ICONIC SRI LANKA WITH HORTON PLAINS
8 Nights | 9 Days
ICONIC SRI LANKA WITH HORTON PLAINS
Experience the enchanting essence of this magnificent nation: explore the Cultural Triangle, discover the captivating town of Kandy, and immerse yourself in the verdant tea plantations of the hill country. Hike through Horton Plains National Park to World’s End and Baker’s Falls
- Colombo
- Negombo
- Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya
- Minneriya
- Horton Plains
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Overnight stay at Goldi Sands, Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Take a leisurely drive to Negombo, where your journey begins. Check-into the hotel, recover any jetlag and spend your time at leisure.
Highlights: Negombo lagoon at sunset
Drive: 30 min
DAY 2
Negombo to Cultural Triangle
Depart Negombo and drive to the Cultural Triangle, your base for the next three nights. If you don’t mind an early start, pay a visit to the fish market in Negombo before you leave where you can see local fisherman selling the catch of the day. Ask your consultant to add this experience.
Highlights: Negombo Fishing Village
Drive: 30 min
DAY 3
Polonnaruwa
Visit the former capital of Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th Centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of its ancient Royal Palace and temples before an afternoon at leisure.
Highlights: Polonnaruwa Day Tour
Drive:
DAY 4
Sigiriya & Minneriya NP
Begin your day at Sigiriya, also known as the majestic ‘Lion Rock’, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a moderately challenging hike to the summit and be rewarded with mesmerizing rock frescoes, the remnants of a 5th-century palace, and breathtaking vistas of the picturesque countryside. Conclude your day by driving to Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating wildlife safari.
Highlights: Sigiriya
Drive:
DAY 5
Cultural Triangle to Kandy
Commence your journey at the remarkable Dambulla cave temples, a collection of five caves adorned with captivating Buddha images and statues. Reach the summit by embarking on a scenic hike up a sloping rock. Next, proceed to Kandy, the charming capital of the hill country, with the possibility of making a detour to visit a spice garden along the way.
Highlights: Dambulla Cave Temple
Drive:
DAY 6
Kandy
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the British Garrison Cemetery then head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens located outside the town for a leisurely stroll. Return to your hotel to relax and later enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Highlights: Temple of Tooth Relic
Drive:
DAY 7
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Embark on an awe-inspiring train expedition today, traversing one of the planet’s most picturesque rail routes. Marvel at the emerald-colored plantations that unfold along the way as you make your way to Nanu Oya station. From there, transfer by road to your hotel nestled amidst the enchanting tea-producing region.
Highlights: Tea Plantation
Drive:
DAY 8
Horton Plains National Park
It’s an early start today as you set off to Horton Plains National Park for a 6 mile hike. Pass beautiful Baker’s Falls and in clear weather admire the spectacular view from World’s End before returning to Nuwara Eliya.
Highlights: Great World’s End Drop
Drive:
DAY 9
Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
Take a walk around the town centre of Nuwara Eliya, passing buildings which date from its time as a British hill station, before transferring to Colombo airport. Alternatively continue your stay in Sri Lanka and head to one of the beach hotels on the west or south coast.
Highlights:
Drive:
