Exotic Isle Tour
An Exciting Introduction to Sri Lanka’s Culture and History
Our Classic Cultural Tour begins with four days of intensive immersion into Sri Lanka’s most famous archaeological sites in the Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla, as well as a chance to see the other cultural gems such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the Ritigala Buddhist Monastery.
Based in Habarana, you will also have the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife up close and personal at either the Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks nearby where large herds of elephants gather throughout the day at their watering holes.
From here on, we take you through the famed spice gardens on the way up into the hills towards Kandy and its Sacred Temple of the Tooth with all its beautiful traditions, and proceed from there further up into the central highlands to the cool climes of the colonial hill capital of Nuwara Eliya.
Afterwards, we descend down to the sunny south coast city of Galle, with its sparkling beaches, and its impressive colonial edifice the Galle Fort with its shops, restaurants, museums and chapels full of history and heritage. A walk along its ramparts at sunset is highly recommended.
DAY 01 - AIR PORT – HABARANA
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport to a warm welcome from your chauffeur guide who will transfer you to Habarana, your home base for your four-day adventure through Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, and a great place for a quick wildlife excursion as well.
From here, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Mihintale, Sigiriya, and Ritigala are all just within easy reach. Each of these sites have all played their parts in Sri Lanka’s history, and will find their stories as impressive as their architecture and grandeur.
After lunch at the hotel, you could relax by the pool and recuperate for the rest of your adventure.
Dinner and vernight Stay in Kassapa Lion Rock Habarana.
DAY 02 – HABARANA - ANURADHAPURA – MIHINTALE-RITIGALA
After an early breakfast, travel to the ancient city of Anuradhapura to visit the famed “Atamasthana” (Eight sacred sites) – Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruvanvelisaya, Thuparamaya, Jethawanaramaya, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Mirisaveti Stupa, Lankaramaya, and Lovamahapaya.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the many other ancient sites of interest such as the royal palaces and gardens, and the royal bathing ponds – beautiful examples of ancient hydrological engineering and artistry.
After lunch back on the way back to Habarana, you could also visit other places of interest such as Mihintale, the meeting place of Arahat Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, and the 1st century BC Ritigala mountain monastery.
Back at the hotel inquire from your chauffer guide about some much needed pampering at a traditional Sri Lankan Ayurveda spa for ultimate relaxation. (Optional)
Dinner and vernight Stay in Kassapa Lion Rock Habarana.
DAY 03 – HABARANA – POLONNARUWA - HABARANA
Breakfast at the hotel and then travel to the beautiful forested Polonnaruwa archaeological park, ancient Sri Lanka’s second capital, and its stunning palaces, temples, tombs, and stupas, each with its own historical significance and mystique.
At lunchtime, ask your guide about our special Sri Lankan family lunch option. An authentic Sri Lankan culinary feast served to you in a traditional village family home – a truly unforgettable experience.
Head back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation, or venture out on the Hiriwaduna Trek for an authentic Sri Lankan village experience with its guided tuk tuk ride though the picturesque countryside. A bullock cart ride and the catamaran ride on the lake is also included, along with a home cooked tropical lunch with a local family, and a visit to a local farmer for a look at the fresh produce and their simplistic way of life.
Dinner and vernight Stay in Kassapa Lion Rock Habarana.
DAY 04 – HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – HABARANA
After breakfast, travel to Sigiriya to climb up the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and be amazed at the vistas over the jungle from among the ruins of the royal palace of King Kassapa.
Head back to Habarana for lunch and some rest and relaxation by the pool, or optionally enjoy a jeep safari to either the Minneriya National Park, or the Kaudulla National Park to see wild elephant herds gathering by the watering holes. Additionally, inquire from your chauffeur guide about spending a relaxing afternoon of pampering at an authentic Ayurveda Spa.
Dinner and vernight Stay in Kassapa Lion Rock Habarana.
DAY 05 – HABARANA – DAMBULLA – KANDY
After breakfast, set out for Kandy, and stop by in Dambulla for a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Golden Temple, with its beautifully preserved examples of Buddhist art and sculpture within its extensive gold cave complex.
In transit to Kandy, stop at Matale for a walk through one of Sri Lanka’s famous spice gardens, home to the worlds’ highest quality cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, pepper and other exotic spices.
Arrive in the historic hill capital of Kandy, and be entertained by the colourful cultural music and dance performance before visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth to pay your respects.
