9-Day Sri Lanka Heritage Tour with Sigiriya, Yala and Galle Fort

• Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your guide.
• Transfer to your hotel in Sigiriya.
• Climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Sigiriya (Lion's Rock) is an ancient rock fortress and palace built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477-495). Contemporary with the paintings of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India, its highlights include the frescoes, Mirror Wall, and the Lion's Paw. It is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.

• Leave for Polonnaruwa via Habarana. In Habarana, enjoy an elephant ride.
• Go on a sightseeing tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, dating from the 11th century AD.
• Visit the many archaeological and historical sites of the Sacred City, including the Great Statue, Quadrangle, Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, Kumara and Lotus Ponds, Thiwanka Image House, and many more.
• See Parakrama Samudraya, one of the country's biggest water reservoirs.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.

• Go on an excursion to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, dating from the 4th century BC.
• Visit Anuradhapura's archaeological and historical sites, including Isurumuniya - the first temple to be built on the island; the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree - a sapling from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment; Ruwanveliseya - the largest stupa on the island; Jethawanaramaya and Abhayagiriya - World Heritage Sites; the Twin Ponds; Thuparamaya - the first stupa to be built in Sri Lanka, enshrining the left collar bone of the Buddha; and the Samadhi Statue in a meditating posture. Thereafter, drive back to Sigiriya.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.

• Leave for Kandy via Dambulla, Nalanda, and Matale.
• Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. Discover the major attractions spread across five caves containing statues and paintings related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings, and 4 statues of gods and goddesses.
• Visit Gedige at Nalanda, one of the remarkable archaeological sites in Sri Lanka.
• Enjoy the spice garden at Matale and take part in a conducted tour to learn about the growth and use of spices in day-to-day life.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.

• Leave for Nuwara Eliya.
• Visit a tea factory and plantation to witness the manufacturing process of the world-famous "Ceylon Tea" and taste a pure, unblended cup of factory-fresh tea.
• Pass by eye-catching waterfall views.
• Enjoy an evening city tour of Nuwara Eliya, including Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and the Golf Course. The 125-year-old club is situated within the city limits.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

• Leave for Yala.
• Enjoy the scenery at Ella Gap and pass more eye-catching views along the way.
• Go on a half-day jeep safari in Yala National Park, the second-largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka. The park covers 979 square kilometres and is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is also important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.

• Leave for Negombo via Galle.
• Visit Galle Fort, first built by the Portuguese and later modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished, with reconstruction work carried out by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in South Coast.

• Leave for Negombo.
• Enjoy a city tour of Negombo.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Negombo.

• Transfer to the airport for your departure.