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A Journey Through Time, Nature, and Culture

12-Day Sri Lanka Explorer: Culture, Wildlife, and Scenic Beauty

Embark on a 12-day adventure through Sri Lanka with Exemplary Voyages, where you'll explore iconic landmarks and diverse landscapes. Discover ancient ruins in Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, the cultural richness of Kandy, and the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy a scenic train ride, serene boat trips, and thrilling safaris in Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Experience the historic charm of Galle and the abundant wildlife of Bundala. This tour promises to showcase Sri Lanka's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and breathtaking wildlife, making it an unforgettable journey.
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Day 1 - 2

Welcome to Sri Lanka - Your Adventure Begins!

Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport, where your adventure kicks off. Your friendly guide greets you, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. Transfer to your serene hideaway in Kotugoda, surrounded by lush gardens and tropical birds. Let the warm Sri Lankan hospitality envelop you as you unwind with a traditional welcome drink. End the evening with a delicious local dinner, savouring the exotic flavours that await you.

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Day 2 - 3

Discover Pilikuttuwa and Negombo's Charm

Begin your day at Pilikuttuwa Rajamaha Temple, exploring 99 ancient meditation caves hidden in lush greenery. Imagine monks seeking enlightenment here 2400 years ago as you hike through the scenic hills. After freshening up at your hotel, embark on a Negombo city walk. Wander through bustling fish markets and colonial-era churches, absorbing the rich history. Watch fishermen mend their nets by the sunset, a timeless scene of local life. Conclude your day with a seafood feast, indulging in Negombo’s famous lagoon crabs.

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Day 3 - 4

Journey to the Cultural Triangle

After a hearty breakfast, set off for the Cultural Triangle, the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. Check into your tranquil hotel, a perfect base for exploring historic treasures. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or strolling through nearby villages. The anticipation of uncovering ancient secrets heightens your excitement. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dance performance that brings centuries-old stories to life.

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Day 4 - 5

Sigiriya's Majesty and Polonnaruwa's Legacy

Rise before dawn to climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, marvelling at the frescoes and lion's paw entrance. Imagine the ancient palace perched atop this dramatic rock, offering panoramic views. Return to your hotel for a refreshing dip and lunch. In the afternoon, explore Polonnaruwa's sprawling ruins, once the thriving capital of Sri Lanka. Walk among ancient temples and statues, feeling the echoes of a bygone era. End your day with a serene boat ride on the Parakrama Samudra lake, watching the sunset paint the sky.

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Day 5 - 6

Dambulla's Caves and Kandy's Mystique

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the Dambulla Cave Temple, where ancient murals and Buddha statues adorn five sanctuaries. Imagine King Walagamba’s gratitude as he transformed these caves into shrines after reclaiming his throne. Continue to Kandy, stopping en route at a spice garden to learn about the island’s fragrant bounty. Arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel, then explore the city’s vibrant streets. As dusk falls, take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, reflecting the temple lights on its serene waters.

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Day 6 - 7

Botanical Beauty and Sacred Relics

Start your day at the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, once a royal pleasure garden. Wander through the Orchid House and a majestic avenue of palm trees, marvelling at the 4,000 plant species. After a picnic lunch in the gardens, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist site. Join pilgrims in their white attire, offering lotus flowers and incense. Experience the temple's spiritual ambience and intricate carvings. End the evening with a cultural show, showcasing traditional Kandyan dance and music.

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Day 7 - 8

Scenic Train Ride to Hatton

Experience local life aboard a scenic train to Hatton, winding through emerald tea plantations and misty hills. Enjoy the cool climate of Hatton, once a favourite holiday spot for the British. Arrive and explore the charming town, known for its tea and stunning natural beauty. Take a leisurely walk through a tea estate, learning about tea cultivation. Relax in the evening with a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea, savouring the tranquillity of the hills.

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Day 8 - 9

Tranquil Boat Trip and Secret Viewpoint

Start your day with a peaceful boat trip on the Castlereagh Reservoir, gliding through calm waters with a local fisherman. Absorb the stunning scenery of steep mountains cloaked in tea, mirrored in the reservoir’s surface. Return to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast and morning. In the evening, enjoy a secret viewpoint experience with tea and gin & tonic, the sunset casting a golden glow over the valley. Relish a short walk through tea estates to this hidden spot, where the views leave you mesmerized.

