Sri Lanka - nature and culture Discover the splendors of Sri Lanka between Nature, History and Millenary Traditions

DAY 1: Airport – Dambulla
DAY 2: Ritigala – Anuradhapura
DAY 3: Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya
DAY 4: Dambulla – Kandy
DAY 5: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
DAY 6: Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala
DAY 7: Yala – Galle
DAY 8: Galle – Colombo – Negombo
DAY 9: Negombo – Airport

After arriving in Colombo, depart towards Dambulla and check-in at Amaya Lake, where you can enjoy a buffet lunch and relax with the rest of the day at your leisure. For nature lovers, you can choose an excursion to Minneriya National Park, famous for its majestic Asian elephants and numerous species of exotic birds.

The next day, visit the ancient monastic ruins of Ritigala, a sacred place immersed in the forest, followed by an exclusive meeting with a local Ayurvedic doctor, to discover the ancient natural medicine of Sri Lanka.

Continue to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, rich in Buddhist shrines and ancient monuments, with gardens and a complex irrigation system that make this UNESCO heritage site unique. We continue with Polonnaruwa, the second capital of the island, famous for the ruins of the ancient "garden city" and the majestic Buddha statues carved into the rock.

A highlight of the trip is the climb to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the famous “Lion Rock,” with its manicured gardens, frescoed caves and breathtaking views. Next, an intimate experience with an elephant on the banks of a lake will allow you to feed and wash it, after a pleasant boat ride on the lake.

The visit continues towards Kandy, with a stop at the famous Dambulla cave temples, which contain spectacular Buddhist paintings and statues. In Kandy, the itinerary includes the Royal Botanical Gardens, one of the most beautiful botanical jewels in Asia, before continuing towards the hills of Nuwara Eliya. Here, you will visit a historic tea plantation to discover the techniques of processing Ceylon Tea, with a final tasting, and stroll among the fascinating colonial buildings of the “Little England” of Sri Lanka.

A scenic train journey through the lush hills leads to Ella, then transfer to Yala for a morning safari to discover wildlife: leopards, bears, elephants and rare birds in a breathtaking natural setting. Continue to Galle to explore the famous Dutch Fort, with its colonial buildings, artisan boutiques and lively streets.

Finally, the trip ends in Colombo with a tour of the lively capital, passing the Gangaramaya Temple and other historical monuments, before a relaxing tea at the Old Dutch Hospital. With a final overnight stay, you will return to the airport for your return flight, with your heart and mind full of unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka.