Classic Tour Sri Lanka 

STCLSIC100E

Itinerary Overview
This 13 day  Classic Tour Sri Lanka will take you through  the main attractions of the historic cities of  Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya & Dambulla. En route you will visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. Your Journey will then continue through to the scenic highlands of Kandy & Nuwara Eliya. While in Kandy you will have the opportunity to visit the famous sacred temple of the tooth, take a stroll along the lake and in the evening witness a cultural show. When you reach Nuwara Eliya, a town famously known as "Little England" you will visit a Tea factory and explore the lush green tea plantations of the area. Your tail end of the journey will be a relaxing beach stay before your departure. 

DAY 01: ARRIVAL/NEGOMBO

Program for the day
On arrival you will be met by our representative & transferred to your selected hotel in Negombo which is just 20 minutes away.
After you check-in to the hotel you are free to relax and unwind on the beach, sip a sunset cocktail or taste some fresh sea food. Negombo is a famous fishing village.
If you are up & about in the early hours of the morning you can check out the  fishing auction nearby. The town of Negombo is laden with antiquated Dutch and Portuguese colonial period buildings.
The Dutch canal nearby is one of the highlights of the city as it stretches almost 130 km inland. 
​OVERNIGHT HOTEL
PLEDGE SCAPE
MEALS: BREAKFAST

DAY 02: DAMBULLA/SIGIRIYA

Program for the day
  • After an early breakfast proceed to Sigiriya (approx.4 hours drive)
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • We will stop visit at the Dambulla cave monastery, A UNESCO world heritage site. This historic temple which is famously known at the "Golden Temple" is the largest preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. There are over 80 documented caves in Sri Lanka that can be explored.
  • Check into your hotel​
OVERNIGHT HOTEL
KASSAPA LION ROCK
MEALS: B.D
SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”. Also known as the "Fortress in the Sky” The entrance has a colossal lions paw. As you climb the spiral staircase you will see the Frescos of beautiful Sigiriya maidens and the famous mirror wall with inscriptions slightly visible. This rock fortress was built by the King Kassapa between 477-495 AD. When you reach the top of the rock you will see the remnants of a palace complex and a huge pond like structure, probably used as a swimming pool or bathing area. The panoramic views from the summit are ideal for photography.
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Dambulla stands as an isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. This rock temple dates back to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples in Sri Lanka, at this site. Also known as the Golden temple it remains well preserved throughout the centuries. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses and Hindu deities Vishnu and Ganesh. The buddha's first sermon and temptation by the demon Mara could be seen illustrated on the walls of the cave. Skeletal remains of pre-historic human burial sites have been discovered by archeologists in this cave dating back 2700 years.  ​​

DAY 03: POLONNARUWA/MINNERIYA

Program for the day
  • After breakfast Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa with a local guide.
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Do a wildlife Safari at Minneriya
  • ​Return to your hotel & relax​
OVERNIGHT HOTEL
KASSAPA LION ROCK
MEALS: B.D
POLONNARURA
Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073. For nearly a century Polonnaruwa was used as a military base to defend the capital from the invading "Cholas" from Southern India. Remnants of a 5 km long wall surrounding the military base  are still visible.
The most popular attraction is the Buddhist rock statues at ‘Gal Vihara’ which date back to the 12th century. There are four colossal statues of the Buddha depicting a meditation posture known as "samadhi" You will also see a seated image inside the cave and a 23ft tall standing Buddha image and another 46 ft long Buddha image depicting ‘maha-pari-nirvana’ meaning the passing away or fulfilment of enlightenment.
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DAY 04: KANDY

Program for the day
  • After breakfast proceed to Kandy
  • Visit a spice garden on the way
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Visit the sacred temple
  • Check into your hotel & refresh

​ OVERNIGHT HOTEL
SERENCE KANDY
MEALS: B.D​

DAY 05: KANDY

Program for the day
  • After breakfast visit the Peradeniya botanical gardens
  • lunch own arrangement
  • Do a city tour in Kandy
  • Visit a Gem Lapidary (Optional)
  • Attend a cultural dance performance in the evening
  • Return to your hotel & refresh
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​OVERNIGHT HOTEL
SERENCE KANDY
MEALS: B.D​​
KANDY
Kandy - Sri Lanka's hill capital. Once a stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is a very beautiful and picturesque town. It is 488 meters above sea level and next to Colombo, is Sri Lanka's most visited city. The main attraction of this town is without doubt the golden roofed Sacred Temple where the Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. The sacred tooth relic belonging to the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka during the 4th Century A.D. The relic was enshrined at this temple know as the " Dalada Maligawa". This sacred relic is considered a symbol of sovereignty for the Sinhalese kings. Decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork adorn this temple, still maintaining its 16th to 19th century ambience. Religious services are held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening. 

DAY 06: NUWARA ELIYA

Program for the day
  • After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya
  • Stop on the way at Labookellie Tea Factory
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Visit a tea plantation
  • Check into your hotel & relax
Overnight Hotel
ARALIYA GREEN HILLS
MEALS: B.D
Nuwara Eliya, famously known as the ‘Little England’, will refresh you with its mild cool weather.  This little town is famous for its world renowned 'Tea". You will be taken to a tea factory to have a closer look at the tea manufacturing process. Complete the day tasting one of the finest cups of Ceylon Tea and enjoy the landscaped tea gardens and lush green surroundings. 

