Sri Lanka

The Magic of Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Haputale and a Yala Safari

Two safaris, the tea country on foot and an introduction to Buddhism

Sri Lanka

The Magic of Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, Haputale and a Yala Safari

A tour focused on spirituality and nature, in a group of 16 at most: an introduction to Buddhism and a vegetarian lunch at Rideegama temple, Polonnaruwa by bike, Lion Rock and a safari in Hurulu Eco Park, Dambulla and Kandy, the tea road to Haputale, Lipton's Seat, the Nine Arches Bridge and the climb up Little Adam's Peak, then the Buddhas of Buduruwagala and a safari in Yala park before Galle and Bentota. Private version from €1,858 per person (departing Luxembourg); with 3 beach nights (15 days) from €2,401 (Rockwall 4*) or €2,457 (Naya Collection The Eden 5*).

When

Dec to April

Price

From 2 029€ excl. flights

(based on 2 people sharing)

How long

9 nights

Ideal length

Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle

Days 1-5

Temples, countryside, Polonnaruwa by bike and Lion Rock.

Day 1

Flight to Sri Lanka

Flight to Colombo. Dinner and night on board.

Day 2

Arrival in Colombo – Negombo

Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel near Negombo. Free day.

Day 3

Rideegama – Sigiriya

Negombo fish market, then a historic temple in Rideegama, with an introduction to Buddhism and a vegetarian lunch at the temple. In Sigiriya, an Ayurvedic massage (30 minutes) and sunset from a hilltop temple.

Day 4

Hiriwaduna and Polonnaruwa by bike

Hiriwaduna village by hand tractor then dugout canoe, then Polonnaruwa by bike and the Buddhas of Gal Vihara. In the evening, Kandyan dances.

Day 5

Lion Rock and Hurulu Eco Park

The climb up Lion Rock, its hanging gardens and frescoes, then an afternoon jeep safari in Hurulu Eco Park, known for its wild elephants.

1 / 3

Kandy and Haputale

Days 6-8

The Temple of the Tooth, the tea road and the viewpoints of the hill country.

Day 6

Dambulla – Matale – Kandy

The Golden Temple of Dambulla, lunch in a spice garden in Matale, then the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

Day 7

Peradeniya and the tea road – Haputale

The Peradeniya botanical gardens and a gemstone museum, then the tea road to Nuwara Eliya and a traditional factory, before Haputale.

Day 8

Lipton's Seat, Nine Arches and Little Adam's Peak

The view from Lipton's Seat, then the Nine Arches Bridge and a walk through the tea gardens to the top of Little Adam's Peak.

1 / 3

Yala, Galle and Bentota

Days 9-12

A safari in the south, then the coast.

Day 9

Buduruwagala – safari in Yala

Ravana Falls, then the giant Buddhas carved into the rock at Buduruwagala. In the afternoon, a jeep safari in Yala reserve: elephants, buffalo, deer and birds.