14-nights/15-days Sri Lanka round tour by Car - with Udawalawa Safari

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Transfer from the Airport to Negombo
1 stop
1
Negombo Beach
After a warm welcome at the Airport, the driver will bring you to the hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Negombo. In case of a morning a rical, you will have the opportunity (not included in the tour costs) to take part in a city tour or in a boat safari in the wetlands of Muthurajawela to the south of the Negombo Lagoon. Overnight stay in a guesthouse or hotel of your own choice in Negombo (not included in the tour costs).
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Kalpitiya Peninsula & Wilpattu Safari
3 stops
2
Munneshwaram Hindu temple
On your way to Anuradhapura and Mihintale you will first have a stop in Madampe, to take a picture of an immensely colorful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Kataragama. The Tamil temple was built only recently, on private initiative. Afterwards, you will proceed to one of the most revered Hindu shrines on the island. The Munneshwaram Kovil near Chilaw is one of the island's four major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Munneshvaram is not only frequented by Hindus but also by Sinhalese devotees.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Kalpitiya
A small detour will lead you to the tip of Kalpitiya Peninsula, where you can observe kitesurfers in action or just walk along the long sandy beaches. Kalpitiya is also famous fpr dolphin watching, but a boat excursion is an option only seasonally. At the foot of the peninsula you will see large salines.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
Wilpattu National Park
A wildlife safari in the afternoon will lead you to the very core of Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national Park. Wilpattu's namegiving Wilus are a group of small shallow lakes surrounded by sand banks and open grasslands. This is the perfect place to observe elephants or crocodiles or - with some luck - even leopards, as Wilpattu has the largest leopard population of Sri Lanka. In the evening you will cross the New Town of Anuradhaphura before arriving at your destination for the next three nights to come, First House Mihintale. The three overnight stays on halfboard basis are included in the total tour costs. Overnight stay is in First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Anuradhapura & Mihintale
2 stops
5
Ruwanwelisaya
See the most holy places of Sri lanka's ancient capital Anuradhapura, the Bo-tree and the white dome of Ruwanweliseya, the first stupa called Thuparama Moonstone , Samadhi Buddha, Isurumuniya, Gold Fish Park and Vessagiriya.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
6
In the afternoon you will climb the historical stairway to the Ambasthala platform in Mihintale, which is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. On the way, you will also see the perfectly well-preserved ancient Kantaka Chetiya, the Mihintale tablets with inscriptions, the old refectory with a huge so-called rice boat, the idyllic Cobra Pond, and the Lion Fountain famous for its stone carvings. Overnight stay is in First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Ritigala & Polonnaruwa
2 stops
7
Ritigala Forest Monastery
On the way from Mihintale to your next destination, the area of Sigiriya, you will first explore the ruins of Ritigala hidden in the jungle at the slope of the highest hill in the northern half of Sri Lanka. This was the largest monastery of the Pansukulikas. You can discover several of their typical so-called meditation platforms in the jungle on both sides of an ancient meditation path and an Ayurvedic hospital. This region is famous for the abundance in medicinal herbs.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
8
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka's capital in the 12th century. The buildings are better preserved than the older once in Anuradhapura. You will see King Parakramabahu's palace, the circular temple and other magnificent edifices at the so-called Quadrangle, the medieval main monastery now called Alahena Parivena, the world-famous group of rock-cut giant Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, the lotus pond, and the paintings of Tivanka statue house. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your own choice in the area of Habarana or Sigiriya of Kandalama (not included in the tour costs).
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Sigiriya & Dambulla & Hurulu Eco Park
3 stops
9
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
In the morning you will visit the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya, being Sri Lanka's most imposing ancient site. A large number of unique features make this former fortified city extraordinary indeed, one of Asia's earliest water gardens outside Persia, the island's best preserved paintings from antiquity, graffities with the earliest know poems composed in Sinhala language, the giant paws of a former lion sculpture, the palace or temple on top of the rock, sometimes called "Sri Lanka's Machu Picchu".
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
10
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Dambulla is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka. It's famous for the numerous Buddha sculptures from various periods and the most impressive paintings from in the Kandyan style. When visiting the so-called "Golden Temple", be aware that this is one of the oldest surviving monasteries on earth still inhabited by monks.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
11
Hurulu Eco Park
In the afternoon take part in an elephant safari. The jeep safari will usually take place in Hurulu Eco Park, where most elephants can be seen around December. Alternatively, due to the annual migration of the wild animals, the jeep safari could take place in Kaudulla National Park. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in the area of Habarana or Sigiriya of Kandalama (not included in the tour costs).
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 6
Nalanda Gedige & Aluvihara - on the way to Kandy
4 stops
12
Nalanda Gedige
A special detour will lead to the small but extraordinary temple of Nalanda Gedige. It's remarkable for at least five reasons. Firstly, this is Sri Lanka's only surviving temple completely built of stone. Secondly, it's the best example of architecture in the classical South Indian Pallava style found anywhere on the island. Thirdly, it was a Mahayanist temple and even one of Sri Lanka's rare places of tantric worship. Furthermore, Nalanda Gedige has Sri Lanka's only ancient depictions of sexual intercourse. Last not least, the temple earned the nickname "Sri Lanka's little Abu Simbel", as it had to be replaced and rebuilt due to a reservoir project.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
13
Ranweli Spice Garden
Enjoy a break at a herbal and spice garden, where you can see most of the famous spice plants of the tropical regions of Asia and learn more about the use of herbal medicine in traditional healing practices of Ayurveda. A herbal tea will be served for free.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple
Next, you will visit the Aluvihara, which according to Theravada traditions was the place of the fourth Buddhist council, which took place in the 1st century BC. This was the event that laid down the Sacred Scriptures of Buddhism, the so-called Tipitaka, in written form for the very first time. Sri Lanka is proud to be the nation that has conserved the only complete version of the "Buddhist Bible" in an original Indian language, Pali. The Aluvihara is still a place of scholarship and calligraphy. You can study the production of palm leave manuscripts in the new building serving as a museum. The nearby caves and rocks are definitely worth a visit, too.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
15
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
In the evening you will join a Puja ceremony in Sri Lanka's most renowned Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs)
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 7
Full day in Kandy
3 stops
16
Kandy View Point
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing and relaxing in Kandy, the island's charming hill capital. You will see all the famous places such as Senani view point and Victoria Hotel at Kandy Lake and have various shopping opportunities. As a special extra, the guide will show you a local food market and other shops frequented more by locals than by tourists.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Royal Botanical Gardens
In the afternoon you can walk around in the largest and oldest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, belonging to the University of Peradeniya. You can relax under the giant Java fig or on another one of the meadows inviting for a rest.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
18
Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show
In the evening, you will enjoy a cultural and dance show near the Tooth Temple or the Kandy Lake. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 8
Tea Plantation & Nuwara Eliya & Train Ride
4 stops
19
Ramboda Waterfall
Have a break of your journey at the waterfalls known as Rama Falls in Ramboda. The water is coming through the Rama rocks. Enjoy the scenic views of the Ramboda area and Kotmale valley.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
20
Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden
When visiting the tea factory of Damro, in one of Sri Lanka's largest tea plantations historically known as Labookellie, you will learn more about all the steps of the tea leaf processing, withering, rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying, and quality sorting. Afterwards you take a break with a complimentary cup of tea and have shopping oppurtunities.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
21
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s highest situated town. Due to it’s cool climate it attracted English farmers growing potatoes and vegetables and soon afterwards also the colonial high society from Colombo, for enjoying their spare time and exercising their favourite sports. The flair of a British Hill Station is the reason why Nuwara Eliya earned the nickname “Little England”. On your small city tour you will see the post office famous for its English style of timber framing and other colonial buildings such Grand Hotel and Hill Club, have a view to the golf course and the race course and see Gregory Lake outside town.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
22
Nanu Oya railway station
From Nanu Oya near Nuwara Eliya, you will take the afternoon train to Ella. This part of the famous tea-highlands railroad is famous for the large number of short tunnels and the views on the left side to the so-called Uva tea region. The driver will pick you up at Ella Train Station. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Full Day in Ella
3 stops
23
Little Adam's Peak View Point
In the morning, you will enjoy a short hike to the so-called "Little Adam's Peak" near Ella. This is one of the most amazing vantage points in the southern range of the highlands. From here, you can overlook the entire Ella Gap and the southern plains with the hills of Kataragama in the background.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free
24
Nine Arches Bridge
It's only a short hike to Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka's most iconic highland train bridge. We will be there in time that you can take a picture of a train crossing the bridge.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
25
Ella
The afternoon is at your disposal. Take a cup of tea with the spectacular views to the Ella Gap. For those eager to do more, a 4 hours hike to Ella Rock is recommendable. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Buduruwagala & Udawalawe safari
3 stops
26
Ravana Ella Falls
When crossing the Ella Gap, we will have a photo stop at the Ravana Falls, the name is referring to the legendary King Ravana of Lanka, a major character of the Indian Ramayana epic. Local legend has it, that after abducting Sita from India, he held her in captivity for a short while in a nearby cave.
