Mount Lavinia Beach

After a warm welcome at the Airport, the driver will bring you to the hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Colombo City or Mount Lavina Beach or Negombo Beach. In case you stay in Negombo in Mount Lavinia, your hotel will be close to the beach. Mount Lavinia beach is safe enough for children, but Negombo Beach is not. In case of a morning arrival, you will have the opportunity to enjoy activities already on arrival day. You can contact us for proposals beforehand, or after your arrival the driver will be helpful to recommend opportunities and arrange the activities of your choice. For example, in case you stay in Negombo, you could enjoy an optional city tour by tuktuk. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your own choice in Colombo or Mount Lavinia or Negombo (not included in the tour costs).

Colombo

After breakfast, you will enjoy a Colombo city tour that will take 3 to 4 hours. We will show you the most famous sights of Sri Lanka's capital such as the coastal promenade known as Galle Face Green, the Old Parliament building, Independence Square, city hall, the modern building of Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Beira Lake, and shopping opportunities.

Gangaramaya Temple

At the end of the city tour, we will visit the popular Gangarama temple, which includes a monastic and cultural museum.

Leisure World Water Park

After lunchbreak, we will spend the afternoon before dinner in Leisure World in Hanwella. This is fun for the kids. The aqua park has a large variety of water rides, some of them designed for children in particular. This is not a touristic place but visited by locals in the first place. So the Children have an opportunity to come into contact with Sri Lankan children. The overnight stay in Colombo is at a hotel or guesthouse of your own choice in Colombo or Mount Lavinia or Negombo (not included in the tour costs).

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

After breakfast, we will first visit the Kelaniya Temple in the suburb of Colombo of the same name. Kelaniya is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike. The Buddhist temple is famous for its paintings that are partly in the Kandyan style and partly the masterpieces of Sri Lanka's most renowned painter from the 20th century, Solias Mendis. Kelaniya is believed to be a place visited by the Buddha, this is why it's the most revered Buddhist shrine in the west of the island. On the other hand, it is also believed to have been the residence of Vibhishana, a Hindu god venerated as the guardian deity of the western plains. According to the Indian national epic Ramayana, he served as a helper of Lord Rama during his battle on Lanka for rescuing Rama's consort Sita. This is why Kelaniya is also the most important Hindu pilgrimage site in the area of Colombo. The Vibhishana temple is situated within the compound of the Buddhist monastery.

Afterwards, we proceed to Pilikuttuwa. Pilikuttuwa is a rarely visited historical forest monastery. Some of the ancient rock shelters serving as cells for the monks are still inhabited by hermits, Pilikuttuwa is a monastic complex in a pretty idyllic natural setting. Jungle pathes will lead you to the various attractions and a view point on the summit of the rocky hill.

Munneshwaram Hindu temple

After lunch, we will proceed to another one of the most revered Hindu shrines on the island. The Munneshwaram Kovil near Chilaw is one of the island's four major temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and therefore one of the most important temples of the Tamil minority. But Munneshvaram is not only frequented by Hindus but also by Sinhalese devotees. On the way, we will have a short stop at a modern Hindu Temple in Madampe, which is extremely coulourful.

In the late afternoon, we will visit another lonesome and scenic attraction, the Paramakanda rock temple near Anamaduwa. It's almost unknown to foreign travelers. The reason for visiting another Buddhist cave temple is the rock which is an attraction in itself and a perfect vantage point, with panoramic views to the north and the south alike. The surroundings are a lush green area with plenty of coconut trees. The overnight stay will be in a tree house at the border of the famous Wilpattu National Park. As a special attraction for the kids, this overnight stay is included in the tour costs.

Kalpitiya

In the early morning we will leave to Kaplitiya Peninsula to arrive there early, in case you want to do the dolphin watching. The early morning is the best opportunity to watch hundreds of jumping dolphins in the ocean near Kalpitiya. Alternatively, you can spend the time at the beach or lagoon, which is famous for kitesurfing. On the way back to Wilpattu we will have a break at one of the large salines in the Puttalam Lagoon to study the traditional way of salt production.

Wilpattu National Park

After lunch, a wildlife safari will lead you to the very core of Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park. Wilpattu's namegiving Wilus are a group of small shallow lakes surrounded by sand banks and open grasslands. This is the perfect place to observe elephants or crocodiles or - with some luck - even leopards, as Wilpattu has the largest leopard population of Sri Lanka. In the evening you will cross the New Town of Anuradhaphura before arriving at your destination for the next three nights to come, First House Mihintale. The three overnight stays on halfboard basis are included in the total tour costs. Overnight stay is in First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).

Anuradhapura Stupas Scenic Point

See the most holy places of Sri Lanka's ancient capital Anuradhapura, the Bo-tree and the white dome of Ruwanweliseya, the first stupa called Thuparama, the Twin Ponds, Samadhi Buddha, and moonstone.

Aradhana Gala

In the afternoon you will climb the historical stairway to the Ambasthala platform in Mihintale, which is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. On the way, you will also see the perfectly well-preserved ancient Kantaka Chetiya, the Mihintale tablets with inscriptions, the old refectory with a huge so-called rice boat, the idyllic Cobra Pond, and the Lion Fountain famous for its stone carvings. For the kids, there will be an opportunity to climb the nearby Rajagirilena rock. First House Mihintale is the perfect place to have a look into the kitchen or to take part in the cooking, if you like. Anyway, local dinner will be served. Overnight stay is in First House Mihintale (included in the tour costs).

Hiriwadunna

Again - but now for the only second and last time - we will start a little bit early, leaving the guesthouse at 10.00 am. The reason is to be in Habarana - Hiriwadunna for starting a village tour at 11.00 am. This will allow you to explore the rural village life in Sri Lanka. The excursion begins with a small trek to a man-made reservoir. After a boat ride, you can study the traditional paddy cultivation and rural vegetable plantations. In a village house with a traditional country-style kitchen you will enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

In the afternoon, we will drive to Dambulla, its famous Golden Temple is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka. It's famous for the numerous Buddha sculptures from various periods and the most impressive paintings from in the Kandyan style. When visiting the so-called "Golden Temple", be aware that this is one of the oldest surviving monasteries on earth still inhabited by monks. The overnight stay is in a tree house again, this time in the area of Sigiriya. This attraction for the kids is included in the tour costs.

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress

In the morning you will visit the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya, being Sri Lanka's most imposing ancient site. A large number of unique features make this former fortified city extraordinary indeed, one of Asia's earliest water gardens outside Persia, the island's best preserved paintings from antiquity, graffities with the earliest know poems composed in Sinhala language, the giant paws of a former lion sculpture, the palace or temple on top of the rock, sometimes called "Sri Lanka's Machu Picchu".

New Ranweli Spice Garden

Enjoy a break at a herbal and spice garden, where you can see most of the famous spice plants of the tropical regions of Asia and learn more about the use of herbal medicine in traditional healing practices of Ayurveda. A herbal tea will be served for free.

Matale

We will have a short photo stop close to the largest Hindu temple tower (Gopuram) in central Sri Lanka. The Tamil temple in Matale is dedicated to the goddess Muthu-Mariamman.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

In the evening you will join a Puja ceremony in Sri Lanka's most renowned Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and a cultural and dance show near the Tooth Temple or the Kandy Lake. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).

Kadugannawa

After breakfast, we start a morning detour to the west. On the way, you will have a short stop at the Kannugannawa Pass to enjoy the views to the "Bible Rock" and see the tunnel that was dugged out by the British for purely symbolic reasons, as there was a saying that a foreign power can only take control of Kandy when tunnelling the mountains surrounding it.

Millennium Elephant Foundation

The Millennium Elephant Foundation in the valley of the river called Maha Oya is a great opportunity for the kids to learn more about elephants. For animal protection, elephant rides are not permitted. But guests have an opportunity to take part in elephant care and to walk through the jungle side by side with the elephant.

Kandy

After lunch break, a sightseeing tour in Kandy, the island's charming hill capital, will show you the Kandy Lake, town centre and the famous Senani view point. Afterwards, there will be shopping opportunities of various kinds. As a special extra, the guide will show you a local food market and other shops frequented more by locals than by tourists. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Kandy (not included in the tour costs).

