These exclusive or unique experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. Explore the top attractions in Sri Lanka from picturesque natural beauty and gorgeous beaches to culturally rich world heritage sites - while staying in superb luxury resort hotels in this amazing 13-night Luxury Romantic tour.
Ayubowan! Apon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcome by our representatives and transferred to your five-star hotel in the heart of the capital, Colombo. Unwind in comfort overlooking the Indian Ocean and enjoy the day at leisure with freedom to explore this fabulous city.
Today set out a tour through Colombo’s bustling heritage region. Enjoy a walking tour of the city to truly experience its people and its soul. We'll visit Colombo National Museum dedicated to Sri Lanka history, stop at Pettah Market, Independence Square and Galle Face Green. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner at the Ceylon Curry Club where you will feast on a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes prepared with a Western twist.
Leave bright and early this morning to Dambulla. Along the way, enjoy an Inspiring Sight with a guided tour of Sri Lanka's first Green Distillery and witness the art of arrack-making up close. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive arrack tasting, then continue to Dambulla and check into your Hotel. This luxury 5-star retreat is built into the hillside surrounded by greenery offering a sense of peace and tranquility.
In the evening we make our way to the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, an intriguing 11th century city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This evening, feel like a real time-traveller as you explore the site of Polonnaruwa by bike.Here we explore many interesting and famous monuments including the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara.
This morning we make our way to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built over 1500 years ago,this beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the middle of verdant jungle and is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites. A steep staircase up the rock side reaches the summit and on the way up you can stop to see the world famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens, which are hidden in a sheltered pocket of rock.Return to the hotel and relax before we head out to visit Anuradhapura, the first capital and grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting both historical and archaeological sites of interest. Highlights include the sacred bo-tree which is the oldest documented tree in the world, and Ruwanweliseya, the most famous dagobas in Sri Lanka.
After a long day here at Dambulla you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate those weary muscles.
Eembark on your Inspiring Sight at Habarana village walking tour, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of a traditional Sri Lankan village. The tour begins with a charming bullock cart ride along the village pond, followed by a boat ride across to the other side of the rural village.
Take a leisurely walk through the paddy fields and vegetable cultivations, experiencing the serene beauty of the countryside. Enjoy an Inspiring taste as you join a local in their home to learn the art of traditional Sri Lankan cooking during a cooking demonstration, and enjoy lunch.
We then return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Early morning Start your day with hot air balloon ride as you gaze upon the picturesque sceneries of paradise from up above clouds.Drifting gently over the Cultural Triangle, or a wildlife park by a silent ride through the blue sky will be unforgettable in your stay at Sri Lanka.
After breakfast, we leave Dambulla and proceed to Kandy via the Dambulla Cave Temple Built in the first century BC, It is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuaries in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres.
Following this, we visit one of the spice gardens in Matale. Enjoy a tour through the garden as you learn of the different spices that have framed Sri Lanka’s trade history. Learn of the harvesting process and the use of each spice in Sri Lankan cooking and herbal medicines.
We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue our journey to Kandy, “The Hill Capital” (1514 – 1815 AD).Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well-preserved ruins. Check in to your hotel and unwind for the rest of the day. If you wish to stretch your legs, take a stroll along the large lake in the middle of the city, and we also recommend stopping by the Temple of Tooth to observe the daily evening puja ceremony.
The stunning Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is our destination this morning. Initially a Royal Park, it became a Botanical Garden in 1821 under British rule. The Botanical Gardens include a beautiful orchid house and a wide variety of plants from all over the world.
Your second day afternoon in Kandy is free to explore this wonderful town.Embark on a sightseeing tour and a tuk-tuk ride in the city of Kandy. Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. This evening, we attend a cultural performance of traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
After having a hearty breakfast, leaving Kandy, we have a spectacular drive through the countryside on the way and visit Ambuluwawa. It’s a biodiversity complex and Sri Lanka's first multi-religious center. There is a tall freestanding tower resembling a stylized Buddhist stupa, a Hindu Kovil, a Muslim Mosque, and a Christian Church in this Trigonometrical Station. Reaching the top of Ambuluwawa one can experience the most amazing views on Adams Peak, Mountain range of Knuckles and Piduruthalagala Mountain.
Afterwards we will drive to Nuwara Eliya and a stopover at Ramboda Waterfall.This part of Sri Lanka is an important tea-growing area and plantations stretch over rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, interspersed with the occasional tea-making factory.This evening we will have free time to explore the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya was a popular hill station during the British era and is situated in the cool highland air at 1890m. Often referred to as ‘Little England’.
Today we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea.
Return to the hotel and you will spend the rest of the day relaxing in comfort.
Optional Tour : Horton Plains & World’s End; Wake up in the misty weather and we have an early start of this morning to drive Horton Plains. At approximately 5:30am, leave for Horton Plains National Park. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a 'super biodiversity hotspot' and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. The scenery is beautiful and the best way to explore is on foot. We take a guided walk through the rolling grasslands where we hope to see such as the Sambur and Purple Faced monkey.
This morning we make our way to Bentota. You will be driven to Kitulgala “The Rafter’s Paradise” by Samsara Voyages Chauffeur. Here you will have two choices. One is rafting up to 3 rapids (all equipment provided), second is if you are a bird lover, you may go for a small trek to do bird watching. After your activity you will be able to taste the authentic Sri Lankan lunch. Afterwards we will drive to the beautify beach city called Bentota. You will be welcomed by the hotel staff. You may have a walk in hotel private beach. Your first beach night at hotel in Bentota.
You have setting off on a once in a life time adventure – whale watching! Set off on an boat to see the magnificent creatures up close and personal (optional) and the day is fully planned to visit Galle Fort - home to an impressive UNESCO World Heritage listed Dutch fort, visiting Traditional mask making workshop and also a Turtle Hatchery.
Sri Lanka's beautiful palm fringed beaches are without a doubt its biggest draw card, and once you set eyes on them you’ll understand why. Nestled on the Indian Ocean coast with warm crystal clear waters and golden sands, Bentota offer travellers a whole host of water sports from snorkelling and scuba diving, to water skiing and surfing – the choice if yours. Indulge in a glass of Toddy – a local coconut flavoured tipple, head to the spa and opt for an Ayurveda treatment which the area is famous for, or simply while away the days on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
Day fourteen will bring you to the end of this luxurious tour in Sri Lanka with Samsara Voyages. You are free to further explore the city if you have enough time to spare before your flight departure time. We hope this romantic itinerary was appealing to you. According to your flight schedule transfer to the airport for departure.
