Jewels of Sri Lanka (Conventional Hotels) – 11 Nights 12 Days

Discover Sri Lanka with Zelen Leisure’s 11-nights, 12-days adventure through its most iconic destinations. Begin in Colombo, exploring its vibrant culture before heading to Sigiriya’s majestic rock fortress and Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins. Witness Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth, take a scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya, and enjoy tea plantation visits in Haputale. Experience thrilling safaris in Yala National Park, marvel at Galle’s colonial charm, and unwind on Wadduwa’s pristine beaches. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural heritage, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and relaxation, making it the perfect escape to paradise.

DAY 02 (ARRIVAL COLOMBO) – AIRPORT – COLOMBO

Ayubowan! Once your Zelen Leisure Representative meets you personally on arrival, you will be introduced to your National guide and then begin your journey to uncover the wonders of this island.

Transfer to Colombo and Check in to the Hotel (35 Km Airport to Colombo- Appx. 45 Minutes)

Afternoon City tour of Colombo (30 Km – Appx. 02 Hours)

Colombo …… Sightseeing tour of the capital city of Sri Lanka, including sacred temples and mosques, colonial and modern architecture, colourful bazaars and the Colombo’s “White House”.

In the evening, visit the Waterfront Colombo’s “Galle Face Green” where specially in the afternoon & weekends young and old get together to make the day with kite flying, picnics or just a social get-together, stroll along this promenade mingle with the locals perhaps taste a snack at the exotic snack stands and enjoy the first impressions you encounters with the Sri Lankan culture.

Late Evening Information Meeting (30 Minutes)

Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Lakeside

DAY 03 - COLOMBO – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA

After Breakfast Proceed to Sigiriya en route visit Dambulla Rock Cave temple (160 Km from Colombo to Dambulla – Appx. 6 Hours includes the visit)

The Dambulla Caves …. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site which is more than 2,000-years -old where caves are located 200-meter-high rock and contain countless sitting, standing and lying Buddha statues of every shape and size, which were partially struck in the stone of the caves. The impressive murals in the caves describe the life and work of the Buddha.

Continue to Sigiriya (18 Km from Dambulla to Sigiriya – Appx. 30 minutes)

Dinner & Overnight at Aliya Resort

DAY 04 - SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – SIGIRIYA

Proceed to Sigiriya & Climb the Rock Fortress (15 Km from Hotel – Appx. 3½ Hours includes the visit)

Sigiriya Rock Fortress ….. An 8th wonder of the world is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is another UNESCO world heritage site, was built by King Kashyapa (477-495). The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains of the dry zone. It is the country’s most memorable single attraction, a remarkable archeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. The rock was the innermost stronghold of a 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens at the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.

Proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit the Parakrama Samudra, Gal Viharaya & other man made reservoirs (60 Kms from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa – Appx. 04 Hours includes the visit)

Polonnaruwa – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th – 13th Centuries AD Which contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest Image Houses and Tivanka has the best examples of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa era. Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera – well preserved large Stupas, Gal Vihare – a rock shrine that has four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining, and, Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carvings. The Vata-da-ge is a unique creation of the Sri Lankan artists. The medieval capital, Polonnaruwa was fortified with inner and outer moats and walls. The Parakrama Samudra is on the western side of the city. The Royal Palace, Audience Hall and other buildings in the inner city were enclosed by another tall wall.

Dinner & Overnight at Aliya Resort

DAY 05 - SIGIRIYA – ANURADHAPURA – SIGIRIYA

Proceed to Anuradhapura for City tour & visit the Sacred Monuments & Siri Maha Bodhi (75 Km from Sigiriya to Anuradhapura – Appx. 4½ Hours includes the visit)

For over 1000 years, Sinhalese kings with occasional South Indian interlopers ruled from the great city of Anuradhapura was found in the 4th century BC and is famous for its Dagabas (Temples), reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped gardens, the ruins of which still remain to this day. The Sacred Bo Tree (the world’s oldest tree on record), “Jayasri Maha Bodhi” and the “Ruwanwali Seya” Temples are Sri Lanka’s most sacred places found in Anuradhapura. In addition to this, there are many other historical and religious sites found in Anuradhapura.

