BEST OF SRI LANKA - COACH TOUR - 17 DAYS

OVERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sigiriya
  • Kandy
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • yala
  • Mirissa

Airport  >   Sigiriya  >  Polonnaruwa  >  Kandy  >  Nuwara Eliya  >  Ella  > Yala  >  Tangalle  >  Mirissa  >  Negombo  >  Airport

Day 01.

Sigiriya

  • Route :  Airport >  Sigiriya
  • Drive  :  3 Hours
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight  : At Leisure Sigiriya

WELCOME TO THE MAGICAL COUNTRY….

At the Airport you all will be greeted by our SURANGATOURS representative and your chauffeur guide who will take you all into the old city of Sigiriya. After check – in at your hotel, relax and recover from any jet lag. If you have spare time or feel comfortable, walk around the farming village area and enjoy the peaceful beauty of glorious Sigiriya. Overnight Sigiriya.

Day 02.

Minneriya

  • Route  :  Sigiriya  >  Minneriya  > Sigiriya
  • Drive   :  2 Hours Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : The 5 Century Sigiriya Rock  Fortress, Elephant Safari at Minneriya National Park, Sunset in Pidurangala Rock

In the morning, visit the world-famous 5th Century Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy an elephant safari at Minneriya National Park. Late in the afternoon, drive to Pidurangala and enjoy the stunning sunset on Pidurangala rock above. Evening at leisure. Overnight Sigiriya

 

Day 03.

Polonnaruwa

  • Route : Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > Sigiriya
  • Drive  : 2 Hours and 30 Minutes Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : Discover Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, visit the famous ancient city of Polonnaruwa. In the 12th century AD, the mediaeval capital of Polonnaruwa was one of the great urban centres in South Asia. Today, the well-preserved ruins give you the chance to experience the grandeur of this period and marvel at the artistry of the island’s early craftsmen. Located 142 km from Colombo, Polonnaruwa was the island’s second ancient capital. Many of the exciting ruins owe their construction to PARAKRAMABAHU the Great, the last in a sequence of warrior-kings who developed the city on a lavish scale. He is also credited with the massive artificial lake that lies to the west of the city, the Sea of Parakrama.

After a full day of exploring, head back to the hotel, well and truly satisfied. What a day! This has definitely been one to remember. Evening at leisure. Overnight Sigiriya

 

Day 04.

Kandy

  • Route :  Sigiriya  >  Kandy
  • Drive  :  3 Hours Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight  :  The royal rock cave temple Dambulla,  Herbal  and Spice garden , Kandy cultural dance performance, Temple of the Sacred tooth Relic

After breakfast, we proceed to the island heart of Kandy, visiting Dambulla Rock Cave Temple and the Herbal and Spice Garden en route. Laying beneath the vast dark rock of Dambulla is the largest and best preserved Buddhist cave-temple and monastery complex in Sri Lanka, dating to the 3rd century BC. This extensive complex has five cave sanctuaries and all of its ceilings and sides are painted with Buddhist murals that cover an area of 2100 square metres, the elaborate imagery carefully following the contours of the rock. In addition, there are a total of 157 statues in various sizes depicting Lord Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and images of different gods and goddesses. This amazing complex, which has served as a site of Buddhist pilgrimage for over 22 centuries, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

After the royal cave temple, our next visit was to the herbal and spice garden. In a herbal garden, you will learn about Sri Lankan spices and the health properties of herbs. Spice plants, including cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, coffee, nutmeg, pepper, cardamon, aloevera, iriweriya (tulsi) and the henna plant.

Afterwards, the journey continues to Kandy. Nestled amidst lush mountains in the north of the island’s hill country, the royal city of Kandy, 116km from Colombo, was home to Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom, surviving two centuries of colonial incursions by the Portuguese and the Dutch before falling to the British in 1815. The legacy of this proud tradition lives on today in the form of the city’s distinctive architecture, art, and dance. Home to the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha, the tooth relic is of great spiritual significance. Each year in July or August, there is the Esala Perahara, a spectacular display of mediaeval pageantry that includes caparisoned elephants, fire dancers, and Kandyan drummers.

