Cultural Heritage & Beach Tour - 8 nights & 9 days

Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Yala, Hikkaduwa, Airport

8 nights, 9 days

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Day 1

Airport / Colombo

A CL Synergy Travels tour guide will await your arrival at the Colombo International Airport. Assuming the arrival is in the morning, transfer to Colombo for a Colombo City Tour.

Colombo is a cosmopolitan city buzzing with glamour, a splendor of culinary treats to indulge in, shopping and a steep cultural heritage like no other. In a Half Day City Tour one will visit places like the Old Parliament, Colombo Fort, and Colombo’s ancient trade port in Pettah, Cinnamon Gardens, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, BMICH, and more. You can also enjoy a rewarding Colombo Shopping Tour and stock up on some bargain souvenirs to take home.

Overnight stay in Colombo

Day 2

Colombo / Pinnawala / Sigiriya / Dambulla

Thereafter, proceed to Dambulla. En route, visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the largest elephant orphanage of its kind which offers the visitors a close contact with these gentle giants. Your family will truly enjoy the captivating experiences of watching the elephants march along the roads for the daily bath in the nearby river.

Afterwards, visit Sigiriya to discover the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya Rock Fortress is another fascinating World Heritage site dating back to the 5th century which was once a stronghold for a king who sought refuge. It remains on a 200 meter high rock with magnificent views of the surrounding jungle.

Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 3

Dambulla / Polonnaruwa / Minneriya / Dambulla

Travel to Polonnaruwa after breakfast to discover the ancient city. Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. The ancient city has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Upon finishing Polonnaruwa, enjoy a thrilling 4x4 jeep safari excursion to Minneriya National Park. The park’s central feature is the ancient Minneriya Tank which was built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasena. During the dry season – between June to September – this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds (Cormorants and painted stork to name a few).

Later, return back to the hotel in Dambulla

Day 4

Dambulla / Matale / Kandy

After breakfast, discover the Dambulla Cave Temple. It is the best preserved cave temple complex in the island with beautiful statues and paintings.

Upon completing, drive up to the mountains to discover the Royal City of Kandy (En route, visit the famous spice gardens in Matale which is optional). It is Sri Lanka's last Royal kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour will take you to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a magnificent golden roofed temple, the Kandy Museum, the market place and precious gems & jewelry shops which the island is famous for.

Later in the evening, discover the Cultural Dance Show performed by an energetic dance troupe which is traditional and accompanied by tumultuous drumming. It finally climaxes with an amazing fire-walking show.

Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 5

Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, discover the famous Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. It is the foremost of its kind in both size and splendor. It was created by the Kandyan King for the enjoyment of the aristocracy. Today the gardens have an orchid house, spice garden, Japanese garden, picturesque lake filled with water lilies and more.

Thereafter, proceed to Nuwara Eliya via Labukelle. Stop at the beautiful Ramboda Falls along the way. Afterwards, proceed to Labukelle & visit the tea plantation and get an educational tour of tea production. Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, check-in to the hotel

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 6

Nuwara Eliya / Yala / Tissa

After Breakfast Proceed to Yala.

Yala is the most famous National park of Sri Lanka, known for its biodiversity and for the largest density of leopards in Asia. The Park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and divided into five blocks. Block one is the most visited area and contains the largest density of leopards in the park

Your best chance to see a leopard is generally early in the morning and then again at dusk. The male Leopards are very confident and are often seen walking the tracks during the day. Young males in particular have no fear of the jeep which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities.

There is also a substantial elephant population along with the spotted deer, Sambar, Sloth bear and the bird life comprises of over 120 species and ranges from lesser Flamingos to Paradise fly catchers, Crested Hawk Eagles and Black Bitterns. Evening safari at Yala National park.

Overnight stay in Tissamaharama

Day 7

Tissa / Galle / Hikkaduwa

After an early breakfast, proceed down south towards the beautiful beaches in Hikkaduwa through the coastal belt. En route, visit The Dutch Fortress in Galle and other ancient maritime monuments and sites from the Dutch period. Upon arriving at the hotel, check in and relax by the beautiful beach.

Overnight stay in Hikkaduwa

Day 8

Hikkaduwa

Overnight stay in Hikkaduwa

Day 9

Hikkaduwa / Colombo

After a late breakfast, checkout of the hotel and transfer to Colombo International airport. En route, visit the Kosgoda “Turtle Hatchery”. If time permits, do some shopping in Colombo. Your journey with CL Synergy Travels ends here. Have a safe journey back and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Note: Hotel stipulates checkout is before 12:00hrs noon time. Late Checkout between 12:00-18:00 requires half of the room rate. Any checkout after 18:00 will cost one extra night room rate.