Day 2: Colombo, Galle
After breakfast start a 3-hour drive to Galle, a city apart in Sri Lanka. Its architecture was strongly marked by successive colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. After lunch at a local restaurant, stroll the historic center where there are many buildings and ramparts of this era. Galle seems to have been frozen in time and it's nice to wander around. Stroll along the ramparts of the clock tower to the lighthouse, visit the remaining testimonies of colonial era such as churches, Buddhist temples and buildings. Relax at Unawatuwa Beach before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 3: Galle, Tangalle
Impossible not to go and enjoy the south coast during your trip to Sri Lanka. This morning, we drive to Tangalle Beach along the south coast to enjoy blissful towns on the Indian Ocean. We stop for lunch at Unakuruwa beach, just before Tangalle, at one of the local restaurants to enjoy, not only the food, but the calm provided by the place without the crowds of other coastal resorts. After lunch, stroll the Tangalle coastline and relax by the seaside. Continue to Tangalle for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 4: Tangalle, Udawalawe
This morning we drive north, towards Udawalawe, gateway to the national park. The park is ideal for photographic safari and observing animals in a superb environment (elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, birds ...). This afternoon, take a safari ride along the Walawe River for bird watching. In all, the park has 184 different bird species some of which can only be seen in Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel and relax until dinner. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D]
Day 5: Udawalawe
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your morning safari in Udawalawe National Park. The star of Par is the elephant! Male elephants and female elephants with their babies are essential. Today, there are approximately 250 elephants living permanently on the reserve. However, they are not always easy to observe ... Other animals inhabit the park: crocodiles, hinds, mongooses, coyotes, buffaloes. The park offers 43 mammal species, 33 reptile species and even 185 butterfly species! So keep your eyes wide open. Return to the hotel for lunch and take a second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel [B/L/D]
Day 6: Udawalawe, Ella
A short drive (1:40 minutes) will take us to Ella to discover another side of Sri Lanka. The site to be discovered in the center of the village is the Spice Garden, a 15-minute walk from the hotel. You will take a guided tour of this fragrant garden to discover the leaves and seeds of curry, peppers, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, lemongrass or coriander. A feast for your senses! Lunch at a local restaurant before the hike to Little Adam’s Peak. Little Adam's Peak is 3,740 feet high and shouldn’t be confused with the "real" Adam's Peak, the sacred mountain for Shivaite Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims, located in the Ratnapura region. Little Adam's Peak is actually the name given to Ella Rock, for its resemblance to the sacred mountain. It will take a good 2 hours walking to the summit of Little Adam's Peak from the center of Ella. Those not feeling up to the task may take a tuk-tuk to drive them the top. Enjoy the magnificent view and the tea terraces before starting your descent to the village. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D]
Day 7: Ella, Badulla, Nallathanniya (Adam’s Peak)
Like everyone, before leaving for Sri Lanka you had in mind this image of the magnificent blue train on this spectacular bridge: The Nine Arch Bridge. This place is simply magical. Early morning, take the famous train from Ella to the Badulla terminus which allows you to cross the Nine Arch Bridge and have an excellent view of the site. Your guide will pick you up at the Badulla station to continue your drive to Nallathanniya. During 4-hour drive we’ll stop en route for lunch. Arrive in Nallathanniya, check-in at your hotel and rest a couple of hours. We cross Nallathanniya to try to climb Adam’s peak. It is an important pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Buddhists. To reach its summit you have to climb 5,000 steps. There is a palpable spiritual atmosphere and incomparable effervescence in the site. The ascent usually starts later in the afternoon with the goal of reaching the summit to watch the sunrise. Remember to take appropriate clothing, because it can be cool, and do not forget water and snacks. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 8: Nallathanniya, Kandy
After breakfast we start our drive to Kandy, arriving in time for lunch. Kandy is a dense and chaotic ancient capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a big city which hosts important Buddhist sites including the famous Temple of the Tooth that we’ll visit. Then, wander the market and visit the botanical garden. At 5 pm your guide will drive you to the local club to discover Sri Lankan culture by attending a performance of traditional Kandyan dances! Dating from the Kandyan kings, these ritual and religious dances, in splendid colorful costumes, are always an integral part of the cultural richness of the island and are worth seeing. Much appreciated in Kandy, this type of representation covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 9: Kandy, Polonnaruwa
This morning we have a 3-hour drive to Polonnaruwa which is part of the famous cultural triangle (with Kandy and Sigiriya) and, also, an ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Less extensive than Anuradhapura, this site is UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is really one of the country’s essentials. Many remains of temples, palaces, Buddha statues are to be found in the archaeological park. First discover the old parliament hall and one of the royal baths below. The sculptures are remarkably preserved, splendid and varied. We have here a little more the impression of a concentration of buildings with more buildings still standing. It is surely also linked to the more recent character of the city, seat of power between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries AD. There are also the remains of the Royal Palace. Only two floors remain and imagine that there were seven! What a place it had to be! Finally arrive at the first "key" place in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Like Anuradhapura, the city hosted for several centuries the relic of Buddha, his Tooth. There is therefore an esplanade of the Tooth, with its set of temples each more incredible than the other! Splendid moonstones, guardian stones, ancient temple of the Tooth and delicate frescoes, not to mention a written table and an ancient temple supposedly marked by Cambodian influences. A splendid and sacred quadrangular assembly in which we walk barefoot, amazed eyes and crackling camera in front of so many wonders. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 10: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya
This morning we return to Polonnaruwa to finish the visit of this exceptional site. After lunch, we continue to Sigiriya, also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impregnable fortress dazzling travelers. This building, still very unusual, offers an incredible view of all the surroundings. You can admire the lion rock from the beautiful viewpoint of Pidurangula Rock. When you see this incongruous rock topped in the middle of a green plain, you can already imagine that its history is fascinating. For a man to had the idea of building such a building in this place, with all the effort that this implies, there must be a touch of madness somewhere and a singular story. The Sigiriya Fortress, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was, for 18 years, the capital of Sri Lanka. Tonight, sleep in a very unusual accommodation in the heart of nature. Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya. [B/L/D]
Day 11: Sigiriya
We continue our visit of Sigiriya and return to the site to climb the Lyon Rock. At this moment already, fatigue may be felt, but there are still some irregular steps to reach the first terrace. The encouragement for visitors who suffer so much is to pride themselves and give themselves a boost of energy to reach the west facade. On arrival you are greeted by two monumental lion paws. You have to imagine that, at the time, there was also the head! The rocky staircase already sweats those who are prone to vertigo. The toque macaques are on the lookout (We take this opportunity to dissuade you from feeding the monkeys, it harms their health and it makes them aggressive!). Time for lunch. Then, we attack Pidurangula rock located half a mile next to the Sigiriya fortress. This rocky promontory shelters an old Buddhist monastery as well as a magnificent reclining Buddha on the road to its summit. It is especially the view it offers on Sigiriya that has made it very popular with travelers. Then the path becomes more chaotic, a braid of lianas and rocks which you cross by following white arrows. A setting worthy of an adventure film! The reward is quick to come. The bare rocky plateau serves as a stage for a magnificent spectacle. The lion rock where the Sigiriya fortress lies before you in its green setting. If the panorama of the fortress catches everyone's eye, don't forget to take a walk on the entire plateau. A 360 ° view of the countryside awaits you. Enjoy the beautiful lights of the sunset if you can. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 12: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura
We leave early morning to arrive in Anuradhapura before 10:00 am to start the visit of this sacred city and ancient capital of the kingdom. Anuradhapura is one of the interesting cities to visit as it has a multitude of things to see, including some of the most impressive stupa and dagoba in Sri Lanka. The old town, also called the Holy City, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and occupies a frankly huge space (it stretches over 2,500 acres!). All these vestiges were only rehabilitated at the beginning of the 20th century: before, nature had taken over. So, it's a chance to be able to visit them today! Your guide will lead your way as there are so many Buddhist temples and archaeological remains at every corner of the road. All these vestiges are located in the old town, but this one is so immense that one should not hope to walk there on foot: one can opt for a bicycle (the best option for the visit) or a tuk-tuk to go from one place to another. The walk is pleasant because the Holy City does not actually look like a city but rather like a huge tree-lined park ... It is even quite difficult to imagine that it was a city. During the day, your guide will take you to restaurant for lunch. After the visit check-in at your hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 13: Anuradhapura, Colombo, USA
Some free time to continue visiting the city. Depending on your flight departure time you’ll be driven to Colombo to board your flight. Back home. [B/L]
[D] = Dinner | [B/L] = Breakfast and Lunch | [B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
