About Sri Lanka Round Tour

This tour has been designed especially for clients who like to discover the Beauty of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Round Tour most captures the all-important tourist destinations.
In this tour plan, we have included all Activities/Sightseeing/Things to do in each location that we believe are suitable for tour heading according to the client’s interest and requirement we can add or remove Activities/Sightseeing/Things to do.

According to the client’s arrival and departure flight details, the tour plan can be changed as the client’s requirements.

Tour Highlights

 

Day 01 Arrive at Colombo International Airport(Route: Airport-pinawala-sigiriya)

Our arrival assistant will welcome with Sri Lankan hospitality and assist you for all needs in the airport. The chauffer will be introduced by the assistant. Transfer to hotel in Negombo.

Negombo

Negombo is a stunning beach resort on the western coast of Sri Lanka, You can relax on beautiful beaches, Enjoy incredible sunsets and delicious western and Sri Lankan food. Sea food is very famous and is caught fresh daily by Negombo fishermen.

Negombo Lagoon

The Negombo Lagoon spreads an area of 3 164 hectares. It is also a part of the much larger Muthurawajawela Marsh-Negombo Lagoon coastal wetland. Apart from at the single slight opening to the sea at its northern end, the water depth within the lagoon is less than 2 m. The fishermen based at the Negombo lagoon live in abject poverty in shanty thatch palm villages along the water’s edge. They mainly on their traditional knowledge of the seasons for their livelihood, using outrigger canoes carved out of tree trunks and nylon nets to bring in modest catches from September through till April.

The Dutch Canal Negombo

Constructed by the Dutch, from Colombo south to Puttalam in the north Dutch Canal flows across Negombo. Dutch Canal, Negombo was used for the purpose of a supply route in the times of the Dutch ruling. The canal is still being used. It runs across the town and is a hundred kilometres long. , A tourist can take a tour of the canal on a boat or a bicycle ride.
A characteristic fishing town north of Colombo. it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet’s paradise with seafood in plenty. Old-world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, skipjack, herring and mullet, prom fret and amber-jack while lobster and prawns are caught in the lagoon. Apart from beaches and sea-food Negombo has a unique charm of its own with narrow streets, small boutiques and Catholic Churches dotting the landscape.

1st day Night out in Negombo

Day 02 Morning proceed to Anuradhapura(Route: Negombo-Anuradhapura)

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, a Sri Lankans political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in the dark forest for many years, the magnificent site, with its palaces and monuments, is now reachable once again. The Anuradhapura city is one of the most important holy places of Buddhism. Anuradhapura demonstrates in a unique and specific way to the Sinhalese civilization. On several occasions, the city was submitted to the attacks from southern India – Tamils, Cholas, etc. It stands as a permanent manifesto of the culture of Sri Lanka. The holy city exerted a considerable influence on the development of the architecture for several centuries. It includes amazing monuments, mainly the Dagabas of gigantic size, placed on rounded foundations and surrounded by a ring of huge columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.

Srimaha bodhiya

After getting Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 250 BC Emperor Asoka in India sent his daughter Theri Sanghamitta to Sri Lanka with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi attain from the main stem of the Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. King Tissa received the sapling and planted it at the present site in 249 BC. Taking this information into account today (in 2012) this tree is exactly 2260 years old. This tree is the oldest tree in the world in documented history.

Twin ponds

Twin ponds also called Kuttam Pokuna another engineering masterpiece of ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri Complex and have probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608). Ponds are connected through a pipeline underneath. The Northern pond is 91 feet (28 meters) long and the other 132 feet (40 meters). Water is supplied through underground pipelines and the water is sent through many filtering chambers before it falls on to the Northern pond through a mouth of a dragon.

Guard stone and Moonstone

The guard stones or “Muragal” were one of a connection of three characteristics of sculpture that garlanded the entrance to the buildings in ancient times, the other two were the Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) and Balustrade (Korawak Gala) .
The Guardstones, which supplied support to the heavy stone Balustrade, were plain in the beginning. Later they came to be sculptured with symbols significant for prosperity and protection.

Samadhi Statue

Samadhi Statue is considered one of the top sculptures in the Anuradhapura time. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. It is made out of Dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height. This statue was found in the present location in 1886 fallen to the ground with damages to the nose. It was then erected and the nose was reconstructed. In 1914, it was found damaged by treasure hunters and re constructed again.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is the most famous for the stone carving of a couple located there. This carved stone was found in the Royal Pleasure Garden and brought here. There are many descriptions for this carving. Isurumuniya Lovers built in the 3rd century B.C. is noted for its rock carvings. it is believed that the carving may characterize Saliya, and the low-caste maiden whom he loved. Saliya was the son of the king Dutugamunu.

Tissa Tank

Also called Tissa Wewa (or Tisa Wewa) was made by King Devanampiya Tissa.(250-210 BC).The mound of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. The width of the top of the tank was found to be 12 feet to 18 feet. Base of the mound is 160 feet. Tissa Wewa probably has an area of 550 acres. Experts say with little maintenance this bund will last forever. Just as commented, the Tissa Tank continues to feed water to Anuradhapura even today.

Nuwara tank

Nuwara tank or Nuwara Wewa is believed to be built by King Vattagamini Abaya also known as King Valagamba in the first century BC. The mound (Bund) is 3 miles long and 37 feet high. The water height is about 23 feet the tank spreads 3180 hectares and holds about 1500 million cubic feet of water. There has been a dam built across Malwathu Oya to divert water to the Nuwara Wewa. this is a good example to prove the ancient Sri Lankan Technology.

Abayagiriya

Abhayagiriya Sthupa (Pagoda), made by king Valagambahu, was built in the 1st century BC it stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second-largest sthupa in the country today.

Jethawanaramaya

The biggest dagaba in the world, made in 3rd century A.D. by King Mahasena. Probably 400 feet high and located in Nandana Uyana (garden), Anuradhapuraya.

2nd day Night out in Anuradhapura
3rd day

Day 03 Morning proceed to Trincomalee(Route: Anuradhapura-Trincomalee)

Trincomalee

Trincomalee Is famed for its natural harbour. Described by Admiral Lord Nelson as the finest harbour in the world when he visited aboard HMS Seashore in 1770. It is ranked as the world’s 5th largest natural harbor. During the Second World War, the harbour became the base for the combined East Asian Fleet of the Allied powers. It is the ideal beach resort. All water sports are available here including fishing and sea angling. Whale watching in the sanctuary is a speciality.

3rd day Night out in Trincomalee

Day 04 Morning proceed to Nilaveli(Route: Trincomalee- Nilaveli)

Nilaveli

Described by some as the finest beach on the East Coast this 15-kilometre stretch of beach extends from Uppuveli which is 5km from Trincomalee to Nilaveli which is 15km away. With crystal clear blue water and white beaches, Nilaveli beach is a very popular destination amongst sun worshippers bathing. Close to Nilaveli is Red Rock Beach –an estuary perch and pinkish colour boulders.

Pigeon Island

A short boat rides off the beach and you may visit Pigeon Island which is like 2km off the coast of Nilaveli, great for diving, snorkelling and sea bathing. (Boat services available). You may also visit the recently re-opened Marine Park which was closed for nearly two decades. Visitors could enjoy the rare corals and marine animals and of course during the tour observe endemic and migrant bird species

4th day Night out in Trincomalee

Day 05 morning proceed to Polonaruwa(Route: Trincomalee- Polonaruwa)

Polonnaruwa

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who reunite the country once more under a local leader. While Vijayabahu’s victory and shifting of Kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real Polonnaruwa Hero of the history books is actually his grandson, Parakramabahu I. It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa when trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted, and each was to be used toward the development of the land; hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu’s reign, systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side, and it encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a moat against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu’s reign.

Parakramabahu Statue

This brilliantly carved statue stands 11½ feet (3.5 meters) in height and is carved into a semi-circular rock. Belief is the statue of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186). This is a quite beautiful and unique statue showing the highest level of craftsmanship of the rock carving engineers of ancient Sri Lankans. This statue can be reached by travelling about 1 ½ kilometres along the Parakrama Samudraya dam. There is a small unknown and destroyed Chethya near this statue. Some believe that this is the graveyard of king Parakramabahu and this Stupa holds the remains of the King.

Gal viharaya

The Gal Viharaya is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North-Central Sri Lanka. It was built in the 12th century by the great King Parakramabahu. The central feature of the temple has four images of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another, smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, and a standing figure and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpting and carving arts and have made the Gal Vihara one of the most visited places in Polonnaruwa. The statues of Gal Vihara show a different style than the images of the previous Anuradhapura period and show some important differences.

Parakrama Samudraya

The Parakrama Samudra was built by the great King Parakramabahu I, , who declared, “Not even a single drop of water from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to mankind.”To put his words into reality, he built the (6000 acre) irrigation reservoir. Another good example to prove the ancient Sri Lankan technology.

The palace of King Parakramabahu-I

Built in the 12th century, with its large court and peripheral guardrooms, spreads an area of nearly 10 acres. The structural techniques of this period were the same as those of the Anuradhapura period, but there was a greater use of lime mortar, which enabled the building of brick structures of dimensions never before attempted

Stone Book

Also called Gal Potha. This is a giant 25+ foot piece of rock which sits off to the side of Hetadage in Polonnaruwa. Sri Lankans belief is that King Nissankamalla recorded his deeds in this slab of stone.

Watadageya

The formation of watadageya is another part of the city great engineering done by King Parakramabahu. One remarkable feature of this structure is that there are four pillars of Guardians at its entrance, of which one pillar has been taken off by the Department of archeology for exhibition purposes at the Museum in Colombo

Hatadage

Hatadage is an ancient artifact temple in the city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Hatadage was made by great King Nissanka Malla, and had been used to keep the Relic of the Tooth of the Buddha. The Hatadage had been built using stone, brick and wood, only a few parts of the brick and stone walls now remain. Three Buddha statues carved out of granite rock are located within a chamber of the shrine.

Atadage

This is the house of the tooth relic of Lord Buddha made by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This temple is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor. The entrance to the second floor is through a granite stair case. Few steps still remains of this staircase

Pothgul Viharaya

The Pothgul Viharaya was made by Great king Parakamabahu (1153-1185 AD). This was renovated by Queen Chandrawathi. a consort of King Parakarmabahu. This is the oldest library compound in Sri Lanka. Pothgul means a place to store books.

Alahana Piriwena

A basic university. The area spreads over 80 hectares. Excavations have reviled some of the most unique and important buildings of the Polonnaruwa era. The brick-built image house of Lankathilaka with its 41-foot Colossal Buddha statue occupies the center of this space. Is without doubt one of the most impressive ruins of this ancient city.

Tiwanka Image

Tivanka means “3 bends” and is named for this statue which is bent at 3 places: shoulder, hip and knee.built by great King Parakramabahu(1153-1186A.D).The image house are famous for its 12th century paintings.

Lankatilaka Viharaya

Lankatilaka Vihara is one of the most symbolic structures of the ancient empire of Polonnaruwa. Two great walls, each with a thickness of 4m and height of 17m form a narrow aisle leading to a very extraordinary, Buddha statue still stands, over 14m high. Built by great King Parakrabahu, the temple is an exact difference in terms of Buddhist architecture: as a replacement for of the abstract representation of the Stupa (dagoba) the consideration is focused on the massive statue of the Buddha, which fills up the entire space within the temple

5th day Night out in Polonaruwa

Day 06 morning proceed to Sigiriya(Route: Polonnaruwa-sigiriya)

