HILL COUNTRY TOURS
Exploring the hill country is a must for first-time visitors to the island. Featuring a different climate, culture and architecture, there are many amazing places to explore here. Witness the breath-taking natural beauty of the region and feel the fresh breeze cascading from the mountains, on our adventure-filled hill country tours for Sri Lanka.
9 Days/8 Nights
DAY 1 - AIRPORT OR BEACH HOTEL | PINNAWALA | KANDALAMA
Pick up from the Airport or from the Beach hotel in Negombo or Ahungalla.
Thereafter transfer to Pinnawala.
Get the chance to interact with some gentle giants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which sprawls across a 25 acre property. First established in the year 1975 to rehabilitate and provide care to injured and orphaned elephants, it has since expanded to house a herd of 70 jumbos. The highlight of the visit, of course, will be the daily bath sessions which the elephants enjoy twice a day down by the river.
Thereafter transfer to Kandalama.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandalama.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
DAY 2 - KANDALAMA | ANURADHAPURA | MIHINTALE | KANDALAMA
Commanding a rich heritage, Anuradhapura is one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world spanning over 1,300 years in its peak. Take in ruins of ancient palaces, temples and more at the very first capital of the country.
Transfer to Mihintale.
In sacred city of Anuradhapura lies the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, as the stone carvings and unending stairways proclaim a legacy which hinges the philosophy preached by the Lord Buddha.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandalama.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
DAY 3 - KANDALAMA | SIGIRIYA | POLONNARUWA | KANDALAMA
The fifth-century rock citadel of King Kashyapa and iconic World Heritage Site - Sigiriya – does not only boast of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments to ancient arts and culture.
Thereafter, transfer to Polonnaruwa.
The city of Polonnaruwa offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Wander around the World Heritage Sites taking in various stupas, reclining Buddha statues and more.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandalama.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
DAY 4 - KANDALAMA | DAMBULLA | MATALE | KANDY
An iconic attraction in Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Rock Temple also known as the Golden Temple houses ancient relics, paintings and over 150 Buddha statues spanning over five caverns which make up the cave complex.
Thereafter transfer to Matale.
An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops ranging from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices; today, this town takes immense pride in its story woven around spices.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandy.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 5 - KANDY | PERADENIYA | KANDY
Developed as a pleasure garden under island royalty and later taken over by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya offers a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Manicured lawns and well-tended greenery intercepted with lovely blooms make space a welcoming place to relax.
Do a city tour of Kandy.
Visit Kandy, a picturesque hill city and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, sense of rich history, heritage and the unique traditions that pervade it. Take in the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha and learn more about the legacies left by the kings of the old.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandy.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 6 - KANDY | NUWARA ELIYA | KANDAPOLA
Replete with misty winding roads, slopes blanketed by lush green carpets of tea bushes and invigorating fresh mountain air, the charming little town of Nuwara Eliya offers visitors an intimate getaway experience. Enjoy hikes among grassy slopes and valleys which open up to captivating vistas of a picturesque countryside hamlet.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandapola.
Overnight stay in Kandapola.
DAY 7 - KANDAPOLA / HORTON PLAINS / KANDAPOLA
Breakfast at hotel
Thereafter transfer to Horton Plains.
Visit Horton Plains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Eco-tourism hideout in the heart of the isle, Endless stretches of green pastures marks one of the healthiest wet montane evergreen forests in Sri Lanka. With an altitude above 7,000 feet, the plateau sweeps to a robust 3,169 hectares sheltering flora and fauna varieties that may be found nowhere else on earth. Take in the majestic Baker’s Falls, gushing down over jagged rock precipices. Trek through the frost covered grass while breathing in fresh air. You may even gaze down World's End, a head-spinning 3,700 feet drop towards the Southern end. Or drive carefully through herds of sambar deer, shy to human touch & birdlife chirping across the plains. If you're lucky enough you may be greeted by the sights of a grunting wild boar, a pouncing fishing cat, otters or even the 'Spotted-Ghost that haunts the plains' - the Sri Lankan Leopard!
