You are here: Home / Packages / Experience Sri Lanka Through Your Own Eyes
Duration |
13 nights 14 Days |
Locations |
Airport – Negombo – Anuradhapura – Habarana – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla - Matale - Kandy – Nuwaraeliya – Ella – Yala – Mirissa - Colombo - Airport |
Genre |
Heritage, Safari, Leisure, Beach stay |
Meal plan |
Half board (Including dinner and breakfast) |
Ref |
2290 / 2023 |
Welcome to CYRIL TOURS exciting itinerary for your upcoming trip! Please note that the time given is only for travelling, and we have carefully planned the itinerary to ensure that you get the most out of your trip. The costing has been done for the hotel given, but if you need hotels in the “Recommended Hotels” category, please inform me. It's worth mentioning that some hotels in the “Recommended Hotels” category can be expensive. But we have selected the given hotels as they are of high quality and will provide you with the best experience during your stay.
Day 1 - AIRPORT - NEGOMBO
Arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. You will be met with and welcomed by CYRIL TOURS representative upon your arrival and transferred to hotel in Negombo located near the airport for overnight stay. Negombo just 20 minutes from the airport.
Recommended Hotels: Heritance Negombo, Suriya, Goldi Sands
Day 2 - NEGOMBO - ANURADHAPURA
After breakfast checkout from the hotel to proceed to Anuradhapura, 1st capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Enroute you are visiting Elephant Orphanage (optional) in Pinnawala. After it continue Anuradhapura. Checking to Palm Garden Village hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Evening can have a guided city tour of Anuradhapura. You will see huge pagodas (Ruvanveliseya, Jethavanaramaya, Abhaya giriya etc.) Jethavanaramaya still world’s tallest brick building, just 2nd to pyramids in Egypt. World’s oldest tree (Sri Maha Bodhi Tree), Twin ponds, Samadhi statue etc. End of the day return to hotel.
Day 03 - ANURADHAPURA – MIHINTALE - AUKANA – HABARANA
After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed with our itinerary and check out to depart for Habarana. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to visit two noteworthy sites, Mihintale and Aukana.
Mihintale is a historically significant location, revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is situated on a hilltop and features a number of ancient ruins and temples. A visit to Mihintale offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.
Aukana is renowned for its impressive statue of Buddha, which stands at an awe-inspiring 42 feet tall. This impressive feat of ancient craftsmanship is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka.
After exploring these two remarkable sites, we will continue our journey to Habarana, where we will spend the night in comfort and relaxation.
Recommended Hotels: Heritance Kandalama - Cinnamon Lodge - Aliya Resort - Habarana Village - Camellia Resort & Spa - Amaya Lake
Day 04- HABARANA - SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTERSS - POLONNARUWA – HABARANA
Breakfast in the hotel and leave to visit to Sigiriya the “The Lion Mountain” in the morning. Sigiriya present a unique concentration of fifth- century urban planning, gardening, engineering, hydraulic technology and art. In 470 AD Kashyapa the son of a non-royal consort of the king, took over the kingdom after committing patricide. He built his magnificent palace on the top of this 200meters high rock fearing the wrath of the crown prince Moghallana. The architectural wonder is famous for pleasure gardens, extensive moats and ramparts and mainly it’s well-preserved rock paintings, of the beautiful “Cloud damsels” seen half up the rock and the “Lion stairway” that provides access to the summit. The complex of the fortress on the plains around the rock extends over 15 hectares.
In Sigiriya you can have a Village tour (Nature walk) (OPTIONAL) Return to hotel for overnight stay.
On completion proceed to Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa the Medieval Kingdom from the 11th to 13th century. The great ruler King Parakramabahu 1st (1153-1186) reign was the highest peak of the agricultural development of the island with the subtitle of “Granary of the East” with the development of a vast and complex irrigation systems connected to “Sea of Parakramabahu”, the largest reservoir builds in the history of Sri Lanka. Ethnic harmony prevailed between the Sinhalese and the Tamils during this period. Buddhist and the Hindu temples located in the same complex and many other ruins symbolizes this fact. The palaces, huge granite sculptures and the massive tanks and complex irrigation systems built by the great kings convey the extent of development that existed in this middle history period. On the way back to hotel visit Minneriya safari .
