Train Station which will travel through man made tunnels, beautiful mountains and tea plantations in the hill country. The scenery from the train is breathtaking! Like a green carpet of tea bushes rolling by, with colorful sari-dressed tea pickers popping out of the sea of green. Journey Time is (6 to 7 Hours)

Day 6: Ella Sightseeing

1. Ella
   Pass by
   After the breakfast at the Hotel & Site Seeing to Ella,
2. Nine Arches Bridge
   20m
   The Nine Arch Bridge has a 91-meter span and a 24-meter height. It is a really scenic location, especially given that it is surrounded by deep jungle and agricultural land, thanks to the lovely nine arches. A forest is thriving behind the railroad, and below it, tea is being grown.
3. 3h
   Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’, it is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore, the mountain was called as Little Adams Peak.
   “Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.Experience the flying Ravana Zipline activity.
4. 2h · Admission ticket not included
   Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella,Sri Lanka. (Near Little Adams Peak - Ella's main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre, slides at max 80kmph and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is truly, Ella in all its glory.
5. 30m · Admission ticket not included
   The Ravana Cave is located about 2 km from the Ella town and 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high. History says that the cave is used by King Rawana to hide the Princess Sita.

Day 7: Ella – Yala

1. Ella
   Pass by
   After the Breakfast at the hotel & Leave for Yala.
2. 3h · Admission ticket not included
   Afternoon experience a safari at Yala National Park
   
   Is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka Its home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.

Pickup details

* Operator will reconfirm your pick-up time in advance
* Arrive at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your selected pick up time
* This is a shared transfer and early or late pick-up is not possible
* Pick up is available in Colombo only - if the designated pick-up location is located outside the city limits pick up can be made with additional charge
* If the drop off location different from pick up location, please contact the operator additional charges may apply
* Kindly provide the WhatsApp contact details - for Better and fast communication

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This activity could be canceled due to extreme weather or unforeseen events. If canceled, you may book a different date or ask for a refund
• littering & smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Room upgrades on availability.
• Honeymooners – Bed decoration / Fruit platter or small cake.
• Standard check-in time is at 14:00hrs – Early check-in will be provided on availability basis
• Alcohol will not be served by any hotel on Poya days (full moon) and its prohibited by the Government.
• Quench your thirst by stopping for a complimentary king coconut along the roadside.
• Stop to enjoy some tropical/seasonal fruits during your journey.
• Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue
• Please respect and leave the plants and native wildlife untouched
• Deposit trash in designated receptacles
• For 1 Person Single room, 2 Person Double Room, 3 Person Triple Room Respectively.
• Please observe proper dress code when visiting the temples as a form of respect. The basic rule is to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, and knees (Participants are advised dress appropriately for this activity (long pants, long-sleeved shirt or scarf to cover shoulders, and closed shoes)
• Please do not wear strong scented perfume as animals are sensitive to odour.
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for all tour.