TBA - Sri Lanka

Arrive Colombo

Meet and greet service with the Love Travel Adventures Team

transfer to Negombo for your first nights stay.

Depart by Private Transfer to Dambulla - and onwards to Kandalama

You will be met by your adventure tour guide and driver, departng after breakfast for the drive (approx. 4 hours) through lush green  countryside (a mix of coconut palms, paddy fields and banana plantations)  through Kurunegala to Dambulla. Here we visit the magnificent Cave Temple, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. 

During the afternoon, you will enjoy a game drive in either Minneriya  or Kaudulla National Park or the Hurulu Eco Park to see elephants in their natural  habitat. 

 This morning we drive to the foot of the Lions Rock at Sigiriya. The imposing 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya rises 600 feet from the plains overlooking the  surrounding countryside and giving far-reaching views. Used as a safe haven  from invaders, the route to the top goes via a series of steep steps and  gangways.

From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens,  we ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of  native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall.  Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are extensive remains of the King's  Summer Palace.

Today we take to bikes and cycle at a leisurely pace through the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa.   Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. Here there are many Buddhist  relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture  reached its zenith. The city flourished in the 12th century after the decision was  made to move the capital from Anuradhapura, so it was further away from  incursions from Southern India. 

We will visit many of the temples, palaces,  huge dagobas (Buddhist stupas) and remarkable Buddhist sculptures.  

Travel by car to Priyamali Gedara for an amazing family Sri Lankan lunch.

Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel for your last night at Kandalama.

Today after breakfast, we check out for the nice relaxing drive to Kandy.  On the way we stop at a Batik shop and spice garden near Matale where we can see various spices and herbs growing, and there is a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines.

Kandy is located by a small lake and we spend two full days in and around the  town. On the first day, we will visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri  Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the  funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.

After our visit, we drive to a beautiful viewpoint over Kandy overlooked by a huge  Buddha and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the  traditional methods of gem extraction.

In the evening, we will attend a performance of dancing and fire walking. 

Leaving Kandy early, we have a spectacular drive through the countryside on the way to Kithulgala. Here we have the opportunity of going on a walk through the jungle or local villages followed by white-water rafting excursion which lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and there is a choice of gentle or wild water (grade 3 rapids) depending on your preference.  (This must be booked locally)

Afterwards you can stop for lunch (payable direct) and continue your drive to Nuwara Eliya, you will visit a nearby tea factory and learn the tea manufacturing process and tea tasting.

Free day to explore Nuwara Eliya

Following breakfast, we catch a train from the highest railway station in the country. The train travels through the cloud forest into the tea plantations, with breath-taking views of the lush valley below. Please note that at times, particularly in peak season, the train may be extremely busy with standing room only.

Upon arrival into Ella, you will collected by your driver and transferred to your hotel for 1 night.

Heading south out of the hills we travel to Yala via Kataragama on the plains; for visiting Sri Lanka's best-known national park, Yala.

The park is popular for elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile and Wild boar. At 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lanka's national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also become better known for leopard. 

On completion of the game drive, we return to Jetwing Yala Hotel for dinner and the overnight stay.

A morning Safari before breakfast.  

Today we leave for the coast, with its beautiful palm fringed bays. Stopping on the way at Hambantota and walking to a nearby farmhouse where you'll be offered tea in a coconut shell along with a local snack. Afterwards, we continue to Koggala and stop at a

Drive to Tangalle and walk through rice paddies; coastal drive to Bentota

Later on, we proceed to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Free day to visit the local sights such as the Turtle Sanctuary.

Free day to visit the local sights such as a Mangrove Cruise

Free day

After breakfast, check out of the hotel.  Your driver will then transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your return journey home.