DAY 07: ELLA

Program for the day
  • Early breakfast
  • Catch the Scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Visit nine arch bridge
  • Trek Little Adams peak
  • Visit Ravana Falls
  • ​They Zip lining (optional payment direct)
OVERNIGHT: 
ELLA JUNGLE RESORT
​MEALS: B.D

DAY 08: YALA

Program for the day
  • After an early breakfast you will descend from misty mountains to the south eastern part of Sri Lanka. En-route stop at  Buduruwagala to see a gigantic Buddha statue presumed to be the tallest rock carving in the country.
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Thereafter continue your drive to Kataragama, an ancient temple city depicting its ‘Kiri-Vehera’ (pagoda) and Hindu-shrine.
  • Go on a wildlife safari in the evening
  • Check into your hotel 
Overnight: Kithala resort
MEALS: B D
BUDURUWAGALA
Buduruwagala Temple
This is a 1000-year-old temple carved on rock with images of the Buddha. The standing Buddha image  is 15m tall bearing traces of its original stuccoed robe, and streaks of orange.  Smaller carved figures standing beside bring back memories of the spread of Buddhism to these remote towns. This temple is situated 9km off a scenic roadway south of Wellawaya.

DAY 09: GALLE/UNAWATUNA

Program for the day
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Proceed to Galle
  • Visit Galle Dutch Fort
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Check into your hotel in Unawatuna
OVERNIGHT HOTEL
THAPROBAN PAVILION
MEALS: B.D

DAY 10: UNAWATUNA

Program for the day
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Go on a boat ride to a cinnamon plantation
  • Watch a man peeling cinnamon
  • Explore the town on your own
  • ​Relax at the hotel
​OVERNIGHT HOTEL
THAPROBAN PAVILION
MEALS: B.D

DAY 11: RIU AHUNGALLE

Program for the day
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Relax & unwind
Optional activities
  • Visit a turtle hatchery
  • Take a boat ride in the Maadu river
  • ​Hire a Tuk Tuk & go sightseeing
​OVERNIGHT: HOTEL RIU
​MEALS: B.L.D

DAY 12: RIU AHUNGALLA

Program for the day
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Relax at the hotel
  • ​Explore the town on your own

MEALS: B.L.D
​OVERNIGHT: HOTEL RIU

DAY 13: DEPARTURE HOME

Program for the day
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Check out and travel to Colombo
  • Lunch own arrangement
  • Do a city tour of Colombo
  • Proceed to the airport for your departure
MEALS: BREAKFAST
Please note: Travellers on late night departures may request a day room close to the airport. Please make a reservation with your travel agent early. Extra charges will apply.
PRICE PER PERSON
Prices will. be emailed on inquiry,
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Accommodation on twin share basis
  • Meals as per the tour itinerary
  • Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary (Dambulla cave temple/ Sigiriya/ Polonnaruwa/ Polonnaruwa bicycle ride/ Minneriya safari/ Spice Garden/ Kandy Tooth temple/ Kandyan dance/ Peradeniya garden/ Tea factory/ Hill country train journey / Nine arch bridge/ Little Adams’ peak/ Rawana fall /Buduruwagala temple/ Katharagama/  Yala wildlife safari / Galle fort/ Madu river boat safari / Turtle center/ Tuk tuk safari/ Colombo city tour)
  • Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking chauffeur guide service
  • All Porterages and all government Taxes

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WHAT'S EXCLUDED
  • International airfare, Visa fee and Travel Insurance
  • Expenditure of a personal nature
  • Tips
  • 24th  night Christmas supplement & 31st December New Year supplement in hotels
  • Kandy Perahera period compulsory hotel supplements
  • Entrance fees not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional tour prices
CANCELLATION POLICY
  • Travelers may cancel up to 30 days before the experience start date to receive a full refund, and between 15-07 days to receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds will be given after that time period.
CHILD POLICY
  • Children between 3-11.99 years 60% will be charged from the adult per person rate.  (Only if share the room with adults)
  • Children are below 3 years free of charge​
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Dambulla cave temple
  • Sigiriya Lion rock
  • Polonnaruwa ancient city
  • Bicycle ride at Polonnaruwa
  • Minneriya wildlife safari
  • Spice Garden
  • Kandy Tooth temple
  • Kandyan dance
  • Peradeniya Botanical garden
  • Tea factory visit
  • Hill country train journey
  • Nine arch bridge
  • Little Adams’ peak
  • Rawana fall
  • Buduruwagala temple
  • Katharagama
  • Yala wildlife safari
  • Galle fort
  • Madu river boat safari
  • Turtle center
  • Tuk tuk safari at Ahungalle
  • Colombo city tour
OPTIONS FOR FREE
  • Taste street foods
  • Dambulla wholesale market
  • Taste local fruits and king coconut
  • Gem museum
  • Try traditional costumes
  • Tea plucking and tea tasting experience
  • Nuwara Eliya city tour including Gregory Lake and Victoria Park
  • Ella gap
  • Stilt fishing
  • Rumassala Japanese peace pagoda
  • Mirissa coconut tree hill view point
  • Sea side train journey
ROUTE MAP