Sigiriya Lion Rock
Safari in Udawalawe National Park
Kandy
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Discover the Hotspots of Sri Lanka

This compact tour of Sri Lanka provides an overview of many of the island's key destinations. Discover, among other highlights, the Lion Rock at Sigiriya, the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa, the famous Temple of the Tooth, and enjoy a scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the hiking and safari opportunities. Due to its short duration, this trip is perfect to combine with a therapy stay or a beach holiday in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka Hotspots in Detail

Tour 5 nights / 6 days

Day 1: NEGOMBO - SIGIRIYA

(approx. 160 km, 3.5 hrs.)

Arrival at the airport and transfer to Sigiriya for check-in. En route, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. A World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Temple sits atop a colossal rock that rises more than 160 m above the surrounding area. The rock itself has a circumference of over 1.5 km, and its summit is at an elevation of 550 m. Evening at leisure. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2: SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA - SIGIRIYA

(approx. 160 km, 4 hrs.)

After breakfast, proceed to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second oldest royal city, offering a plethora of ruins and religious sites. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park. Covering about 8889 hectares, Minneriya is renowned for its elephants, approximately 160 bird species, 9 amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and over 78 butterfly species, as well as rare bamboo trees found only in Minneriya National Park. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: SIGIRIYA - KANDY

(approx. 90 km, 3 hrs.)

After breakfast, continue to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the 5th century AD, this magnificent sky citadel was the refuge of King Kasyapa and has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, proceed to Kandy for a city tour including a visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Kandy, the capital of the Sinhalese kings from 1592 until 1815, is protected by mountainous terrain and difficult access. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly due to the temple. In the evening, attend a cultural show. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: KANDY - NUWARA ELIYA

(approx. 80 km, 3 hrs.)

After breakfast, travel to Nuwara Eliya. Optional excursion: visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden (approx. €11 per person). In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England', a favourite hill station of the British, who tried to transform Nuwara Eliya into a typical English village. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5: NUWARA ELIYA - ELLA

Early morning (5:30 a.m.) departure for a hike in Horton Plains National Park. A World Heritage Site, Horton Plains is located on the southern edge of the central highlands, between Nuwara Eliya & Haputale, and consists of mountain forests where the land rises to 2300 meters above sea level. Horton Plains is home to an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western purple-faced langur and the Horton Plains slender loris, and with some luck, you might spot highland leopards. Afterwards, board the train to Ella (2nd class). The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella in Sri Lanka is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary and visually stunning experiences in the world. As the train gradually ascends into the mountains, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of lush tea plantations, mystical valleys shrouded in mist, captivating waterfalls, and dense forests teeming with life. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6: ELLA - NEGOMBO

After breakfast, take a short hike to Little Adam's Peak, named after the sacred Adam's Peak (Sri Pada – where Buddha's footprint is preserved) due to the similarity between the two mountains. It stands 1141 m above sea level. Then, proceed to Udawalawe (100 km / 2 hrs. 15 mins.) and enjoy an afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park. Known for its elephant safaris and wildlife circuit bungalows, the park spans 30,821 hectares of wilderness and is regarded as one of the most ideal and idyllic places to observe elephants up close. Afterwards, continue to the south coast for a beach stay or return to the airport for departure. Optional excursion: city tour of Galle en route to the airport (approx. €10 per person). (Meals: Breakfast)

Programme subject to change.

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Location

Sri Lanka Hotspots
Sri Lanka, West Coast Sri Lanka, Negombo
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
approx. 128 km / 160 min

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