The Exotic Sri Lanka
Discover the wonderfully beautiful and exotic Sri Lanka during a tour that will comfortably take you to Sri Lanka’s main sights and the island nation’s most wonderful natural areas. In addition, you get a few days to relax on the beach in the nice seaside resort of Pasikuda! Sri Lanka has in recent years become an increasingly popular travel destination and it is no wonder. Here you will find beautiful landscapes with lush greenery, fascinating temples, picturesque towns and wonderful sandy beaches – all in a welcoming and hospitable environment. Sri Lanka is amazing!
Day 1: Travel to Sri Lanka
Night flight to Sri Lanka. Meals are included during the long-haul flight.
Day 2: Sri Lanka
Arrival in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo and transfer to the charming coastal town of Negombo just north of Colombo. Upon arrival, you can rest after the trip in a wonderful environment. Our nice hotel is located by the beach. Overnight in Negombo. (Dinner.)
Day 3: Negombo – Dambulla
After breakfast we go to Dambulla to visit the resort’s famous Buddhist temple complex Raja Maha Vihara, built in the 100s BC and housed inside five caves. Here you will find 150 images of Buddha, including a 14 meter high statue carved directly from the mountain. Overnight in Dambulla. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)
Day 4: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Minneriya National Park – Dambulla
After breakfast we head to the World Heritage Sigiriya (“Lion Mountain”). On the oval and flat top of the 200 meter high mountain with vertical rock walls are the ruins of a large fortified palace built by a Sri Lankan king during the latter half of the 5th century. From here you get an outstanding view of the surrounding jungle. Then awaits a safari in Minneriya National Park, known for its unique flora and fauna. The national park includes a large population of wild elephants, but also endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard. Overnight in Dambulla. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)
Day 5: Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Pasikuda
After breakfast we go to the ruined city of Polonnaruwa which was built in the 1000s. World Heritage Sites include sights such as the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihara Temple with its magnificent Buddha statues carved out of a large rock, the Nelum Pokuna (a pool shaped like a lotus flower) and a statue of King Parakramabahu (1123–1186). Overnight in the seaside resort of Pasikuda on the east coast of Sri Lanka. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6: Pasikuda
You have the whole day at your disposal and can enjoy sunbathing and swimming along the wonderful beaches, or perhaps discover the local area on your own. Overnight in Pasikuda. (Breakfast.)
Day 7: Pasikuda
You have the whole day at your disposal and can enjoy sunbathing and swimming along the wonderful beaches, or perhaps discover the local area on your own. Overnight in Pasikuda. (Breakfast.)
Day 8: Pasikuda – Kandy
After breakfast we head to the World Heritage Kandy which was the capital of the last Sri Lankan kingdom which was finally incorporated into the British Empire in the early 19th century. Kandy has a cool and pleasant climate and during the British colonial era, many Britons therefore chose to settle here. During our day trip in Kandy, we visit Sri Dalada Maligawa (“Temple of the Tooth”) which is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhist pilgrims and the city’s main attraction. The temple is located within the palace complex where the kings of the kingdom of Kandy (1469 – 1815) had their residence. It houses what is claimed to be one of the Buddha’s teeth, a treasure that was smuggled into Sri Lanka in the 4th century and still constitutes one of Buddhism’s holiest relics. Overnight in Kandy. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)
Day 9: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we head south towards the city of Nuwara Eliya. During the journey we pass the country’s foremost tea cultivation district and see some of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain peaks. Nuwara Eliya is nestled in scenic greenery at almost 2000 meters above sea level in the heart of the Sri Lankan highlands. The city is sometimes called “Little England” because many British colonial masters came here to cool off. The British influence is still evident in the delightful mountain town. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 10: Nuwara Eliya – Colombo
After breakfast we go to Colombo. Arriving in the capital of Sri Lanka, a city tour awaits in the lively and colorful city, which in many ways differs from the otherwise fairly quiet and peaceful rural Sri Lanka. Here you will find skyscrapers as well as buildings in British colonial style. Although Colombo has developed into a modern metropolis, it has nevertheless managed to preserve its charm from times gone by! Overnight in Colombo. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 11: Colombo The
day open to discover Colombo on your own. Transfer to the airport in the evening before returning home. (Breakfast)
Day 12: Return
Arrival in Sweden at lunchtime.