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Day 9 - 10

Journey to Yala and Wildlife Adventures

Travel to Yala, stopping at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to see rescued elephants. Continue to Yala National Park, famed for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife. Check into your safari lodge, where the sounds of the jungle lull you into relaxation. Prepare for a thrilling wildlife adventure the next day. In the evening, enjoy dinner under a starlit sky, sharing stories around a campfire.

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Day 10 - 11

Thrilling Safaris and Natural Wonders

Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Yala National Park, home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Spot elephants, sloth bears, and a myriad of bird species in their natural habitat. Alternatively, explore Bundala or Lunugamwehera national parks for more wildlife encounters. Return to your lodge to relax and recount the day’s adventures. Cap off the day with a candlelit dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

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Day 11 - 12

Discover the Historic Charm of Galle

Head to the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in colonial history. Wander through Galle Fort’s cobblestone streets, discovering charming boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Visit the iconic lighthouse and explore the ramparts with panoramic ocean views. Relax on the pristine beaches, soaking up the sun and sea breeze. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner by the beach, reflecting on your incredible journey through Sri Lanka.

Inclusions

  • Luxury Accommodation on Full Board basis for 11 nights.
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour with an Experienced Driver
  • English Speaking Professional guide
  • Price per person based on two people travelling and sharing a room throughout
  • Entrance & Activity Fees

Tour Highlight

An Odyssey of Adventure and Discovery Sri Lanka Odyssey Tour 

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    About Us

    Testimonials

    My wife and I had a great time on the 13-day trip Rozanne and team organized for us. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and every day had something new to see and experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of activities, visiting temples, historical sites, safaris, village tours, fantastic views, cultural and craft demonstrations, etc. Accommodations were all top notch and our guide Roshan was excellent, very knowledgeable about all the places we visited, came up with good ideas to enhance our itinerary, introduced us to local foods on drives, rearranged daily itineraries to optimize time usage, and was a wonderful travel companion. Highly recommended!

    Michael L.
    Honolulu, Hawaii

    We had heard great things about Sri Lanka from friends, but our trip was still full of surprises! The planning was smooth, with Rikaz helping us make changes when we realized we had a bit more time. When we were actually on the ground, Dan helped with everything, and the whole trip went off without a hitch. The whole family enjoyed the mix of adventure and relaxation, from hiking up the fortress of Sigiriya to walking the southern beaches... to having to maneuver the van when a wild elephant decided to cross the road. It's a must-do!

    Lauren M.
    Malaysia

    We are particularly grateful to our guide, Aruna, for his professionalism and his kindness. By leading us on this journey, he helped us discover a magnificent and endearing country, making this experience a memorable one. A perfectly organized and easy stay with unique hotels. Our best visits/activities: Dambulla cave temples. treks in nature, breathtaking landscapes, flying Ravana, cooking a curry in a village garden, train journey between Kandy and Ella, elephant orphanage, crossing paths with wild elephants in different places.

    Jean Q.
    France

    My wife and I had a great time on the 13-day trip Rozanne and team organized for us. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and every day had something new to see and experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of activities, visiting temples, historical sites, safaris, village tours, fantastic views, cultural and craft demonstrations, etc. Accommodations were all top notch and our guide Roshan was excellent, very knowledgeable about all the places we visited, came up with good ideas to enhance our itinerary, introduced us to local foods on drives, rearranged daily itineraries to optimize time usage, and was a wonderful travel companion. Highly recommended!

    Michael L.
    Honolulu, Hawaii

    We had heard great things about Sri Lanka from friends, but our trip was still full of surprises! The planning was smooth, with Rikaz helping us make changes when we realized we had a bit more time. When we were actually on the ground, Dan helped with everything, and the whole trip went off without a hitch. The whole family enjoyed the mix of adventure and relaxation, from hiking up the fortress of Sigiriya to walking the southern beaches... to having to maneuver the van when a wild elephant decided to cross the road. It's a must-do!

    Lauren M.
    Malaysia

    We are particularly grateful to our guide, Aruna, for his professionalism and his kindness. By leading us on this journey, he helped us discover a magnificent and endearing country, making this experience a memorable one. A perfectly organized and easy stay with unique hotels. Our best visits/activities: Dambulla cave temples. treks in nature, breathtaking landscapes, flying Ravana, cooking a curry in a village garden, train journey between Kandy and Ella, elephant orphanage, crossing paths with wild elephants in different places.

    Jean Q.
    France