Temples & Tea Trails

Tour Info

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Duration

9 days

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Tour Type

Heritage & Culture Nature & Serenity

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Best time to travel

December – March

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Destinations

Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya Pollunaruva, Anuradhapuram Matale, Kandy, & Nuwara Eliya

Overview

Temple and Tea Trails: Discover the Wonders of Sri Lanka

Experience the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka with our Temple and Tea Trails tour, covering the island’s iconic destinations. Start your journey in Colombo, where modernity meets colonial charm, before heading to Dambulla to explore its ancient cave temples.

Climb the legendary Lion Rock in Sigiriya and uncover the historical treasures of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, ancient cities brimming with archaeological marvels and revered temples. Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Journey through the spice gardens of Matale and continue to Nuwara Eliya, nestled in lush hills. Here, the cool, misty climate and stunning tea plantations provide a serene backdrop. Enjoy visits to tea factories and plantations to witness the art of tea-making and savor some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea.

This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, showcasing the best of Sri Lanka’s temples and tea trails.

Highlights

Marvel at the Spiritual Temple Caves of Dambulla: Explore the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temples, adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues.
Witness an Auspicious Offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and witness a traditional offering ceremony.
Pedal Through the Ancient City of Anuradhapura: Discover the historic ruins of Anuradhapura on a bicycle tour, exploring stupas, monasteries, and royal palaces.
Embark on a Mouth-Watering Foodie Tour in Colombo: Indulge in a culinary adventure in Colombo, sampling delicious local dishes from vibrant markets and street food stalls.
Roam Through the Ancient Citadel of Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the ancient citadel, frescoes, and gardens.
Visit a Spice Garden in Matale: Explore the lush spice gardens of Matale, learning about the various spices Sri Lanka is famous for.
These highlights showcase the rich cultural, historical, and culinary experiences awaiting you in Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Colombo

Upon arrival at the airport, our Company Representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to relax. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 02: Drive to Kandalama via Dambulla Caves

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kandalama, stopping en route to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your journey to Kandalama and check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandalama.

Day 03: Excursion to Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park & Polonnaruwa

Begin your day with an early breakfast, then head out for an excursion to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the historical city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park for a safari to spot wildlife. Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Kandalama.

Day 04: Excursion to Anuradhapura

Today, visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura, renowned for its monastic complexes dedicated to different sects of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahavihara, and Mahayana. Marvel at the four monumental stupas: Jetavana, Ruyanvelisaya, Mirisavati, and Abhayagiri. Also, visit Mihintale, a significant Buddhist site. Later, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kandalama.

Day 05: Drive to Kandy via Matale Spice Plantations

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kandy, stopping en route to visit a spice garden in Matale. Learn about the various spices that Sri Lanka is famous for and see how they are grown and processed. Continue your drive to Kandy and check into your hotel. Kandy, once the capital of the Kandyan Kings, is steeped in Sinhalese culture and history. Enjoy sightseeing at the Kandy National Museum and the Temple of the Tooth. Stroll through Kandy’s central market, which caters mainly to locals with its wide range of foods, spices, herbal tonics, crafts, textiles, and factory-reject designer-brand clothing. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 06: Journey to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. Later, enjoy a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, with a stop at the stunning Ramboda Falls watch point. Nuwara Eliya, known for its tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, and clear hill-country air, offers a landscape reminiscent of a beautiful English summer’s day. Explore Sri Lanka’s hill villages, tea processing factories, and botanical gardens. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 07: Excursion to Ella

After breakfast, set out for an excursion to Ella. Visit Little Adam’s Peak and admire the engineering marvel of the Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara train stations. Don’t miss the picturesque Ravana Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Return to Nuwara Eliya for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 08: Drive to Colombo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a relaxing morning. Later, drive to Colombo with an optional stop at Bentota Beach. Upon arrival in Colombo, indulge in some last-minute shopping. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 09: Colombo Sightseeing and Departure

Start your morning with a half-day city tour of Colombo. Embrace the local culture by learning the word ‘Estuti,’ which means thank you in Sinhalese. Visit significant landmarks such as the elaborately carved Hindu temple, the historic Dutch Church at Wolfe Dhal dating back to 1749, the Devatgahaha Mosque, and the Gangarama Temple. Explore the bustling Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah Bazaar areas. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back home, leaving with fond memories of your Sri Lanka tour.