Sigiriya fortress

Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination is ‘Sigiriya’ – A 5th-century rock fortress created like a crouching lion. The name Sigiriya comes from the Sinhalese word “Singha Giri” or “Lion Rock” Sigiriya has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya marks everything from ancient Sri Lankan history, such as culture, art effects, architecture, views of nature. Sigiriya is also the location for Arthur C Clerks ‘Fountains of Paradise’. According to Sri Lankan history, Sigiriya was made by King Kassapa I (477 – 495 AD). Kassapa was the son of King Dhatusena (Anuradhapura 459 to 477 AD). King Dhatusena was removed from power and walled in, alive by Kasyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena’s son of the real queen escape to India, promising revenge. Kasyapa fearing of promising revenge built this secure fortress at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is the best example of architectural wonder and the best example of ancient Sri Lankan civil engineering. The designs of parks, ponds, and pavilions are brilliant. Also a good example of eco-designs.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, Dambulla Cave Temple also named the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the prime and best-preserved cave temple compound on the island. Placed in Dambulla, Dambulla Cave Temple has 5 important caves, each cave contains statues of the Buddha and historic artwork describing the Buddha’s life. The largest cave carries some 48 statues of Lord Buddha . with some statues of Hindu Gods, when Hinduism took root in Sri Lanka and started influencing the arts Dambulla Cave Temple is a good example of it. The history of the caves goes back to the 2nd or 1st century B.C., when King Valagam Bahu who was escaping the invading army that drove him out of Anuradhapura, took refuge in these caves

6th day Night out in Sigiriya

Day 07 Morning proceed to Kandy(Route: Sigiriya-Kandy)

Kandy

Sri Lanka’s hill capital, Kandy is situated 488 meters above sea level and in the centre of the island and surrounded by the ranges of mountains. Kandy was established in the 14th century and became the nation’s capital in the 16th century. Was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. Kandy is also known as mahanuwara, senkadagala pura. The name Kandy comes from the word Kanda which means mountains, it got this name because of the geographical location.

Royal Botanical Garden (Peradeniya)

The largest Botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Above 500m from sea level. A 147-acre garden with more than 5000 species of trees and plants, a beautiful orchid house and a spice section. There are also many species of birds found in the park
British rulers of Ceylon made the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens.

Kandy Cultural Dance

This is a well-known Kandy cultural program. This is one of the famous destinations in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hr. The skills of the traditional musicians of Kandy, their drums and dance are all very much entertaining. Also includes an eye-catching fire show.

 

7th day Night out in Kandy.

Day 08 Morning proceed to Temple of Tooth Relic

Temple of Tooth Relic

Also named Dalada Maligawa, is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. A beautiful creation made in the 17th century, one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka.

8th day Night out in Kandy

Day 09 Morning proceed to Kithulgala(Route: Kandy-Kithulgala)

Kitulgala

Kitulgala, a small village full of friendly locals, little shops and a handful of food spots, is a fabulously peaceful, colourful and historic attraction that is a great place to either relax or take up some of the activities offered, such as white-water rafting, bird watching and cave exploration.

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

The Kitulgala run is 6.5 km long and takes about 90 minutes to complete. Altogether there are seven rapids to tackle with their own unique names. When running down the river you will run into the likes of Virgin’s Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall and the Rib Cage. These names denote their own distinct character. It is important to note that white-water rafting is not a sport that needs enormous physical strength. An average level of physical fitness and a calm disposition is sufficient. The ability to swim is advantageous but not compulsory, for each rafter is provided with a Personal Flotation Device.

9th day Night out in Kithulgala

Day 10 Morning proceed to Nuwaraeliya(Route: Kithulgala-Nuwaraeliya)

Nuwaraeliya

The city Nuwaraeliya has a lot of nicknames like the city of light, the city on the plain (table land, Little England, located at 1,868 m above sea level and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. Nuwaraeliya produces the best quality No 01 tea in the world. Nuwara Eliya was built during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls. Nuwaraeliya is blessed with a salubrious climate and spectacular views of valleys, meadows, mountains, waterfalls and greenery.

Lake Gregory

Lake Gregory is one of the key tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by Governor William Gregory during the 1872 – 1877 period by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in scope. It was believed to be used for water sports and for leisure activities during British rule. A boatyard for visitors for boating.

Nuwaraeliya Golf Course

Walking distance from the town centre stretch over 90 acres, built in 1891, the 18 holes golf course is one of Nuwara Eliya’s prime attractions. It is reputed to be the only Golf Course where all the holes are visible from the Club House.

Galway’s land bird Sanctuary

A gorgeous land area spreading an extent of 57.6 hectares of land in Nuwara Eliya has been named a Bird sanctuary in the year 1938. This bird sanctuary attracts about 20 species of very rare foreign birds and about 30 species of Sri Lankan birds. Most of the endemic bird species as well as migrant bird species could be seen at this sanctuary. In addition to the birds, this park has important trees and species of both foreign and local.

