12 days - The best of Sri Lanka

From ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders, this 12-day trip offers you a comprehensive and immersive experience of Sri Lanka's diverse attractions. Book your adventure today and discover the beauty and charm of this enchanting island nation. You'll have plenty of time on this tour. Embark on a 12-day adventure through the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. And always with your own driver and guide. Entrance fees and half board are included.
Note: The routing can be adjusted depending on your starting point.

Day 1: Your trip begins with a private transfer from the airport in Colombo to the Hotel Mirage in Colombo. Recover from the flight. If you would like a different starting point, this is possible.

Day 2: After breakfast, your driver will be waiting for you in a private car to take you to Dambulla and Sigiriya, where you can explore ancient rock fortresses and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding area from Sigirya Rock. For the ascent of Sigiriya Rock, we will hire an additional local guide for you. You will stay overnight at the Nice Place Hotel Dambulla.

Day 3: Today after breakfast your destination is Trincomalee on the east coast. Among other things, you will visit a stately Hindu temple and immerse yourself in the local culture of Sri Lanka's east coast. The overnight stay is planned at the Lotus Park Hotel.

Day 4: Your destination today is Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history and archaeological significance. The ancient capital of the kingdom of Polonnaruwa dates back to the 12th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The overnight stay is planned at the Nice Place Hotel.

Day 5: Today we take you on a tour into history. Today you will visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the sacred site of Mihintale. Anuradhapura is a historic city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is of great importance as it was the capital of the country for over a thousand years, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. The city is home to a wealth of ancient ruins, temples and stupas, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sacred site of Mihintale in Sri Lanka is of great historical and religious significance. It is believed that Buddhism was first brought to the country here in the 3rd century BC by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka. The place is adorned with ancient stupas, monastery ruins and rock inscriptions, making it a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world. You will then be driven back to your hotel. Would you like to visit Dambilla? Go ahead. The driver will be happy to stop there and wait until you have completed your little stroll through the city. Dinner and overnight stay at the Nice Place Hotel.

Day 6: You have fortified yourself at breakfast and your driver is already waiting for you. Your destination today is Matale. On the way, you will visit the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. Udawattakele Forest is a natural landscape. This lush forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers alike. A short hike is planned. Matale is about 400 meters above sea level and is the center of an important plantation area where rubber, cinnamon, pepper, chilies, tea, rice and vegetables are grown. On the northern outskirts of Matale is the rock temple of Aluvihara, which is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. A Buddhist assembly met here in 80 BC and decided to write down the Buddha's teachings, which until then had only been passed down orally, on palm leaves. Overnight stay and dinner at the Senani Hotel in Kandy.

Day 7: Today we will show you the Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and if you like you can attend a traditional Kandy dance performance. Enjoy another night at the Senani Hotel. The complex around the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is very interesting. The Temple of the Tooth is a Buddhist temple in Kandy where, according to tradition, the left canine tooth of the historical Buddha Siddhartha Gautama is kept as a relic. It is impressive to watch the pilgrims. Afterwards, the plan is to take you back to the Senani Hotel. After all, the pool and dinner are waiting for you there.

Day 8: Well fortified from breakfast, we head to Ella today. On the way, we will stop at a tea plantation for you. You will have time to learn lots of interesting facts about tea production. An employee of the plantation will explain everything to you: from a tour of the plantation (perhaps with a short chat with the pickers) to production and tasting. The next stop is the Nanu Oya train station. From here, you will travel along one of the most beautiful railroad lines in the world to Ella. Your private driver will be waiting for you with your luggage at your destination. The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is a breathtaking journey through the nature of Sri Lanka. The railroad line winds its way through green valleys, past lush tea plantations and impressive waterfalls. The journey offers you a unique view of the country's picturesque landscape and allows you to experience the beauty of nature up close. An absolute must for nature lovers and railroad enthusiasts. We always book third class on purpose. You will quickly come into contact with other guests and have a better chance of sitting in the open door while the train winds its way through the panorama at 20 km/h. Dinner and overnight stay at the Ella Mount Heaven Hotel.

Day 9: Today you will visit the Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adams Peak and Buduruwagala with your private driver. Buduruwagala is a hidden gem and is not often offered. The site is home to an impressive collection of ancient rock carvings and sculptures set in a lush, green landscape. Your overnight stay is planned at the Peacock Reach Hotel in Tissamaharama.

Day 10: Get up early today. You will experience a full-day private safari in Yala National Park. We often recommend full-day safaris. This way, not only the front area of Yala National Park is visited and you have a greater chance of seeing leopards, elephants and many other animals on your safari. Overnight stay is planned at the Peacock Reach Hotel.

Day 11: After check out we offer you the opportunity to go whale watching in Mirissa. Although all services are private with Sri Lanka Tours & Transports, there will be other tourists on the boat. We continue on the coastal road instead of the highway to Habaraduwa. If you see a photo opportunity or would like to have a coffee, just let your private driver know. Dinner and overnight stay in Habaraduwa at the Sayu Garden Hotel.

Day 12: Today's visit to Galle with the Galle Fort will impress you. Visitors to Galle Fort can explore the well-preserved ramparts, bastions and cobblestone streets that give an insight into the fort's past as a bustling trading center. The fort is also home to several historic buildings, including the Old Dutch Hospital, Galle Lighthouse and All Saints Church, all of which show the architectural influence of the Dutch colonial period. Your tour ends here. Extension at the Sayu Garden Hotel is possible.

From ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders, this 12-day private tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of Sri Lanka's diverse attractions. Book your adventure today and discover the beauty and charm of this enchanting island nation. Of course, we can customize this tour according to your wishes.

Services:

• all trips in a private car with driver
• German - English guide
• Additional licensed local guides for some tours
• Half board (excl. drinks)
• all entrance fees
• 1 overnight stay at the Hotel Mirage in Colombo
• 3 nights at the Nice Place Hotel in Dambulla
• 1 overnight stay at the Lotus Parc Hotel in Trincomalee
• 2 nights at the Senani Hotel Kandy
• 1 overnight stay at Mount Heaven Hotel Ella
• 2 nights at the peacock Reach Hotel in Tissamaharama
• 1 overnight stay at Sayu Garden Hotel Habaraduwa
• Full day jeep safari in a private jeep
• Nanu Oya Ella train ticket in third class
• Ticket ship for whale watching (there are other tourists on the ship)
• local Sri Lanka Tours & Transports contact in Sri Lanka

Prices:

• 2 persons one double room, private car total from 3060,00 EUR (from 1530,00 EUR per person)
• 4 persons two double rooms, private car total from 4900,00 EUR (from 1225,00 EUR per person)

The round trip can be organized differently depending on the desired start of the tour.