Jaytee Kanwal
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kotugoda
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver and guide at the Gold Route Lounge. While you wait for your luggage, you will be treated to a hot beverage and snacks.
Your accommodation for the evening is a short distance from the airport, where you can relax after your flight.
Overnight The Wallawwa
Day 2
Anuradhapura
This morning, your private driver will be ready to transfer you to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Upon arrival, check into your resort, soak in the serene surroundings, and explore the various amenities. As evening approaches, opt for a guided night stroll around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura to learn about the history of this Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Overnight Ulagalla Resort
Day 3
Anuradhapura and Sigiriya
Begin your tour of Sri Lanka's most famous historical monuments with a visit to the Anuradhapura Archaeological Site. Anuradhapura was the first capital and the center of Sri Lanka's Buddhist civilization, making it the grandest city in ancient Sri Lanka. Key attractions in Anuradhapura include the oldest historically documented tree at over 2,200 years old, ancient Buddhist shrines dating back to the 3rd century BC, and monuments with beautiful stone carvings, intricately crafted stone baths and ponds, and impressive irrigation system consisting of reservoirs and canals.
You'll also visit the Jetavanaramaya, a 400-foot-high stupa made of over 93 million bricks. It is one of the largest ancient structures and is believed to have housed over 10,000 monks during its prime.
This afternoon, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you on a sunset hike to the remarkable Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a breathtaking architectural wonder rising nearly 700 feet above ancient landscaped gardens. It's one of the most stunning historical locations in the world.
Overnight Jetwing Vil Uyana
Day 4
Polonnaruwa and Minneriya
Today, your guide will take you to the Polonnaruwa archaeological site, which boasts historical monuments and man-made reservoirs. Highlights include the Royal Palace complex with its King's Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle, and the Gal Vihare complex, which has four massive Buddha images carved from a single granite slab.
After your tour, your guide will lead you to Priyamali Gedara, a local farmer's house turned into an authentic restaurant with a beautiful view of paddy fields. While there, you can watch a cooking demonstration and even help prepare your lunch.
Later, take a safari at Minneriya National Park on your way back to the hotel. This park is located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Dry Zone and is a protected wildlife reserve. It is well-known for being the site of the Elephant Gathering, one of the most extraordinary natural events in the world. During the dry months of August and September, around 300 elephants from the park and surrounding areas gather at the reservoir in large numbers to quench their thirst.
Overnight Jetwing Vil Uyana
Day 5
Kandy
Surrounded by lush hills and a serene lake at its center, Kandy is famous for its "Temple of the Tooth" and the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are known for their stunning collection of orchids. This area is the heart of the island's handicraft industry, and its traditional dances are among the most captivating spectacles in the country.
When you arrive in Kandy, check in at your hotel to relax. Later in the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth. This impressive temple complex features many buildings adorned with intricate paintings and carvings depicting Buddha.
Overnight The Kandy House
Day 6
Hatton
As you travel from Kandy to Hatton, you'll be treated to stunning views of the mountains. Your driver will stop at the most scenic spots for photo opportunities before reaching your bungalow in Hatton.
Upon arriving at the Ceylon Tea Trails, you can check into your room and use the remainder of the day to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the bungalow.
Overnight Ceylon Tea Trails
Day 7
Hatton
A morning guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory with a resident Tea Planter will help you understand the fascinating history of tea, the manufacturing process, and the art of flavor creation.
This afternoon, join the resident naturalist for an adventure in the hills surrounding your bungalow. You can walk, cycle, or both as you explore the scenic trails and discover the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka's tea country. The area is rich in biodiversity, with forest patches home to various life forms, from endemic amphibians to birds and even leopards. The naturalist will share insights on the flora and fauna, the life on a working tea plantation, and interesting historical and heritage details.
Overnight Ceylon Tea Trails
Day 8
Yala
Your next stop is Yala, where you'll enjoy an afternoon 4x4 drive to Yala National Park, a wildlife haven in Sri Lanka known for its diverse range of animal species. The park spans 97,800 hectares and is home to elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles, and wild boars. In recent years, it has gained international attention due to its acclaimed leopard conservation and identification project, with claims of having the world's highest concentration of leopards per square mile.
Overnight Leopard Trails
Day 9
Yala
This entire day is dedicated to safaris in Yala National Park. The park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatching. Its varied landscapes, including wetlands, scrub jungles, and lagoons, provide an amazing backdrop for your safari adventure and offer great photo opportunities.
Overnight Leopard Trails
Day 10
Galle
After expereincing the wilderness of Yala, your driver will bring you to the stunning beach destination of Galle. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take a guided afternoon tour of Galle Fort.
This "living" UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be the ancient Tarshish mentioned in the Bible, where King Solomon acquired gems and spices. It was initially established by the Portuguese in 1505 and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries, allowing the city to retain its charming Dutch essence to this day.
Overnight Fort Bazaar
Day 11
Mirissa
Wake up early for a private boat trip to whale-watch on the south coast of Sri Lanka, one of the best places to see blue whales as the season is longer than anywhere else. In addition to blue whales, you can also spot sperm whales and other fascinating cetacean species. This experience is only available from November to April.
Overnight Fort Bazaar
Day 12
Departure Day
Start your day with one final breakfast at the hotel before the two-hour journey to the airport for your international flight back home.