In the evening, after arriving in Kandy, attend a Kandy cultural dance performance and visit the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Overnight Kandy.

Day 05.

Kandy

  • Route : Kandy 
  • Drive : A Half day city tour 
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : Royal Botanical Garden,  Kandy Shopping 

After breakfast, we depart for our visit to the famous Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. This world-famous botanical garden is situated 1600 feet above sea level at Peradeniya, facing the Kandy-Colombo main road. This world-famous garden, which has a horseshoe shaped land extent of 147 acres, is the main botanical garden in Sri Lanka. A diversity of endemic, indigenous, and exotic plants are in this garden. The most attractive sections of this garden are the orchid house, fern garden, great circle of double coconut palm trees, spice garden, Lanka pond, cactus plants in a shady hut, palm avenues, herbal garden, and collection of ebony trees. The picturesque view of this garden is enhanced by the Mahaweli River, which encircles this wonderful botanical garden and the suspension bridge.

After a wonderful time at the Royal Botanical Garden, visit the highly famous Kandy View Point and enjoy the panoramic city view from the top. Later, enjoy your exciting Kandy shopping by visiting GEM & JEWELLERY, SILK AND BATIK, LEATHER, WOOD CRAFTS, and beautiful HANDICRAFT factories. An evening walk around the beautiful Kandy lake Overnight Kandy.

 

Day 06.

Nuwara Eliya

  • Route :  Kandy >  Nuwara Eliya
  • Drive  :  3 Hours Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : Tea Factory and Plantation,  Breathtaking Mountain Views

After breakfast  today we proceed to the beautiful TEA carpeted hill country of Nuwara Eliya, via – Ramboda pass – (A 5) Road. Ramboda water falls , lush green tea hills, are beautiful scenery on your journey. While you visit a Tea factory, tasting the best cup of Tea is fantastic. Spend the rest of your day exploring this great city. Overnight Nuwara Eliya.

OPTIONAL –  Horton Plains National Park

Day 07.

Ella

  • Route : Nuwara Eliya  >  Ella
  • Drive  : 3 – 4 Hours Train Journey
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight :  Enjoy the scenic Train Journey

After breakfast, spend more laid-back hours in this beautiful city. In the early afternoon, transfer to the Nanu Oya railway station and board the Ella train (12:45). While you get your exciting train ride experience, enjoy those incredible landscaping views you pass by. Evening at leisure. Overnight Ella

 

Day 08.

Ella

  • Route : Ella
  • Drive  :  A full Day Walking Tour
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : The Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock

After breakfast this morning, visit the highly picturesque Nine Arch Bridge and the breathtaking Little Adam’s Peak. Later, enjoy walking on the famous Ella Rock and soaking up the panoramic view from above. After building up a hiking-inspired appetite, look forward to Sri Lanka’s best home-cooked food and the minisplurge of an extended Ayurvedic treatment. Overnight Ella

 

Day 09.

Yala

  • Route :  Ella > Yala
  • Drive  :  2 And Half Hour Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : Leopard Safari at the Yala National Park, Ravana Ella Waterfall

After breakfast, proceed to Yala, visiting the breathtaking Ravana Ella fall enroute. A short 6km drive from Ella Gap towards Wellawaya, Ravana Ella Falls are stunning. Ravana Ella is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. 

While you spend some time at Ravana Falls, afterwards, the journey continues to Yala via Wellawaya-Thanamalvila (A2) Road. Once in Yala, join  for an afternoon jeep safari at Yala National Park. Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems, ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 important bird areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species, including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that have been recorded in the park is 44, and it has one of the highest LEOPARD densities in the world. 

Day 10.

Tangalle

  • Route : Yala > Tangalle
  • Drive  : 1 Hour Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight :  At leisure Tangalle beach

It’s beach season! EXCITING..

After enjoying nature surroundings  lovely breakfast, we proceed to the famous Tangalle. Tangalle Beach encapsulates all that is alluring about this part of Sri Lanka: An unspoiled stretch of sand and the constant crash of waves make the area popular with both sunseekers and surfers. Take a break from the sun-worshipping and wander nearby among the secluded, rocky coves, the water frothing at your feet.

