Sri Lanka 9 Days

Welcome to Bandaranaike International Airport! Upon your arrival, our Sri Lanka Eden Travel Representative will be there to assist you throughout your journey. From there, you will be comfortably transferred to Sigiriya, with a pleasant stop in Kurunegala town to enjoy a relaxing stroll around the lake and some refreshments. Afterward, you will check in at your hotel in Sigiriya, ready to unwind and begin your adventure!

In the morning, we will explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which dates back to the (10th-13th centuries). This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves remarkable remains of buildings and temples from that era. The statues of Buddha and King Parakrama stand with unparalleled elegance and grandeur. In the afternoon, we will embark on a safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants—sometimes up to 300 can be seen together.

The Golden Temple, dating back to the (1st century BC), is nestled inside a large cave where you can admire 153 statues of Buddha, watch Buddhists making their offerings, and even see monkeys around. The surrounding scenery is equally stunning, with views of rice fields, coconut trees, and mountains. Sigiriya Rock, from the (5th century AD), is rightly considered one of the eight wonders of the ancient world. Be sure not to miss the palace ruins at the summit and the breathtaking 360-degree views all around! A truly remarkable experience.

We’ll start with a visit to a Spice Garden, where you’ll discover the plants and trees that give us all those wonderful spices. You’ll also get to learn about their uses in cooking and traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Later, we’ll take a peaceful stroll through Udawattakele Reserve in Kandy, a two-hour walk surrounded by towering trees and vibrant tropical greenery. To wrap up the day, we’ll visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth is kept.

On the way to Nuwara Eliya, we’ll make a stop in Kitulgala, a place bursting with stunning tropical vegetation. A thrilling 2-hour rafting adventure covering about 7 kilometers with 8 rapids—perfect for young couples craving some excitement. Kitulgala is where the classic film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed back in 1957. Afterward, we’ll take a leisurely walk around Lake Gregory and explore the town, spotting charming British-influenced buildings. Don’t miss wandering through the city center’s stalls, where you’ll find fresh fruits, veggies, fabrics, and more.

The first activity of the day will be a train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella—a winding ride of over three hours through tea plantations and dense forests. The Ceylon railway operated back in 1864, and some of those vintage trains are still running smoothly! Once we reach Ella, we’ll take a hike up Little Adam’s Peak, an easy trek through tea fields with stunning mountain views waiting at the top.

Yala National Park is truly a remarkable nature reserve, famous for having the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Besides leopards, you can also spot elephants, black bears, deer, pelicans, wild boars, crocodiles, herons, wild buffalo, kingfishers, and peacocks. After your wildlife adventure, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Tissa.

Today, we will take a boat safari through the mangroves of Lake Koggala, where we will visit an island with a Buddhist temple. We will also learn about the harvesting and processing of the most aromatic spice native to Sri Lanka on "Cinnamon Island." The rest of the day will be free to relax on the beach in Mirissa.

Galle Fort is a walled city by the sea and is the best preserved colonial historical center in the country. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Sri Lanka. It is an ideal place for strolling under the shade of trees or along the seaside. Additionally, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can find the best of the country. If time permits, the final activity of our trip will be a visit to the capital city, Colombo. We will take a retrospective tour of the capital, including Independence Square, the Galle Face promenade, and a walk through the colonial area of Colombo Fort. Afterward you will be transferred to bandaranaika International airport. Please ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight departure to allow for a smooth check-in and security process. As you bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, may the memories of this remarkable journey stay with you always and we wish you a safe journey!