Special discounts available for a period of 14 days!
CULTURE, NATURE, HERITAGE & WILDLIFE Luxury Winter Vacation [November-March]
18 Days / 17 Nights
Quick look
The diversity of Sri Lanka is a wonder to behold. When seen in the larger picture of the rest of the globe, the incredible cultural, natural, ethnic, and religious diversity that exists in Sri Lanka stands out. A culture, nature, heritage, and wildlife trip designed to provide the most immersive experience possible across all of the aforementioned areas.
The prehistoric “Balangoda men – Balangoda culture” in Sri Lanka dates back 28,000 years before this era of time. And right from the start of the recorded history of Sri Lanka, several cultural winds have been blowing towards the country, which has resulted in the creation of a diverse range of heritages here.
On the other side, Sri Lanka is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot in the globe; only 38 nations have met the requirements to be recognized in this status.
The most incredible feature, however, is that guests may take advantage of any of these many offerings with only a moderate amount of time spent traveling.
Price Includes
- Entrance fees to site visits and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- All game drive jeep service charges are listed in the itinerary.
- Accommodation for 17 days in the hotels included in the package on a bed and breakfast basis
- According to the tour plan, transportation by airconditioned car
- For the round tour, an English-speaking chauffeur guide will accompany you.
- Water bottle that can be reused.
Accommodation and excursions are subject on availability.
Please be advised that costs for site visits, excursions, and hotel stays may change depending on the current situation.)
Highlights
- Experience Sri Lanka’s colourful diversity.
- Cultural & Religious diversity.
- Discover Sri Lanka’s magnificent wildlife.
- Enjoy and embrace the nature.
- Experience authentic life of Sri Lankan people.
- Experience authentic life of Sri Lankan people.
Tailor-Made
You can design your own tour.
Tour Map
Tour at Glance
- The Colombo lifestyle experience
- Culturally Significant Monuments
- RAMSA Wetland Tour
- Galle Dutch Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Mangrove boat safari
- Bike or Tuk-Tuk ride into the village
- Culinary demonstration
- Lunch
- Birdwatching and Nature walk at Rainforest Eco Lodge
- Udawalawa National Park – Jeep Safari
- Elephant Transit Centre
- Yala National Park – morning and afternoon jeep safari
- Nature walk to “Kiriporuwa” lake
- Gal-Oya National Park – Iginiyagala Lake Boat Safari
- Rural village visit with authentic lunch – feel like a local
- Sigiriya Ancient City Complex – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Polonnaruwa Medieval City – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center
- Dambulla Cave Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Kandy Food and City Walk
- Royal Botanical Gardens
Airport> Colombo>Galle>Rainforest-Eco Lodge>Udawalawa>Yala>Gal-oya>Sigiriya>Kandy>Bentota
Day - 01
Colombo
- Transfer: Airport > Colombo
- Accommodation : Tintagel Hootel or Similar
- Over night stay : Colombo
One of our representatives will be there to meet you at the Bandaranaike International Airport and will then transport you to your hotel when you arrive.
Drive: 40km, approximately 45 minutes’ drive.
Leisure day at Galle Face Hotel.
Day - 02
Colombo
- Stay : Colombo
- Accommodation : Tintagel Hotel or Similar
- Over night stay : Colombo
The Colombo lifestyle experience, the Culturally Significant Monuments , and the RAMSA Wetland Tour.
On your first day in Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to experience the urban lifestyle of the people of Sri Lanka as well as the urban culture of Sri Lanka. Subsequently, when you travel to rural areas of the country during the course of your trip, you will be able to comprehend the contrasting urban and rural lifestyles of the people who live in these two regions of the country. Colombo is a cultural treasure and legacy; throughout your tour of Colombo, you will get the opportunity to view a large number of landmarks that date back to the colonial era.
