Colonial Sri Lanka

Tour Info

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Duration

10 days

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Tour Type

Nature & Serenity

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Best time to travel

December – March

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Destinations

Colombo, Kandy Nuwara Eliya, Yale & Galle

Overview

Explore Sri Lanka’s captivating destinations on this 10-day tour. Begin in Colombo with its vibrant markets and colonial architecture. Journey to Kandy to see the sacred Temple of the Tooth and traditional cultural performances. Experience the serene landscapes of Nuwara Eliya with its picturesque tea plantations. Discover the wildlife wonders of Yala National Park, renowned for its leopards. Finally, unwind in the coastal city of Galle, strolling through the historic Galle Fort and enjoying its unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture and seaside beauty. This tour offers a perfect mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences, immersing you in the essence of Sri Lanka.
This 10-day itinerary is designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience, showcasing the best of India’s cultural heritage and natural wonders. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photograph of the Taj Mahal or spotting a tiger in the wild, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories.

Highlights

Dig into Sri Lanka’s colonial past with visits to Dutch mansions and tea bungalows
Visit historic churches to hear stories about Ceylon’s colonial era
Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth
Witness traditional cultural performances
Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations
Discover the charm of Nuwara Eliya, the former British hill station
Experience an exhilarating wildlife safari
Spot the park’s famous leopards and other wildlife
Enjoy a walking tour through the historic Galle Fort
Explore the blend of Dutch colonial architecture and seaside beauty
Enjoy the services of an expert driver/guide throughout the journey

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Colombo

Our Company Representative will greet you upon arrival at the airport and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Once you’ve checked in, take some time to relax. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 02: Drive to scenic Kandy

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kandy. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax. Explore the city, visiting the Kandy National Museum and the Temple of the Tooth. Walk through the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and Kandy’s central market, known for its range of local foods, spices, crafts, and more. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 03: Journey to Nuwara Eliya's Tea World

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Begin with a visit to Kandy’s Royal Botanical Gardens. Later, drive to Nuwara Eliya, enjoying the scenic route and a stop at Ramboda Falls. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, where tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, and clear hill-country air await. The pleasant climate makes it perfect for walking and taking in the stunning scenery. Explore the hill villages, tea factories, and botanical gardens. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04: Explore the beauty of Nuwara Eliya

Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden and then head to Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya. This serene spot is said to be where Sitadevi bathed during her stay at Ashoka Vatika, with a stream that once catered to her needs. Today, the site is home to a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman. Notably, footprints resembling those of Hanuman can be found by the river, varying in size and hinting at his transformative powers. Additionally, explore the picturesque Victoria Park and Gregory Lake. Spend your evening at leisure, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05: To the Land of Elephants & Leopards - Yala National Park

After breakfast, drive 165 km to Yala National Park via Ella. Visit Little Adam’s Peak and marvel at the Nine Arch Bridge, an engineering feat of the early 20th century. Don’t miss the stunning Ravana Falls, a highlight of the hill country’s beautiful waterfalls. Continue to Yala National Park, a vast expanse of forest, grassland, and lagoons along the Indian Ocean. This park is home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Overnight in Yala

Day 06: Thrilling Safaris at Yala National Park

Start your day with an exciting morning jeep safari in Yala National Park. Traverse through diverse landscapes of forests, grasslands, and lagoons, keeping an eye out for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. After a break, continue the adventure with an afternoon jeep safari, enhancing your chances of spotting the park’s elusive and majestic wildlife. The varied terrain and abundant wildlife promise an exhilarating and immersive experience. Overnight in Yala.

Day 07: Journey to the Portuguese Era at Galle

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a 170 km drive to Galle, located on the southwestern coast of the island. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind. Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s most exquisite colonial-era towns, features a 17th-century Dutch fort offering a captivating glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The town is enclosed by massive bastions and ramparts, with narrow streets and charming old villas. Enjoy mesmerizing sunset views across the Indian Ocean. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the surroundings of Galle. Overnight stay in Galle

Day 08: Exploring Galle

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Old Galle Fort in Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest town. This 16th-century fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans over 90 acres and is the best-preserved fort built by European occupiers in Asia. Originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later expanded by the Dutch in 1663, the fort offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Stroll around the fort’s thick granite walls, especially enjoyable at sunrise and sunset when the air is cool and the light is soft. Wander through the fort’s narrow alleys, lined with colonial homes, 18th-century churches, mosques, museums, art galleries, and boutiques. Spend the night in Galle

Day 09: Drive to Colombo

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely morning or explore the surroundings of Galle. Later, drive 130 km back to Colombo. If you wish, make a stop at Bentota Beach along the way. Upon arrival in Colombo, take some time for last-minute shopping. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 10: Exploring Colombo's Highlights

Spend your morning on a half-day city tour of Colombo. Learn the word ‘Estuti,’ which means thank you in Sinhalese—a small gesture that goes a long way in pleasing the locals. Visit the Hindu temple with its elaborate stone carvings, the Dutch Church at Wolfe Dhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, and the Gangarama Temple to get a feel of the country’s cultural diversity. While Colombo might not have the immediate charm of other parts of the island, it’s vibrant and offers unique insights into Sri Lanka’s urban life. The Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah Bazaar areas are among the busiest and most traditional parts of the city. Later, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back home, leaving you with sweet memories of your Sri Lanka tour.