Trip Info
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Private Air Conditioned Coach, Bicycles (Cycle Tour), Public Train (Scenic Train Journey)
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3 to 4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing, Half-Board Basis) "13 Nights"
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13 Breakfasts, 13 Dinners and 1 lunch (Hands on Sri Lankan Culinary Experience)
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All entrance fees to attractions included
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GOVT Accredited National Tour Guide Lecturer
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15
Overview
Discover the diverse beauty of Sri Lanka with our “14-Day Sri Lanka Unveiled Tour,” which offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and wildlife. This comprehensive journey takes you through some of the island’s most significant cultural sites while immersing you in its stunning natural environments. Explore sacred landmarks and ancient ruins that narrate tales of a bygone era, including visits to prominent historical sites.
The adventure continues as you connect with nature through guided excursions in some of Sri Lanka’s most treasured natural reserves. Experience the serene beauty of Horton Plains National Park with guided walks through its vast grasslands and cloud forests. Embark on an exciting safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population and diverse ecosystem. Additionally, delve into the lush wilderness of Sinharaja Rain Forest on guided walks that reveal the complexity and richness of this ecological haven.
This tour is designed for those who wish to experience a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, encounter its wildlife, and explore its natural landscapes. It is an ideal choice for travellers seeking to embrace the full spectrum of this island’s enchanting allure.
Itinerary
Greeted warmly upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation for a restful evening and a tour introduction.
Travel to the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. On the way, enjoy the scenic view of a peaceful lake in Kurunegala.
Your main stop is Dambulla, where you'll visit the Golden Cave Temple, a key part of Buddhist heritage since the 3rd century BC and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple has five caves with over 150 Buddha statues and beautiful paintings. Each cave is unique, like the Cave of the Divine King with its 14-meter Buddha statue and the Cave of the Great Kings with frescoes showing Buddha's life.
• Experience:
Scenic view of Kurunegala lake
Visit the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla.Explore the unique caves and learn about Sri Lankan Buddhist art and history
After breakfast, start a scenic bike ride at Girithale Reservoir. This peaceful spot, surrounded by lush landscapes, is a great place for birdwatching as you pedal along the water's edge.
Next, visit a local village to see real Sri Lankan life. Here, you’ll learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food, like rice and curry, and understand the care that goes into making these dishes.
If biking is too hard, you can take a tuk-tuk to continue the journey and enjoy the scenery and village life.
• Experience:
Bike ride by Girithale Reservoir, birdwatching
Tuk-tuk ride option for easier travel.
Cooking traditional Sri Lankan dishes in a local village
On Day 4 of your trip in Sri Lanka, you will visit the amazing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as the Lion Rock. This ancient site shows the island's rich history with its advanced irrigation, architecture, and beautiful frescoes from the 5th century AD. The fortress is famous for its wall paintings of graceful ladies, which are important examples of ancient Sri Lankan art.
In the afternoon, relax at the hotel and enjoy the stunning views of the Lion Rock and its beautiful surroundings.
• Experience:
Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, learn about ancient Sri Lankan art and engineering
Relax and take in the scenery at the hotel
After an early breakfast, we will visit Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom established by King Vijayabahu I in the 10th century AD. Here, you'll see many ancient monuments and amazing architectural remains. You’ll also see the huge man-made tank called "Parackrama Samudra," built in the 12th century AD, which still waters over 72 square kilometres of rice fields.
Next, we’ll move from the dry zone to the wet zone, heading towards Kandy. On the way, we'll stop at a Spice Garden in Mathale. A botanist will teach you about different herbs, and you'll enjoy a free head and shoulder massage with herbal oil.
Kandy is known as the sweetest city in Sri Lanka. It offers a mix of historical and natural attractions. Here, you can visit the Temple of the Tooth, which holds the sacred tooth of Buddha, symbolizing sovereignty over the island.
• Experience:
Explore ancient monuments and Parackrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa
Visit a Spice Garden in Mathale, learn about herbs, and get a free massage
Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Explore the heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism by visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. This important site holds the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Here, you will connect with the spiritual side of Sri Lanka and experience Kandy’s culture.
Next, visit a gem museum to see Sri Lanka's many gemstones, like sapphires, zircons, garnets, rubies, and cat's eyes. Known as "Gem land," Sri Lanka has a big gem industry.
In the late afternoon, watch a cultural dance event. These dances show the vibrancy and richness of local traditions and will make your journey even more special.
