10 Days Tour of Hidden Treasures Of Paradise
What your day looks like
Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world that has a stunning coastline with pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, numerous historical and cultural attractions, diverse wildlife and natural landscapes, largest tea producers with picturesque tea plantations, range of adventure activities, delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional Ayurvedic treatments and wellness centres, celebrates a variety of festivals all throughout the year. Sri Lanka is well known for the warm and friendly hospitality. This magical island was once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon.
The experience, in brief
- Trek on Knuckles Mountain Range with Lunch
- Visit to Cinnamon Estate and tour of about Cinnamon
- Witness the iconic Yatagala Rock Temple
Your day, step by step
Colombo
Day 01 - Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will have a meet and greet before proceeding to Negombo, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 01 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Negombo
Colombo
Day 02 - Negombo to Sigiriya: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Sigiriya, which is approximately a 3-hour journey.
Matale
Hiking at Sigiriya Fortress. Day 02 - Sigiriya: Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is a remarkable site built atop a massive boulder in the 5th century. This ancient palace and rock fortress, once the hidden castle of King Kasyapa, served as a Buddhist monastery during the 14th century. Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, no other place in Sri Lanka has generated as many theories and legends as this 180-meter monolith, set amidst stunning scenery. Visiting Sigiriya involves climbing 1,200 steps. The experience begins with a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens before ascending the rock. There are two designated areas where you can take a break along the way. The entire visit typically takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your climbing pace. Then, check in at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 02 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Colombo
Day 03 - Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Polonnaruwa, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away.
Polonnaruwa
Sightseeing at Polonnaruwa Vatadage. Day 03 - Polonnaruwa: Polonnaruwa is a treasure trove of ancient Sri Lankan history and culture, offering visitors the opportunity to step back in time and admire the architectural and artistic achievements of this remarkable period. As you explore the city, you'll encounter well-preserved ruins and temples that reflect the grandeur of a bygone era.
Polonnaruwa
Sightseeing at Gal Vihara. Day 03 - Gal Vihara: The Gal Vihara is a renowned rock temple famous for its magnificent granite sculptures of Lord Buddha. It features four main statues, all carved from a single massive rock. These include a standing Buddha, a seated Buddha, a reclining Buddha, and a smaller standing Buddha. Each statue showcases remarkable craftsmanship, making the Gal Vihara a significant site in Sri Lankan Buddhist art and history. Continue to the Vatadage. The Vatadage is a circular relic house renowned for its intricately carved stone pillars and guard stones, originally built to house a sacred relic of the Buddha. Nearby, the Polonnaruwa Royal Palace complex features the ruins of the king's palace, council chamber, and various administrative buildings, offering valuable insights into the architectural and administrative practices of the era. Additionally, Polonnaruwa is famous for its impressive ancient reservoirs, vital for agriculture and irrigation, with the Parakrama Samudra standing out as a prime example of the advanced engineering skills of the time. Vatadage: The Vatadage is a circular relic house with beautifully carved stone pillars and guard stones. It was built to house a sacred relic of the Buddha. Royal Palace: The Polonnaruwa Royal Palace complex includes the ruins of the king's palace, council chamber, and other administrative buildings. The Royal Palace provides insights into the architectural and administrative practices of the period. Ancient Reservoirs: Polonnaruwa is known for its impressive reservoirs, which were essential for agriculture and irrigation during ancient times. The Parakrama Samudra, an extensive reservoir, is a prime example of the engineering skills of the period.
Colombo
Day 03 - Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya: Return to your hotel in Sigiriya and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 03 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Colombo
Day 04 - Sigiriya to Anuradhapura: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Anuradhapura, which is approximately a 1.5-hour journey.
Anuradhapura
Sightseeing. Day 04 - Anuradhapura Ancient City: Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, built by King Dutugemunu, is considered one of the holiest sites for Buddhists. This impressive architectural marvel serves as an important place of worship. Known for its large white dome, Ruwanwelisaya is surrounded by a circular terrace and rail, creating a serene atmosphere. The stupa is adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements, symbolizing the rich heritage of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. One of the stupa's most significant features is its housing of a relic of Lord Buddha, believed to be one of his collarbones. This relic is enshrined within the stupa, making it a sacred and spiritually significant site for Buddhists from around the world.
Colombo
Day 03 - Anuradhapura to Sigiriya: Return to your hotel in Sigiriya and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Colombo
Day 04 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Colombo
Day 05 - Sigiriya to Kandy: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Kandy via Matale, which is approximately a 1.5-hour journey.
