9 Days Leisure & Wildlife Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Itinerary Code: IT0902

Destinations Overview

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Colombo Airport – Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple, Seema Malakaya & Beira Lake

Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century. The Seema Malakaya, on the other hand, is a serene meditation site nestled on the Beira Lake

Independence Square

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948.

Colombo National Museum

The National Museum of Natural History is a museum that covers the natural heritage of Sri Lanka. This Museum exhibits rare and threatened extinction such as the natural heritage of plant and animal species endemic to Sri Lanka, over 5,000 specimens of mammals, Jurassic period indigenous fossils and various kinds of geological rocks.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, is an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual colour patterns and unconventional yet amazing design.

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is the most popular beachfront park in Colombo city, to have a relaxing evening and see the sunset. Not only that, there are many activities to do such as fly kites, taste Sri Lankan street food, do walking or jog and enjoy the fresh breeze coming from the Indian ocean

Old Parliament Building

The Old Parliament Building is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. It is built in the neo-baroque style of architecture. This beautiful architecture and the history associated with the building are fascinating, to say the least. The building was opened on January 29, 1930, by Governor Sir Herbert Stanley. When the State Council of Ceylon was established a year later, the old building was used as the office space for the council.

Nightlife at Colombo

Colombo is the city for the best nightlife experiences in Sri Lanka. Casino Marina Colombo and Ballys Casino are the best casinos. Also, there are nightclubs, If you’re the one who likes to party till dawn.

Day 03 : Ahungalla – Galle – Hikkaduwa –  Mirissa

Mask Factory Ambalangoda

Ambalangoda is the centre for making unique Sri Lankan masks. At the mask museum, you can walk through a vibrant collection of these fine pieces of art, each carrying a folklore story of Sri Lankan history and culture. The masks are handcrafted by villagers for whom the skill has been carried down through generations. To the present day, these masks are an important part of Sri Lanka tradition. They are vital in large pageants, processions and ceremonies. They are also featured in dances, drama, and puppet shows.

Moonstone Mine Meethiyagoda

Meetiyagoda is a renowned name in the world of moonstone mining and Sri Lanka’s biggest moonstone mine. To reach the moonstone deposits, the miners at Meetiyagoda dig through layers of Earth as deep as 10 to 20 meters. Once they reach the pegmatite layer, shafts and tunnels are dug horizontally to unearth the precious moonstone and bring them to the surface. The deepest tunnels could go as deep as 65 meters and four to six miners work hard at each mineshaft to unearth the precious stones. Sri Lankan moonstones are extremely rare, displaying a milky-white colour tinged with a shade of blue. You can check the process and how it’s done and you have the opportunity to purchase if you are interested.

Galle Fort

The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th centuries.

The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty. You will come across several lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which add to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At present, the fort is still home to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well.

Fifty Lighthouse Street is set within the fort and offers the perfect base for you to explore the charms of Galle. Preserved in its original glory, stroll along the ramparts and admire the imposing structures like the Galle Lighthouse, Galle Clocktower and the Groote Kerk.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Hikkaduwa Coral sanctuary is one of the main attractions on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. You can go on a glass bottom boast to witness the beauty of the marine life in and around the corals. The Coral sanctuary has approximately seventy varieties of multi-coloured corals. You will be amazed by the sightings of wonderful & colourful corals and tropical fish of various colours and sizes, a few inches below the surface.

Day 04 : Mirissa – Tangalle – Yala Ntional Park

Whale & Dolphin Watching at Mirissa

Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the best place for whale and dolphin watching tours in Sri Lanka. The whale watching season in Mirissa is from November to April. Although blue whales are the main attraction if you’re lucky you’ll have the chance to see a mix of amazing marine life. You should be at Mirissa harbour 6.00-6.30 am. You will be served breakfast, fruits & water during the tour. If you are using a private boat you can Start the tour anytime in the morning hrs. but the best to start the tour is before 8.00 am.

Coconut Tree Hill

you can walk to Coconut tree hill. That is a dome hill surrounded by scenic palm trees, the Coconut tree hill is a hidden area that has become a popular attraction especially for capturing stunning pictures during the sunset breaking the sky into vibrant colours against the ocean.

Hummanaya Blowhole

Hummanaya Blowhole is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka and it is considered to be the second largest blowhole in the world. Hummanaya refers to the noise, “hoo”, that can be heard a distance away when the blowhole is active. The Hummanaya Blow Hole is a natural wonder that sprays a jet of seawater into the air between two giant rocks; sometimes reaching heights of over 80 – 100 feet. The best time to see this is during high tide, as you can experience the salty spray on your skin as seawater jets towards the sky and falls back on its wide-eyed audience.

Day 05 : Yala National Park

Yala Full Day Safari

Experience the thrill and excitement of a Yala National Park Safari. It is the second-largest wild sanctuary and the most popular wildlife destination in Sri Lanka because of the high chance of encountering and variety of animals. Its diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles.

The Main focuses on elephants, leopards and bears. Current estimates suggest there are around 70 leopards and This means you’re more likely to see a leopard here than anywhere else in the world.