The city of Colombo contains a significant number of natural and artificial wetlands. As a result, the city of Colombo was designated by RAMSA as a wetland city. Your tour guide will provide you with an in-depth explanation of everything throughout your time in Colombo.
Day - 03
Galle
- Transfer: Colombo > Galle
- Accommodation : Galle Fort Hotel or Similar
- Over night stay : Galle
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast today, you will be accompanied by your chauffeur guide as you travel to Galle. The distance between Colombo and Galle is around 150 kilometers, and traveling there will take approximately two hours and forty-five minutes. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an excursion with your guide to the Dutch fort at Galle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Galle Dutch Fort – UNSECO world heritage site.
The fort was first constructed by the Portuguese in 1588; however, it was the Dutch who carried out substantial fortification work throughout the 17th century, beginning in 1649. Even after more than 432 years, this historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument still has a polished aspect thanks to the substantial repair work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. It is a monument that has been preserved in its original state.
Day - 04
Galle
- Stay : Galle
- Accommodation : Galle Fort Hotel or Similar
- Over night stay : Galle
You will get the opportunity to witness the rural lifestyle of people who live in the southernmost part of Sri Lanka today. You will travel to the island by boat through the mangroves, and once you arrive, you will explore the village on foot, on bicycles, or in tuk-tuks. While in the village, you will watch a demonstration of traditional cooking techniques at a local home, and you will eat lunch at the same location.
Masks are a significant part of the culture in Sri Lanka; today, in the afternoon, you will get the opportunity to learn how to carve traditional masks, and you will be able to take home your own carved mask as a souvenir of your experience.
Mangrove boat safari, Bike or Tuk-Tuk ride in to the village, Culinary demonstration, Lunch
Day - 05
Deniyaya
- Transfer : Galle > Deniyaya
- Accommodation : Rainforest Eco Lodge or Similar
- Over night stay : Deniyaya
Following breakfast, you and your chauffeur will depart Galle for Rainforest Eco-Lodge, which is located on the edge of the Sinharaja Rain Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traveling the 110 kilometers from Galle to Rainforest Eco Lodge will take around 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Birdwatching and Nature walk -Rainforest Eco Lodge.
The Rainforest Eco Lodge is hidden away in the middle of a forested area and a tea plantation. You can get close to nature and relax in its peacefulness at the Rainforest Eco Lodge. Lots of resident birds may be spotted around the Rainforest Eco Lodge.
Day - 06
Udawalawa
- Transfer: Deniyaya > Udawalawa
- Accommodation : Kalus Hideaway or Similar
- Over night stay : Udawalawa
After an early morning birding walk with your naturalist, you’ll depart the hotel with your chauffeur guide and head to Udawalawa for the day. It’s about a three-hour drive from Rainforest Eco Lodge to Udawalawa, which is 75 kilometers away. After arriving in Udawalawa, you will settle into your accommodation and then go on a game drive around Udawalawa National Park with a private chauffeur and guide.
Birdwatching and Nature walk -Rainforest Eco Lodge.
Udawalawa National Park – Jeep Safari
Udawalawa National Park was established in 1972. The primary objective of the park is to offer a safe haven for elephants that had to be relocated as a result of the building of the Udawalawa reservoir. In addition, the National Park area serves another important function by acting as a catchment region for the reservoir. Villagers used to practice shifting agriculture there (also known as “Chana Cultivation”) before the land was designated as a national park. These days, visitors to Udawalawa National Park come mostly to see the elephants and the birds.
Day - 07
Yala
- Transfer : Udawalawa > Yala
- Accommodation : Jetwing Yala or Similar
- Over night stay : Yala
After a leisurely breakfast today, you will visit the elephant transit center with your chauffeur guide, and then you will proceed to Yala, which is the next location on your itinerary. The distance between Udawalawa and Yala is around 110 kilometers, and it will take approximately two and a half hours to go there. You have the rest of the day to do as you like in the afternoon.
Elephant Transit Centre.
