Sri Lanka First Impressions

DAY 1: COLOMBO - KOTUGODA
Arrival, private transfer to the hotel, with driver in English. Accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

Kotugoda is a city renowned for its green landscapes and tea plantations, making it a tranquil haven to relax and explore the region's rich culture and history.


DAY 2: KOTUGODA - HABARANA
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, private transfer of approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to Sigiriya.

On the way, visit the Sigiriya Fortress, also known as Lion's Rock. It was built in the 5th century on the summit of a huge cliff and is where King Kasyapa's hidden castle is located. Before climbing the 1,200 steps to reach the top, a walk through the leisure gardens will take place.

Continue to the hotel in Habarana. Accommodation for 3 nights, with half board.


DAY 3: HABARANA
Breakfast at the hotel and private transfer of about 1 hour to Polonnaruwa to visit the ancient city.

Polonnaruwa is the second oldest of the Sri Lankan kingdoms. Today, it remains one of the best-planned archaeological sites in the country, testifying to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom's first rulers.

Continue to Minneriya for a safari in Minneriya National Park. The park covers an area of approximately 8,889 hectares and stands out for the presence of elephants and is home to several other species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and butterflies, in addition to its rare bamboo trees.


DAY 4: HABARANA
After breakfast, private half-day tour, with an English-speaking guide, to a local village.

Ride on a buggy, followed by hiking trails and crossing streams, including a tributary on a catamaran. In addition, an opportunity to learn about Chena Cultivation and observe the life of a typical Sri Lankan village, with local activities. Finally homemade lunch (without drinks).


DAY 5: HABARANA - MATALE - KANDY
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, private transfer to Kandy of approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Stop in Matale to visit a local handmade soap factory, to observe the cutting and packaging process and to tour its gardens. Built and operated by women, it is a conscious local business that values well-being, sustainability and luxury, underpinning every movement.

During free time, you can learn about the cultivation of spices and fruits, while enjoying refreshments, sandwiches and treats.

Continuation to the hotel and accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.


DAY 6: KANDY
After breakfast, private half-day tour with English-speaking guide.

Walk along Lake Kandy, in the center of the city and bounded by a distinct “cloud wall”. Then, visit the Temple of the Tooth, known for its historic monuments, and walk through the local streets to visit a church, stop by shops, and the city's clock tower.

Stop at the Empire Café and continue to the Kandy Market, with a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables.


DAY 7: KANDY - COLOMBO
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, private transfer of about 3 hours and 30 minutes to the island's commercial capital, Colombo. Accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Panoramic tour of the city, passing through the main points of Colombo, such as the commercial and residential areas, the Fort and the military garrison, the Sea Street, the Bazaar area and the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, an opportunity to see the replica of the Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

DAY 8: Colombo
After breakfast and hotel check-out, private transfer to Colombo airport.


Suggested extension: Maldives Islands