12 Days Sri lanka Tour Pakage

Upon arriving in Colombo, you will be welcomed by your local guide from Explore Lanka Tours and transferred to your hotel, a short 45-minute drive away. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

Destination Information:

Negombo – Once a vital commercial hub, Negombo was renowned for producing the finest cinnamon in the world. The town has a rich history, first falling under Portuguese control, then being seized by the Dutch in 1640, and recaptured by the Portuguese shortly after. In 1796, the British finally took control of Negombo.

After breakfast, embark on a 4-hour journey to Sigiriya.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the famous Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock. The climb to the top involves navigating many steps, most of which are equipped with railings, but the ascent is steep and requires caution. Be sure to bring plenty of water and wear a sun hat for protection. Plan to spend about three hours here, including the climb and a tour of the surrounding gardens.

Please note that local individuals may offer assistance during your visit, but they may request a fee.

Destination Information:

Sigiriya– The ancient city of Sigiriya is perched atop the 180-meter-high granite peak known as Lion’s Rock. One of Sri Lanka’s most dramatic sites, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.

Rock Fortress – Built by King Kashyapa, the Rock Fortress is also referred to as Lion Rock due to the massive lion that was once carved out of the rock at the palace entrance. Today, only the lion’s paws remain. At the summit, you’ll find the foundations of the Royal Palace, along with a pool, a throne carved from solid rock facing the sunrise, and panoramic views of the town below. You will also explore the three distinct landscaped gardens: the Water Gardens, Boulder Gardens, and Terrace Gardens.

This morning, set out on a 2-hour drive to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Polonnaruwa. Take a leisurely stroll through the ancient ruins, including the palaces and temples—please refer to the “Appropriate Dress

” section below for guidance. Afterward, return to your hotel for some relaxation before embarking on a 1-hour

 journey to Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating jeep safari.

Destination Information:

Polonnaruwa – Once the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa is a well-preserved city known for its stupas, frescoes, and statues. Highlights include the ruin

s of the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, and the Bathing Pool in the Royal Palace group. You’ll also visit the Thivanka Image House, which houses the finest frescoes from the Polonnaruwa period, and Gal Vihara, a stunning group of rock temples featuring four distinct statues: a meditating Buddha, a smaller Buddha said to be visiting heaven, a standing Buddha, and a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha entering Nirvana.

Minneriya National Park – Renowned for its large herds of elephants, often numbering between 100

 and 150, which can be spotted in the jungle and around the lake’s catchment area. The park is also home to other wildlife,

 including wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bears, sambar deer, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, and a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and butterflies.

Today, you’ll set off for Kandy, with a first stop at the Dambulla Rock Temple. This temple features five

 intricately decorated caves and two main viewing sections, requiring a climb of about 800

 steps. After exploring the temple, continue on a 3-hour drive, pausing along the way to visit a spice garden in Matale. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch and participate in a cooking demonstration to enhance your understanding of Sri Lankan spices.

Destination Information:

Dambulla Rock Temple – Dating back to the 1st century BC, the renowned Dambulla Rock Temple consists of five caves transformed into shrine rooms that house around 150 Buddha statues and vibrant frescoes. In the first cave, you’ll encounter a 14-meter-long statue of Buddha carved from the rock, with Ananda, his most loyal disciple, at his feet, along with other seated Buddhas. The secon

d cave, the largest, is known as the Cave of the Great Kings and contains 16 standing and 40 seated Buddha statues. The ceiling frescoes illustrate scenes from Buddha’s life and significant events in the country’s history. A spring within the cave, formed from drips from the ceiling, is believed to have healing properties and is used in sacred rituals.

Spice Garden – Sri Lanka is renowned for its spices, and today you will visit a spice garden where

 cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers, and other spice plants are cultivated.

Kandy – Situated 500 meters above sea level, Kandy is celebrated for its cultural richness and scenic beauty. As a sacred Buddhist city, it is most famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dalada Maligawa. Each year, the tooth relic is honored during the Esala Perahera, a vibrant religious parade featuring elephants, drummers, and dancers performing in the streets.

After breakfast, visit the Gem Museum in Kandy to learn about gem mining, cutting, polishing, and jewelry crafting.

Next, take a 1-hour drive to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest in Sri Lanka. Spend some time exploring the beautiful gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds.

Afterward, enjoy a city tour of Kandy with about two hours of sightseeing. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a significant Buddhist site, and then explore the remains of the Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Be aware that the temple can get crowded during daily prayer times.