Admission ticket free
27
Buduruwagala Temple
Near Wellawaya, we will have a small detour to Buduruwagala, where you can see a group of seven rock-cut statues, the central one being the largest Buddha sculpture of this kind in Sri Lankas, the more elaborate smaller sculptures being Mahayanaistic Bodhisattvas.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
28
After proceeding to , you will join an afternoon jeep safari in southern Sri Lanka's most famous elephant area, Udawalawe National Park, several small groups of elephant cows and their offspring can be seen along the route. The ranger, after having checked the area for your safety, will probably allow you to walk around a little bit at the lake, where you also can see roaming elephants in a safe distance. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Udawalawe (not included in the tour costs).
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 11
South Coast & Galle & Transfer to your Beach Holiday hotel
5 stops
29
In the morning, you will visit the archaeoligical site of Ramba Viharaya, which is the temple area of the medieval southern capital of Sri Lanka. Some statues are still in situ in former image houses.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
30
On your way along the south coast, you will have a break at the Hoomaniya Blow Hole. Blow Holes are natural fountains like geysers, but even rarer. This fountain in Sri Lanka is South Asia's only Blow Hole at all.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
31
Near Weligama, there will be a small detour to the so-called Kushtaraja, which translates to "Leper King". This is a rock-cut Buddhist statue with Mahayanistic characteristics.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
32
Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Koggala)
In the Koggala Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery you can observe several of the species of sea turtles occuring in Sri Lanka and their offspring, saved and protected for later release into the ocean.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
33
Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Dutch Fort, also known as Old Town of Galle, is a World Heritage Site, it's the best preserved European fortress from the colonial period in Asia. You can walk along the ramparts and visit the museums or boutiques in town. Please choose your preferred beach for the final days of your beach holidays, in or near Galle, Unawatuna Beach, Talpe Beach, Koggale Beach or Mirissa Beach. Accommodation is not included in the tour costs. The driver will make his farewell in the evening, as he does not return during the next four days of your beach relaxation. For your convenience, please inform the driver about your return flight details, allowing us to pick you up in time on departure day. Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs)
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 12
full day beach relaxation - On your own
1 stop
34
Unawatuna Beach
This day in your beach holiday resort is without driver and at your own disposal. Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs)
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Beach Holidays at the Southwest Coast - On your own
1 stop
35
Galle
You spend the final days of your holidays at one of the South Coast beaches between World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa. During the days of relaxation you will stay on your own, the vehicle and driver will not be available.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Beach Holidays at the Southwest Coast - On your own
1 stop
36
Galle
You spend the final days of your holidays at one of the South Coast beaches between World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa. During the days of relaxation you will stay on your own, the vehicle and driver will not be available.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 15
Transfer from the hotel to the Airport & End of Tour
1 stop
37
Katunayake
On departure day the driver will pick you up at the appointed time at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. We hope to welcome you again on our tropical island soon.
3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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