Explore, Relax and Rejuvenate
A tour to discover Sri Lankan wonders, we take you around the island allowing you to experience the land in a moderate pace. We start off the tour by visiting some of the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka starting from Panduwasnuwara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy. Explore the ruins, massive structures and ancient temples which are still venerated with much fervour. We then travel towards the central highlands where you can explore the city of Nuwara Eliya, Ella and the Horton Plains National Park. We head over to the Yala National Park and experience a safari in the wild and the travel to Hikkaduwa which is a popular southern beach side town. Experience the sun and sand while here.
SKU:LK10CAT011
Explorez, détendez-vous et ressourcez-vous (12 jours)
Explorez, détendez-vous et ressourcez-vous (12 jours)
12 Days of Discovery with just the right amount of adventure and relaxation. This tour of Paradise Island will take you from Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms and architectural wonders, to cold, scenic evergreen mountain ranges thousands of meters above sea level. From the untouched wilderness of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife parks to the warm sun-kissed beaches on the southern coast. Spend your time exploring and relaxing between destinations as you absorb all the sights, sounds and everything in between that makes Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia.
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1 Day in Negombo
Ahead of the tour around the island, you will be escorted to your hotel in Negombo upon arrival at the International Airport in Katunayake. Negombo which is a tourist hotspot has many cafes, restaurants and is a fishing port that has a profound history especially during the Dutch rule. Negombo also has many water sports to enjoy
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 Negombo and check in to the hotel.
1 Day in Anuradhapura
On the way to Anuradhapura, you will visit an ancient capital in the district of Kurunegala – Panduwasnuwara which has many scattered ruins belonging to the 12th century. Then we head towards Anuradhapura which is the first ancient capital which flourished for many years. Both sacred cities have ruins of monasteries, image houses, monk’s living quarters and dagobas.
Panduwasuwara Kingdom
Explore the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara, which was briefly the capital during the 12th century. Wander amongst the ruins of the city with its pagodas, image houses, meeting halls and the citadel. Visit the now restored former temple of the tooth relic, which lies just outside the citadel’s walls. View the palace and listen to the many legends that surround it.
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scattered all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lankas history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.
1 Day in Dambulla
Heading towards Dambulla which is a major junction that leads towards many districts you will be in the centre of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. First, you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which is famed for its ruins of the stoned carved statues of Lord Buddha. You will also visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and it complex
The Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.
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.
1 Day in Kandy
Travelling towards the hill capital, you will first explore the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress that displays ruins of a palace, ancient drawings and beautifully landscaped gardens. You will enjoy a guided spice tour in a spice garden in Matale. In Kandy, you will be treated with a Cultural show consisting of traditional Kandyan dances and drum beats
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
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.
Matale Spice Tour
The Matale Spice Tour gives you a hands-on experience of a Spice & Herbal Garden within the Spice capital of Sri Lanka, Matale. Here you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as coriander, chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and their uses. The garden is enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that heighten the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Apart from gaining knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, this unique tour also lets you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality.
Kandy Cultural Show
Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives you an opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s traditions. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get mesmerized by fire dances, sword dances, and watch the talented Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming, primal beat of the drums.
2 Days in Nuwara Eliya
Before driving towards Nuwara Eliya, you will pay homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which the most venerated temple in Kandy. Then you will visit a tea factory and learn about the manufacturing process of Ceylon Tea. You can explore the city with a cozy little tour and then enjoy a trek to Horton Plains National Park.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
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.
Tea Factory Visit
Tea Factory to learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as ‘tea pluckers’ as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets.Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.
Cosy City Tour
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 postoffice as you purchase an inexpensive and colourful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.
Horton Plains National
Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World’s End and the cooling sprays from Baker’s Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.
1 Day in Yala
While heading towards Yala, you will pass through the picturesque town of Ella which is known among many nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Ella, which is rich in bio diversity is surrounded by tea estates and forest reserves and has many cave networks. You will walk along the Nine Arches Bridge and enjoy views of Little Adam’s Peak.
Marvellous of Ella
Explore 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.
3 Days in Hikkaduwa
Before heading towards Hikkaduwa in the South, you will experience a thrilling safari ride learning about the wilderness in the area. Then while in Hikkaduwa, you will have a chance to discover the old city of Galle, enjoy a safari along the calm waters of the Madu River, visit a turtle hatchery and also the architectural masterpiece – the Lunuganga Estate.
Yala National Park
This amazing safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
Old Colonial City of Galle
Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.
Madu River Safari
Go on a wonderful two-hour 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 waterbirds in their natural habitats.
Turtle Hatchery
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.
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.
1 Day in Colombo
Prior to your departure, you will spend your final day of the tour in Colombo and tour around the busy commercial hub that is dotted with historical and religious monuments along with modern architectural structures. The Old lighthouse and the Gangarama Temple are to name a few places that you will visit. You can even enjoy some shopping too.
City Tour in Colombo
Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.
Departure
After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.
Includes:
- Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
- Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- All prevailing taxes and service charges.
- 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.
Excludes:
- Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
- Entrance fees to the respective sites.
- Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Visa and Related Expenses.
- Tips & Portages.
Complimentary:
- 1 x 1 Litre water bottle per person per day.
- 1 x Local SIM card per room.