Northern Sri Lanka 8 Days

Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport by our Representative and transfer to hotel in Sigiriya. Stop at Kurunegala for a stroll around the lake and some refreshments. Optional visit to a rural village: Transfer in a fun tuk-tuk, canoe ride on a beautiful lake returning in an ox-drawn cart.

Sigiriya Rock is a 360-metre-high, almost rectangular mountain that houses the ruins of an ancient palace complex at its peak and is considered one of the 8 wonders of the ancient world. One of the must-see sights when travelling to Sri Lanka. In the afternoon we will go on a safari in the Minneriya National Park, famous for the large herds of elephants that live there. Everyone is amazed to see so many elephants together.

The beaches of the East are very similar to the neighbouring islands of the Maldives. The long, exotic shores of fine white sand, coconut palms and electric blue sea invite you to relax and unwind. So let's enjoy the calm sea breeze for a couple of days in Trincomalee and Nilaveli. Visit to the Koneswaram Hindu temple in Trincomalee, dedicated to the god Shiva.

Boat transfer and visit to Pigeon Island National Park: This is one of the two marine parks in the country and consists of two small islands, a bird sanctuary since 1963. In this park, which houses one of the best coral reefs in Sri Lanka, you can snorkel to see turtles, colorful fish, seahorses. Rest of the day free at the beach.

Free day at the beach. Optional activity: We will leave very early in the morning to see the blue whales, sperm whales, Bryde's whales and fin whales that pass through the East of Sri Lanka during migration. It is also possible to see various species of dolphins.

The history of Dambulla dates back to the 1st year BC and it reached its peak in the 12th century. Today this temple is still very active and we will once again have the opportunity to see Sri Lankan Buddhists giving offerings such as flowers, incense, oil lamps. Afterwards we will learn all the secrets of a Spice Garden. Today we will have the opportunity to see the plants and trees from which the different spices are obtained and we will learn about their uses in cooking and in Ayurvedic medicine. Transfer to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens or Royal Gardens date back to the 14th century. This vast expanse of trees and plants is one of the best things to see on a trip to Sri Lanka. You will see everything from ancient trees to the strangest forms of palm trees, from Ayurvedic plants to the famous collection of orchids. This sacred place houses the relic of the Buddha's Tooth. Since ancient times, this relic has played a very important role in Sri Lankan life, as it was believed that whoever possessed it held power. Rest of the day to stroll around the city, the lake surrounding the Temple of the Tooth, the market. In the afternoon we will attend a show of traditional Kandy dances.

If there is enough time on the way we will make a stop to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (optional). This centre was created by the Sri Lankan Government to house injured or orphaned elephants found in the jungle. It is the largest reserve of captive elephants in the world. Transfer to the airport at the agreed time. At Bandaranaike International Airport you must be 3 hours before your flight departure.