In the evening you can have a famous “Ayurveda herbal massage” is done by well experienced therapists. No chemicals, only herbs. (Optional)
There is a local dance performance which you will enjoy in the town in the late afternoon, which is performing traditional upcountry dances and fire-walking etc. (Optional)
End of the day return to hotel dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05 - DAMBULLA - MATALE - KANDY
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Kandy, en route you visiting the Golden Rock Cave Temple of Dambulla. Dambulla is renowned for its cave
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Kandy, en route you visiting the Golden Rock Cave Temple of Dambulla. Dambulla is renowned for its cave temple, which were built by King Valagambahu in the 1st century BC in gratitude for the shelter he sought in the caves when fleeing from Indian invaders. Sighted on gigantic granite outcrop, which towers more than 160m above the surrounding land, the caves are completely covered by ancient frescoes depicting religious and secular scenes. Protected within the caves are hundreds of statues of Buddha, many carved out of the rock itself, of which the largest is the 15m long Dying Buddha.
While continuing to Kandy, on the way (in Matale) you will have a chance to visit a spice plantation that grows a variety of spices such as cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg, for which Sri Lanka was renowned and initially colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. You could also visit the Batik factory and watch the production of artistic fabric. Continue to Kandy. Check into hotel in Kandy.
Kandy is the old capital of Ceylon and the seat of the last Sinhalese Kingdom. It is a charming city with the most important Buddhist temple in the country and is set in peaceful wooded valley overlooking a vast manmade lake. Kandy’s ancient official lake sits amongst rolling hills that are covered by forests and tea plantations. There is a fantastic view from the upper lake where you can see the whole city of Kandy. Wandering about in Kandy is a fun experience, with cross roads and interconnecting byroads – all forming and intertwined complex. Most pavements are dominated by the vendors selling garments. Lotteries, toys and variety of fancy items – making passing through look almost impossible especially during festive seasons. The main market is in the heart of the town is frequented often for its array of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat stalls, sweets, cloths, fancy goods and what not ……!
Kandy is a great place to buy gemstones, sapphires of all colors, rubies, tourmalines and many precious and semiprecious stones can all be found here. Visitors are also invited to have a look around the workshops, where they will be able to see the design, and cutting, polishing and setting processes.
Recommended Hotels: Golden Crown - Earls Regency - Grand Kandyan - Mahaweli Reach - Cinnamon Citadel - Thilanka - Amaya Hills - Suisse - Queens
Day 06 - KANDY - CITY TOUR
After breakfast leave to visit the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, initially a royal park in 1821 under British rule it became a botanical garden. Here exotic crops, such as coffee. Tea, Nutmeg, Rubber and Cinchona (quinine) – an all of which were to become important to the country’s economy were first tested. The botanical gardens are fantastic with and excellent Orchid House, and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world. For keen gardeners, at least a morning is recommended to visit garden, possibly longer.
Experience the awe-inspiring Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, also known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses one of the most revered relics of Buddhism - a tooth of the Buddha collected from his funeral pyre. Built within the Royal palace complex, this gold-roofed temple is the sole surviving relic of Buddha and has played a significant role in local politics since ancient times. According to tradition, whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country, prompting ancient kings to protect it with utmost care.
As the former capital of the Sinhalese kings from 1592 to 1815, Kandy's strategic location amidst the mountainous terrain and difficult approach made it an impregnable fortress. Today, the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in part due to the temple's historical and cultural significance.
When planning your visit to the temple, kindly note that appropriate attire is essential. To show respect, please refrain from wearing caps and shorts. It is advisable to dress in a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt or blouse, a gown. Skirt, or pants that are longer than knee-length. Additionally, shoes and slippers are not allowed inside the temple premises and must be left outside. However, wearing socks is permitted.
