HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA 13 NIGHTS/ 14 DAYS

Upon arrival, you will be met and greeted by your chauffeur/guide from Marksan Holidays. You will then be transferred to your chosen accommodation in Sigiriya. Rest and recover after your flight, preparing for the amazing journey ahead.

Overnight accommodation in Sigiriya.

After breakfast, climb the Lion’s Rock fortress of Sigiriya. Built by the ancient King Kashyapa, the palace at the top of the rock is a feat of impressive ancient engineering and 5th century urban planning. The jaw-dropping panoramic views from the top make it all worth the climb. You will then return to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight accommodation in Sigiriya.

After breakfast transfer to Kandy. En route, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. These caves are built at the base of a 150m high rock accessed along a gentle rock slope. The cave temple complex consists of five major caves which contains statues and paintings related to Gautama Budha. After visiting the temple, you will proceed to Kandy. En route visit a spice garden in Matale for a demonstration of Sri Lankan spices, a cooking lesson and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch. Proceed to Kandy. Evening; visit the Dalada Maligawa(Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha) and witness a cultural show performed by colourful traditional dancers.

Overnight accommodation in Kandy.

After an early breakfast, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Their human foster fathers take these orphaned elephants for a river bath twice daily. Interact with these gentle giants during their regulated bathing sessions and bottle-feed the little jumbos. Return to Kandy and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Sri Lanka’s largest and most elegant garden spans 147 acres and features more than 4,000 plant and tree species. Evening, refresh and relax in the hotel.

Overnight accommodation in Kandy.

After breakfast transfer to Nuwara Eliya. The windy drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by misty mountains of endless green tea plantations and gushing waterfalls. As the sun rises over these cool mountains, the mist melts away and clear blue skies cast over rolling carpets of luminous green tea plantations. Along the way stop by the Ramboda waterfall and colourful vegetable stalls for some memorable snapshots. You would then visit the Mackwoods Tea Estate for a demonstration of tea manufacturing and top it off with a hot cup of aromatic Ceylon Tea. Proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Evening, visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the Gregory Lake of Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight accommodation in Nuwara Eliya.

After an early breakfast, you will hop on a train from Nanu Oya to Demodara. This exhilarating train journey is regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train will snake up to the clouds along the misty mountain ranges through mini tunnels and lush green tea plantations passing many waterfalls and little patches of villages. Capture amazing photos as you go over the popular nine arch bridge.  Your chauffeur will then meet you at the Demodara Railway Station and transfer you to your Hotel in Ella. Refresh and spend the rest of the day leisurely. 

Overnight accommodation in Ella.

You may awaken at the break of dawn to take in the breathtaking views of the sunrise from Ella Gap. The outcome is an astonishing view of the sunrise creeping through two cliffs. Then, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Haputale. This quiet little town serves as an ideal stopover before proceeding to Yala. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the cool breeze and the perfect weather will make you want to stay for longer. In the afternoon, visit the Bambarakanda waterfall (Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall) and the Adisham Bungalow. 

Overnight accommodation in Haputale.

Rise early and take an amazing drive through tea plantations to reach Lipton’s Seat. Be enthralled by the glorious sunrise and capture some amazing pictures of the stunning scenery. Return to the hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight accommodation in Haputale.

After breakfast, transfer to Yala. En route, visit the Diyaluma Falls. Evening, hop on a jeep and take the rugged roads of Yala National Park to experience an unforgettable wildlife safari. Spot the endangered Sri Lankan leopard, wild elephants, water buffaloes, colourful peacocks, and many other species of animals. 

Overnight accommodation in Yala.

After breakfast, transfer to Galle. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Galle, which is home to one of the best-preserved Dutch forts in Asia. Galle Fort was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. Evening, refresh and relax in the hotel. 

Overnight accommodation in Galle.

After breakfast transfer to Bentota. En route visit one of many turtle hatcheries along the southern coast. The hatcheries aim to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates to prevent the species from becoming endangered. You would then visit the Ambalangoda Mask Museum, which has many displays of colourful masks. Spend the rest of the day leisurely at the beautiful Bentota beach. This long stretch of crystal blue waters offers both tranquillity and adventure at the same time. Some exciting beach activities include jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkelling. 

Overnight accommodation in Bentota.

After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari along the Madu River. Comprised of 15 islands, the Madu Ganga wetland and its many mangrove islets make up a complex coastal wetland ecosystem, which is home to many species of animals. Hop down to a little island to witness primitive methods of cinnamon production, where you can observe the traditional techniques used by local farmers and even participate in the process if you wish. Stop by another little island for an exciting session of fish therapy, where you would sit on a wooden platform and drop your feet in the Madu River while the local carp rejuvenate your feet. Return to the hotel to refresh and relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight accommodation in Bentota.

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo. Take a city tour of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital – Colombo. Visit some of the most significant places in Sri Lanka, such as Independence Square, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, and Gangaramaya Temple. In the evening, visit the Old Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. Then head to Mt Lavinia for a candlelit dinner by the beach at one of many seafood restaurants. Relax and recall all the beautiful memories of your holiday in Sri Lanka. 

Overnight accommodation in Colombo.

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport – End of Tour.