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Trip	Sri Lanka in 8 days - Temples, Treasures & Spiritual Retreats - LUXURY by Exoticca 4.5 \| Great 22071 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer	14 Day Treasures of Sri Lanka by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	8 days	14 days
Price From	$ 2,799	$ 3,839
Price Per Day	$ 350	$ 274
Highlights	Colombo Dambulla Caves Kandy Negombo Nuwara Eliya Sigiriya	Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where kings ruled Sri Lanka over 800 years ago Tour the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress dating back over 1500 years, rising from the central plains Glimpse into village life in Hiriwadunna where you are welcomed with a hosted lunch Visit a national park in the Cultural Triangle, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to view wild elephants At the inspirational cave temples of Dambulla, view golden Buddha statues and murals Tour the gold-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites In Kandy, dinner at the home of a local family with specially prepared Sri Lankan dishes Travel to the town of Nuwara Eliya in the center of Sri Lanka’s magnificent tea country Learn about the growing, harvesting and processing of “Ceylon” tea at a tea estate factory A Jeep Safari at Yala National Park highlights Sri Lanka’s astonishing wildlife and stunning landscapes Tour the colonial town of Galle, with its historic fort built in the 1500s by the Portuguese Visit a turtle hatchery, to learn about the rescue and protection of turtle eggs †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Small group tour
Lodging Level	Premium	Standard
Physical Level	1- Very easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural Nature & Wildlife 50 plus Local Immersion & Homestays National Parks	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Sri Lanka	Sri Lanka
Cities and Attractions	Dambulla Kandy Minneriya National Park Polonnaruwa Sigiriya	Colombo Ella Kandy Negombo Nuwara Eliya Sigiriya Weligama Yala National Park
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Historic sightseeing History Homestays & Cultural Immersion Nature Ruins & Archaeology	N/A
Meals Included	7 breakfasts. ***	N/A
Description	Land in Colombo and witness breathtaking views from the top of the Lion Rock in Sigiriya. Discover the wildlife of Minneriya National Park, explore the cave temples of Dambulla and enjoy the majestic architecture and tea plantations of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Finally, find your own personal slice of paradise on the pristine beaches of Beruwala and Seeduwa.	2 Negombo, 2 Habarana, 2 Kandy, 1 Nuwara Eliya, 2 Yala National Park, 2 Weligama Bay, 1 Colombo

Itinerary: Sri Lanka in 8 days - Temples, Treasures & Spiritual Retreats - LUXURY

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Colombo. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: In-flight

Day in-flight.

Day 3: Colombo - Seeduwa

Arrive at Colombo International Airport and transfer to Seeduwa, on the west coast of Sri Lanka. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your beautiful surroundings or take a relaxing stroll along the idyllic coastline. Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka exudes natural beauty and tropical charms. Overnight stay in Seeduwa.

Day 4: Seeduwa - Sigiriya - Dambulla

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, travel to the Sigiriya region and, on arrival, set off to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock. Within its triple-moated defence, the huge rock rises to a sheer height of almost 500 feet. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a sumptuous palace and gardens complete with an ancient swimming pool. Head back down to ground level and transfer to Dambulla, a historic town in the centre of the island. Get settled at the hotel and overnight stay in Dambulla.

Day 5: Dambulla - Minneriya - Dambulla

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure, sightseeing in the city or relaxing at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's most breathtaking archaeological sites.* In the afternoon, we recomend an optional excursion to Minneriya National Park. ** Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dambulla. * Optional Excursion to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: Drive for approx. 1.5 hours to the ancient medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, filled with timeless archaeological sites. Situated on the Parakrama Samudraya Lake, explore the fascinating ancient ruins, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. ** Optional Excursion to the Minneriya National Park: enjoy an exciting jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for its large population of elephants. Experience excellent game viewing as you travel through the fertile plains of Minneriya, watching for herds of elephants, water buffalo, monkeys and birdlife. $40 to be paid in destination in concept of entrance fee and jeep for the safari at Minneriya National Park.

