Stunnig Sri Lanka tour

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met at the arrival lobby of Colombo International Airport by a Scope Travel representative displaying a sign with your Name and transferred to your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Negombo

Transport: A/c Vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Dinner – Depending on the flight details.

This morning you will depart Negombo to Dambulla. Travel along the bustling Kandy Road, past small villages and chaotic towns.

Enjoy a short tour of Negombo, to witness the highlights of this fishing village.

You will be then driven to Dambulla

As one reaches the city of Dambulla lays a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.

Check into hotel upon completion.

Accommodation: Hotel in Dambulla

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

With packed breakfast, proceed to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Take the opportunity to climb to the top of this striking rock with its vertical walls supporting the remnants of an ancient city constructed in the 5th century. Built 1600 years ago, by King Kasyapa a much maligned but brilliant king, Sigiriya is an exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture. Along the way you will see the Fountain Gardens, Boulder Gardens, the Mirror Wall, frescoes of the ladies of the king's harem, the Lion's Staircase and finally Sky Palace for spectacular panoramic views.

Note - Climbing to the top of Sigiriya is strenuous but not hard. There are about 1200 steps all the way to the top; some of which are very narrow and steep. When you climb take your time, rest often and drink lots of water. Dress in loose cotton, linen or breathable fabrics. Sunglasses are a good idea to protect your eyes. Closed footwear or at least firmly fastened footwear is recommended.

***You will be offered a refreshing King coconut as a reward for completing close to 1200 steps***

Afternoon visit Hiriwadunna, the local village followed by lunch.

Hiriwadunna is all about Sri Lankan village life. In other words, it is a tale garnished with chirps of birds, fishermen carrying their nets and rods praying for a fine catch as well as an occasional crocodile basking on a shore of the lake. Do not have doubts about ample birdlife and butterflies as blessing visitors with the ‘soft winged’ is a part of Hiriwadunna’s schedule. Roam around with a local farmer before you hand-pick vegetables and join the experts in preparing them. Or hop into a bullock cart and toss along the gravel road for a memorable sightseeing tour that will remain memories of a lifetime.

Return to hotel upon completion.

Accommodation: Hotel in Dambulla

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leisure morning in Dambulla.

Afternoon proceed to the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!

Accommodation: Hotel in Dambulla

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Proceed to Kandy, en-route visit Matale Spice Garden. Sri Lanka is famous for its spices. At Matale you will have an opportunity to explore the delightful green and fragrant Spice Garden. Trained staff will introduce you to different spices including nutmeg, pepper vines, cloves trees, curry, cinnamon, and the precious cardamom (which grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand). They will explain how some of these are grown and show you how they are processed. If you are interested, you can purchase spices, traditional remedies and cosmetics here.

Continue your journey to Kandy, check into hotel and relax. Evening visit the Temple of Tooth followed by the pooja ceremony and cultural dance.

Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style.

Enjoy a Kandyan Dance performance; the traditional Sri Lankan dance which flourished in the hill country during ancient times. The dancers, who are attired in frilled costumes with glistening head-dresses and breastplates, skip and whirl to the beat of drums executing astonishing acrobatics in mid-air; the highlight is the fire walking at the end of the performance.

You will be then offered local street food while enjoying a nice night walk in the Kandy city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light - once governed by English & Scottish planters - is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.

***You will be then offered a great high tea at “The Grand Hotel” Nuwara Eliya***

Experience a local tea plantation, meet with a Tea plucker and visit the factory to see the processing stage followed by a tea-tasting session in the leisure evening.

Accommodation: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Descend from high country to Udawalawa National Park.

Be ready to witness trumpets across the border as you approach elephant country around the corner! Udawalawe truly is a sanctuary for the big footed & tusked. Marked by relatively large herds of elephants, the national park proves to be one of the best places one could observe them in their natural habitat. Hop into a safari jeep and head into the park, you are most likely to drive into your first herd of giants within the maiden hundred meters. Turn on your radar into other species - such as potted deer, sambur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal - found within the park.

Check into the hotel and relax.

Accommodation: Hotel in Udawalawa

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Get yourself driven to Yala this morning. Evening proceed for the game ride.

Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala - with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes - rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.

Proceed to the hotel upon completion.

Accommodation: Hotel in Udawalawa

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel the scenic route from Sri Lanka’s southeast coast to Galle in the southwest.

Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!

***Scope travel will offer you a memorable lunch in the Galle Fort***

Head on to Bentota upon above completion for the overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bentota

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Leisure day in Bentota.

Vehicle and driver will be available for a maximum of 70km for short excursions within city limits.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bentota

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Final overnight stay in Colombo.

The throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West - is not only the country's capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic way post, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a relaxed evening in Colombo.

Accommodation: Hotel in Colombo

Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast and hotel check out, you will be transferred to the airport for the departure transfer.