Sri Lanka on a shoestring

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike Airport, your driver welcomes you. You are greeted by the tropical air of this magical island, and for your first destination your drive to Negombo, a beautiful beach town, nicknamed “Little Rome,” close to the airport and therefore ideal to recover from your long flight. After settling in at your hotel, depending on your arrival time, go for a walk around the town, you can see beautiful colonial churches. You can also go for a boat ride along the Muthurajawela canal, the longest in Sri Lanka (optional). Dinner at your leisure.

Take the road to the Cultural Triangle. On the way, you could make a first stop at Kurunegala to climb to the feet of the giant Buddha overlooking the city. Then you will proceed to Dambulla and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Golden Temple with Buddhist caves perched on top of a hill. You will discover incredible murals, statues of Buddha, all scattered in 5 caves. Also enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surroundings. Going down, you have the opportunity to walk in Dambulla market, the largest in the country. Dinner at your leisure.

Early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat of the afternoon, climb Sigiriya's" Rock of Lion ", whose massive rock overlooks the village with its 200 meters height. Your guide will show you the different parts of the site, gardens to natural caves, frescoes of the Demoiselles to the ruins of the Kasyapa Palace at the top, classified at UNESCO, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka.
In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to go on an excursion to Polonnaruwa. This ancient city was the royal capital of Sri Lanka during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and extends over 10 km2. You could also visit the site by bike (rent on site). If you have a preference for nature and wildlife, then you could go on a safari in Kaudulla National Park, known for its large population of wild elephants. Dinner at your leisure.

Today take the road to the mountainous region. On the way you may stop to visit a spice garden in Matale. This visit is an opportunity to discover a multitude of spices, their uses, between kitchen and body care.
Continue to Kandy, the last royal capital of the island, which retains an aristocratic atmosphere. You could discover the city center on foot, starting with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist temple. Stroll around the lake (about 4km). You could then discover the vegetable market not far from the lake. Its atmosphere and diversity of products are really worth seeing. Dinner at your leisure.

In the morning, we recommend a visit to the botanical garden of Peradeniya, which stretch over 60 hectares of tropical botanical paradise on the edge of Mahaweli River. Not to be missed: royal palm trees, canon ball trees, the rich orchid collection, multicolored flowerbeds. Count on about two hours for this visit.
Around noon, board a train (optional). Before your eyes are the most beautiful landscapes of Asia, made of tea plantations to infinity. Your driver picks you up at Nanu Oya station. Depending on how much time you have, you could make a detour to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's highest and most charming city with British influences and considered as being the country's vegetable garden. This resort has very mild temperatures. Head towards Ella and enjoy the dinner at your leisure.

At dawn, climb Little Adam's Peak to enjoy the magnificent panorama from the summit, and for the walking enthusiast, we recommend climbing the Ella Rock for about 30 minutes. Climb to the peak of Ella Rock, where you will enjoy a beautiful view, then you cross an eucalyptus forest to go down towards the small station of Heeloya. This road is used by many villagers, it is a great opportunity to meet them.
Do not miss a visit to a tea factory, the opportunity to learn more about the process of making this national beverage. With a little luck you will meet the tea pickers. Dinner at your leisure.

Today, leave the mountainous region and the realm of tea, and discover for the Udawalawe wilderness. On the way, admire the beautiful waterfalls of Rawana. You can also stop at the Buduruwagala site, with its splendid Buddhas carved into the rock. Around 3:00 pm, go on a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, which is worth seeing for its elephant population and abundance of birds. You can also see crocodiles, bears, sambars, monitor lizards, and even leopards for the lucky ones. A guide accompanying you, you will benefit from his sharp eyes to locate an animal in the thickets. Dinner at your leisure.

Today, go to the South coast of Sri Lanka, one of the most beautiful in the country. Before leaving the Udawalawe Plains, you could visit the Elephant Transit Home where they care for elephants before releasing them in the park. On the way we advise you to make several stops to discover the hidden beauties of this coast. After settling at your accommodation, enjoy a moment of relaxation by the sea. Dinner at your leisure.

A multitude of excursions are offered to you in the surroundings of Talalla. You have the opportunity to do a blue whale watching cruise at dawn, and have the opportunity to explore the beautiful coast and its wild beaches. With a bit of luck, you could see and swim with sea turtles. You can also just bask in the pool of your hotel or on the beach. In the evening, do not miss to enjoy a fresh fish with your feet dipped in the sand. Dinner at your leisure.

Before heading to the airport, drive along the southern coast of the country to reach Galle Fort, an architectural jewel with various colonial influences. Depending on the time, you may see fishermen on stilts near Ahangama. Totally disconnected from the rest of the city, the fort, built in the 17th century by the Dutch, looks like a peaceful and welcoming village. You will appreciate the ramparts, but also the lighthouse, the churches as well as the numerous small shops. Take the opportunity to stock up on souvenirs before heading to the international airport.