Return to Sigiriya (75 Km – Appx. 02 Hours)

Dinner & Overnight at Aliya Resort

DAY 06 – SIGIRIYA – MATALE - KANDY

Proceed to Kandy en route visit spice garden in Matale (Optional) 68 Km from Sigiriya to Matale – Appx. 02 Hours

Proceed to Hotel & Check in (28 Kms from Matale to Hotel in Kandy – Appx. 01 Hour) & Evening view a Cultural dance performance (01 Hour)

Kandyan dance shows: depicts the movements of birds, animals and the vibrant colour costumes of the dancers and sounds. The performances of the Kandyan dancers are an absolute must-see in Sri Lanka

Dinner & Overnight at Tourmaline

DAY 07 – KANDY SIGHTSEEING

After Breakfast City tour of Kandy including visit to Market Square (Appx. 04 Hours)

Visit to the Temple of tooth relic & take part in the Ceremony (Appx. 02 Hours)

Kandy …. With 160,000 inhabitants, Kandy is the Second largest city in Sri Lanka and has an interesting mix of colonial flair and urbanity in addition to nature, history and culture. This former Royal City will take you Stroll in through the streets and along the Kandy Lake. You have the unique opportunity to attend an evening ceremony in the elegant and famous Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In this landmark of Kandy is the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

Dinner & Overnight at Tourmaline

DAY 08 – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – HAPUTALE

After Breakfast Train Journey from Kandy to Nanoya (85 Km – Appx. 3.5 Hours by Train)

rain rides, in Sri Lanka can be a great choice to cross the country and it can be quite an adventurous experience to travel across the country. The up-country train tour with a glorious sight of greenery & tea plantation and the coastal lines with the turquoise waters.

City tour of Nuwara Eliya (20 Km – Appx. 01 Hour)

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city is considered to be one of the most important locations for tea cultivation and is well known for being the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Many of the buildings have still preserved features from the colonial era. Many private homes have also maintained their old English-style lawns and gardens. The town wakes up with many activities in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New year. Main allure during April season are the motor and horse racing events among several others.

Proceed to Haputale en route visit Tea estates & experience tea plucking & visit to the tea factory (55 Km – Appx. 02 Hours)
Dinner & Overnight at Melheim Resort

DAY 09 – HAPUTALE – ELLA - TISSAMAHARAMA – YALA

After Breakfast proceed to Yala en route Climb the Little Adam Speak Mountain (25 Km from Haputale to Ella – Appx. 03 Hours includes the visit)

Ella is a hiking hotspot in the mountain country of Sri Lanka. Some of the views from hikes in Ella are phenomenal with the region well known for its tea plantations and spectacular mountain ranges. If you want to enjoy some of the best views without needing to hike for hours, Little Adam’s Peak is the perfect trek, especially for an unforgettable sunset.

Continue to Tissamaharama & Check in to the Hotel (120 Km from Ella to Tissamaharama – Appx. 3½ Hours),

Late Evening Transfer to Kataragama & experience the religious practice of Buddhism, Hinduism & Islam. (20 Kms from Tissa to Kataragama – Appx. 2½ Hours includes the visits)

Kataragama …. Home to one of the most important religious sites that draws pilgrims from various faiths. A shady avenue leads to the majestic Devalaya and further away is the stark white stupa gleaming away in the sun, gracefully rising over the site. In Kataragama coconuts are sacrificed during the ceremonies. After a loving prayer, the faithful crush the coconuts vigorously against stones and temple steps. Witness this bizarre drama and let your tour guide explain what the ritual is all about.

Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Wild

DAY 10 – YALA – GALLE

Early Morning Jeep Safari at Yala National Park (45 Kms from Tissa to Yala & Safari – Appx. 04 Hours includes the Safari)

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife reserve. Yala covers an area of 1260 square kilometers. The park’s dry-zone landscape is strikingly beautiful and the park’s wildlife has its own distinctive charm, with huddles of colourful painted storks perched on the incongruously conjoined sight of elephants marching sedately through the bush while rabbits scamper through the underground. Leopards, sloth bears and elephants are the “Big 3″ here, although crocodiles, jackals and the many variety of birds are also a huge draw to this park which is the largest national park in the country.

Proceed to Galle en route view Stilt Fishermen in Weligama (150 Km from Tissa to Galle – Appx. 3½ Hours)

Dinner & Overnight at Le Grand Galle

DAY 11 –GALLE – WADDUWA

Proceed to Wadduwa en route City tour of Galle (05 Kms from Hotel to Galle Fort – Appx. 2½ Hours includes the visit)

Galle ……. One of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka. The colonial city with its 130,000 inhabitants stands out in particular because of its location by the sea and the exceptionally well-preserved old town, the Galle fort from the 16th century, which is surrounded by the walls (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Proceed to Hotel & Check in & Relax (90 Kms from Galle to Wadduwa – Appx. 2½ Hours drive)

Dinner & Overnight at Blue Water

Jewels of Sri Lanka (Conventional Hotels) – 11 Nights 12 Days