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- Southern Coast Mini Tour
Coastal Cities and Financial Hub
Day 01 – Negombo: Arrival and Coastal Charm
Upon arrival, a private pick-up will transfer you to Negombo. The day features a city exploration, including a visit to the Negombo Beach and the bustling Fish Market. You will spend the night at a local hotel in Negombo.
Day 02 – Colombo: The Capital Experience
The morning begins with a transfer to Colombo, the island’s primary financial and corporate center. The city tour covers essential landmarks: the scenic Galle Face Green, the peaceful Vihara Mahadevi Park, and Beira Lake. Other key sites include the Colombo Racecourse, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, the impressive Colombo Lotus Tower, and the National Museum. Accommodation for the night will be in Colombo.
Phase 2: Ancient Kingdoms and Wildlife
Day 03 – Sigiriya: The Sky Fortress
Today, you will travel to Sigiriya to ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This massive column of rock, rising nearly 200 meters (660 ft), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional ancient urban planning. You will stay overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 04 – Polonnaruwa and Minneriya: History and Safari
After breakfast, the journey continues to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This well-preserved ancient city showcases the grandeur of the island’s former rulers. Sites visited include the King Parakramabahu Royal Palace, the Vatadage, the Rankoth Vehera, and the magnificent rock-cut statues of the Gal Vihara temple.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park. The park is famous for the “Gathering,” where large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants congregate around the reservoir during the dry season, often numbering between 150–200, and sometimes reaching up to 700. You will return to your hotel in Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa for the night.
Phase 3: Cultural Triangle and Hill Country
Day 05 – Dambulla and Kandy: Spices and Relics
The day starts with a transfer toward Kandy. En route, you will stop at a Spice Garden in Matale to learn about the cultivation and processing of various local spices, with an option to purchase products.
Next, you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO site known as the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
The journey proceeds to Kandy, the island’s last royal capital, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Upon arrival, you will visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. The evening concludes with a captivating Kandyan cultural dance performance. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 06 – Nuwara Eliya: Little England
Today, you will be driven to the mountain resort city of Nuwara Eliya, the coolest region in Sri Lanka. The scenic drive includes a stop at the beautiful Ramboda Falls. Along the way, you will visit a Tea Factory and explore the lush tea plantations.
The city tour in Nuwara Eliya includes visiting Lake Gregory and taking a walk through the charming old British colonial architecture. You will spend the night at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Phase 4: Scenic Train Ride and Southern Plains
Day 07 – Horton Plains and Ella: High Altitude Trek and Rail Journey
Following breakfast, you will leave for a morning trek in Horton Plains National Park, a protected area of montane grassland and cloud forest in the central highlands.
Afterward, you will take one of the world’s most scenic train rides from Nanu Oya Railway Station to Ella. A transfer will take you to your hotel in Ella for the overnight stay.
Day 08 – Ella: Natural Wonders Trekking
Ella is a picturesque town famed for its natural beauty, including hills, greenery, and waterfalls. The day is dedicated to trekking to the famous Nine Arch Bridge and climbing Ella Rock to enjoy panoramic views.
Day 09 – Buduruwagala and Tissamaharama: Ancient Sculptures
After breakfast, you will depart for Tissamaharama, stopping en route at Buduruwagala. This ancient Buddhist temple complex features seven large statues, reflecting the Mahayana school of thought. Overnight accommodation will be in Tissamaharama.
Day 10 – Wedihiti Kanda and Mirissa: Pilgrimage and Coast
The morning involves a trek up Wedihiti Kanda, a rocky mountain approximately 3.5 km from the famous Kataragama Devalaya. Following the trek, you will continue to Mirissa for your overnight stay.
Phase 5: Marine Life and Rainforest
Day 11 – Mirissa and Sinharaja: Whales and Wilderness
The day begins with an early morning excursion for Dolphin and Whale Watching off the coast of Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most exhilarating marine activities.
Later, you will proceed to the Sinharaja Rain Forest for a two-hour trek. Sinharaja is the country’s last significant area of primary tropical rain forest. It has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, noted for its high endemism, with over 60% of its trees being endemic species.
Phase 6: Departure
Day 12 – Bentota and Airport Transfer: Beach Relaxation
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport. The journey includes a stop in Bentota, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy some sunbathing. You will be driven to the airport two to three hours before your scheduled flight time.
