Duration

15 Days 14 nights

Locations

Airport – Negombo – Habarana - Dambulla - Sigiriya – Anuradhapura- Polonnaruwa – Medirigiriya -Kandy - Pinnawala - Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains -Tissa - Mirissa – Colombo – Airport

Genre

Nature, Heritage, Wild life, Beach stays.

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.

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

NEGOMBO – PINNAWALA - HABARANA

After breakfast checkout from the hotel to leave to visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala to witness the feeding to the baby elephants. The elephant orphanage is about 2 and half hour’s drive from the hotel and good chance for people to get up close and personal with the pachyderm. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage and breeding ground established in 1975 for abandoned elephants in Sri Lanka. Currently its home to one of the largest elephant herds in captivity in the world with more than 85 elephants.

Pinnawala was first established by Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka in 1975 on a 24 acre preserve near the town of Kegalle, halfway between Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and Kandy. The main purpose of the orphanage is to feed and provide care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that are found in the wild. In 1978, the orphanage was taken over by the Department of National Zoological Gardens, and in 1982 the breeding program was launched, It is good idea to go and have your lunch by the river while bathing elephants. After the orphanage, continue to Dambulla, Sigiriya or Habarana for overnight stay. 

Recommended Hotels: Heritance Kandalama-Cinnamon Lodge-Aliya Resort-Habarana Village-Camellia Resort & Spa-Amaya Lake

HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – POLNNARUWA – MEDIRIGIRIYA

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). 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

HABARANA – ANURADHAPRA – MIHINTALE – AUKANA

After enjoying breakfast, we will depart for Anuradhapura, a city renowned for its ancient ruins and rich history. As we explore this fascinating city, our expert guide will provide in-depth explanations of its notable landmarks, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Ruwanweliseya stupa, and the Abhayagiri Vihara monastery.

Next on our itinerary is Mihintale, a picturesque hilltop temple that holds great significance in Sri Lankan Buddhist history. Here, we will visit the Mihintale temple complex and learn about the revered monk Mahinda, who introduced Buddhism to the island nation over 2,000 years ago.

Our tour will then take us to the Aukana Buddha statue, an awe-inspiring 12-metre-tall sculpture carved from a single block of granite. This masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan art is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of standing Buddha statues in the world.

As the day draws to a close, we will return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.

FULL DAY LEISURE

This morning, after enjoying your breakfast, you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings of your resort. Today is a leisure day, so please feel free to relax by the poolside or participate in any of the various activities that we have to offer.

For those interested in wellness, we recommend trying our Ayurveda herbal massage, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Alternatively, you can embark on a scenic Village tour through the nearby village, where you can learn about the local culture and way of life. For the adventurous at heart, a thrilling Ride on an elephant is also available.

If you're looking for a more exhilarating experience, we highly recommend the Minneriya safari by hired jeep, where you can observe an array of exotic wildlife in their natural habitat. 

We would like to remind you that all of the activities mentioned above are completely optional and are not included in your package. However, we believe that they are a wonderful way to enhance your vacation and create unforgettable memories. Whether you are looking to explore the local area, experience new adventures or simply relax and unwind, we have something to suit every taste.

If you would like to take advantage of any of these activities, simply inform your guide and he will be more than happy to assist you with booking. Please note that you can make this decision on the same day, allowing you the flexibility to adjust your plans as desired.

HABARANA – DAMBULLA – 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 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 the 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 are 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 

KANDY – PERADENIYA GARDENS – PILIMATHALAWA (3 TEMPLES) – KANDY CITY TOUR

A City Tour of Kandy: Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Temples, and Cultural Heritage

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, is a city that abounds with historical, cultural, and natural treasures. One of the most popular attractions is the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, a vast and picturesque garden that houses a diverse collection of plants and trees from around the world. Visitors can explore the garden's many sections, including the orchid house, the spice garden, the bamboo grove, and the giant Javan fig tree.

After breakfast, visitors are encouraged to leave for Peradeniya Botanical Garden to experience its natural splendor. The garden is a perfect place to relax, take a stroll, and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. From there, visitors can proceed to visit three of the most famous temples in Kandy: Lankathilaka, Gadaladeniya, and Embekke.

Lankathilaka Temple is a towering structure built during the reign of King Buwanekabahu IV in the 14th century. It is renowned for its intricate stonework, magnificent statues, and beautiful frescoes. Gadaladeniya Temple, built during the Gampola period in the 14th century, is a fine example of South Indian architecture. Its main feature is a stone mandapa, or pavilion, with ornate carvings and sculptures. Finally, Embekke Temple is famous for its elaborate woodcarvings, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and everyday life.

After visiting the temples, visitors can return to Kandy and have a guided city tour. The tour includes a visit to the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple is the most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka and houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Visitors can watch the traditional rituals performed daily by the religious dignitaries of the temple, which are in keeping with the cultural heritage of the country.

At the end of the day, visitors can check in for dinner and an overnight stay.

KANDY - NUWARAELIYA

After breakfast checkout from the hotel to continue to Nuwaraeliya (little England) with this journey all the way through scenic tea gardens and waterfalls.  Visit the Tea Factory to watch how to process the tea before it reached to us.  (Optional) you have the opportunity to enjoy a brief train ride on your way to Nuwaraeliya. Your vehicle will travel ahead of you and pick you up from a predetermined railway station. (If you like to have a train journey, you must inform me at least one month minimum prior to booking the tickets. It has only limited seats in observation gallery; it can sometimes be difficult to organize quickly. Arrive Nuwaraeliya and check into hotel Heaven Seven for overnight stay.

NUWARAELIYA – HORTON PLAINS – ELLA

Early morning checkout with picnic breakfast packets to visit Horton plains – worlds end. Take your baggage with you. On completion continue to Ella and in the evening you can walk in to the small city. Overnight stay in Ambiente in Ella.

ELLA – BUDURUWAGALA – YALA(TISSA)

After breakfast checkout from the hotel to proceed to Yala National Park to have safari in the evening by hired 4x4 vehicle. You are passing so many wonderful scenery such as Rawana waterfall, Ella gap. Enroute visit Buduruwagala ancient statue. Continue to Tissa and check in to hotel Chandrika / Hibiscus for overnight stay.

YALA - MIRISSA

After breakfast checkout from the hotel to proceed to Kataragama historical temple. Then continue to famous Mirissa for beach stay. Checking to Paradise beach club for dinner and overnight stay.

(Mirissa beach is the one of the finest beach in this part of Sri Lanka. According to your interest you can extend your beach stay as you wish. Please inform me how many days would you like to stay.)

MIRISSA – Morning you can go on Whales watching. Evening leisure on most famous beach on southern coast.

MIRISSA - Leisure

MIRISSA - Leisure

COLOMBO - AIRPORT

Transfer to the airport to connect to your flight. (Reporting time at airport 2 hours before flight as required by an airline)