At the end of the day return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07 - KANDY - NUWARAELIYA
After enjoying breakfast, we will proceed towards Nuwara Eliya, also known as "little England" due to its picturesque beauty resembling that of a typical English countryside. En route, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a brief train ride, subject to availability, while your vehicle travels ahead to pick you up from a predetermined railway station. This optional activity requires a reservation of seats one month in advance, and confirmation at least six weeks prior to the tour.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, we will visit a factory to learn about the tea-growing and processing methods that have made Sri Lanka one of the world's foremost tea exporters. Afterward, we will check into our hotel, situated 1900 meters above sea level, to enjoy a cool and comfortable overnight stay with dinner provided.
In the evening, you are free to explore the charming city of Nuwara Eliya at your own leisure.
Nuwara Eliya meaning "City on the plain (table land)" or "city of light", is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.
Recommended Hotels: Grand Hotel- Araliya Green City - Araliya Green Hills - St. Andrews - Hill Club -Heaven Seven
Day 08 – NUAWARAELIYA – HORTON PLAINS – ELLA
HORTON PLANES IS OPTIONAL
If you willing to visit Horton Planes, you must inform to hotel reception on the previous night with time of departure to prepare your packeted breakfast. Because you have to leave the hotel around 5am. Also, if you are checkout to go to another city or hotel you have to settle all the bills in the previous night.
Early morning visit Horton Plains by hired van or jeep. They are best viewed at sunrise as the mist is less likely to spoil the view at that time of day. A road journey and the 2 – 3-hour work passes through heartland with giant ferns, terraced vegetable gardens and tropical, mist – shrouded forest, where tree branches poke sky wards like gnarled fingers You reach big world’s end after a 5km walk from the entrance. The view from the sheer 1000m (3300-ft) drop is awesome. With luck there will be no mist to impede the panorama over the plains. Baker’s fall is one of the most interesting places during this tour.
This walk will take around 3 - 4 hours. If you don’t want to visit Horton Plains, we can check out the hotel around 8am to go to Ella. Arrive to Ella and checking to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Recommended Hotels: 98 Acres-Flower Garden Hotel-Mount Heaven - Sky Green - Mountain Heaven
DAY 09 – ELLA
Have your breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast leave to visit Little Adam’s Peak. This is very famous point in Ella. Then leave to visit 9 Arch bridge. After those places visit small but very interesting Ella City. So many restaurants. You can see highest number of tourists in Ella than the other places. If you wish I will arrange Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration in Ella with extra cost.
DAY 10 – ELLA-BUDURUWAGALA – YALA
After enjoying breakfast, we will proceed to Yala, with a stopover to view the beautiful Rawana waterfall. This waterfall is located in the midst of the lush green forest, and the water cascades down to a height of around 25m, creating a breathtaking sight. We will also visit the ancient temple of Buduruwagala en route. This temple houses seven statues, including the tallest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, carved out of a single rock. Afterward, we will continue our journey and have lunch at Tissamaharamaya, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants.
Upon arrival in Yala, we will check into our hotel and proceed to the Yala National Park for an evening safari by a hired 4x4 vehicle. Yala National Park, which covers an area of 1570 sq. km, was established in 1938 and is situated in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka. The park boasts of a variety of habitats, including scrub jungle, blackish lagoons, lakes, and rivers, and is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including approximately 500 elephants and 120 leopards. Other animals that can be spotted here include wild buffaloes, sambar and spotted deer, sloth bears, macaques and langur monkeys, jackals, mongooses, and wild boar. The park is also home to a large number of crocodiles and a rich birdlife, with over 130 species recorded here, including many migratory species.
