Southern Beaches of Serendib

Day 01: Airport > Chilaw > Dambulla

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla, en route make a visit to Munneswaram Kovil in Chilaw. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region

On completion continue to Dambulla and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Later in the evening visit Dambulla Cave Temple.

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

On completion of the visit check into the hotel.

Day 02: Dambulla > Sigiriya > Dambulla

After breakfast visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns.  Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Thereafter proceed to a local village in Sigiriya and get an authentic experience in Sri Lankan Village Life.

Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. 

Thereafter proceed to Minneriya and go on a lovely jeep safari in Minneriya National Park (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)

This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

On completion of the safari return to the hotel.

Day 03: Dambulla > Matale > Kandy > Nuwara Eliya

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En-route make a stop at Matale and visit Matale Spice Gardens and do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Thereafter continue to Nuwara Eliya and go on a sightseeing tour in Nuwara Eliya City. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 04: Nuwara Eliya > Ella

After a breakfast at the hotel check out and visit a Tea Factory and a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. 

Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.

Thereafter proceed to Nanu Oya railway station to catch the train to Ella. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins) 

The Nanu Oya to Ella train journey takes you on scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant greens carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Haputale. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows. 

You will be picked up by your chauffeur at the Ella Rail way station and proceed to the hotel and relax.

Day 05: Ella > Mirissa

Early in the morning after breakfast visit to explore Ella.

This is a hike to three of Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka

Thereafter return to the hotel check out and proceed to Mirissa and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 4 to 4 ½ hrs)

Day 06: Mirissa > Bentota

Early in the morning proceed to Mirissa Fishery harbor at 06:30 am to go on a whale watching tour.

This tour gives you an opportunity to see the biggest mammals on earth, the whales, in their natural habitat. Get a chance to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales as they swim in the waters to the south of Sri Lanka. Gain more knowledge about the whales as a species from a qualified naturalist and learn to identify them. This tour gives you a responsible whale watching experience with a minimal imprint on nature.

On completion return to the hotel, relax, check out and proceed to Bentota, en route visit Old Colonial City of Galle. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics.

On completion proceed to Bentota and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Day 07 & 08: Bentota > Bentota

Spend the day’s leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities.

Walk down one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka; embraced by the warmth of the sun, the softness of the sand and the cool sea breeze. Feel the romance of the beautiful ocean at sunset. Relax in one of the luxury hotels that cluster on the beach. Watch the turtles come to nest from the sea. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of water sports such as jet-skiing, windsurfing and more.

One of these day’s go on a lovely Boat safari in Madu River and visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Go on a wonderful boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the water birds in their natural habitats.

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 09: Bentota > Colombo

After breakfast at the hotel check out and visit Lunuganga Estate.

Visit the country home of the famous Sri Lankan architect Sir Geoffrey Bawa. Do a tour of its uniquely designed gardens and the sections of the home that are open to the public? See his signature design style that made Bawa possibly the best architect in the history of modern Sri Lanka.

Thereafter proceed to Colombo and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Later in the evening go out and enjoy the night life in Capital City of Sri Lanka.

Welcome to Colombo, The City of Lights. Party at the coolest and most entertaining nightclubs in Sri Lanka. Drink and dance on Colombo's beaches, at the big weekend parties with their colorful cocktails and thumping music. Try your luck at the casinos of Colombo. Get some delicious food at the delightful boutique restaurants that stay open till late. The night has never been brighter or better until Colombo.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 10: Colombo > Airport

After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island. 

End of Tour

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection. 
• Meal plan on Bed and Breakfast basis starting with breakfast on day 2 and ending with breakfast on day 10.
• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all Chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour. (2015 and Above Manufactured)
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide. 
• All prevailing taxes and service charges (Except for Credit Card/Bank Charges).

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application.
• X’ Mas & New Year Evening Gala Dinner Supplements.
• International / Domestic Airfare.
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Tips & Portages.
• Cost of Beverages
• Meals where not specified.
• Entrance fees