In the evening, attend a cultural dance performance.

Destination Information

Gem Museum: Located in Kandy, this museum offers a glimpse into the gem industry, including mining, cutting, polishing, and jewelry crafting.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens: The largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, featuring a wide variety of ornamental plants, including spices.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: This temple houses one of Buddhism’s most revered relics—a tooth of the Buddha, preserved in a two-story shrine adorned with large elephant trunks.

Remains of the Royal Palace: Now the National Museum, the exhibits are housed in the former Queen’s Palace and include weapons, jewelry, tools, and other historical artifacts.

Say goodbye to Kandy and embark on a scenic 4-hour train journey to Nuwara Eliya.

 Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Destination Information:

Nuwara Eliya: Located 2,000 meters above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s main hill station, often called “Little England” due to its resemblance to an English country town. The cool climate here is perfect for tea production, giving the tea a unique flavor.

 This morning, visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about the tea manufacturing process. Later, take a leisurely stroll through the city center, where you’ll see colonial buildings, the racecourse, Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and the Seetha Amman Kovil Hindu Temple.

Destination Information:

Tea Factory and Tea Plantation: Observe the tea manufacturing process and learn how tea is graded. You’ll also have the chance to taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea.

Victoria Park: A beautiful garden in Nuwara Eliya with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and peaceful walking paths, perfect for relaxing and bird watching in the cool mountain air.

Gregory Lake: Constructed in 1873 during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory, this lake is a serene spot in Nuwara Eliya.

Seetha Amman Kovil: The only Seetha Amman Kovil in the world, built in South Indian architectural style. According to the epic Ramayana, Seetha was hidden here by King Rama to protect her from the demon king Ravana.

Start your morning with a tuk-tuk ride. Your tuk-tuk will pick you up from your hotel and first take you to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella. After visiting Little Adam’s Peak, explore the famous Nine Arches Bridge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel.

Destination Information:

Little Adam’s Peak: An easy hike through lush tea plantations that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. The summit provides a panoramic vista of Ella’s beautiful landscape.

Nine Arches Bridge: A colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by greenery and tea plantations. The bridge, with its nine arches, is especially picturesque when a train crosses it.

After breakfast, drive to Yala, with a stop at Ravana Waterfall along the way. After visiting the waterfall, continue for another 2.5 hours to Yala. In the evening, enjoy a 3-hour jeep safari through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. Note that there are no toilets available during the safari, and you will need to bring your passports for park entry.

Destination Information:

Ravana Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall with a dramatic 30-meter drop, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a serene spot with clear waters, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Yala National Park: A major wildlife destination in southeastern Sri Lanka, covering over 1,500 square kilometers. Known for its leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species, the park offers exciting safari experiences through savannas, forests, and lagoons.

Depart from Yala and take a 2-hour drive to Galle, with a visit to the Sea Turtle Hatchery 

Centre along the way. In Galle, explore key landmarks such as Galle Fort, the lighthouse, the Dutch Museum, and the Dutch Reformed Church. Spend about two hours sightseeing on foot within the Old Town and Dutch Fort.

Destination Information:

Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre: Located in Mahamodara, this conservation center is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. Visitors can see various turtle species, learn about their life cycle, and even watch hatchlings being released into the ocean.

Galle Fort: Built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, this 36-hectare fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved fortified cities in Asia.

Galle Lighthouse: Located on the edge of Galle Fort, this is one of 14 remaining lighthouses in Sri Lanka and the oldest one still standing.

Dutch Reformed Church: Originally established in 1640, the current structure dates back to 1752-1755. The church’s floor is lined with granite tombstones, and there’s a small graveyard on the premises.

After a 10-day tour, spend an entire day relaxing and unwinding at the beach. Allow the soothing sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze to melt away any lingering fatigue from your journey. Lounge in a comfortable chair with a refreshing drink in hand, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet. This day of leisure is the perfect way to rejuvenate your mind and body, reconnect with nature, and fully appreciate the beauty of the coastal surroundings. Whether you choose to read a book, take a nap under the shade of a palm tree, or simply watch the sunset, this peaceful retreat will leave you feeling refreshed.

Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel in Galle. Rest for a well and recollect the memories of Sri lanka tours. Later we transfer you from Colombo to Airport on time to board flight for your way back home. In this way memorable journey with Sri lanka tour packages comes to an end giving your memorable memories to treasure as lifetime gift.