Peacocks are a common sight throughout the park, while jungle fowl, the national bird of Sri Lanka, can also be spotted waddling around. The park is home to a range of aquatic birds, including various storks, sandpipers, pelicans, egrets, herons, ibises, kingfishers, and the magnificent Indian darter. The park also has birds of prey such as the hawk eagle and colorful smaller species, including green and blue bee-eaters, hoopoes, parakeets, and bulbuls. The best time to visit the park is from December to March. While the park is usually closed in September, we will check its status as sometimes it may open for visitors. If it is closed, we will make arrangements to visit the Wilpattu National Park in Anuradhapura.
After an exciting day of wildlife sightings, we will return to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Recommended Hotels: Cinnamon Wild - Jetwing Yala - Kithala Resort– Hibiscus - Charya - The Safari (EKHO)
Day 11 - YALA – MIRISSA
Following breakfast, we kindly request that you proceed with the checkout process from the hotel to continue your journey towards Mirissa, where you will enjoy your beach stay. Mirissa is a renowned coastal town situated in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, which is highly regarded for its stunning beaches and a plethora of attractions.
Upon arrival, take a moment to bask in the invigorating sea air while taking in the breathtaking view of the golden sandy beaches that stretch along the coastline. Our chosen hotels for your stay in Mirissa are the luxurious and all of are located on the beachfront.
Upon checking into your selected hotel, you will be treated to a sumptuous dinner, and you will spend the night enjoying the comforts and facilities of the hotel. We highly recommend indulging in the various activities available, including surfing, whale watching, and soaking up the sun on the beach.
Overall, your beach stay in Mirissa promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering you the perfect blend of relaxation, comfort, and adventure.
Recommended Hotels: Paradise Beach Club, Marriott, W15
Day 12 – MIRISSA AT LEISURE
We have included a visit to Mirissa in our travel itinerary because of its beautiful beach, it is also an ideal place for whale watching. We will spend a considerable amount of time indulging in the sights and sounds of this picturesque location. The rest of the day will be at leisure, giving us the opportunity to explore and enjoy the surrounding areas at our own pace.
Day 13 – MIRISSA – COLOMBO
After breakfast, we kindly request that you check out from the hotel to proceed to the City of Galle. Upon arrival, we will take a leisurely walk on Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. As we explore the fort, we will learn about its fascinating history and significance.
Our journey will continue to Colombo, with a scenic drive that passes through the Tsunami damaged areas and stops at a Turtle Hatchery. At the hatchery, we will learn about the conservation efforts to protect sea turtles and their habitats.
We will then have a memorable boat ride on Madu River, a beautiful waterway that flows through mangrove forests and connects to the sea. During the boat ride, we will admire the scenic beauty of the river and its surroundings.
If time permits, we will also have a guided city tour in Colombo, a vibrant city that is rich in cultural sights and Buddhist temples. During the tour, we will drive through the city's commercial center, where grand colonial-era buildings stand alongside modern hotels and office structures. We will also explore the bustling markets and bazaars in Pettah, where you can pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
After our exciting day of sightseeing, we will check into our hotel in Colombo for dinner and an overnight stay.
Recommended Hotels: Cinnamon Grand - Colombo Hilton - Kingsbury -Taj Samudra – Cinnamon Lakeside – Galadari – Ramada – Mandarina – Wonder Colombo
Day 14 – COLOMBO – AIRPORT
As your two-week journey in Sri Lanka comes to a close, we bid you farewell with fond memories of your time spent here. We sincerely hope that your experiences have been enriching and enjoyable. We encourage you to provide any feedback or suggestions regarding your travels, as we are committed to continuously improving our services.
Please be advised that the departure time for your flight is fast approaching, and we kindly remind you to make necessary arrangements to be at the airport at least 2.30 hours before your scheduled flight time. If there are any last-minute activities or attractions you wish to visit before your departure, please do not hesitate to inform us so that we can assist you accordingly.