Day 6: Dambulla - Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Dambulla to visit the Golden Temple, a sacred 2,000-year-old pilgrimage site carved into the rocks. The walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues in its interior. Next, en route to Kandy, enjoy a tour of the Spice Gardens and an authentic Batik Factory. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the afternoon before arriving in Kandy, set on a plateau surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening enjoy an entertaining cultural performance for a taste of Sri Lankan folklore. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Nuwara Eliya for an afternoon of sightseeing. Nuwara Eliya is known as the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka and is a beautiful region, filled with lush-tea plantation and typical farmlands. Visit a traditional tea plantation to learn about the production process and savour the flavour of authentic Sri Lankan tea, which makes up for around 25% of global tea exports! Enjoy sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya to admire its typical colonial architecture and cool climate before heading to the train station to take a scenic train ride back to Kandy. One of the most popular experiences in Sri Lanka, take in the amazing countryside views as the train weaves its way through plantations and mountains. Arrive in Kandy and spend the evening exploring this charming city at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 8: Kandy - Beruwala

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the highlands behind for the idyllic shores of Beruwala, a famous resort town with a large number of hotels, providing first-class facilities and stunning beaches. Beruwala is also famous for water sports such as sailing, water-skiing, para-sailing and water scooters. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax on the beautiful beaches and soak up the tropical landscapes. Overnight stay in Beruwala.

Day 9: Beruwala

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the facilities of your hotel or relaxing on the beach. We recommend an optional excursion to Galle Fort and a Turtle Hatchery.* Overnight stay in Beruwala. * Optional Excursion to Galle Fort & Turtle Hatchery: Head to Galle, a major city of Sri Lanka's south coast, to explore the huge Galle Fort, dating back to the 17th-century. With elements of Dutch and Portuguese architectural influences, learn about this period in the island's history. Afterwards, head to the Ahungalla Turtle Hatchery, where visitors have the unique opportunity to watch newborn turtles preparing to be released into the wild.

Day 10: Beruwala - Colombo - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicted time, transfer to Colombo International Airport for your return flight back to the US. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 11: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.

Itinerary: 14 Day Treasures of Sri Lanka

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Sri Lanka
Depart for Sri Lanka

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka, an enchanting island with a fascinating heritage known as the "jewel" of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the airport in Colombo, transfer to the palm-fringed beach town of Negombo. The rest of the day is yours to acclimate to your new time zone and enjoy the relaxing setting and gentle sea breezes
Overnight: Negombo

