Tropical Highlights Tour
AIRPORT – HABARANA
Day 1Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport to a warm welcome from your chauffeur guide who will transfer you to Habarana – the hub of Sri Lanka’s astonishing cultural triangle. On arrival at your hotel, you could choose to relax and lounge by the pool, or speak to your chauffeur guide about venturing out on a guided trek through the village of Hiriwaduna for an authentic Sri Lankan village experience in the picturesque countryside. A bullock cart ride and a catamaran ride on the lake are also included, as well as a home cooked tropical lunch with a local family, and a visit to a local farmer for a look at the fresh produce and their simplistic way of life.
HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA
Day 2After breakfast, travel to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress – the imposing ancient royal citadel in the jungle and climb up to walk among the ruins of the palace of King Kassapa while enjoying the amazing vistas of the surrounding wilderness. From there, head to the beautiful forested Polonnaruwa archaeological park and its stunning list of ancient structures – palaces, temples, tombs, and stupas. Head back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation by the pool, or optionally try out a jeep safari to the Minneriya National Park to see herds of wild elephant and other animals by the watering holes. Additionally, an elephant back safari through the Habarana Lake can be perfect as a sunset excursion.
HABARANA – DAMBULLA – KANDY
Day 3After breakfast, set out for Kandy, and stop by in Dambulla for a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Golden Temple, with its beautifully preserved examples of Buddhist art and sculpture within its extensive gold cave complex. In transit to Kandy, stop at Matale for a walk through one of Sri Lanka’s famous spice gardens, home to the worlds’ highest quality cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, pepper and other exotic spices. Arrive in the historic hill capital of Kandy, and be entertained by the colourful cultural music and dance performance before visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth to pay your respects. Kandy is the seat of the last King of Sri Lanka, with the Temple of the Tooth being the last Royal Palace Complex, hence Kandy has a special sense of culture and history that is evident in its art and traditional dance. Enjoy an evening of shopping and a city tour with a visit to Upper Lake Drive for the best view of the city and some iconic photographs.
KANDY – PERADENIYA – NUWARA ELIYA
Day 4After breakfast, head out to the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya – the heartland of Ceylon Tea, and called Little England due to its cool climes and misty mountains popular among expats in colonial times. En-route visit a traditional tea factory and watch the tea pluckers at work and learn how they choose just the right tea leaf, before heading to the amazing Ramboda Falls. From here visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – home to over four thousand species of exotic plant specimens, and view the spice gardens, orchid house, the natural pavilion fig tree, and many more beautiful sections. After lunch, take a walk around the town and stroll through the park, or visit the picturesque little Anglican Chapel, the horse racetrack, and the beautiful old colonial style golf club. Lake Gregory in the heart of the town is a great place for a stroll.
NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA – YALA
Day 5After breakfast at the hotel, your chauffeur will drive you to the Nanu Oya Train Station to begin a magical train journey through the winding misty hills to Ella, where he will await you for transfer to your Yala Hotel. After depart to Yala National Park, and arrive at your hotel by late afternoon, where you may spend your day resting by the pool and readying yourself for the excitement of a spectacular wildlife adventure to come the following day.
YALA – GALLE – SOUTH BEACH
Day 6After breakfast head out on an early morning game drive before departing Yala for the sunny beaches and warm crystal clear waters of southern Sri Lanka, and stop by in the city of Galle – a former Dutch colonial bastion. The city is built around the imposing Galle Fort – a beautifully preserved “city within a city” full of quaint restaurants, curio shops and colonial architecture. A definite must see when in Sri Lanka. Afterwards head to your hotel at the beach of your choice on the south coast and spend your afternoon enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach at any of the popular bars or restaurants, or simply relax at the hotel.
GALLE – SOUTH BEACH LEISURE
Day 7After breakfast, spend your day on the beach enjoying the exotic beverages and cuisine in complete privacy and seclusion, or try out the many optional aquatic activities on offer such as snorkelling, whale watching, jet scooter rides, wind surfing and water skiing as per your liking. The southern coastlines offer stunning sunsets, hence an evening on the beach with a beverage of your choice is a fitting way to end your day.
GALLE – COLOMBO – AIRPORT
Day 8Having come to the end of an exciting and adventure-filled holiday, your personal Chauffeur Guide will drive you after breakfast to the commercial capital of Colombo where you can indulge in some last minute shopping before catching your flight home. We hope your tour will have been as memorable as you expected, and from all of us at GoldenLine TOUR farewell and see you again soon!
Everything Taken Care Of
Our Classic Sri Lanka tours include premium transport, chauffeur guides, verified hotel stays with half-board dining, and entry passes to all heritage monuments.
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Other Classic Tours
Tropical Bliss Tour
The great thing about this tour is that you can enjoy it all year round. Begins with one night in coastal Negombo to recover from jetlag, before heading to Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pinnawala elephant orphanage, Kandy, Ramboda Falls, Nuwara Eliya tea highlands, the magical Ella train journey, Yala safari, and south coast beaches.
Serendib Summer Tour
Best taken during May to October for guaranteed sunshine. Begins in Galle and south coast, proceeds to Yala wildlife safari, Ella & Nuwara Eliya misty hills, royal Kandy, Pinnawala elephant sanctuary, cultural triangle in Habarana, Sigiriya rock climb, pristine beaches of Trincomalee / Passikudah, holy Anuradhapura kingdom, and Negombo.