Once again, we appreciate your trust and support in choosing our services for your Sri Lankan adventure. We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Package including
Package not including of:
TICKETS INCLUDING FOR
Airport entry, parking and paging | Sigiriya | Safari | Ella 9 arch bridge |
Colombo, Kandy, Galle city tours | Ayurveda massage | Dambulla temple | Little Adam’s Peak |
Anuradhapura | Village tour | Kandy Tooth Temple | River safari |
Mihintale | Sigiriya | Cultural show | Turtle hatchery |
Aukana | Polonnaruwa | Botanical garden | Many more |
Should you find this itinerary appealing or wish to modify it to suit your preferences, kindly reach out to me. To obtain a quote for the tour's cost or to make any changes or additions to the itinerary, please fill out the "Contact Us" form on our website, or complete the table contents below and send it to the email address provided. For further inquiries or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact me via mobile or WhatsApp at 00 94 777 366 633, or by emailing ct@cyriltours.com. You may also visit our website at www.cyriltours.com for more information. If you would like to request changes to the itinerary, such as the meal basis, hotel duration, or any other requests, please provide us with the necessary details when you contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with a memorable tour experience. Kind regards, CYRIL TOURS
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 "Dear Cyril, We want to thank you so much for making our trip so unforgetable and delightful. We received your name from our friends lives in Geneva who travelled with you in January 2009 and they gave you such a high recommendation that we decided to conbtact you for our two weeks trip this year. Although we have been to Sri Lanka a few times already. We have never found such an excellent driver and guide. It has been a great pleasure to visit Colombo with you and then to Koggala for two day tr..." Mr.Gabor Kato & Mrs.Ann Kato
 "We had excellent 8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia
 " Dear Cyril, We are fortunate to have you as a friend here in Sri Lanka. You are extremly Knowledgeable and more than ever - having an attitude of helpful nature and the willingness to solve issues on hand whilst on our tour around Sri Lanka. As I have said to you we will reccommend you to all our friends who wish to tour in Sri Lanka. My family Karen, Kalvin and Andre also liked your company and wish you and your family well. God bless you all and we will keep in touch, for sur..." Alwyn Santhumayor & family
 "Thank you so much for wonderful Sri Lanka trip.We had a great time. The trip was very relaxing as well as fun. My daughter MAHI who lovingly started calling you "Cyril Dada"(grand farther) Had a memorable trip. She cannot stop talking about elephants. Our trip to Sri Lanka will be full of great memories, its because of you. Thank you for showing us your beautiful country the way we wanted, eating local food, lots of King coconut and Corn stops. We will be surely coming back to see rest o..." Mithil Patel
 "We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia
 "Cyril was our driver and guide for the last nine days. We had the comfortable white Toyota van shown in the pic - it was just as clean and shiny, and not a scratch on it. He is clearly a very skilled driver. He is particularly knowledgeable about the history of the many places we visited. We were pleased we had Cyril as our driver. He had been recommended to us by an acquaintance. Andrew Speirs Melbourne, Australia Travel period 04 Jan - 12 Jan 2018" Mr. Andrew an Mrs. Suzy Speirs from Australia
 "Cyril was an excellent guide and gave us a very good insight into the history and cultures of Sri Lanka. He was always polite, helpful and prompt. His driving was always calm and controlled - unlike some of the other vehicles we saw!!! We would recommend him to others traveling to Sri Lanka. WH - UK - January 2011" Wilson Harland
 "We are glad to meet Cyril. He is very kind and patient, very professional in his work. He have lot of knowledge about history of the places and the things that happened in Sri Lanka. He knows all the roads and places very well. Very friendly and stand on time. The tour he recommended us and places were excellent. He replied immediately for mails which we send. He was flexible when we asked him to stop in different places and to change our program. He speaks very good English and explanations..." Ruty Ben Haim from Isarel
 "Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver
 "CyrilWe are now back at home after the lovely time with you in Sri Lanka, andvisiting Hong Kong.Thank you for driving for us while we were in Sri Lanka.In particular, we appreciated - your smooth, calm and efficient driving through varied traffic conditions - your calmness when things did not go quite as expected - your being available at all times of day - I'm remembering our late arrival at the airport, and our late departure - your information about all sorts of ..." Cliff Hooker and Jean from Australia