Description
Highlights of this safari:
- Dambulla; sneak through the corridor systems of the temple
- Holy rock of Sigiriya
- Kandy; temple and repository of Buddha’s tooth
- Nuwara Eliya; enjoy a train ride with a steamtrain through the hills
- Galle; fort at the coast
Short overview:
Day 1. Colombo / Negombo
Day 2. Sigiriya
Day 3. Dambulla
Day 4. Sigiriya optional balloon flight
Day 5, 6 & 7. Kandy
Day 8, 9. Nuwara Eliya
Day 10. Sinharaja Rain Forst
Day 11. Galle
Day 12. Galle / Marissa
Day 13. Galle
Day 14. Departure
Program & Route:
Day 1 – aankomst Colombo / Negombo
On arrival meet your English speaking guide and transfer to your hotel for the night in Negombo. Relax here, but you can also be active if you like, there are several options like kite surfing, snorkling and there is a vibrant hip nightlife.
Day 2 – Dambulla / Sigiriya
The rock of Sigiriya has been in use from the fifth century. The entrance consists of two enormous lion paws. Take a short climb and enjoy a wonderful view of the symmetric gardens below. Several frescos have been applied to the walls that are precious and they remind you of the times that once were.
Day 3 – Dambulla / Minneriya
You will start the day early and drive to the area of Hiriwadunna where you will visit the countryside of Sri Lanka. Drive the fields with an ox cart and enjoy the birdlife here. Sail the lake by catamaran and visit a traditional village and enjoy lunch that has been prepared on a wood fire in the ancient ways.
In the afternoon you will drive to Minneriya to visit an elephant sanctuary. By jeep you will explore the terrain and stop at the water reservoir. At times more than 700 elephants come together here for a swim and bath!
Day 4 – Sigiriya
The endless fields and impressive rock temple make for a stunning location to do a balloon safari.
Day 5 – Kandy
After a visit to Dambulla cave temple you will drive towards Kandy. This little town is set on a beautiful lake in the hills and is famous for its temple with, as one says, the tooth of Buddha.
Day 6 – Kandy / Pinawala – Peradeniya
You can see small playful elephants taking a bath in the river at the Pinnawala Elephant Center. Today is also marked by visiting the botanical garden of Peradeniya. Stroll around the colourful market in the afternoon and see the many colourful herbs and spices at the market in numerous stalls.
Day 7 – Kandy / Knuckles
The area of ‘Knuckels’ is known under this name due to the mountains that have been formed in the shape of a fist next to each other. It is a stunning area filled with waterfalls, tea plantations and a varied offer of flora and fauna. The ideal territory for some nice walks with stunning views!
Day 8 & 9 – Nuwera Eliya
Board the steam train today for a ride to Nuwara Eliya. And a beautiful ride it is. You can see tea plantations along the way where workers are picking tea. Nuwara Eliya lies high so that the climate is moderate and not too hot, which is why a lot of Britisch have settled here in the past. You will also see a lot of architecture remembering those days.
Day 10. Sinharaja Rain Forest
After about three hours drive you will arrive at the Sinharaja Rain Forest. This rain forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled to the brim with butterflies and reptiles. Leopard has not been spotted recently but footprints do prove its existence. So perhaps…
Day 11 – Galle
The coastal town of was founded by the Portugese settles but there are Dutch influences as well. The lighthouse is a remarkable landmark and the city walls are still intact. The Dutch fort stems from 1663 and is taken over by the English in 1796.
Day 12 – Galle / Marissa
Wild Times has a few stunning accommodations in their portfolio, of which a couple of private houses, where you can relax after your tour. South Sri Lanka has some fabulous resorts as well where you can end your tour.
Day 13 – Galle
Day 14 – Departure
Time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka, transfer to the airport for your flight home.