Sri Lanka – 10 Days / 9 Nights

The journey

1. 1

   Day 1 – Colombo

   Arrival, meet and greet, followed by a transfer to Colombo and check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Colombo. Like many capitals in developing countries, Colombo is rapidly changing. Modern skyscrapers are replacing old buildings, while some areas still retain their historic charm. Highlights include the 100-year-old clock tower and several colonial buildings constructed by the British. Other attractions include Pettah Bazaar, where visitors can shop and find great bargains, Hindu and Buddhist temples, affluent residential areas, the Colombo Museum, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a gift from the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka, and the Dutch Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

2. 2

   Day 2 – Pinnawala / Dambulla / Sigiriya

   After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya/Dambulla via Pinnawala. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 with seven orphaned baby elephants. Today, some of these elephants have lived to see their grandchildren born at the same location. The orphanage was initially established mainly as a tourist attraction, but it soon developed into a center for elephant conservation and education. With the assistance of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala introduced a successful captive breeding program. The freedom of movement within the herd increased opportunities for interaction and mating between male and female elephants. The nearby river also played an important role in this process. In 1984, the first baby elephant was born at Pinnawala, marking an important milestone. The success of the orphanage attracted scientists from around the world. Numerous books and research studies have been published about Pinnawala in different languages. The elephant herd has also been photographed and filmed thousands of times by specialists. Afterward, transfer to the hotel for evening check-in. Enjoy free time to relax and freshen up, followed by an overnight stay.

3. 3

   Day 3 – Sigiriya

   After breakfast, climb the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa (477–495 AD). Known as the "Lion Rock," Sigiriya rises approximately 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. The rock served as the inner stronghold of a fortified city covering 70 hectares, surrounded by moats, ramparts, extensive gardens, and the famous water gardens. Visitors can also admire the world-famous Sigiriya frescoes, known as the "Heavenly Maidens," accessed by a spiral staircase. These paintings were created using natural pigments on plaster. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

4. 4

   Day 4 – Kandy

   he last Sinhalese king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in 1798. Visit the arts and crafts center, gem museum, and jewelry showroom. Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by a traditional cultural show. Overnight stay at the hotel.

5. 5

   Day 5 – Nuwara Eliya / Hakgala Botanical Gardens

   After breakfast, visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens, originally established as a pleasure garden by a Sinhalese king and later expanded by the British. The gardens feature a wide variety of trees, plants, and flowers. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, visiting a tea plantation and tea factory along the way, followed by a stop at the beautiful Ramboda Waterfalls, one of Sri Lanka’s scenic natural attractions. Nuwara Eliya is renowned for producing some of the finest tea in the world. The area is also home to Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, rising 8,281 feet above sea level, and one of South Asia’s most beautiful 18-hole golf courses. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight.

6. 6

   Day 6 – Free Day

   After breakfast, enjoy a full day of relaxation and leisure at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

7. 7

   Day 7 – Yala

   After breakfast, proceed to Yala for an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park. The park is one of Sri Lanka's largest national parks and is home to wild elephants, wild boars, buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer, and crocodiles. The area also attracts large flocks of migratory and resident birds. After the safari, transfer to the hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

8. 8

   Day 8 – Galle

   After breakfast, travel along Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coastline to Galle, once the country's main port and still known for its busy harbor. Visit the historic Galle Fort, covering approximately 90 acres, where well-preserved colonial architecture reflects the maritime history and influence of European settlers. After exploring the fort and its historic attractions, proceed to Ahungalla/Wadduwa for hotel check-in and an overnight stay.

9. 9

   Day 9 – Free Day for Relaxation

   After breakfast, enjoy a free day for relaxation and leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

10. 10

    Day 10 – Final Departure

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to the airport for your final departure.