Kandy
Eco Tour. Day 05 - Sri Lankan Garden: The Sri Lankan Garden is a picturesque farm spanning 15 and a half acres at the top of a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Aluvihare Mountains. Upon arrival, you are warmly greeted by your host with a refreshing glass of farm-sourced fresh juice. You will then embark on a guided walk to explore the garden’s diverse collection of Sri Lankan produce, including pepper, papaya, cocoa, coconut, mango, and mahogany. After observing these crops in their natural setting, you can savor the fruits of the planters’ labor with a traditionally prepared rice and curry lunch, making for a delightful culinary experience. Details about Your Host: Your host has had a colorful life in Sri Lanka over the last 40 years and is well-informed about the central hills, its geography, and farming. His home is in the Matale area, where he used to work as a planter. During the war, he served as a liaison officer in Trincomalee. He is originally from Germany but speaks Sinhala fluently and has even acted in a few local movies!
Colombo
Day 05 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kandy
Matale
Hiking at Knuckles Mountain Range. Day 06 - Knuckles Mountain Range: Named for its resemblance to the knuckles of a hand, an adventure on foot in the Knuckles Mountain Range is an invigorating way to explore the tranquility of Sri Lanka's Hill Country. Hiking with our trekker—an outdoor enthusiast and knowledgeable naturalist—you are unlikely to encounter another soul along the way. This region is highly valued by scientists and anthropologists for its rich biodiversity and native cultures. The rugged, often mist-shrouded landscape is home to 40 hidden villages and a plethora of endemic wildlife. The best months for hiking are March to April and June to August, with options for either a half-day trek (8 km) or a full-day trek (18 km). This mystical area remains off the beaten track, offering stunning views and remote scenery that make every hike a truly rewarding experience. Your local guide possesses extensive knowledge of the Knuckles Mountain Range; however, his English may not be perfect. We kindly ask for your patience when asking questions and listening to his explanations.
Colombo
Day 06 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kandy
Colombo
Day 07 - Kandy to Galle: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to Galle, which is approximately a 5-hour journey.
Galle
Sightseeing at Galle Fort. Day 07 - Galle Fort: Explore the Fort with your knowledgeable host, from its striking bastions and grass-covered ramparts to the charming cobbled streets lined with intriguing buildings. Begin your walk at the newer main entrance, where you will ascend some stone steps to take in the view. Survey the impressive fortification, the Indian Ocean beyond, and the iconic cricket ground as your host shares captivating tales of its creation and historical threats. As you meander past some of the fort’s best-known landmarks, keep an eye out for lesser-known gems as well. With 150 acres to explore, this tour offers a route that whets the appetite, featuring a comprehensive and engaging selection of facts and stories drawn from religion, history, architecture, daily life, and the devastation of the 2004 tsunami.
Colombo
Day 07 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
Colombo
Local Flavor. Day 08 - Yatagala Rock Temple: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full tour of Yatagala Rock Temple. Led by your host, explore one of the ancient rock temples on the island, built during the Anuradhapura era. Just inland from Unawatuna lies Yatagala Temple, a charming Buddhist site nestled among giant boulder-like rock formations. Believed to have been established during the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, this secluded temple is mainly visited by locals and offers stunning views over lush paddy fields and small villages. As you explore the tranquil surroundings of Yatagala Temple, you'll discover that it once received royal patronage. Inside the Image House, you'll find a remarkable reclining Buddha statue measuring nine meters in length. The ceiling of the Image House is adorned with intricate paintings depicting significant events from the Buddha’s life, along with floral motifs characteristic of the Kandyan era.
Colombo
Day 08 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
Galle
Eco Tour. Day 09 - Cinnamon Estate: This experience is perfect for travelers eager to learn about growing cinnamon, preparing quills, and making artisan cinnamon oil. It’s designed for couples, families, and small groups of friends, offering plenty of opportunities for hands-on participation. The tour begins with a walk from the Cinnamon Hut to the Oil Shed, followed by a 50-meter cart ride up the hill to the plantation house. There, the owners provide refreshments and breathtaking views over Weligama Bay to the south and the rolling jungle to the north. If requested, they can also host a private lunch featuring many ingredients grown on the land, all home-cooked.
Colombo
Day 09 - Accommodation: Overnight stay in Galle
Colombo
Day 10 - We hope you enjoyed your trip with us! After breakfast, we'll drop you off at the airport so you can catch your flight home.
What to know before booking
Included
Ticket prices Entrance fees for Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa All transfers with an English-speaking Chauffeur/Guide All taxes and services
Not Included
Tips & Gratuity Flights and visas Insurance Entrance fees to other sights Anything not mentioned
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Camera and bag for essentials Sunglasses Sunscreen & Hat
Meeting & Pickup
Airport Pickup and Drop-off Hotel in Colombo (Depending on the clients' preference)
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - August 1 - August 31 - Heritance Negombo - Per Room, Per Night - 15.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 1 - August 31 - Cinnamon Citadel - Per Room, Per Night - 45.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 1 - August 31 - Heritance Kandalama - Per Room, Per Night - 30.00 Per Person | Mandatory Hotel Supplement Fee - July 16 - August 31 - Jetwing Lighthouse - Per Room, Per Night - 50.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business