15 Day Sri Lanka Tour

4* Ulagalla Resort, Sri Lanka

Bed & Breakfast

After Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns, brought a sacred branch from Buddha’s ‘tree of enlightenment’ to Anuradhapura in the 3rd century BC, the city flourished as the island’s political and religious capital. It thrived for 1,300 years, becoming renowned for its colossal city walls, shrines, public buildings and complicated irrigation systems (which still function today). After an invasion by the Pandyans, Anuradhapura was abandoned, all but disappearing into the jungle until its rediscovery by the British in the 19th century. Subsequent restoration led to its being reestablished as a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, and more recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the Sri Maha Bodhiya (Bodhi Tree) and the Ruwanwelisaya, one of the world’s tallest monuments, surrounded by walls that are spectacularly decorated with 1,900 elephant figures.

Arrive at the 8.40am flight and enjoy Silk Route arrival service at the Airport.
10.00 am Cinnamon air scheduled flight to Sigiriya. (approx: 30 mins journey)
Transfer to Ulagalla and relax the rest of the day.

4* Ulagalla Resort, Sri Lanka

In the morning proceed to Yapahuwa (approx 2-3 hrs drive). Located in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka, Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is 4m in height and 22m in width. The most eye-catching feature of the fort is the stone staircase with intricate carvings which leads to the palace grounds. A museum is also located at the entrance of the fortress, displaying a variety of antiquities of Yapahuwa. The palace
and fortress were constructed by King Buvanekabahu I in 1273.

4* Ulagalla Resort, Sri Lanka

Bed & Breakfast

In the morning enjoy backroad cycling in Anuradhapura. In the evening do the Cradle of Buddhism excursion.

Anuradhapura Backroads Cycling Journey is an exciting excursion whereby participants are invited to cycle through the back roads of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura with a resident guide. While cycling, participants will be taken through the inner city, where they will witness the amazing features of Anuradhapura, as well as the hidden gems of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

A Walk through the Cradle of Buddhism - the place where it all began. Buddhism was brought into Sri Lanka from India and this is where Monk Mahinda preached Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa up on the mountain peak. You have the option of climbing to the top of the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding area. Afterwards, your resident expert will escort you to a 1000-year-old mountain monastery forgotten in time called the Kalu Diya Pokuna monastery. This is one of the few functioning monasteries in the country where Buddhism is at its purest. No buildings, no wealth, but pure meditation and Buddhist monks following on the Lord Buddha's footsteps. These monks who you will see today keep travelling between such monasteries from time to time. If you wish you can get yourself blessed by one of these monks and get a blessed thread wrapped around your wrist for protection. It's one of those untouched areas in the country where very few tourists have visited.

4* Ulagalla Resort, Sri Lanka

Bed & Breakfast

In the morning visit Ritigala and in the evening visit Dambulla cave temple.

Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BC. It is located 43 km (27 mi) away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura.

Dambulla cave temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla and is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two statues of Hindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2,700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

4* Kandy House, Sri Lanka

Bed & Breakfast

The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies in the midst of the Kandy Plateau, an area of tropical tea plantations. A prominent feature is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of The Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha. Other fascinating places include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where crafts people can be seen at work, and the Kandy Muslim Hotel, which offers the finest spiced curries served with naan or rotis.

On this day drive to Kandy and Visit the Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy lunch and a tour at Manor House in Kandy (Eladetta Walauwa) and in the evening enjoy a walk at the Royal Botanical garden.

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 Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. 

Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya is located in Kandy and was the Royal Garden of King Rajadhi Rajasirighe during 1780—1798, where a temporary residence was erected for him. This 59-hectare garden boasts exotic flowers, namely Cattleya, Dendrobium, Arachnis, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda and their hybrids. Visitors can view the landscaped garden and enjoy the on-site cafe and restaurant.

Located in Kandy, 6.3 km from Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens and 8 km from Ceylon Tea Museum is the Eladetta Walauwa. The rooms that are now ready for occupation are designed individually incorporating the colour and style of the theme while maintaining an old-world charm. High ceilings, antique furniture of various generations, original art by better known local artists and modernised amenities bring out the elegance of these stunning bedrooms and bathrooms. Their delicious home-made meals are created by using fresh produce some of which are picked from their own vegetable, herb and spice garden – grown using organic principles. Whenever possible, guests have the option to choose and pick the vegetables and herbs of their choice and bring to the chefs who can then prepare them according to their wish. Guests can, if they wish, see and join in the preparation of local meal.

4* Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

Bright green hills, thick dark forests, farmlands, and traditional homes characterise the landscapes of Dickoya. This photogenic little town lies in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province and is known for its fertile tea plantations, spectacular views, and charming historic churches. Delve into the colonial and religious past by stopping in at the 18th-century Christ Church, which features gorgeous stained glass windows and contains a well-preserved bible dating from 1878. The church is one of the oldest Anglican churches in the country. Warleigh Church, with its serene atmosphere, pipe organ and antique furniture, is also worth a visit. Attractions nearby include the magnificent St. Clair Major Falls and Devon Falls, and the Castlereigh Reservoir, decorated with wonderful hiking trails and lookout points.

4* Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

A guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory is the quintessential tea experience in Sri Lanka. The resident Tea Planter passionately delves into all aspects of tea in just the right amount of detail - from a look back to the early days of 'planting' and the lifestyles of the early colonial settlers, to the manufacturing process, to how flavours are created to suit various palates - he’s got it covered. What went into creating the perfect cup of refreshing Ceylon tea in 1867 were equal parts science, art, sleight of hand, and a spot of luck. And not much has changed since! As some of the methodology and machinery are over a century old, Ceylon Tea itself is seen as part of the world’s living heritage. And this is an invitation to partake in it.

4* Nine Skies, Sri Lanka

Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate. This popular backpacker-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travellers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens. At the edge of the escarpment you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and
through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.

4* Jetwing Surf Hotel, Sri Lanka South East Coast

Situated on Sri Lanka’s breathtaking eastern coast, in the Ampara District, Pottuvil boasts a wonderful combination of amazing surfing waves, culture, and holiday atmosphere. Surfers flock here to try the gorgeously turquoise swells, with their vacationing friends happy to swim and frolic in the ocean and magnificent lagoon. However, it is the town’s numerous astonishing temples and sacred places which take pride of place. Highlights include the atmospheric fifth-century Magul Maha Vihara, with its moonstone, elephants, and stupa; the Mudu Maha Vihara, half-submerged in sand dunes, featuring a three-metre-high Buddha; and hilltop Kotawehera, offering jaw-dropping
views of forests and wetlands around the lagoon from its heights. There are plenty of services and restaurants to make Pottuvil a comfortable stay.

4* Jetwing Surf Hotel, Sri Lanka South East Coast

In the early morning enjoy a leopard and bear safari in Kumana National Park. The Kumana National Park is an 18,149-hectare park situated in Sri Lanka. The park is a popular ecotourism spot well known for its bird sanctuary that is home to a multitude of birdlife. One of the highlights of the park is the Kumana Cilly, a natural mangrove swamp lake, that is fed by the Kubukkan Oya. The swamp forms a natural habitat and breeding ground for birds such as painted storks, spoonbills, cormorants, pelicans, egrets, and herons. The park is also home to mammals such as elephant and leopard. Vegetation in the area consists mainly of mangrove trees, Karan ferns, and Kumbuk trees.

4* Jetwing Surf Hotel, Sri Lanka South East Coast

In the early morning enjoy a leopard and bear safari in Kumana National Park. In the evening, relax on the beach. Then spend the next two days enjoying the beach and facilities at Jetwing Surf. On the eastern edge of our teardrop-shaped island, an uncharted coastline separates the verdant lands from the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. This harmonious relationship with nature is a story of complementary coexistence, effortlessly brought to life at Pottuvil Point, a serene hideaway near the celebrated beaches of Arugam Bay.

5* The Wallawwa, Colombo

Located in southwestern Sri Lanka, the town of Kotugoda serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic surrounding area which is covered in coconut plantations, rice paddies and tea fields. The town itself is a sleepy laid-back base with a few comfortable accommodation options on offer. Visitors can look forward to a host of attractions in the surrounding area such as the Negombo Lagoon, pristine beaches, fish markets, sacred temples, cultural sites and museums. Sample local Sri Lankan cuisine such as seeni sambal and chicken curry, enjoy a spot of high-tea and relax while getting an amazing massage. Other popular activities include: bird watching, fishing, guided nature as well as city tours of Colombo in the south and Negombo in the north.

Proceed to Batticaloa Airport to catch the Cinnamon air scheduled flight to Colombo to catch your departing flight.