Experience the true flavours of Sri Lanka is this fantastic package that brings to life in just 9 days and 8 nights its vibrant culture and heritage. Transport yourself to medieval kingdoms which witnessed fierce battles, despotic kings and glorious revolutions in UNESCO world heritage sites. Discover olden churches, weather-beaten forts, experience a unique fish massage and spend every day in adventure touring the land like no other.
On arrival at the Bandaranayake International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and proceed to the city of Negombo, situated along the coasts, 7km from the airport. Relax and unwind beneath the coconut groves as you enjoy the pristine, golden beach, while you savour an authentic Sri- Lankan, Seafood Cuisine.
Thereafter, transfer to your hotel at Negombo for your overnight stay.
Negombo is renowned for its tourism and fishing industry and earned the title ‘Little Rome’ due to several structures within the town, primarily the Roman Catholic Churches, which can be dated back to the Dutch and Portuguese reign of Sri- Lanka.
Relax beneath the Coconut Groves | The Pristine Golden Beach | Sri- Lankan Seafood Cuisine | Dutch Fort House Prison | Negombo Lagoon | Fishermen’s Huts | Hamilton Canal | Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church | Vivid Religious Paintings
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Following an early breakfast, you will be escorted to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. En route, visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, consisting of the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, which offers care and protection whilst providing a breeding ground to the orphaned elephants found within the forests of Sri-Lanka.
Travel back in time as you explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Meander amongst the age-old dagobas (brick stupas) which rival only the pyramids of Giza in size amongst the structures of old, the crumbling monastic buildings, and the vast pokunas (pools). Hidden away in the dense jungle, this 4th century religious and political capital persevered for 1300 years before it was abandoned. Today, this sprawling city still serves as a religious centre and has been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.
After an eventful day, turn in to your hotel for your overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage| Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura | Age-old dagobas | vast Pokunas | crumbling monastic buildings
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Proceed to Dambulla post breakfast to explore the extensive golden cave temples, a sacred site of pilgrimage with 5 monasteries. This UNESCO world heritage site contains over a 150 statues and exquisite murals of the Lord Buddha and famous kings of old depicted in various stages of Buddhist religious history, collected and carefully preserved over millennia. The earliest paintings are believed to have been created in the early 8th century.
There is no better way to experience Dambulla than the traditional – enjoy an exciting Bullock cart ride with the wind in your hair and the sun at your back. Top your afternoon with a delicious local traditional meal that is sure to get your taste buds kicking.
Prepare to be whisked away on a fascinating tour of Sigiriya that evening. Encounter the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress and citadel, which illustrates the 6th century technological and architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka, built and fortified by the parricidal King Kasyapa. A UNESCO world heritage site, the infamous lion Rock provides an insight into captivating Sri Lankan History and culture. Boasting some of the oldest landscaped gardens and other artistic wonders, the rock is perhaps most famous for the approximately 1600-year-old stunning frescoes of the heavenly maidens or Apsaras adorning its walls. After exploring the ruins, enjoy the breath-taking view of the surrounding rainforest and reserve.
Transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.
golden cave temples | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | Sigiriya rock fortress | landscaped gardens
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Set out after an early breakfast to the 11th-century ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. One of the best preserved historic cities in the world, it maintains its status as a UNESCO world heritage site. Like the ruins in Anuradhapura this eerily beautiful complex has its share of temples, stupas, monasteries, tombs, tanks and crumbling palaces; each a testament to the artistic heritage of Sri Lanka – with massive stone carvings of the Lord Buddha and other deities adorning the walls and standing guard at the entrances. Witness, here too, Buddhist devotees flocking to pay pilgrimage to this holy site.
Enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive amidst the lush greenery after a tired day exploring the wonders of Polonnaruwa to the small picturesque village of Kandalama where you will transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Temples| Stupas| Monasteries| Tombs| Tanks | Crumbling palaces | massive stone carvings of the Lord Buddha
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Breathe in the pure aroma of the spices, as you visit the Spice Gardens in Matale post breakfast en route to Kandy. Witness the numerous spices that are endemic to the island, and learn how they are grown and harvested.
Embark on a tour of the city of Kandy in the evening, the second largest city in Sri- Lanka and a UNESCO world heritage site, due its rich, vibrant culture and history. This historic city was the Royal Capital during the 16th century and maintains its sanctified glory predominantly due to the sacred temples. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, lined with large processions of devotees seeking the blessings of their Lord. Built in the 16th century, the temple has remained to be the most blessed site for Buddhists of the island as it holds Lord Buddha’s relic—a tooth.
Wrap up for the day with a pleasant walk by the Kandy lake, a respite amidst the hustle and bustle of the city before you transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay in Kandy.
Kandy Lake | Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
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Following breakfast, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya—a 60 hectare garden with over 4,000 species of plants, a wide range of orchids, herbs and spices, and vibrant hues of flowers bespeckled throughout the magnificent Royal Garden.
Sri Lanka, or Ratna Dweepa (Gem Island) as it is named, has been known for its rich history in gemology for centuries as traders from Persia to the British Empire crossed the Oceans to procure and trade gems. Today, a Sri Lankan sapphire rests on the finger of the Duchess of Cambridge. Feast your eyes on gleaming diamonds, glittering sapphires and blood red rubies as you visit the gem museum in Kandy.Thereafter, experience the distinctive, rich culture of the island demonstrated through a Cultural Dance Show, consisting of 12 different traditional dances, and a fire walking
Thereafter, experience the distinctive, rich culture of the island demonstrated through a Cultural Dance Show, consisting of 12 different traditional dances, and a fire walking the show. As the night draws to an end, transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Kandy City Tour | Gem Museum | Royal Botanical Garden | Cultural Dance Show
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Following breakfast, set out for the coastal city of Bentota. En route stop by Galle to visit the Galle Fort, or the Dutch Fort—a key architectural and historical landmark, built during the Portuguese reign, and modified during the Dutch reign.
Have a meet and greet with adorable reptilian friends at the Turtle Hatchery, established to support the breeding of endangered sea turtles. Before you leave Galle behind, experience a fish massage that will leave you relaxed, albeit pleasantly tingling, and ready for your long journey to Bentota, where you will transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Galle Fort | Turtle Hatchery
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Following breakfast, proceed to Colombo—the commercial capital and the largest city of Sri-Lanka. The bustling city of Colombo consists of various tourist landmarks including historical sites that serve as the ideal finish to your journey.
Visit the Galle Face Green – a promenade by the sea initially laid out by the Dutch as a strategic line of fire by cannons, some of which you can see today, against the Portuguese. Take a walk along the 500-metre-long stretch, a popular picnic and recreational location that is filled with lively vendors and tourists.
In the vicinity, you will come across the former parliament complex of Sri Lanka, which is a neo-baroque style specimen of British colonial architecture dating back to the 1930s. Statues of prominent Sri Lankan politicians dot the garden in front of it. Today it is home to the presidential secretariat. After visiting the Town Hall; a great domed structure overlooking the Viharamahadevi park; visit a number of lavish shopping malls with a variety of branded clothes, and souvenirs you can take back home.
After a tiring day of shopping and sightseeing, transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.
City Tour | Shopping
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Post breakfast, travel in comfort to the Bandaranayake International Airport for your departure.
Arugam Bay Office:
Main Street, Arugam Bay.
Pottuvil.
Hotline: +94 77 4448993
Email: contact@paddywaytours.com
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