Sri Lanka 18 Day Tour Package

After breakfast, transfer to Sigiriya and visit Minneriya National Park in the evening. Established as a national park in 1997, Minneriya is located in North Central Province and was originally a wildlife sanctuary. The park protects the Minneriya tank, built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, and serves as a dry-season feeding ground for elephants. It's also one of Sri Lanka's 70 Important Bird Areas. Stay at EKHO Sigiriya, a 20-room property near the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offering elegant Sri Lankan designs, local cuisine, and a true Sri Lankan cultural experience.

After breakfast, visit Sigiriya Rock and take a Hiriwaduna Village Tour. Sigiriya, also known as Sinhagiri, is an ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka's Central Province, chosen by King Kasyapa (477-495 CE) as his capital. The fortress, built atop a 200-meter rock, features a lion-shaped gateway and colorful frescoes. The Hiriwaduna Village Tour offers an immersive local experience, beginning with a trek to a manmade reservoir followed by a peaceful boat ride. A bullock cart ride through paddy fields leads to a traditional village house where you'll enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch before returning by Jeep.

After breakfast, transfer to Kandy and visit the Spice Garden and Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Sri Lanka's spice trade, especially cinnamon, has a rich history dating back to the 1400s, when European sailors began seeking these valuable spices, leading to Portuguese influence in Sri Lanka. Peradeniya Botanical Garden, established in 1821, spans 60 hectares and is home to 4,000 plant species, including many rare and endemic plants. Highlights include the Orchid House and scenic views along the Mahaweli River. Stay at Hotel Topaz in Kandy, offering luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.

After breakfast, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, attend a Cultural Dance show, and tour Kandy. Kandy, a major city in Sri Lanka's Central Province, was the last capital of the ancient kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, located in the royal palace complex, is a significant Buddhist worship site. The Cultural Dance show features Sri Lanka's three main classical dance styles: Kandyan, low country, and Sabaragamuwa dances, each with its own cultural and ritualistic significance. Kandy is known for its blend of administrative and religious importance.

After breakfast, transfer to Nuwara Eliya and visit the Hanuman Temple and Ramboda Tunnel. The Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, built by the Chinmaya Mission, features a 16-foot black granite Hanuman idol and is located near the Kotmale Reservoir. The Ramboda Tunnel, the longest in Sri Lanka at 225 meters, provides a thrilling experience for travelers. Galway Heights, a charming hotel in Nuwara Eliya, offers comfortable accommodations and a cozy atmosphere amidst the hill country's greenery. Enjoy an overnight stay at Galway Heights Hotel, experiencing Sri Lanka's hospitality and scenic beauty.

After breakfast, visit Horton Plains National Park, New Zealand Farm, and take a city tour in Nuwara Eliya. Known as "Little England," Nuwara Eliya is a charming city in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, famed for its tea production and colonial-era charm. Situated at 1,868 meters altitude, it features British-style bungalows and gardens. The New Zealand Farm, part of Ambewela Farms, offers visitors a glimpse into high-quality dairy production, benefiting from the cool hill country climate and advanced farming practices.

After breakfast, transfer to Ella with a scenic train journey from Colombo Fort. This train ride offers stunning views of Sri Lanka’s tea estates and countryside. In Ella, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, a 99.6-foot high viaduct known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. The bridge, constructed during World War I with stone and cement due to a steel shortage, is a marvel of local engineering. Stay at Heaven's Edge Ella, a luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of the Ella Gap, Little Adam’s Peak, and Rawana Falls. The hotel, perched at 3,300 feet, provides a serene escape in the lush hill country.

Breakfast at the Hotel, feel free & relax at the hotel. Ella Welcome to everyone’s favorite hill-country village. It’s a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The views through Ella Gap are stunning, and on a clear night you can even spy the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Don’t be too laid-back though; definitely make time for easygoing walks through tea plantations to temples, waterfalls and viewpoints. Halpewatte Tea Factory, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Ella Falls, the famous Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock are some of the highlights you must visit during your stay I Ella.

After breakfast, transfer to Mirissa for a relaxing stay at Paradise Beach Club. Established in 1983, the resort now offers 42 well-equipped cabanas, including 20 with cable TV, mini-bar, and telephone, plus a common swimming pool. Each room has a sea view, providing stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy golden beaches, sunset views with stick fishermen, and a seafood feast. The resort is renowned for its serene atmosphere, ideal for long beach walks and surfing. Paradise Beach Club has built a loyal clientele over the years. Overnight at the resort.

After breakfast, visit Coconut Hills, go whale watching, and see stilt fishing in Mirissa. Located 125 miles from Colombo, Mirissa is known for its pristine, surf-friendly beaches and is a popular spot for whale and dolphin watching. Coconut Tree Hill offers stunning views of Mirissa Bay and is a short walk from the beach. Stilt fishing, a traditional method introduced to Sri Lanka post-World War II, involves fishermen standing on stilts in shallow waters to catch fish. This unique practice, which was interrupted by the 2004 tsunami, has resumed and remains a fascinating aspect of Sri Lankan culture.

After breakfast, transfer to Galle and enjoy your time at the hotel. The Thaproban Beach House, located in Unawatuna, offers a perfect retreat with views of Sri Lanka's beautiful coastline. Known historically as Tamba-panni, Sri Lanka boasts a rich heritage and diverse attractions, from tropical beaches and adventure sports to spiritual and self-healing experiences. The island features over 200 kilometers of beaches and misty mountains, along with friendly locals and delicious food. At Thaproban Beach House, enjoy the serene environment and excellent facilities for a memorable stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Galle to explore Galle Fort and the city. Galle Fort, located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, was initially built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. The fort features a blend of European and South Asian architecture and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance. It showcases the interaction of different architectural styles from the 16th to 19th centuries. Today, the fort has a diverse population and is managed by both the Sri Lankan government and Dutch property owners, aiming to be recognized as a modern wonder.

After breakfast, transfer to Bentota to explore various attractions. Visit the Mask Museum in Ambalangoda, known for its traditional wooden masks used in Sri Lankan dance rituals. Next, see the Turtle Hatchery, which protects endangered sea turtles and their eggs. Enjoy a boat tour on the Madu River, a key wetland ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Optional water sports are available in Bentota. Stay at EKHO Surf Hotel, offering a serene beach experience with luxurious rooms and stunning ocean views on Sri Lanka's longest stretch of beach.

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for a city tour. Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital, is known for its cosmopolitan vibe with trendy eateries, galleries, and shops. Key sights include the Old Parliament Building, a Neo-Baroque structure built during British colonial rule; Independence Memorial Hall, commemorating Sri Lanka's 1948 independence; and Gangaramaya Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple and cultural center. Visit the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, a historic building now serving as a shopping and dining precinct. Stay overnight at the Grandbell Hotel, featuring modern amenities, a rooftop pool, spa, and diverse dining options.

Breakfast at the hotel, Last Day of the Tour & departure transfer to the airport.