• Experience:
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Visit a gem museum to see Sri Lanka's many gemstones, like sapphires, zircons, garnets, rubies, and cat's eyes
Enjoy a cultural dance event showcasing local traditions
Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka, has a unique subtropical climate. It can get as cold as 10°C at night in some months, but the tropical sun warms it up during the day. The town has a mix of Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, reminding visitors of British colonial times.
• Experience
Explore Nuwara Eliya's unique climate and colonial architecture.
Enjoy a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya.- The train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Seats
need to be booked in advance, especially during the busy tourist season
Start your day early with a trip to Horton Plains National Park, a beautiful area more than 2000 meters above sea level. This cloud forest is important for several main rivers and is known for its hiking trails and bird watching spots. Begin with a packed breakfast, ready to explore this protected area.
In Horton Plains, you can see rare birds like the Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Ceylon White-eye, and Dusky Blue Flycatcher. You might also spot the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Giant Squirrel, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, and Rhino Horn Lizard.
Starting early lets you enjoy the peaceful environment of one of Sri Lanka's most untouched areas, with stunning views and many unique species, making it a highlight of your nature adventure.
• Experience:
Early morning trek in Horton Plains National Park, Spot sambar deer, leopards, many birds
Enjoy the serene beauty and unique species of Horton Plains
Today's trip takes you through the winding roads of the Ella Gap, with amazing views of deep cliffs.
In the afternoon, go on a safari in Yala National Park. This park has a mix of thick jungles and sandy beaches. Yala is one of the best places in the world to see leopards and has many beautiful birds.
• Experience:
Scenic drive through Ella Gap
Visit the Ravana Falls
Safari in Yala National Park, with a chance to see elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, monkeys and various bird species
Travel from Yala to Sinharaja, moving from the dry southeast to the lush rainforests of one of Sri Lanka's most treasured natural sites. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is between 270-1060 meters high and is known for its rich variety of unique plants and animals. The thick green canopy hides many amazing species, making it a sanctuary for nature.
In the afternoon, you can relax or take a short walk to a nearby village to enjoy more of the local natural beauty.
• Experience:
Explore the diverse and lush Sinharaja Forest Reserve - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Leisure time or a short village walk to enjoy the surroundings
With your guide and an experienced forest tracker, you'll explore the rainforest deeply. It's not just about spotting birds; you'll see all kinds of wildlife and learn a lot about the biodiversity around you. This isn't just a walk—it's a chance to understand and appreciate nature more. You'll leave this adventure feeling more connected to the natural world.
• Experience:
Deep rainforest exploration with a guide and forest tracker, learning about wildlife and biodiversity
After breakfast, take a scenic trip to Sri Lanka's beautiful south coast and visit the historic town of Galle in the afternoon. Known for its well-preserved Dutch Fortress, Galle shows off Sri Lanka's rich colonial history and amazing architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site has strong walls and old streets that give you a glimpse into the past, mixing European and South Asian styles.
While in Galle, dive into its vibrant history, visit the famous lighthouse, walk through charming streets with shops and cafes, and admire the ancient walls that have stood the test of time.
• Experience:
Explore Galle's Dutch Fortress and colonial architecture
Visit the lighthouse, stroll through historic streets, and see the old ramparts
While relaxing on the beach, you have a couple of fun optional trips to choose from. You can take a peaceful boat ride around Koggala Lake and visit a traditional cinnamon tapper's island. If you're interested in turtles, you can visit a turtle hatchery too. Just ask your local guide to arrange it.
• Experience:
Optional boat ride on Koggala Lake or visit a turtle hatchery
As we wrap up our 14-day Sri Lanka Unveiled tour, we're truly thankful you joined us on this incredible journey through Sri Lanka's diverse Culture, wildlife and landscapes. You're headed to the airport now; with memories of the stunning natural beauty you've witnessed. We're saying goodbye but hope you'll come back to explore more of this enchanting island. Thanks for diving into the wonders of Sri Lanka with us, and we can't wait to see you again. Safe travels home!
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- Twin-sharing accommodation on Half Board basis throughout the tour on hotels specified in your itinerary, or similar properties.
- Transfers by an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur OR National Guide Lecturer throughout the tour (depending on pax count).
- Entrance fees and activities include.
- • Dambulla Cave Temple,
- • Bike Ride in Giritale,
- • Polonnaruwa Ancient City,
- • Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic,
- • Gem Museum Visit,
- • Cultural Show – Kandy,
- • Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Nanu Oya to Ella (Reserved seats. 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class depending on availability),
- • Horton Plains National Park,
- • Yala Jeep Safari,
- • 2 guided treks bordering the Sinharaja Rainforest and 1 guided trek inside the rainforest,
- • Visit the historic Dutch Fortress Galle.