Ramboda Waterfall

The first break of your journey through Sri lanka's spectacular tea highlands will be at the waterfalls known as Rama Falls in Ramboda. The water is coming through the Rama rocks. Enjoy the scenic views of the Ramboda area and Kotmale valley.

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden

When visiting the tea factory of Damro, in one of Sri Lanka's largest tea plantations historically known as Labookellie, you will learn more about all the steps of the tea leaf processing, withering, rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying, and quality sorting. Afterwards you take a break with a complimentary cup of tea and have shopping oppurtunities.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s highest situated town. Due to it’s cool climate it attracted English farmers growing potatoes and vegetables and soon afterwards also the colonial high society from Colombo, for enjoying their spare time and exercising their favourite sports. The flair of a British Hill Station is the reason why Nuwara Eliya earned the nickname “Little England”. On your small city tour you will see the post office famous for its English style of timber framing and other colonial buildings such Grand Hotel and Hill Club, have a view to the golf course and the race course and see Gregory Lake outside town.

Nanu Oya railway station

From Nanu Oya near Nuwara Eliya, you will take the afternoon train to Ella. This part of the famous tea-highlands railroad is famous for the large number of short tunnels and the views on the left side to the so-called Uva tea region. The driver will pick you up at Ella Train Station. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Ella (not included in the tour costs).

Little Adam's Peak View Point

In the morning, you will enjoy a short hike to the so-called "Little Adam's Peak" near Ella. This is one of the most amazing vantage points in the southern range of the highlands. From here, you can overlook the entire Ella Gap and the southern plains with the hills of Kataragama in the background.

Rawana Falls

When crossing the Ella Gap, we will have a break at the Ravana Falls, because there is a small and safe natural pool at the foot of the waterfalls, where the kids can refresh themselves. Locals also use to come to this pool for a bath. The name of the waterfall refers to the legendary King Ravana of Lanka, a major character of the Indian Ramayana epic. Local legend has it, that after abducting Sita from India, he held her in captivity for a short while in a nearby cave.

Udawalawe National Park

After proceeding to , you will join an afternoon jeep safari in southern Sri Lanka's most famous elephant area, Udawalawe National Park, several small groups of elephant cows and their offspring can be seen along the route. The ranger, after having checked the area for your safety, will probably allow you to walk around a little bit at the lake, where you also can see roaming elephants in a safe distance. Overnight stay is in a hotel or guesthouse of your choice in Udawalawe (not included in the tour costs).

Hummanaya Blow Hole

On your way along the south coast, you will have a break at the Hoomaniya Blow Hole. Blow Holes are natural fountains like geysers, but even rarer. This fountain in Sri Lanka is South Asia's only Blow Hole at all.

Kushta Raja Gala

Near Weligama, there will be a small detour to the so-called Kushtaraja, which translates to "Leper King". This is a rock-cut Buddhist statue with Mahayanistic characteristics.

Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Koggala)

In the Koggala Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery you can observe several of the species of sea turtles occuring in Sri Lanka and their offspring, saved and protected for later release into the ocean.

Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Dutch Fort, also known as Old Town of Galle, is a World Heritage Site, it's the best preserved European fortress from the colonial period in Asia. You can walk along the ramparts and visit the museums or boutiques in town. Please choose your preferred beach for the final days of your beach holidays, in or near Galle, Unawatuna Beach, Talpe Beach, Koggale Beach or Mirissa Beach. Accommodation is not included in the tour costs. The driver will make his farewell in the evening, as he does not return during the next four days of your beach relaxation. For your convenience, please inform the driver about your return flight details, allowing us to pick you up in time on departure day. Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs)

Unawatuna Beach

This day in your beach holiday resort is without driver and at your own disposal. Overnight stay in a beach resort between Galle and Mirissa (not included in tour costs)

Galle

You spend the final days of your holidays at one of the South Coast beaches between World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa. During the days of relaxation you will stay on your own, the vehicle and driver will not be available.

Galle

You spend the final days of your holidays at one of the South Coast beaches between World Heritage Site Galle and Whale Watching Destination Mirissa. During the days of relaxation you will stay on your own, the vehicle and driver will not be available.

Katunayake

On departure day the driver will pick you up at the appointed time at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. We hope to welcome you again on our tropical island soon.