Itinerary
Enjoy a cultural feast packed into ten memorable days and see the best of Sri Lanka. Discover a world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities, historic temples, and ancient citadels. Breathe in the fragrances of Sri Lanka at herb and spice gardens. Meet some of the friendliest and gentlest creatures in the animal kingdom andenjoy the lush green tea plantations spread through the hill county. Explore the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where you'll learn about turtle conservation efforts, and witness the unique tradition of stilt fishing in Koggala.TOUR HIGHLIGHTKandy: this mesmerising city is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its associated palaces and gardens.Negombo: a historic coastal city that enjoys a substantial colonial heritage.Silver Temple: tucked away in beautiful rolling countryside, in a small village called Ridigama (Silver village) 15 km west of the Kandy - Dambulla highway, roughly equidistant between Matale and Kurunagala, hidden away behind is a small monastery cave temple of Ridi Vihara.Sigiriya: the 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site doesn't only boast of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture.Matale: an agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices.Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic: last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.Nuwara Eliya: augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world.Yala National Park: spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala, with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes, rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka.
day 1 - Arrival Colombo – Negombo (8 Km – 30 Min)
Your Sri Lankan adventure begins on arrival at Colombo Airport. Here a representative awaits to greet you and assist on arrival before you hop on your transfer to Negombo, for your first night in Sri Lanka. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, be that by making the most of a relaxing beach experience or by going out to explore the colourful fish market on your own. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Negombo.
day 2 - Negombo – Silver Temple – Habarana (150km – 3.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, hop on the transfer to join the Negombo City Tour. Enjoy a tour of the city, which has several buildings that date back to the period of political and cultural domination of the Dutch and Portuguese. Negombo has a Christian majority and there are so many churches that it is known as 'Little Rome'. The city is built around a lagoon into which the Hamilton Canal empties, which was built by the Dutch to transport cinnamon and other spices. The golden sands of the beach are one of the most emblematic places in Negombo since it is on them that many of the neighbours congregate to browse and buy the catches of lobsters, crabs, prawns and fish. We will also visit the Dutch Fort and the beautiful Catholic Church of Santa María. Then we continue to the Silver Temple. The huge boulder that looms over the whole temple complex is home to the local wild bee population. Their nests bulge below the overhang. Then arrive in Habarana for check-in. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Habarana.
day 3 - Habarana – Sigiriya – Matale – Kandy (107km – 3hrs)
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, you will be picked up and taken to Climb Sigirya Rock Fortress. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws', overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below, to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock, resembling the mythological 'City of Gods', is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta-style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king, which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries. Afterwards, visit a Spice Garden in Matale. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Later in the evening, be amazed by the Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with the latest and world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk-in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. End the day in the evening with a return back to the hotel. Dinner included.
Overnight in Kandy.
day 4 - Kandy – Peradeniya – Kandy (12km – 30min)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf, which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights, such as the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree, of this place which overflow in grace. Once the tour is over, transportation is provided back to your hotel. Dinner included.
Overnight in Kandy.
day 5 - Kandy – Tea Plantation – Nuwara Eliya (81km – 2.50hrs)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and on your way to Nuwara Eliya, you will stop to visit a Tea Plantation. Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride in an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea before checking in to your new hotel.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
day 6 - Nuwara Eliya
Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a tour through misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, and remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. A hike through the green grass and redbrick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
day 7 - Nuwaraeliya – Yala (140km – 3hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Yala National Park. As your jeep rumbles through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swishes passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun. End the day by checking in at your hotel. Dinner included.
Overnight in Yala.
day 8 - Yala – Koggala – Galle – Hikkaduwa (180km – 3.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Experience Stilt Fishing in Koggala. Koggala is an unexplored piece of haven with so much has the benefit of both the ocean and the lake (Stilt Fishing tips are not included). Next, visit the Martin Wickremasinghe Museum before continuing to Galle. Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere of beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Drive to your hotel in Hikkaduwa and check in. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
day 9 - Hikkaduwa – Balapitiya – Kosgoda – Hikkaduwa (60km – 1.5hr)
Breakfast at the hotel followed by Balapitiya Boat Ride. Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combine under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River - a lifeline of Balapitiya - and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small island housing a temple that dates back to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or, sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River - hiding an ecological treasure - to witness the tranquillity of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts reptiles, molluscs and over 70 species of freshwater fish. Today the region - which is strong in observing rural folklife on the island does not only boast of cinnamon plantations in abundance but also has a fine 'fish pedicure centre' -one of the most potent & latest rejuvenation techniques. Apart from these amenities, Balapitiya has also become a household name in the minds of bird watchers ensuring a thrilling offshore experience. Visit a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. Both locals and international volunteers battling it out for ''Sea Turtles' Sake'' is a common sight at Kosgoda. The Wildlife Protection Society which studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project, operates on a formidable scale today and later recognized this vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka - apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole for flipper & shell enthusiasts! Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
day 10 - Hikkaduwa – Departure Colombo (140km – 2hrs)
Begin your last day in spectacular Sri Lanka with a delicious breakfast followed by a transfer to Colombo. Depending on your travel arrangements, head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows displaying the best fashion, jewellery & handicraft brands (own expense). Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Then, at the appropriate time, transfer from Colombo Airport to catch your flight back home or on to your next destination. Clients must reach to airport 3 hours before the departure flight time.