- All applicable government taxes.
Exclusions
- Lunch and other beverages throughout the tour unless specified in your itinerary.
- Peak period and/or festive supplements indicated specifically in your itinerary.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips & Gratuities.
- Video Camera and Still Camera permits.
- Any other services not specified in your itinerary.
Hotels Offered
Day 1: Arie Lagoon or Similar
Day 2: Hotel Girithale Similar
Day 3: Hotel Girithale Similar
Day 4: Hotel Sigiriya or Similar
Day 5: Hotel Thilanka or Similar
Day 6: Hotel Thilanka or Similar
Day 7: Hill Club or Similar
Day 8: Hill Club or Similar
Day 9: Grand Tamarind Lake – Kataragama or Similar
Day 10: Rainforest Eco Lodge or Similar
Day 11: Rainforest Eco Lodge or Similar
Day 12: Insight Resort – Ahangama or Similar
Day 13: Insight Resort – Ahangama or Similar
Day 14: Departure
Map - Sri Lanka Unveiled 14 Days- Classic
FAQs
Our comprehensive 14-day Sri Lanka Unveiled tour package is meticulously crafted to offer an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Here’s what’s included in your journey:
Airport Transfers: We provide convenient airport pick-up and drop-off to ensure a seamless travel experience right from your arrival.
Guided Tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Delve into Sri Lanka’s deep historical roots by exploring several major cultural landmarks:
The Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla: Marvel at this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its remarkable cave paintings and statues.
The iconic Lion Rock in Sigiriya: Visit this breathtaking fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage site, that rises dramatically from the central plains.
The ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa: Wander through this historical city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the advanced urban planning of ancient civilizations.
The Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy: Experience the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at this sacred site, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The ancient Dutch Fortress in Galle: Explore the fortified old city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that exemplifies the intersection of European architecture and South Asian traditions.
Natural and Wildlife Excursions: Engage with nature through diverse activities:
- A village cycle tour in Girithale.
- A guided safari through the Horton Plains National Park, part of the Central Highlands UNESCO World Heritage site.
- A world-famous scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya, traveling through the picturesque Central Highlands.
- A wildlife safari in Yala National Park.
- A guided walk in the Sinharaja Rain Forest, a vital UNESCO World Heritage site for biodiversity.
Additional Activities:
- Enjoy a serene boat ride on the Madu River.
This package ensures you experience Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and natural beauty, with all logistical details meticulously handled for your comfort and convenience.
Sites include,
- The Dambulla Cave Temple,
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress,
- The ancient city of Polonnaruwa,
- The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy,
- and the Dutch fortress Galle.
Yes, travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by the expertise of an experienced English-speaking chauffeur or National Guide Lecturer, depending on the group size.
Relax in comfortable twin-sharing accommodations in 3–5-star hotels, on a half board basis throughout the tour at hotels specified in the itinerary or similar, based on availability.
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel are included. Lunch and beverages are not included.
An experienced English-speaking chauffeur or national guide will accompany you.
The typical group size can vary from 5-18, and you should contact Heavenly Lanka for specific details.
Not included are,
- Lunch & Other beverages throughout the tour unless specified in the itinerary
- Peak period and/or festive supplements indicated in the itinerary
- Tips & Gratuities
- Video Camera and Still Camera permits
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Any other services not specified above
- Optional excursions offered above (if any)
- Booking details and cancellation policy can be found on the Heavenly Lanka website.
To secure your booking for the 14-day Sri Lanka Unveiled tour, a payment of 10% is required upon booking. The remainder of the payment should be completed 8 weeks before your arrival date. This structured payment plan ensures that your reservation is confirmed, and all necessary arrangements can be made in advance to provide you with a seamless travel experience.
The 14-day Sri Lanka Unveiled tour is suitable for individuals aged 15 and above who can engage in moderate physical activities. Ideal participants should be comfortable with climbing stairs, hiking, traveling for 2-3 hours straight, and going on safari vehicle rides.
Yes, you can participate in additional activities during the 14-day Sri Lanka Unveiled tour, depending on time availability. There may be opportunities for optional activities that enhance your travel experience. Please speak to your guide during the tour, and they will advise you on available options and help arrange these activities based on your interests and the tour schedule.