At the Udawalawe National Park in 1995, a facility known as “Ath Athuru Sevana” (Elephant Transit Home) was created. The Elephant Transit Home was established with the primary mission of rehabilitating orphaned newborn elephants and releasing them back into the wild. The atmosphere at Transit Home is always vibrant. Milking calves once every three hours is a duty that needs to be done 365 days out of the year. Formulas designed for human infants are the most common source of nutrition for calves.
A one-year-old female elephant was the first orphaned baby elephant to receive care at Ath Athuru Sevana, which is also known as Elephant Transit Home. She was discovered by herself walking aimlessly through the woods close to the Meegalawa region in the Anuradhapura district. Dr. Nandana Atapattu was the one who transported the baby elephant to ETH, where she was officially recorded as the institution’s first resident and given the name “Komali.”
Day - 08
Yala
- Stay : Yala
- Accommodation : Jetwing Yala or Similar
- Over night stay : Yala
Today, at around 05:30 in the early morning, you will go out on your first game drive in Yala National Park with your chauffeur guide and with the driver of your jeep. Around ten in the morning, you will make your way back to the hotel in time for the breakfast buffet. After a little while of relaxation, you will check out of the hotel at 2:30 in the afternoon to go on your second jeep safari of the day. You will return to the hotel at 6:00 in the evening.
Yala National Park – morning and afternoon jeep safari.
Yala was initially established in 1900 as a wildlife sanctuary, and in 1938 it was elevated to the status of a national park, making it Sri Lanka’s second biggest. Along with Wilpattu National Park, Yala holds the distinction of being the country’s first national park to be established. During the colonial era, around the turn of the century, the Yala area operated as a hunting ground that was exclusive to the local sportsmen; however, back then, this region did not have the name Yala associated with it. Today, Yala is comprised of a total of five separate blocks, and out of those five blocks, only three are accessible to the general public. There are a total of 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka, and Yala is one of them. The park is home to 215 different bird species, seven of which can only be found in Sri Lanka. Yala is also home to 44 different kinds of animals, and it boasts one of the highest leopard populations seen anywhere in the world.
Day - 09
Arugam-Bay
- Transfer : Yala > Gal-Oya
- Accommodation : Gal-Oya Lodge or Similar
- Over night stay : Gal-Oya
You are going to another wildlife location today called Gal-Oya, which is roughly 185 kilometers away from Yala. The travel there will take around four hours. The lake known as “Kiriporuwa” is located near your hotel, and in the afternoon, you have the option of either going to the lake with the naturalist at your hotel or spending the afternoon relaxing at your hotel.
Nature walk to “Kiriporuwa” lake.
Kiriporuwa lake is a good spot to watch a lot of birds, and getting there requires going through a hamlet, where you may get a glimpse of the traditional way of life of rural residents of Sri Lanka.
Day - 10
Sigiriya
- Transfer: Gal-Oya > Sigiriya
- Accommodation : Water Garden or Similar
- Over night stay : Sigiriya
Today is another early day for you; you are going to take a boat safari on Iginiyagala Lake in Gal-Oya National Park. The trip will begin at 5:30 in the morning, and you will have a picnic breakfast at the lake before heading back to the hotel at 10:30 in the morning. After that, your own chauffeur and guide will transport you to your next location, Sigiriya, which is roughly 160 kilometers away from Gal-Oya and will take around four hours to travel there.
Gal-Oya National Park – Iginiyagala Lake Boat Safari.
The trip begins at 5:30 a.m., when you and your naturalist set off from the hotel. It’s a fantastic journey through breathtaking landscapes, and you could even see some species. The boat voyage takes around two to three hours, but the calm reservoir waters let you unwind. Several species of birds, both those that live on Sri Lanka year-round and those that fly in for the winter, can be seen from the boat. Elephants can often be seen swimming from the mainland to the islands or from one island to another; crocodiles in the shallows are also possible.
Day - 11
Sigiriya
- Stay : Sigiriya
- Accommodation : Water Garden or Similar
- Over night stay : Sigiriya
You will go on an excursion in the village with a local guide and your chauffeur guide first thing in the morning today. You will get the opportunity to live as a local in a rural community – feel like a local. The Sigiriya Ancient City Complex will be your destination for the afternoon excursion with your chauffeur guide.
Rural village visit with authentic lunch – feel like a local.
The rural people’s way of life in the villages differs from area to region. You will get the opportunity to visit a rural community while taking part in the Habarana village walk, which will give you the chance to interact with locals and gain insight into their way of life. During the village walk, you will be led through rural farms and acres of paddy fields, giving you the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look at village life. You will have the opportunity to form relationships with people, participate in local fishing, and on occasion taste locally prepared fish. And to cap off the whole thing, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal after watching a quick cooking demonstration.
Sigiriya Ancient City Complex – (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
In the fifth century CE, King Kashyapa was credited with establishing the Sigiriya City Complex. Sigiriya is a site that is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is also referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” An historic city complex located in Asia that has been meticulously maintained is known as Sigiriya. It features four distinct gardens, all of which are based on natural themes. Paintings and graffiti found at Sigiriya illustrate daily life in Sri Lanka from the fifth century CE. In addition, the ancient architecture of Sigiriya placed an emphasis on the skills of geometry, mathematics, ceramics, and water management.
Day - 12
Sigiriya
- Stay : Sigiriya
- Accommodation : Water Garden or Similar
- Over night stay : Sigiriya
After breakfast this morning, you will be accompanied by your chauffeur guide as you travel to the Polonnaruwa Medieval City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When we contrast Polonnaruwa with Anuradhapura, we find that the history of Anuradhapura covers a period of 1400 years, while the Polonnaruwa kingdom barely survived for 200 years. However, Polonnaruwa is home to a large number of monuments that are significant to both the Hindu and Tamil cultures as well as the Sinhala Buddhist culture.
Polonnaruwa Medieval City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Sinhalese monarch first created Polonnaruwa as a military stronghold in the beginning of the city’s history. After the Chola dynasty’s successful invasion of the country in the 10th century, they bestowed the name “Jananathamangalam” upon the territory they conquered. Vijayabahu organized a battle against Polonnaruwa with three separate troops coming from three separate directions. In the year 1070, Vijayabahu was crowned king of Polonnaruwa. During this period, the island nation of Sri Lanka was known by the name Thambapanni.
The Buddhist and Hindu structures that make up Polonnaruwa date from the 10th century CE to the 13th century CE and were built throughout that time period. People started moving out of Polonnaruwa before the end of the 13th century and migrated to the south-western region of the country.
Day - 13
Kandy
- Transfer: Sigiriya > Kandy
- Accommodation : Ellrton Bungalow or Similar
- Over night stay : Kandy
Today, after a leisurely breakfast, you will leave Sigiriya to go to Kandy, the final kingdom of Sri Lanka, which is roughly three and a half hours’ journey away and is located 110 kilometers from Sigiriya. On the road to Kandy, your chauffeur guide will take you to the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Dambulla Economic Center, both of which are located in Dambulla.
Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center
The Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center (DEC) is essentially a wholesale market for fruits and vegetables. It’s a bustling place with trucks unloading produce, and laborers carrying heavy bags on their shoulders. Visiting this market allows you to witness the vibrant displays, intense bidding, and the ongoing activities of a wholesale agricultural market. These economic centers in Sri Lanka play a crucial role as distribution hubs for the country’s overall market. Vegetables are transported from various districts to places like Dambulla, and they function as national distribution centers. Cross-docking and backloading processes occur to facilitate distribution to other districts.
Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Golden Temple of Dambulla, also known as Dambulla Cave Temple, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. This site contains three sculptures of Sri Lankan rulers, four statues of gods and goddesses, and an impressive collection of 153 Buddha statues. The murals within the caves cover an area of approximately 23,000 square feet (2,100 square meters). The Dambulla cave complex consists of five separate caves, each dating back to different historical epochs. These caves feature remarkable artwork depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, including his first sermon and his battle against the demon Mara.
Day - 14
Kandy
- Stay : Kandy
- Accommodation : Ellrton Bungalow or Similar
- Over night stay : Kandy
Your excursion today will take you to the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, which houses a sacred Buddhist relic. You’ll be accompanied by your chauffeur guide, and you will have the chance to take part in the daily rituals known as “Tewawa.” Afterward, you’ll engage in a Kandy Food and City Walk, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of Kandyan society. This experience will provide you with valuable insights into the local way of life and culinary traditions.
Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a prominent Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is situated within the premises of the former royal palace of the Kingdom of Kandy and houses a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. This relic has held great significance in the political history of the region, as it is believed that whoever possesses it has control over the governance of the land. Over the years, Sinhalese kings and queens have safeguarded this relic. Both the temple and the sacred relic contribute to the Temple of the Tooth’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kandy Food and City Walk
Kandy is known for preserving many of Sri Lanka’s traditional culinary practices and cultural traditions. During the Kandy Food & City Walk, you will have the opportunity to explore these traditions by visiting local restaurants and shops commonly frequented by Kandyans for their daily meals and essential items. The Kandy market is a great place to experience local produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables. As you navigate the streets, you’ll encounter various food stalls and have the chance to taste a variety of local dishes enjoyed by the residents. This walk provides an immersive experience in Kandy’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Day - 15
Balapitiya
- Transfer : Kandy > Balapitiya
- Accommodation : Sundara a Mosvold Boutique Hotel or Similar
- Over night stay : Balapitiya
Before departing Kandy, you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. After your visit to the gardens, you will head to Bentota for the beach portion of your vacation. The journey from Peradeniya to Bentota covers approximately 185 kilometers and will take about four hours to reach your beach destination.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is a vast and diverse garden featuring a wide range of plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palms. The garden covers an expansive area of 147 acres and is situated at an elevation of 460 meters above sea level. With an average of 200 rainy days per year, it boasts lush greenery and a variety of flora. The administration of the garden falls under the purview of the Department of National Botanic Gardens.
Peradeniya’s botanical heritage can be traced back to 1371 when King Wickramabahu III established his court along the banks of the Mahaweli River. The garden was already in existence at that time. The establishment of the Peradeniya Botanical Garden in 1843 was enriched by contributions from other gardens, including Kew Garden, Slave Island, and the Kalutara Garden in Kalutara. This historical garden has since become a renowned destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Day - 16
Balapitiya
- Stay : Balapitiya
- Accommodation : Sundara a Mosvold Boutique Hotel or Similar
- Over night stay : Balapitiya
Bentota is a town in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province and the Galle District. It is situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Bentota is a popular destination for vacationers and is home to a number of hotels that are on par with the best in the world. It is a popular vacation spot for people who enjoy water activities. Bentota also offers Ayurveda, an ancient form of medical practice that dates back thousands of years. The manufacturing of toddy, an alcoholic beverage that is created from the nectar of coconuts, has made Bentota popular throughout the island. One of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka may be found at Bentota.
Leisure beach stay
Day - 17
Balapitiya
- Stay : Balapitiya
- Accommodation : Sundara a Mosvold Boutique Hotel or Similar
- Over night stay : Balapitiya
Leisure beach stay
Day - 18
Departure
- Transfer: Colombo > Airport
- Departure
On the last day of your holiday in Sri Lanka, after you have had a leisurely breakfast, you will be transported to the airport in plenty of time for your journey home.
Drive: 110km, approximately 02 hours drive.
colombo
pinnawala
Galle
Sigiriya
Dambulla
polonnaruwa
Kandy
Ella
Gal-Oya