12-Day Sri Lanka Heritage and Wildlife Tour with Ella Train Ride

• Begin with pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo, where you will receive a warm welcome from our friendly representatives.
• Depending on your flight arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and marvellous scenery in Muthurajawela on a family-friendly boat safari.

Your overnight stay will be at a hotel in Negombo.

• After an early breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a nursing and cooperative breeding ground for wild Asian elephants, where baby elephants are fed and bathed by their human foster fathers.
• You will also visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation.

Spend the night at a hotel in Sigiriya.

• Visit the "Lion's Rock Fortress". The name of this place is derived from this structure - Sinhagiri, the Lion's Rock. Here, you can explore the beauty of Sigiriya Lion's Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. This was the new capital of King Kasyapa (477-495), featuring a magnificent creation along with the elaborate water garden that faces west when viewed from the top terrace of the rock. Climbing this magnificent citadel does not require extensive fitness, as most people are able to make the ascent.
• After your splendid experience at Lion's Rock, you can enjoy a bullock cart safari around Sigiriya village after lunch. The Sigiriya village tour offers an unforgettable experience along unbeaten village tracks, showcasing one of ancient Sri Lanka's major transportation systems.
• After this fabulous journey, you will stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.

• On this day, travel to the city of Kandy, known as the hill capital of Sri Lanka. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka's largest rock cave temple, built on a 600-foot-high rock. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka in 1991. You will also visit Pidurangala Temple Rock.
• After this astonishing visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, continue to the city of Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which demonstrates the value given to Buddhism in Sri Lanka. You will be able to receive blessings from the Buddhist monks there.
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cultural dancing show that has celebrated Sri Lankan arts, dance, and rich cultural heritage since 1982.
• Then spend the night at a hotel in Kandy.

• On this day, you will be taken on a city tour to explore the beauty of Kandy, the hill capital, surrounded by mountains, tea plantations, biodiversity, rainforests, scenic Kandy Lake, and many other interesting places, all accompanied by the cool breeze.
• After getting a glimpse of the highlights of Kandy, you will proceed to the upcountry, where you can relax in the cool climate of beautiful Nuwara Eliya.
• En route, you will have the opportunity to visit Ramboda Waterfalls, the 11th-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. You will also visit the Royal Botanical Garden, the Gem Museum, and a tea factory.
• After exploring these unique and beautiful sights, spend the night at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

• On day six, visit the astonishing Horton Plains to explore lush greenery, a thriving ecosystem of indigenous creatures, and the trail to the "World's End" point, a stunning escarpment that plunges 880 m.
• After your astonishing encounter in the lush and scenic Horton Plains, visit the Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya to explore tea plantations that produce tea considered among the best in the world.
• Afterwards, enjoy a boat safari on Gregory Lake for perfect relaxation. There is also the opportunity for walking, bike riding, and horse riding around the lake.
• After enjoying the breathtaking views in "Little England", return to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

• Enjoy a panoramic train journey through the cool hill country from Nanu Oya to Ella, crossing many mind-blowing mountain ranges and forests. During this unique travel experience in the misty weather, explore Ella, where you can enjoy more hiking and beautiful views, especially at "Little Adam's Peak" and Rawana Waterfalls.
• In the hill country village of Ella, with its beautiful cafes, you will have the opportunity to take part in a cookery class that teaches you how to prepare authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry.
• Stay overnight at a hotel in Ella while enjoying the breathtaking views.

• On this day, head to the border of Yala. On the way, you will explore the uniqueness of the Buduruwagala Buddha Statue, known as the "rock with the statue of Buddha", dating back to the 10th century.
• Afterwards, go on a jeep safari in Yala National Park, recognized as the second-largest wildlife park in Sri Lanka, where you can witness young bull elephants, elusive Sri Lankan leopards, and a wide variety of wildlife and plants.
• After this unforgettable adventure filled with many rare sightings, spend the night at a hotel in Yala.

• In the morning, check out and travel to the neighbouring city of Mirissa, located on the south coast of the island.
• On the way to Mirissa, you will have the opportunity to visit the fish market and enjoy the splendid views of the old and mind-boggling activity of stilt fishing, the most interesting traditional fishing method in Sri Lanka.
• Once you check in to your hotel in Mirissa, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the golden sandy beach.

• After an early breakfast, head to the whale-watching site at Mirissa, where, according to scientists, it is possible to sight 30 blue whales in a single day. You will also explore the beauty of sperm whales and spinner dolphins during the whale-watching trip off Mirissa.
• Then drive directly to the city of Galle to explore the beauty of the Galle Dutch Fort, first built in 1588 by the Portuguese. You will also visit a turtle hatchery.
• After exploring the beautifully preserved colonial Dutch fort, continue to Bentota on the southern coastline. Enjoy a mangrove boat ride in Bentota if time permits. You will spend two nights in the city of Bentota.

• This day is fully devoted to exploring fish markets in Bentota, enjoying a mangrove boat ride, and taking an excursion to Lunuganga, Geoffrey Bawa's country estate.

Overnight in Bentota.

• As all good things must come to an end, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city and doing some last-minute shopping before getting ready for your flight.