If you’ve got just one week in Sri Lanka, and want to make the most of it – this is a popular holiday itinerary in Sri Lanka for the more adventurous kind!
DURATION: 07 NIGHTS / 08 DAYS
ROUTE: SIGIRIYA – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA – YALA – MIRISSA/BENTOTA
DAY 01 [AIRPORT – NUWARA ELIYA]
Arrival to Colombo; representatives of Travel Treasures Sri Lanka will warmly welcome our guests at the Airport and proceed to transfer to Sigiriya.
En Route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: (2.5 hrs drive)
The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. The elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.
Thereafter, proceed to Sigiriya.
Lion’s Rock Sigiriya: A gigantic ancient megalithic Sri Lankan rock located near the city of Dambulla. It is a spectacular 200 meters high natural formation that, at its top, preserves the ruins of an ancient fortified palace. This archaeological site loved by tourists is recognized was a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and is considered by locals as the “eighth wonder of the world”.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
DAY 02 [SIGIRIYA – KANDY]
Pidurangala Rock: An incredible 360-degree viewpoint located opposite the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. Hiking to the top is possible for both of these rocks and you get an incredible view of Lion’s Rock itself, which is really special!
Dambulla Cave Temples: A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.
Village Tour: Gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sigiriya. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart ride, traditional catamaran ride in a lake, visit to a chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstration in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch during this tour.
Proceed to Kandy by evening.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 03 [KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA]
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy. The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD. Situated adjacent to the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine overlooks the vast expanse of the Kandy Lake.
Kandy Lake: Enjoy a photo stop at the slopes of the hills on the southern side of the lake. The beautiful views to the Kandy Lake and the charming city and the golden-roofed Tooth Temple of the Tooth are the best way to understand why Kandy is called the “hill capital” and renowned for its natural beauty.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, is one of the most renowned botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and is situated near Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka. The gardens boast a diverse collection of flora, including over 4,000 species of plants. Visitors can explore various sections dedicated to orchids, palms, ferns, spices, medicinal plants, and more. Notable attractions include a giant Javan fig tree, an extensive collection of orchids, and a bamboo collection.
Thereafter head ‘up country’ to the city of Nuwara Eliya (3 hrs drive), visiting the Ramboda Waterfall and a tea factory along the way. You can then check in to the Hotel in Nuwara Eliya for relaxation.
Ramboda Falls: Ramboda Falls is a beautiful and renowned waterfall in Sri Lanka, located in the hill country of the Central Province, near the town of Ramboda. The waterfall is notable for its tiered structure, with multiple cascades flowing down rocky outcrops, surrounded by lush greenery.
Tea Factory Visit: Sri Lanka, renowned for its lush tea plantations, offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich tea heritage through various tea factory tours. These tours provide a comprehensive understanding of tea cultivation and processing, enhancing your appreciation for Sri Lanka’s esteemed tea industry.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 04 [NUWARA ELIYA]
After breakfast the next day, explore the town of Nuwara Eliya.
The old colonial outpost still referred to as ‘Little England’ Nuwara Eliya certainly lives up to itsname. Perched 6200 feet above sea level, the climate too, adds to the illusion of one stepping into an old English town, where neat hedges, quaint cottages and beautiful old buildings stand as serene as they did well over a century ago – the magnificent Grand Hotel presiding over them all.
Lake Gregory: Included in this Sri Lanka holiday itinerary is a leisurely walk on the paved walk ways, with swan shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. There are pony rides round the lake for the kids and even adults, with plenty of fast food stalls located in a separate area where one can enjoy a meal or a snack.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and the second largest garden in the country over all. It once spanned over 500 acres, but currently encompasses about 88 acres. It’s adjacent to the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, making it a hotspot for various flora and fauna.
Victoria Park: Situated right in the centre of the Nuwara Eliya city and is about 200 meters walk from the Grand Hotel. The park could comfortably boast about their extensive array of flowering plants, with rare endemic flora to more intrepid blooms making an experience across the expanse of the park.
Strawberry Farms: Several strawberry farms in and around Nuwara Eliya offer visitors the opportunity to explore the fields, pick fresh strawberries, and enjoy a variety of strawberry-based products.
Moon Plains: One of the best place to have a panoramic view of mountains in Sri Lanka. This recently opened attraction is popular for the mini Worlds End at the edge giving a 360 Degree view of the surrounding peaks and towns. At the viewpoint, you will be able to see the peak point of 9 mountains in Sri Lanka on a clear day.
Sita Amman Temple: The prominent temple architecture will not fail to attract your attention. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. The temple today is a modern building with its paintings, statues and pillars decorated with sculptures; all depicting the tale of Rama and Sita.
The above attractions are optional and can be chosen as per your preferences and time available.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 05 [NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA]
OPTIONAL TRAIN RIDE to include in your Sri Lanka holiday itinerary:
After Breakfast, check out and proceed to the Nanu Oya Station for the train to Ella (approx. 9am departure, duration – 3 hrs to Ella). If you wish to spend more time in Nuwara Eliya, you can go for the noon train (approximately at 12.30-1.00), or just drive to Ella by road (1.5 hrs).
Ella is a quiet hill country town that draws visitors to its cool climate and its picturesque setting deep in the heart of the ‘up country’. Ella is has become one of the major tourist hotspots of Sri Lanka and it is largely due to the epic scenery and hikes in the region such as Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak. The little town of Ella is far from a scenic stopover, but a truly charming and beautiful haven to spend a few relaxing days of fresh mountain air and unforgettable vistas.
Nine Arch Bridge: The beautiful nine arches makes the bridge a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming, and below, tea leaves are being cultivated.
Ravana Zip Line: The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer, slides at 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.
Little Adam’s Peak: Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can enjoy a panoramic view. It will be priceless if you could visit the place in the morning when the clouds roll in. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.
Ravana Waterfall: Ranked as one of the widest falls in the country, Ravana falls have been named after the legendary character Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. The falls are quite impressive, and you can climb over some of the rocks to get a closer look.
The above attractions are optional and can be chosen as per your preferences and time available.
Overnight stay in Ella.
DAY 06 [ELLA – MIRISSA]
After breakfast, transfer to south coast for the last leg of your Sri Lanka holiday itinerary.
Whale Watching: Mirissa is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, especially for the most famous largest marine mammal “Blue Whales”. Actually it takes only six to nine nautical miles from Mirissa harbor to reach whale habitats. The tours start from Mirissa harbor at 6.00 am and most of the time whales can be seen very close to the Mirissa coast.
Overnight stay at a beach resort.
DAY 07 [MIRISSA]
Enjoy your Sri Lanka holiday itinerary with some relaxation on the beautiful beach of the southern coast.
Water Sports: from jet skiing to banana boat rides, sofa bed ride, water skiing and paragliding, you can enjoy a wide array of water sports in Mirissa.
Overnight stay at a beach resort.
DAY 08 [MIRISSA – AIRPORT]
En-Route, visit the following attractions:
Galle Fort: Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.
Madu river Boat Ride-The bio-diversity of the Madu River is of monumental signification when considering the wide ranges of aquatic and avian life as well as wetland dwelling amphibians, reptiles, mammals that inhabit the environs of this natural treasure.
Turtle Hatchery – a successful conservation effort established to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction.
Transfer to Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport to catch your flight back home accompanied with all the happy memories of the tropical isle; Sri Lanka, also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
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