Kandy is the seat of the last King of Sri Lanka, with the Temple of the Tooth being the last Royal Palace Complex, hence Kandy has a special sense of culture and history that is evident in its art and traditional dance.
Dinner and overnight stay in Thilanka Resort And Spa Kandy.
DAY 06 – KANDY – PERADENIYA – PINNAWALA
After breakfast, visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – home to over four thousand species of exotic plant specimens, and view the spice gardens, orchid house, the natural pavilion fig tree, and many more beautiful sections.
Afterwards visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and view orphaned and disabled elephants being cared for and rehabilitated. Enjoy lunch while watching the elephants bathe in the Mahaweli River.
Travel back to Kandy and enjoy an evening of shopping and a city tour with a visit to Upper Lake Drive for the best view of the city and some iconic photographs. A walk through the market is also recommended for a look at the local fruits and vegetable, and the arts and crafts shops with traditional Sri Lankan batiks and brassware. The Kandy Lake promises vibrant sunsets during an evening stroll around its banks and is great setting for some holiday photographs.
Dinner and overnight stay in Thilanka Resort And Spa Kandy.
DAY 07 – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast transfer to the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya – the heartland of Ceylon Tea, and called Little England due to its cool climes and misty mountains. En-route visit a traditional tea factory and visit the tea pluckers at work and learn how to choose just the right tea leaf. Later on visit the famed Ramboda Falls.
After lunch, take a walk around the town and stroll through the park, or visit the picturesque little Anglican Chapel, the horse racetrack, and the beautiful old colonial style golf club for some light refreshment.
Lake Gregory, in the heart of the town, is a great place for a stroll and promises some beautiful picture settings, in addition to the many public leisure activities offered along its banks such as boat rides etc.
Dinner and overnight Stay in Heaven Seven Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 08 – NUWARA ELIYA – GALLE - MIRISSA
Departure after breakfast to the Southern coastal town of Galle, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Galle Fort, a former Dutch bastion beautifully preserved. A walk around the fort and its grand architecture, shops, restaurants, museums and churches is highly recommended, as well as a visit to a sea turtle hatchery to see the conservation work that goes on and get up close with baby turtles.
After lunch spend some leisure time at the hotel, or spend a relaxing day at the sunny pristine beaches of the South Coast.
Dinner and overnight Stay in Paradise Club Mirissa .
DAY 09 – GALLE – COLOMBO
After breakfast, depart Galle for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial and financial capital, where you can explore the many remnants of its colonial past, do some last minute shopping and experience its varied dining and entertainment options.
Dinner and overnight Stay in The Ocean Colombo.
DAY 10 – COLOMBO – AIR PORT
After breakfast proceed to the Airport in time for the connecting flight, with what we hope will be plenty of happy memories. See you again soon!
Tour package Includes
- Meet & Greet Service, Luggage Assistance & Hotel Transfer.
- Shared Double Room Accommodation for the period, as per Tour.
- Meal plan on Half Board basis. (Bed + Dinner + Breakfast)
- Transport in an Air-Conditioned car with English speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- Service charge at hotels and currently applicable Government taxes.
- Departure and Check-out Assistance at Airport
- Food & lodging for the driver .
- Petrol, toll and parking for the vehicle.
- Vehicle insurance up to LKR 500,000 per person.
- 24hrs customer care service.
Tour Package excludes
- Entrance/excursion fees to the places mentioned in our itinerary.
- Air fare/Visa fees.
- Lunch/beverages, and any the other meals not mentioned in the program.
- Sightseeing/visits at any place other than mentioned in the tour program.
- Any extras such as Tips and other expenses of a personal nature, Ayurveda spa treatments, etc.
Relax Lanka’s Extras (Value Plus) on Complimentary Basis:
Complimentary cultural show entrance tickets for 2 pax.
01 local SIM card (data/voice) loaded with USD 03.
Free upgrade to the next room category on availability.
Important
Standard check-in time and check-out time at the hotels 1400 Hrs – 1200 Hrs.
Availability at hotels is subject to confirmation of the tour and travel dates
Payment Policy
Please note we require 30% of the payment on confirmation with the balance settled 15 days prior to arrival, or full payment can be settled on confirmation.
Payment Methods
Bank transfer.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation should be notified in writing, 10 days prior to the arrival date, 40% would be charged , for cancellations made within 7 days , and for ‘No Shows 100 % would be charge.