OSTERN REISEN TRAVEL AGENCY

11 Days

Exploring The Cultural Gems Of Sri Lanka

Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka with this all-encompassing tour of its World Heritage wonders. From the colonial cities of Negombo and Galle with their European infused architecture to the ancient capital of Kandy, discover Sri Lanka’s fascinating history. Explore the country’s many sites of interest including the Lion fortress of Sigiriya and the highland village of Ella with its neverending views of the surrounding tea terraces.

Highlights

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE WONDERS: Sri Lanka has no shortage of UNESCO-accredited attractions, including the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the formidable rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the biodiversity of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, to name but a few.
TEA TERRACES: A trip up to the lush highlands to discover where Ceylon tea made its mark will make travelers appreciate the time and effort that goes into producing the perfect brew.
HISTORIC GALLE: This colonial port town has Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage dating back to the 16th century, making a visit here a informative lesson in Sri Lankan history.

Inclusions

Accommodation
Transport
Guide
Entrances

Extensions

Not included is travel insurance, tips and any expense of personal nature

Destinations

Negombo
Sigiriya
Matale
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
BOGAWANTALAWA VALLEY
Sinharaja
Galle

Trip Plan

1 - NEGOMBO

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and escorted to your car for the transfer to the cultural city of Negombo. Centuries of colonial rule have had their effects here and you’ll see influences of the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras. Check in to your comfortable hotel and enjoy your first night in Sri Lanka.

2 - SIGIRIYA

After breakfast at your hotel, its time to head to the World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa. Discover the statues and sacred sites of both Buddhism and Hinduism; explore a relic house and marvel at the intricate stone carvings. After a day of many wonders, travel to Sigiriya for the evening.

3 - SIGIRIYA

This morning, you will head to Sigiriya, the rock fortress of 5th century King Kasyapa. This breathtaking World Heritage Site, surrounded by moats, soars up from rock foundations to formidable ramparts, and houses original frescoes and carvings as well as a fascinating museum. After a leisurely day of exploring the marvels on Lion Rock, you will head back to your hotel to relax for the rest of the day.

4 - MATALE

After breakfast, head for Dambulla. Here you will discover the vast, first century rock cave temple built by King Walagamba, its walls covered in intricate paintings and home to an enormous carved Buddha. In the afternoon, depart for Matale and explore its exotic spice garden. Rest in Matale this evening, in advance of your hike tomorrow.

5 - MATALE

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a day of adventure. From your altitude at 1200 feet, you will be climbing to 1850 feet on a beautiful 10 mile trek. Along the way, encounter indigenous wildlife like deer, monkeys and lizards. At the halfway point, cool off with a refreshing swim in a beautiful waterfall lagoon before heading back to your hotel, checking out the birdlife on the way.

6 - KANDY

Today you are off to discover more of the wonders of ancient Sri Lanka as you head for Kandy. The countrys capital for many centuries, Kandy is set around a picturesque lake. Explore the town with its gem market, bazaar and famous temple housing the sacred tooth relic, before you settle into your hotel.

7 - NUWARA ELIYA

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will set a course for the highlands where, at the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya, you will find yourself surrounded by lush green tea terraces. Take a tour of the city in the shadow of Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka highest peak, and spend the night at the Grand Hotel.

8 - BOGAWANTALAWA VALLEY

After breakfast, head into the countryside towards the towering Adams Peak. At dusk you will begin your climb, enjoying the cool of the evening. At the halfway point, you will find yourself at the picturesque Tea Trails Bungalow where you will bed down for the night.

9 - SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE

This morning you are in for a treat as you make your way to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to visit orphaned baby elephants in their cozy habitat. Here, they are fed and cared for until they are ready to be re-naturalized. Afterward, head into the Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a jungle trek in UNESCO World Heritage beauty. Spend the night amid nature in the Rainforest Eco Lodge Hotel.

10 - GALLE

After breakfast in the jungle, leave the rainforest behind as you make your way down south to the historic city of Galle. Spend the afternoon exploring this port town, with its fascinating past as a crucial trading center, and check into your hotel.