DAY 3, Wednesday - Negombo City Tour, Beach Walk
Begin the day with a city tour of delightful Negombo, once the most important source of cinnamon during the Dutch era. Visit the port, which was once a major trading port for the Portuguese and later for the Dutch after they took over during the middle of the 17th century. Due to the settlers' cultural, religious and architectural influences, you will view many colonial style buildings and a large number of elaborate Roman Catholic churches and statues of saints, the reason why Negombo has been nicknamed "Little Rome". Proceed to the ruins of a Dutch fort dating back to 1678. Nearby, on the green lawn of the Esplanade, perhaps watch children playing cricket - a big favorite in Sri Lanka! Afterwards, return to the hotel. Late in the afternoon, share coffee, tea and local snacks before a walk together on the nearby beach. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the journey that lies ahead, followed by a dinner. Try favorite dishes created from a delectable blend of Portuguese, Dutch, Malay and Indian influences accented by fragrant curries
Overnight: Negombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Habarana, Ancient Polonnaruwa
This morning, travel to Habarana, center of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, where kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka over 800 years ago. The glories of that era can be found in the archaeological park, with hundreds of massive ancient structures. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Habarana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Hiriwadunna Village, Safari
Today will be a long and rewarding day. Early departure from the hotel to visit Sigiriya, where thriving ancient cities once existed. At the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, dating back 1500 years, delight in exhilarating views over the surrounding area of covered moats, lily-ponds nestled in water gardens and quiet shrines. Rising from the central plains, this iconic rocky outcrop is surely Sri Lanka's most dramatic sight! Near vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short lived Kingdom of Kassapa. Head back towards your hotel to discover what life is like in an authentic Sri Lankan village! Wander down a dirt lane off the main road to Hiriwadunna, a tiny settlement of less than 2,500 people where they grow their own food and raise cattle. During your walk, keep an eye out for colorful butterflies, birds and native plants. See how coconuts are harvested and try a drink from a freshly cut coconut! Visit a local house for a demonstration on how local products are processed followed by a typical Sri Lankan lunch with rice & curry. In the afternoon, a great experience lies ahead with a visit to a national park*, one of the best places in the country to view wild elephants. The parks are a mixed forest and wetlands that provide shelter for sambar deer, buffalo, and crocodiles. Return in the evening to your hotel in Habarana with time to freshen up before dinner
*Visit will be at either Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park depending on seasonal elephant migration patterns
Overnight: Habarana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Temples of Dambulla, Cooking Demo, Kandy
This morning, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla to visit the cave temples, filled with Buddha statues and huge wall paintings. This extraordinary rock sanctuary dating back over 2,000 years, serves as inspiration for Buddhist pilgrims. Depart and stop at one of many roadside stands to buy fresh vegetables for the chef-led cooking demonstration at a spice garden. You'll learn some of the secrets of typical and unique Sri Lankan cooking methods using coconut milk, curry and spices, followed by a delicious lunch of regional favorites. Afterward, tour the Euphoria spice garden which displays most of the spices Sri Lanka is famous for and find out the various uses of each plant. Then proceed to Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lankan kings. Tonight is yours to explore the variety of restaurants that Kandy has to offer on your own
Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Sunday - Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Home Hosted Dinner
Morning visit to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its collection of orchids. Take a stroll along the imposing Avenue of Royal Palms, before a visit to a family-owned gem lapidary where you learn about the different types of gemstones and how they are mined. Later, visit the gold-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of Sri Lanka's most sacred sites, this Buddhist temple is believed to house a tooth of Buddha. Explore the temple housed in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy visited by both locals and tourists bearing flowers and incense throughout the day in this genuine place of worship. Tonight, you're invited to the home of a local family for a specially prepared dinner of local favorites. Attend a performance by a Kandayan dancer and drummer before you're welcomed into the home with typical warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Enjoy a cup of tea and learn how to prepare a typical dish before sitting down to savor your meal
Overnight: Kandy
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - The Tea Experience in Nuwara Eliya
Today, travel to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda with a stop at a tea estate and factory. Learn about the growing and harvesting of tea as you walk through the working factory to observe the processing of the leaves as well as how they are graded and packed. See how tea is traditionally picked and perhaps climb up into the steep terraced fields to try your hand at plucking tea leaves! End your visit with a sampling of different varieties of "Ceylon" teas. After lunch, proceed to Nuwara Eliya, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, surrounded by breathtaking views of bright green rolling hills, meadows, mountains and rushing waterfalls. This hill town was a popular 19th century resort and escape for the hard-working English and Scottish pioneers of Sri Lanka's tea industry. Check in to the hotel before a late afternoon walk through the charming center of the city with its old brick Post Office and country houses that evoke nostalgia of Colonial British Ceylon. A "tuk tuk" ride takes you to the Old Church with its pretty rose garden. After a visit to the church, complete your exploration of Sri Lanka's tea country with a proper cup of evening tea! Tonight is at leisure to explore the restaurants in Nuwara Eliya on your own
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Tuesday - Ella, Yala National Park
Time at leisure this morning before departing for your journey through mountains and valleys covered with velvet green tea plantations to the hill town of Ella*. View the stunning Ravana Falls, the widest waterfall in the country. Arrive this evening at Yala National Park, a nature reserve that encompasses a vast wilderness of grassy plains, scrub jungle, lakes, and wetlands with the highest density of leopards in Asia. Dinner tonight at the lodge in Yala National Park
*Some departures will travel to Ella by train while others will take a scenic road by coach
Overnight: Yala National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
Linger this morning and savor your leisure time in this wildlife paradise. In the afternoon, get ready for the sights and sounds of a Jeep Safari -- you'll experience the best of the country's native wildlife and natural landscape. Set out in a 4x4 with an expert guide that will share facts about the endemic wildlife. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of the distinct Sri Lankan leopards. Spot crocodiles by the water and spot a variety of birdlife at many of the watering holes. Around the lagoons, perhaps see flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, rare black-necked storks, grey herons, and darters. An astonishing day! At tonight's dinner at the hotel, compare stories of today's adventure
Overnight: Yala National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Coastal Road to Weligama Bay, Discussion with a Buddhist Monk
A gorgeous drive along the winding coastal road takes you to Weligama Bay, whose name means, "sandy village," after its soft pristine sand, rolling surf and endless sunshine. In the afternoon, visit a nearby meditation center to participate in a discussion with a Buddhist Monk on meditation. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to apply these principles and teachings. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Weligama Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Galle Fort and City Tour
Morning drive to the pretty colonial town of Galle, the "jewel of the south", bursting with exotic scents of spices and sea air. En route, view the famous stilted fishermen that perch on handmade structures of wood and twine to catch their fish. Arrive at the historic Galle Fort, built in the 1500s by the Portuguese and extensively restored after the 2004 tsunami. Admire the sights in town including St. Mary's Cathedral, the picturesque natural harbor and the Galle International Stadium. Return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in picturesque Weligama Bay
Overnight: Weligama Bay
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Saturday - Turtle Hatchery, Cricket Club, Colombo
Depart Weligama this morning and drive to Kosgoda, a prime turtle nesting site. Here, visit a turtle hatchery where you learn about the rescue and protection of turtle eggs while seeing newly hatched turtles. On to the capital city of Colombo for a panoramic tour of the city. A late afternoon visit to a cricket club where you may get a glimpse of a cricket match or a practice session. At tonight's dinner, share wonderful memories and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Colombo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday - Depart Sri Lanka
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast