Glamour of Sri Lanka

Depart from UK

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative of Luxury Holidays and directly transferred to Sigiriya.
Proceed to Sigiriya (Approx. 3.5 hrs)
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The history of the Dambulla Cave Temple dates to the 1st century BC when it was initially established by King Valagamba as a refuge for monks during a period of unrest. There are five main caves within the temple complex, each with its own unique features and artistic elements. The caves are named as follows: Devaraja Viharaya, Maharaja Viharaya, Maha Aluth Viharaya, Paschima Viharaya, and Devana Aluth Viharaya. Each cave houses a multitude of Buddha statues, including a massive reclining Buddha statue, and intricate paintings. Visiting Dambulla Cave Temple provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka, as well as to appreciate the artistic and historical significance of the cave complex. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism, history, and art.

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, built on top of a huge boulder in the 5th century. A palace. A rock fortress. The hidden castle of King Kasyapa. A Buddhist monastery from the 14th century. The eighth wonder of the world? No place in Sri Lanka has generated as many theories and legends as the 180m monolith, set amidst stunning scenery. Sigiriya consists of 1200 steps. The first part of the visit is a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens. Then one starts to climb. There are two areas where one can take a break on the way up. The entire duration of the experience takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the speed at which you want to climb.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Lake 4* | Standard Room | HB - Dambulla.
Check in to the hotel

Breakfast at the Hotel. Hiriwaduna Village Tour with Lunch
Safari at Minneriya National Park
Return back to the hotel
Trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (manmade reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot.

The Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. It provides an excellent opportunity to observe and appreciate the natural behavior of Asian elephants in their natural habitat.

Minneriya is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 170 species of birds recorded in the park. Bird enthusiasts can spot a wide variety of waterfowl, raptors, and other avian species. The park is most famous for its large population of Asian elephants. During the dry season, elephants from the surrounding areas gather near the Minneriya Tank to drink water and feed on the fresh grass that emerges as the water level recedes.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Lake 4* | Standard Room | HB - Dambulla.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Proceed to Trincomalee (Aprox. 2 hrs)

Check in to the hotel and spend the day by the beach

Trincomalee is home to several cultural and religious sites. One of the most prominent is the Koneswaram Temple, an ancient Hindu temple situated on a rock promontory overlooking the sea. The Swami Rock, located nearby, offers panoramic views of the coastline. The city has a long history that dates back to ancient times. It has been a center of maritime trade and has been controlled by various empires, including the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagar empires. The European powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, also had a presence in Trincomalee at different points in history.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Trinco Blue by Cinnamon 4* | Superior Room | HB – Trincomalee.

Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit to Shakti Peetham Shankari Devi Temple
Visit Kanniya Hot Springs
Return back to the hotel

Koneswaram Temple has a long and storied history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been originally constructed by Tamil Chola Dynasty kings, with some records suggesting that it existed as far back as 205 BCE. The temple exhibits a blend of Dravidian (South Indian) and Pallava architectural styles. The main temple structure, gopuram (entrance tower), and other buildings within the complex are characteristic of South Indian temple architecture.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Trinco Blue by Cinnamon 4* | Superior Room | HB – Trincomalee.

Breakfast at the Hotel
Proceed to Kandy (Approx. 4.5 hrs)
Check in to the hotel and spend the day at leisure
Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Hills 4* | Superior Room | HB – Kandy.

Breakfast at the Hotel.
Kandy City Tour
Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic
Enjoy a Cultural Dance Show in the evening
Return back to the hotel

Kandy was once the capital of the venerated 16th century Kandyan Kings, who fiercely and successfully defended their kingdom against Portuguese and Dutch invaders for 300 years. It eventually fell to the British in 1815, but the salubrious hill station has maintained its position as an epicenter of Sinhalese culture and the site of an important spiritual pilgrimage for Buddhists. Many of the legends, traditions, and folklore are still lovingly kept alive by the region’s friendly people. The city tour will include a visit to the local markets, lake area, and Kandy town.

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.

Today Kandy is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture. Visitors can see these dance & music performances at the daily cultural performance which starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hour. With more than 7 different dance performances, captivating drumming and the skills of the traditional musicians on display, this show will give you a great insight to traditional Sri Lankan culture.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Hills 4* | Superior Room | HB – Kandy.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Proceed to Nuwara Eliya via Train (Approx. 4 hrs) – 1st Class
Visit Tea Factory and Tea Plantation
Check in to Hotel

The train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is part of the Sri Lanka Railways network. The train departs from Kandy, which is a major city in the central province of Sri Lanka, and travels to the town of Nanu Oya, which is the closest train station to Nuwara Eliya. This train route takes you through the lush green landscapes of the central highlands, offering breathtaking views of tea plantations, mountains, valleys, and waterfalls along the way.

The journey is known for its stunning scenery. You'll pass through lush tea plantations, dense forests, misty mountains, and picturesque valleys. Some of the highlights include the Ramboda Falls, St. Clair's Falls, and beautiful views of the Sri Lankan hill country. The train journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the type of train you take and any delays.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Araliya Red | Deluxe Room | HB – Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit Lake Gregory
Visit Seetha Aman Temple
Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden
Return back to the hotel

The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, making it a pleasant place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. The backdrop of the lake is often covered in mist, which adds to its charm. Lake Gregory is a serene and beautiful place to visit, especially if you're looking to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Sri Lankan hill country. It's a great spot for a leisurely day out, and the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya makes it a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations in Sri Lanka.

According to the Ramayana, after Sita was abducted by Ravana, she was brought to Ashok Vatika and kept there against her will. Hanuman, the monkey deity and a devoted follower of Lord Rama, journeyed to Lanka to find Sita. He located her in Ashok Vatika, where she was living under the Ashoka trees and was distraught due to her captivity. Hanuman consoled Sita and reassured her of Lord Rama's imminent rescue. He also burned down a part of Ashok Vatika as a display of his strength and as a message to Ravana about Lord Rama's might.

The garden was established in 1861 by the British colonial government, initially as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona, a plant used in the production of quinine, a treatment for malaria. Later, it was transformed into a botanical garden, and today it serves as a center for research and conservation of various plant species. Hakgala Botanical Garden is home to a diverse collection of plant species, including both native and exotic varieties. The garden features a wide range of flowers, trees, and shrubs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and botanists.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Araliya Red | Deluxe Room | HB – Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at the Hotel
Proceed to Negombo (Approx. 5 hrs). Check in to the hotel and spend the day at leisure

Negombo is a famous fish village with two fish markets, one in the central city, near the vegetable market, and the other in the periphery. The fish market near the vegetable market is a good place to observe the daily life of Negombo residents, and it is also a material for humanistic photography.

---Overnight stay in Negombo---

Dinner & Overnight stay at Arie Lagoon | Deluxe Room | HB – Negombo.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Check out from Hotel and proceed to the airport for departure (Approx. 20 min)

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