Day 1 Airport Pick-up and transfer to Negombo Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! You will be greeted by a Bamba Travel Sri Lankan representative at the Airport who will escort you to the vehicle and transfer you to Negombo. Check in to the hotel and relax. Negombo situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name once has been a trading port for Portuguese and Dutch and is an ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Attractions in the city are the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches, and fishing villagers. The 100 km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective. Overnight stay at a hotel in Negombo.
(Airport / Negombo – Approx: 20 Min)
*Optional: In the evening visit Negombo city and boat ride.
Day 2 Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and transfer to Dambulla Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sigiriya which is in the central part of the country. During the journey to Sigiriya, you will pass scenic locations of rural Sri Lanka such as Lakes, paddy fields, jungles and rural villages to make a stop if you like to take some pictures. On the way you will stop by Koskele Forest Reserve where you will enjoy a Hot cup of Tea with a small snack called “ROTI” or freshly made Corn by the roadside experiencing the local way of Sri Lanka. This place is famous for travelers to refresh and enjoy a small snack on your way towards the Cultural Triangle and to experience the local way of life. Continue the journey to Sigiriya and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the evening. Among locals, this is called the “8th wonder of the world” This absolutely marvelous fortress complex which dates back to 477 CE situated 200 meters high from the ground. This giant rock fortress has water fountains, boulder gardens, frescos, mirror walls, relics of the castle and many more exciting monuments from the bottom to the top of the complex. This is the most visited tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. UNESCO has declared this ancient city as one of the World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Some people believe that Sigiriya is a post-historical archeology turning point of Ravana. According to them, Sigiriya may be the Alakamandava (the City of the Gods) that was built 50 centuries ago by King Kubera who was the half-brother of Great King Ravana. Enjoy the ancient beauty of Sri Lankan heritage once you climb down, we would recommend drinking a fresh king coconut to refresh yourself. It’s an absolutely tasty drink that is available around the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Check in to the hotel and chill. You may enjoy a dip in the pool, that’s a great feeling when on a tropical island. Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulla.
(Negombo/ Sigiriya – Approx: 04 ½ Hrs)
Day 3 Trip to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Breakfast at the hotel, thereafter transfer to Polonnaruwa. This is an ancient site with lots of archeological monuments you will be surprised by the ancient architecture of Sri Lanka. Royal Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. It is the second kingdom in Sri Lanka and the largest city in the north central province, Polonnaruwa is famous for its ancient architectural sites, natural beauty and the large lake ‘Parakrama Samudra’ built in 1200. UNESCO has declared this ancient city as one of the World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The Royal Kingdom of Polonnaruwa is one of the most important ancient archeological sites which has a range of surprising Architectural, agricultural, irrigation and religious (Buddhist and Hindu) sites to explore and discover. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya - a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. In the afternoon transfer to Minneriya and do a Safari at Minneriya National Park. The extent of the Minneriya National Park is about 8,889 hectares. There are wetlands in this National Park, which have international importance, animal and plant species, which are plenty in dry zones, are found in this park. Wild elephants, various amphibians, and local and immigrant bird species are plenty in this park. About 160 species of birds, 09 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. There are bamboo trees which are rare in other parks and wild elephants can be seen conveniently. The significant feature is that these elephants can be seen going closer to them. Proceed back to the hotel at Dambulla and enjoy the evening. Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulla.
(Dambulla / Polonnaruwa – Approximately 01 ½ Hrs)
Day 4 Trip to Dambulla Rock Temple, Matale and transfer to Kandy After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Kandy which is located in the hill country of Sri Lanka, on your way pay a visit to Dambulla Rock Temple. Golden temple and Rock caves in Dambulla. Dambulla is an exciting tourist destination situated in the central province of Sri Lanka. Approximately 150 Km away from Colombo. The world-renowned rock cave temple complex in Dambulla Golden Temple dated to the 2nd century BC is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical, religious, and unbelievable architectural value. This site has over 80 caves, some of which are used to practice deep meditation by Buddhist monks. This Rock temple has five different caves with 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu gods. The next stop will be a spice Garden in Matale where you will see different plants and spices of Sri Lanka. Continue the journey to Kandy. In the afternoon you will go on a city tour in Kandy to discover the city. Kandy, the city of wonders. Kandy is the hill capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by sky-kissing hills, green valleys, pure rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Kandy is also the cultural center of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage City. The most respected and celebrated Buddhist monument, the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is placed at the Dalada Maligawa, the temple of the tooth which is the most important attraction in Kandy. Buddhist devotees from all over the world visit this place all year round. KCC shopping mall, the ancient lake in the middle of the city, Gem museums, souvenir shops and many more modern and ancient attractions are available in Kandy. In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Later in the evening witness the Cultural Show. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
(Dambulla/ Kandy – Approximately 03 Hrs)
Day 5 Transfer to Nuwara Eliya Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya which is known as “Little England” due to its climatic conditions, vegetation, and geographical and ecological setups. Continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya, this is a famous place because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery is Sri Lanka's most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the Heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world's Best tea. Sri Lanka's highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia. You will see a few beautiful waterfalls, tea plantations and picturesque mountain ranges on your way up to Nuwara Eliya. You may stop at a restaurant and enjoy a cup of hot Ceylon Tea. Check in to the hotel and relax, you will love the chilling weather in Nuwara Eliya. In the evening you can explore Nuwara Eliya city while having a stroll along the Gregory Lake. Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
(Kandy/ Nuwara Eliya – Approximately 02 ½ Hrs)
Day 6 Transfer to Unawatuna Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Unawatuna which is in the down south coastal area of Sri Lanka. It’s time to get some sunburns on a tropical island. Continue the journey to Unawatuna. Unawatuna is a coastal town in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and is famous for its beautiful beaches and corals. It is a suburb of Galle, about 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) southeast of the city center and approximately 108 kilometers (67 mi) south of Colombo. Unawatuna is situated at an elevation of 5 meters (16 ft) above sea level. When you reach this area you will see Stilt fishermen on the sea who are sitting on a pole in the sea and trying to catch fish which is a spectacular view. Check in to the hotel and relax at the Hotel or just go a barefoot walk on the beach and breathe the salty sea breeze it’s a fantastic feeling. If you are into sea bathing now it’s your time to jump into the warm salty waters. Overnight stay at a hotel in Unawatuna.
(Nuwara Eliya/ Unawatuna – Approximately 05 ½ Hrs)
Day 7 Airport Drop-off Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo Airport for the departure flight. It’s time to say goodbye! See you soon again!
(Unawatuna / Airport – Approximately 03 Hrs)