10th day Night out in Nuwaraeliya

Day 11 Morning proceed to Ella(Route: Nuwaraeliya-Ella)

Ella

Nestled in a valley at an elevation of 1,041 metres above sea level, Ella is a quiet, quaint town in the Hill Country, famous for its spectacular views, Sri Lanka’s wildest looking waterfall, ancient caves and wonderful walking opportunities. From the famed Ella Gap, you can see between the green steep mountainsides and down nearly 1,000 metres to the coastal plain below, and out towards the Indian Ocean. Ella Rock emerges majestically on one side, and the ridges of rock and jungle on the other drop-down deep into the valley below leaving an image of retreating mountains and flat coastal plains far into the distance.

11th day Night out in Ella

Day 12 Morning proceed to Arugambay (Route: Ella-Arugambay)

Arugambay

Arugambay is the southernmost beach resort of the eastern coast? It is a very popular surfing center ranked 3rd among the best 20 beaches of the world by the British Surfers Association. It is situated in close proximity to Lahugala National Park- famous for elephants, Pottuvil Lagoon-a bird watchers paradise and Kumana Bird Sanctuary. A road from here also leads down the cost to Panama and Okanda, gateway to Yala East National Park making it also a wild life bluff’s delight! Many guesthouses and a few hotels have sprung up on the shore of the bay around the fishing village. Arugam Bay has once again turned into the surfing hotspot that it was and features many international surfing competitions annually. Please note the East Coast is predominantly hot and dry with an average temperature of 30 C and relative humidity of 70%. Chances of sunburn are high with prolonged exposure so carry plenty of sun-block and guard against sunstroke by using a sun hat.

12th and 13th Night out in Arugambay relax in the beach

Day 14 Morning proceed to Yala. (Route: Arugambay-Yala)

Yala

Yala National Park is the most visited national park of the island and the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Located Southern Province and Uva Province of the island. The park spreads 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi). Yala was named as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, The annual temperature near sea level is 270C, although in the dry season a daily maximum of 370C is not rare. In the southeast, the Park is bounded by the sea. Gorgeous natural beaches and sand dunes provide beautiful surroundings. This is certainly one of the most fabulous views of Sri Lanka. The wide parklands that surround the lagoons offer visitors superb locations for viewing animals and birdlife. the park is home to leopards, crocodiles, elephants, deer, sambar, bear, wild bore, wild buffalo and peacocks and many varieties of birds including migratory birds such as flamingos.

 

14th day Night out in Yala

Day 15 Morning proceed to Mirissa(Route: Yala-Mirissa)

Whale watching at mirissa

After the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka discovered one of the best Blue Whale colony’s ever known. A beautiful, huge, perfect creation of God, Blue Whale grows up to 30metters long and weighs 200tons. Almost all blue whales travel long distances to the North and South Pole in search of food. But the whales in Sri Lanka are different they don’t seem to migrate at all, till now no one knows the reason for it. This is pretty unusual but this gives more chances of viewing this amazing creature and making the Sri Lankan coastal area a paradise for whale watching.

15th day Night out in Mirissa

Day 16 Morning proceed to Galle(Route: Mirissa-Galle)

Galle

Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

16th day Night out in Galle

Day 17 Morning proceed to Hikaduwa(Route: Galle-Hikaduwa)

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is the place for underwater delights. Site of the famed coral gardens, hire a glass-bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Marine National park.

17th day Night out in Hikkaduwa

Day 18 morning proceed to Bentota(Route: Hikaduwa-Bentota)

Bentota

Benthota resort Complex in a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, a railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open-air theatre showing folk and mask dancing with clusters of palms overlooking everything. Interesting boat trips to the hamlets bordering the river and the Meethiyagoda Moonstone mines nearby. Most hotels have facilities for water sports.

18th ,19th ,20th days Night out in Bentota.(Beach Relax)

Day 21 Morning proceed to Airport(Route: Bentota-Airport)

Proceed to Airport to departure, Meet the Departure Assistant and Give ideas about your tour