Explore Lanka Tour
15 nights | 16 days
Day 01
Arrival / Negombo
You will be arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake where a representative of Arya Lanka Tours will meet you.
Transfer to the city of Negombo. Check-in at the hotel and rest by the gorgeous sea while preparing for your exciting adventure! Negombo is a city that is tinged with the charm of a diverse ethnicity. You will find many beautiful churches across its territories. The beach here is also immensely famous.
Overnight: Stay in Negambo
Day 02
Anuradhapura
Wilpattu National Park to Anuradhapura offers a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage. one of the island’s ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its impressive archaeological ruins, such as the sacred Bo tree, ancient stupas, and monasteries that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist history and culture.
Overnight: Stay in Anuradhapura
Day 03,04
Jaffna
Jaffna, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here’s a list of activities and places you can explore during a tour to Jaffna
Jaffna Fort, Explore the 17th-century fort built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, it offers a great view of the Jaffna Lagoon and is a significant historical site.
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, visit this famous Hindu temple, known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant festivals.
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya and Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, take a boat ride to Nainativu Island to visit, a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple located on the same island.
Jaffna Public Library, explore this iconic library, which was once one of the largest in Asia.
Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple, visit this historical Buddhist temple where Theri Sangamitta is said to have brought the Sacred Bodhi tree sapling.
Overnight: Stay in Jaffna
Day 05,06
Trincomalee
Trincomalee, located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, Here’s a guide on what you can do in Trincomalee:
Cultural and Historical Sites:
Koneswaram Temple, Visit this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched on Swami Rock overlooking the Bay of Bengal
Fort Frederick, Explore this fort built by the Portuguese in 1624 and later used by the Dutch and British.
Lover’s Leap, this cliff is associated with a tragic love story and offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
Natural Attractions:
Nilaveli Beach, Relax on this beautiful, unspoiled beach known for its golden sands and clear waters.
Pigeon Island National Park, Take a boat ride to this marine national park, which is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Sri Lanka. The park is home to vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and blacktip reef sharks.
Overnight: Stay in Trincomalee
Day 07,08,09
Polonnaruwa / Kaudulla National Park / Sigiriya/ Pidurangala/Village Tour
Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, is a treasure trove of ancient ruins and archaeological wonders from the medieval Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Here are some key places you can visit in Polonnaruwa:
Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu: Explore the remains of the grand royal palace complex, showcasing ancient Sri Lankan architecture and design.Gal Vihara: Marvel at the rock-cut Buddha statues, including a standing Buddha statue and three reclining Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face.
Ancient Temples: Visit significant temples such as the Lankathilaka Temple, which features a towering brick image house, and the Rankoth Vehera, a massive stupa surrounded by smaller stupas.
Visiting Kaudulla National Parks offers a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and observe its diverse wildlife, particularly the majestic elephants that are a highlight of these regions.
Sigiriya is primarily known for its historical significance as an ancient royal palace and fortress, adorned with frescoes and ancient ruins. Pidurangala, while also offering historical and archaeological interest with its ancient monastery, is popular for its hiking trail and panoramic views of Sigiriya. Visitors to the area often choose to visit both sites: exploring Sigiriya for its historical and cultural richness, and climbing Pidurangala for its scenic vistas and spiritual atmosphere. Each offers a distinct experience, making them both valuable destinations in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The Dambulla Cave Temple is a vast complex of cave temples carved into a massive rock outcrop. It is one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 1st century BC.
Overnight: Stay in Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya
Day 10
Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa):The most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, housing the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is a pilgrimage site and a place of veneration for Buddhists worldwide.
Festival: The annual Esala Perahera (Kandy Perahera) is a grand procession where the tooth relic is paraded through the streets with traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens:One of the largest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, renowned for its diverse collection of orchids, palms, and exotic plants.
Traditional Kandyan Dance Performances:Venue: Various cultural centers in Kandy host performances showcasing traditional Kandyan dance forms, accompanied by drumming and elaborate costumes.
Overnight: Stay in Kandy
Day 11
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a charming city located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Little England” of the country due to its cool climate and British colonial influence.
Tea Plantations and Factories:Tea Estates: Explore the scenic tea estates . You can take guided tours to learn about tea production and enjoy freshly brewed tea.
Hiking and Nature Trails Horton Plains National Park: Nearby park offering hiking trails to attractions like World’s End, a dramatic cliff with stunning views, and Baker’s Falls, a scenic waterfall. Waterfall Rappelling and Trekking:Adventure: For adrenaline junkies, there are opportunities for waterfall rappelling and trekking in the nearby forests.
Overnight: Stay in Nuwaraeliya
Day 12
Ella
Ella Rock:Hiking: A moderately challenging hike offering breathtaking views of the Ella Gap, tea plantations, and surrounding valleys.
Little Adam’s Peak:Easy Hike: A shorter and easier hike compared to Ella Rock, offering stunning views of the Ella Gap and the plains below Nine Arches Bridge:Architectural Marvel: An iconic railway bridge built during the British colonial era, surrounded by lush greenery and offering scenic views.
Ravana Falls:Waterfall: A scenic waterfall located a short distance from Ella town, surrounded by lush greenery and a popular spot for picnics and photography.Ella to Kandy Train Journey:Scenic Train Ride: One of the most scenic train journeys in the world, passing through tea plantations, misty mountains, and quaint villages.
Adventurous Pursuits:Waterfall Rappelling: Opportunities for waterfall rappelling for thrill-seekers.Zip-lining: Some operators offer zip-lining adventures amidst the lush forested hills.
Overnight: Stay in Ella
Day 13
Tissa/Katharagama
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara:Buddhist Temple: One of the most ancient and significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Yala National Park:Wildlife Safaris: Tissa serves as a base for visiting Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most famous wildlife sanctuaries.Leopards and Elephants: Known for its population of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife.
Bird Watching:Bundala National Park: Located nearby, Bundala is renowned for its wetlands and birdlife, including migratory birds
Village Tours:Rural Life: Experience the traditional way of life in nearby villages, including agriculture and local crafts.
Kataragama Temple Complex:Skanda-Kumara: The main deity worshipped here is Skanda-Kumara (also known as Kataragama Deviyo or Murugan), revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
Pilgrimage Site: The temple complex attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially during the Kataragama Esala Perahera, a vibrant religious festival held in July/August.
Overnight: Stay in Tissa
Day 14,15
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa Beach:Scenic Beach: A wide stretch of golden sand ideal for sunbathing and relaxing.Swimming and Snorkeling: The calm waters make it suitable for swimming, and there are snorkeling opportunities to explore colorful coral reefs and marine life.
Coral Sanctuary:Marine Reserve: Hikkaduwa is famous for its coral sanctuary located just offshore. Glass-bottom boat rides and snorkeling tours allow visitors to observe vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles.
Surfing:Surf Breaks: Hikkaduwa has several surf breaks suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The waves are most consistent during the surf season from November to April.
Restaurants and Bars:Beachside Dining: Numerous restaurants and cafes line the beach offering fresh seafood and international cuisine.
Nightlife: Hikkaduwa has a lively nightlife scene with beach bars and clubs where visitors can enjoy live music, cocktails, and beach parties, especially during the tourist season.
Tsunami Museum:History: Learn about the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and its impact on Hikkaduwa and Sri Lanka at the Tsunami Museum.
Turtle Hatchery:Conservation: Visit a turtle hatchery where you can learn about efforts to conserve sea turtles and sometimes even participate in releasing hatchlings into the sea.
Overnight: Stay in Hikkaduwa
Day 16
Katunayake Airport Departure
Negombo / Departure