On completion transfer to Kandapola.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandapola.
Overnight stay in Kandapola.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Yala.
Set off on a safari to explore Yala National Park by jeep. Sprawling across an area of 1,259 kilometres, Yala – home to rugged terrains including dunes, grass and shrub lands and water holes, has long since is the second largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka. The park is home to large herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, jackals and to an array of bird species. It’s also one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Here the cries of the wilderness and you bask under the warmth of the tropical sun as you traverse the jungle.
Savour a delectable dinner at a hotel in Yala.
Overnight stay in Yala.
DAY 9 - YALA | GALLE | AIRPORT OR BEACH HOTEL
Breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Galle.
Galle is among the most visited cities located on the Southern Coast of the island. The Dutch Fort offers an interesting blend of classic Dutch period architecture and tropical settings, a trademark of a quintessential island experience. Walk along the cobbled streets of the fort, and take in chic cafes, restaurants, museums and more.
Check out bastions preserved up to date showcasing evidence of a heritage preserved for more than three and a half centuries, after which you can catch a spectacular sunset from the ramparts overlooking the Indian ocean. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion and the lighthouse right next to the Point Utrecht Bastion.
On completion, transfer to the airport for departure or to a beach hotel.
3 Days/2 Nights
Arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be met by an Lanka Leisure Travels representative or a tour guide and transfer to Kandy.
Go on a city tour of Kandy in the afternoon. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, this city was the final royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a rich culture, history and heritage and attracts travellers from around the world.
Explore the bustling town centre home to a colourful bazaar, world-class brands, an arts & crafts centre and a gem museum and lapidary. Drive towards the Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world, with a unique class and style of its own. Alternatively, take a stroll amidst the vibrant colour of the fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Market. Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show that enhances the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Thereafter visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a flourishing national asset. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later improved upon by the British, the gardens are located just four miles from Kandy and feature the most welcoming facilities as well. Walk into this 147-acre haven for an experience of bliss, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions and an octagon conservatory. Be greeted by the vast expanse of magnificently landscaped, lush green turf which will encourage you to take an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance is a cafeteria that one might come across, before heading to some of the highlights here; this includes the Orchid House and the giant Javan fig tree, each with their own sense of grace and beauty.
In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel – a historic temple that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Thereafter, proceed to an auditorium to witness a captivating cultural show.
Once the day is done, head back to the hotel to unwind and enjoy a delectable dinner.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 2 - | PINNAWALA | NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
En route visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; as you enter the 25-acre property, do not be surprised when you get the chance to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or see them walk around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is a sincerely moving sight to observe how these orphaned gentle giants, some of which have only three legs due to injury, are taken care of here.
Established in 1975, this orphanage for elephants has to date seen over 20 calves been born; it may surprise you to know that some of the elephants have even lived to see their “grandchildren” being born!
Those who visit at 09:15am and 01:15pm can enjoy the sight of cute baby elephants during milk feeding time. Also not to be missed is the daily bath time at the nearby river which takes place at 10:00am and 02:00pm, offering plenty of memorable moments.
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya where you can check-in to your hotel and look forward to a hearty dinner and a blissful night’s sleep.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 3 - NUWARA ELIYA | KITULGALA | SELECTED BEACH RESORT
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to explore Nuwara Eliya.
Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the “City of Light” - once governed by English and Scottish planters - is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and past redbrick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.
Hop into a rattling train, smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls and dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.
On completion of your excursion, transfer to a beach resort via Kitulgala.
Showered by two monsoons each year, Kitulgala - the destination of the acclaimed movie 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' - marks an important period in many calendars as one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka. If adventure close to Colombo is your pick, then Kitulgala is your bliss!
Grab your gear and toss into the wild rapids for a seamless rafting challenge on white water, thundering downstream, gushing and splashing far and wide. Hop from rock to rock upstream for a mind-blowing waterfall jump that should strain your voice to the core or slide down to the darkest depths of caves haunted by millions of bats. If hardcore adventurism is not for you, then simply trek along the beaten track to admire the immaculate beauty of the wilderness.