The Jeep Safari will start at 5.00 a.m from the entrance and finish at 05.45 p.m.
After exploring the vast park for a few hours at the helm of your knowledgeable guide, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at a beautiful viewing spot. Unwind for a while after lunch and get ready to enjoy your second round of the game drive

Day 07 : Ella – Nuwara Eliya

Train Ride From Ella to Nuwara Eliya

Take the train From Ella railway station to Nanuoya. This is the best scenic train ride in Srilanka. This train ride is 2 to 3 hours long and takes you through breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. After you reach Nuwara Eliya station you will be picked up by the driver to Continue the tour.

Gregory Lake

Named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, this is a prominent attraction used for water sports and recreational activities. Lake Park and Boat Rides are available. You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved walkways, with swan-shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. There are pony rides around the lake for the kids and even adults, with plenty of fast food stalls located in a separate area where one can enjoy a meal or a snack.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a public park located in Nuwara Eliya, next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The park was established with the planting of its first tree, an Oak, by a visiting German Princess. The Nanu Oya River runs through the park, creating several small lakes. Many rare bird species can be found in the park. At the far end of the park are a small children’s playground and miniature ridable railway.

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka.
The church was built to resemble the Canterbury Church of England and is situated in the valley between Sri Lanka’s (Ceylon) highest mountain, Pidurutalagala and the 3rd highest peak, Kikilimana, amongst Pines, Cypress, Rhododendrons and flowering shrubs. The architectural features of Holy Trinity Church are breathtaking. A work of art and a much valued stained glass window, depicting a “Madonna” was placed on the East Wall of the Chapel, to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the church in 1952.

Old Post office

Built in the year 1894, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building displays a Tudor-era design, in keeping with the architectural style of many of the other colonial buildings within the town.
Complete with a red brick exterior and a clock tower spiralling out of the corner of the building, the building showcases a glimpse of old-world Ceylon and serves as a major tourist attraction in ‘Little England’.

Strawberry Farm

These fields are a great backdrop for the photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. During the strawberry season, visitors can go around the plantation and pick up strawberries on their own. It is also possible to arrange a tractor tour around the premises. Some of these fields also have an attached shop where freshly picked strawberries along with jams, juices, and other strawberry-based products are readily available.

Day 08 :   Nuwara Eliya – Ramboda –  Kandy

Tea Plantation & Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya is the best-known tea-growing district of Sri Lanka with her impressive lush green tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya has quite a large number of tea factories, tea houses and tea fields. Visit a tea factory en route to see how the world`s favourite drink is prepared and walk through a tea garden. During the tour, you will see how tea is dried, pressed and produced. You will get to see the various equipment and a guide will explain how they function. You will also visit a tea tasting chamber with different types of teas. There you will get to know the proper way of brewing tea and the various ways to identify the different types of tea.

Ramboda Waterfalls

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. … It is situated in Pussellawa area

Art & Craft Center Kandy

This is the largest and most exclusive handicrafts showroom in Sri Lanka. We sell antiques, wood carvings, masks, stoneware, Batiks, curios, silverware, brassware, paintings and other traditional Sri Lankan collectables”

Gem Museum

It is an excellent gemmology museum, educating one on the geological history of Sri Lanka. It also houses a shop from where you can buy the gems..they have a selection of Ceylon Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls and other gemstones and jewellery in Sri Lanka.

Batik Factory & Shop

Batik work is the art of using wax on fabric when dyeing in order to avoid dyeing a certain section of the fabric. This method is also known as wax-resist dyeing.
The material usually used is cotton as it captures the dyes without fading much with use. The wax is dripped in a pattern or design using a spouted tool called a canting or printed in a preset design using a copper stamp called a cap. You can visit a batik factory and batik shops to buy batiks.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known as the Glorious Tooth Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. Also, visit Kandy Lake which is nearby.

Cultural Dancing Show

In the Evening watch the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. That is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage
Starting Time of the Show – 5.30 PM

Day 09 :  Kandy – Pinnawala – Colombo Airport

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is noted for its rich and varied collections of tropical woody plants. Occupying 59 hectares (146 acres), it has about 4,000 species of plants. The most important specimens of the garden include palms, some of which are planted in impressive avenues. Significant, too, are the collections of orchids, gymnosperms, and flowering trees.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which has been looking after orphaned or injured elephants. You can watch the elephant’s bath in the river

Elephant Back Riding

Riding on the back of the amazing giant in the wild would be an incredible experience in life. An elephant ride in Sri Lanka will be a great opportunity to be so close to the majestic beast while enjoying the views of nature, wildlife and traditional lifestyles of the people in rural villages in Sri Lanka. Moreover, an elephant ride in Sri Lanka would allow you to observe the surroundings in closer proximity. More than all the facts mentioned above, the most precious experience of this activity is getting to share a day in the life of an elephant. Usually, well-tamed elephants are used for these safaris and certainly, the elephant will be accompanied by the mahout. During an elephant ride in Sri Lanka, the passengers would be safely carried in a wooden saddle, which is a basket-like enclosure fixed upon a wooden platform and placed on the back of the elephant. The saddle would carry four passengers at a time, safely and comfortably..