Once in Tangalle, rest and relax on a beach. Spend the evening checking out the city’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene at your leisure. Overnight Tangalle

OPTIONAL-Surfing in Hiriketiya Beach

Day 11.

Tangalle

  • Route : Tangalla
  • Drive  :
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : Turtles viewing Tour

A full day to rest and relax. After breakfast, spend the full day resting and relaxing at Tangalle Beach. Enjoy the evening turtle viewing tour at Rakowa beach and see baby turtles flapping across the sand towards the sea.

Overnight Tangalle

Optional – Bundala National Park 

 

Day 12.

Mirissa

  • Route : Tangalle > Mirissa
  • Drive  : 1 Hour Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : Visit the Coconut tree Hills,  At  Leisure Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is your destination today. After breakfast, a short drive brings you to the highly attractive Mirissa. Crack open a coconut, slip into a hammock, and rock gently in the breeze, allowing the hours, days, and even weeks to slip calmly by. Welcome to Mirissa, a stunning crescent beach. Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Mirissa’s beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination. It is also a fishing port and one of the island’s main whale and dolphin watching locations.

Once in Mirissa,  spent the full day relaxing at Mirissa Beach . In the evening, visit Sri Lanka’s highly famous INSTAGRAMMABLE spots of coconut tree hills, enjoy the best views in the area and watch the stunning sunset. Overnight Mirissa

 

Day 13.

Mirissa

  • Route : Mirissa
  • Drive  : 3 – 5 Hour  Cruise Tour
  • Hotel – On Request
  • Highlight : Whale and Dolphin watching tour 

Fill – up on your early breakfast,  be ready at time, and set off on a Cruise to see the magnificent creatures up close and personal. Mirissa is the ideal place for WHALE and DOLPHIN watching between the months of November to April, as the waters become a playground for a myriad of whales and dolphin species. The chances of spotting whales during November – April are 98%. You might  be able to spot  BLUE WHALES,  The world’s  largest living mammal. You may also see massive BRYDE’S whales, LONG SPERM whales with their calves, SPEARLIKE FIN  whales, and the intimidating  ORCA, or KILLER whales, and DOLPHINS. It is an unforgettable experience and must- see at ones in a life.  After your wonderful  and exciting Cruise experience, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and dreaming of more adventure tomorrow. Overnight Mirissa.

 

Day 14.

Negombo

  • Route : Mirissa > Negombo
  • Drive  : 3 Hours Drive
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : The Dutch Fort of Galle

After breakfast, proceed to Negombo, visiting Galle Dutch Fort en route. The Dutch Fort (Galu Kotuwa), also known as the “Ramparts of Galle,” was built by the Portuguese in 1588 in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, and was extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards.The fort has a colourful history and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by UNESCO, and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria IV, for its unique exposition of “an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This historic city is a delight to explore for food. An endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques, churches, grand mansions, museums, and old, stylish cafes. Most travellers are utterly seduced by Galle’s ambience, and it’s undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s one unmissable sight.

After learning about the fascinating history of the Dutch Fort, the journey continues to Negombo. Evening at leisure. Overnight Negombo

Day 15

Negombo

  • Route : Negombo
  • Drive  :
  • Hotel  : On Request 
  • Highlight : A full day At Leisure

A full day to rest and relax. After breakfast, spend a few more laid-back hours at the beach this morning. If you have spare time or feel comfortable, explore historical Negombo and the famous St. Mary’s church and its paintings. Later, visit the Negombo fish market and do some last-minute shopping at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner reminiscing over the iconic and unexpected highlights of your trip. Overnight Negombo

Day 16

Airport

  • Route : Negombo > Airport
  • Drive  : 30 Minutes Drive
  • Hotel  :
  • Highlight : Departure

Departure day Unfortunately, this tour has come to an end. We are looking forward to welcoming you on one of our other tours. After breakfast, we will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your return flight.