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Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about Exclusive Tea Tour, Private Tour
Excellent
We booked the Classic Ceylon Sri Lanka Tour for our honeymoon. The tour agent was Aitken Spence Travels. Day 1: Arriving at Colombo airport, we were greeted by our guide/driver named Rane (guide and driver are the same person throughout the tour). Our first stop was the Ramada Hotel in Columbo, where we checked in. You can take advantage of the afternoon to explore the city or relax at the hotel. We have reviewed each hotel separately in this thread if you want to learn more about each hotel review in detail. Our guide agrees on a time for you to be picked up the next morni g, which was ours at 8am. to start on time. Colombo is a busy city so traffic can be very busy. Day 2: Drive from Colombo to Dambulla, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away. Your guide will make a rest stop for a drink if you wish. Once we reach Dambulla we visit the Temple of the Rock. This fascinating temple is built on the side of a rock with some historical monuments of Buddhas and paintings. Once we had visited the temple, we stopped for lunch at one of the various Sri Lankan tourist restaurants. The food is in keeping with the country and there are usually rice, potatoes, various meats and salads on the menu. We were never disappointed. Lunch is not included in the tour price so it is extra, but at approx 600 rupees it is very reasonable in terms of cost. Some days we didn't fancy lunch and you can skip this if you want. Your driver will be very accommodating. We were then taken to our hotel which would be home for the next 3 nights: Amaara Forest Hotel (review available separately). The following days consisted of: Day 3 - Drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa to visit the 2nd Heritage of the Capital City. This is an amazing experience that offers a fantastic insight into Sri Lankan history. After this we reached Minneriya to the national park. The opportunity to see elephants in the wild is something not to be missed. There are also wild buffaloes, monkeys, birds, and many more animals to witness. We also visited a silk shop where silk was made, and we were dressed in traditional Sri Lankan clothing, where you can take photos of each other. The ladies at this store were wonderful and we bought a few items. The woodcarving factory is also a good stop, where you can watch how they make traditional Raksha masks and other items. We really wanted to buy a pair of these and the factory store on site had plenty to choose from at reasonable prices. Day 4 - Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock). This spectacular rock of approximately 200 m high has impressive views. The only way to achieve this is through lots of steep steps so you will need to wear some good trainers as flip flops will wreck your feet. It can get quite busy on the stairs for the first part as there are historical paintings to see a third of the way which causes the delay, but it picks up soon after. Don't let this delay put you off, I almost decided not to bother you, but the wife talked me into it and I'm glad I did. When you get to about 2/3 of this way, this is where the Lions entrance is. At one point this one had a huge rock lion face on it which is sadly gone. From this point you can reach the top and the view of Sri Lanka can be seen for miles. Word of advice to all of you, there are people who offer to "show" you the rock, they will expect payment for their services, so you politely say no or agree to a cost up front. Also when on the stairs there will be men offering to help him up (at one point taking my wife's hand and escorting her down the stairs which I soon said no to) in all fairness once I say no they will leave you alone, so don't do it. Don't let this discourage you, but be prepared. This day you also have a tour of a rural town in a carriage and a boat ride. You may be offered lunch here which is a great experience and at 600 rupees well worth it. A local lady prepares dinner in her cabin in the woods, and there is a good choice to have. You won't get a chance to experience this again so totally recommend it. Day 5 - Kandy. The journey from the hotel above to here is around 2.5 hours, but it breaks down to an intermediate stop at Spice Garden, where you can see how various spices grow and are shown how to make curry mixes from scratch. The day also included a visit to a gem museum. Generally these places have a room or two showing the history of the gems etc but then a shop at the end. We found the gem shop too expensive for what we wanted to get out of our souvenir shopping, so we didn't buy anything. Again, you don't have to buy anything if you just want to look around. After you transfer to another hotel, we stopped at Earls Regent in Kandy. Day 6 - We visit the Botanical Garden which is a lovely relaxing day where you can walk slowly and take in the surroundings. After this, you can have lunch or return to the hotel to relax. Day 7: We visit a tea plantation on this day where you can see the process from tea leaf picking to the final product. We were allowed to pick tea leaves in the hills as well as visit the shop on site to pick up some reasonably priced local tea/souvenirs. From this point, you can return to the final hotel of the tour to rest in Nuwara Eliya. You can, if you wish, take a walk in the area near the hotel. Day 8 _ This is the route back to the airport, which takes around 7 hours in total, but is broken down by the different sights offering opportunities for waterfalls and a few breaks at local cafes and restaurants. As a guide, we leave at 8:30 am and arrive at the airport at 3:30 pm. Overall the tour was amazing but very tiring. It's not a relaxing vacation, so if you can get a second week in a row somewhere, you can relax. We went to the Maldives which is a 1 hour flight to Male airport. Some final points: We were advised to tip the driver between $5-10 per person per day as an example, but you can tip what you feel was worth. Your guide will offer to take you to other places that are not listed on the tour and will be charged. If you don't want to do this, just say no thanks and they won't accept you. We almost fell for this and arrived at a spa which we were told would cost 5,000 rupees each for an hour which works out to a total of �40 so not a huge cost but we really didn't want a spa visit So we politely said we weren't interested. On the last day you will also be asked if you want to go rafting, which we didn't do as the last thing we wanted was to get wet en route to the airport. Overall, a worthwhile trip to an amazing country.
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