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Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, a Cinnamon Isle representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the charming town of Negombo. After settling in, join us at 6 pm for a welcome meeting where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. If you arrive earlier, take the opportunity to unwind on the beach and enjoy the serene blue skies. Following the meeting, your guide will escort you to a local restaurant for a delightful seafood dinner. Experience the vibrant flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, renowned for its aromatic spices and rich tastes. This evening, savor local specialties like pol sambol (a delectable coconut dish) and roast paan (crispy roasted bread).

Start your day with an early visit to the bustling Negombo fish market, the perfect time to experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, from crabs to lobsters and squid. Guided by your leader, you’ll navigate the market’s lively energy with ease. After bidding farewell to Negombo, journey to Dambulla, where you’ll settle into your hotel for the next three nights.

In the late afternoon, embark on a memorable excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This iconic rock formation, crowned by the ruins of an ancient palace, offers a rewarding climb and stunning views. As you ascend, your leader will share fascinating tales of the ancient civilization that once thrived atop this majestic rock.

Conclude your day back in Dambulla with a Sri Lankan-style barbecue, featuring a delectable assortment of grilled fish, meat, and vegetables. Enjoy a cooking demonstration on making chilli and coconut sambol, allowing you to savor the flavors of Sri Lanka long after your journey ends.

Today, embark on a journey to Anuradhapura, the northern jewel of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle,’ complemented by Polonnaruwa to the east and Kandy to the southwest. This region is rich with breathtaking temples and sites of profound cultural and religious significance. As one of Sri Lanka’s most historically important cities and its first ancient capital, Anuradhapura offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Follow your guide through the majestic stupas of Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya, and wander through the remnants of ancient temples and ruins, reflecting on the rise and fall of bygone civilizations. Visit the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple, where you’ll find the sacred bodhi tree, planted in 236 AD and thought to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Marvel at the ancient Isurumuniya Temple and its exquisite carvings that narrate stories spanning millennia. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening back in Dambulla.

After breakfast, journey to Polonnaruwa to delve deeper into the cultural triangle. Once the Sinhalese and Chola capital in the 10th century, this historic area is rich with ancient treasures. Explore the well-preserved temples, tombs, and stupas within Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex and envision its former grandeur. Marvel at the remnants of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the colossal Rankot Vihara stupa, and the intricately carved Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, which houses a towering Buddha statue. Don’t miss the remarkable statue of Parakrama I, standing at 100 meters tall. In the afternoon, return to Dambulla for a leisurely evening, where you might enjoy a drink by the serene lake.

This morning, embark on a short drive to the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple. Discover a remarkable complex of five caves, adorned with approximately 150 stunning Buddha statues and paintings, some dating back nearly 2,000 years. As you wander through this World Heritage site, your guide will share insights into its long-standing significance as a place of worship.

In the afternoon, journey towards Kandy, with a stop in Matale along the way. Visit a local spice garden to learn about the essential spices that have shaped Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Continue your journey to Kandy, where you’ll have the evening free to explore. Although Kandy is the country’s second-largest city, it retains a charming, relaxed vibe. Enjoy a serene stroll around the scenic lake at the city’s heart, or ask your guide for recommendations on where to savor a delicious Sri Lankan curry.

This morning, embark on a captivating journey through the Royal Botanical Gardens with a local botanist. Enjoy an expert-led tour where you’ll spot vibrant Yellow Fronted Barbets, Layards Parakeets, and Sri Lankan Hanging Parrots, and marvel at an astonishing collection of orchids. Following the tour, delve into Sri Lanka’s gem heritage at the gem museum and lapidary, discovering the fascinating process of transforming raw gems into exquisite jewelry.

Lunch is a special affair at Hela Bojun, a remarkable social enterprise established by the Sri Lankan government to empower and train women from rural communities.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local culture with a private performance by a renowned dancer in the comfort of their home, offering you an exclusive glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan dance.

Conclude your day with a visit to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, the country’s most significant shrine, housing a sacred relic of Buddha’s tooth. If you arrive in time, you may witness the pooja—a solemn and enchanting ceremony featuring traditional drummers and dancers.

Leave Kandy and embark on a scenic morning train journey to Nuwara Eliya, nestled deep within tea plantation country. At an elevation of 1,800 meters, Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its cool climate and picturesque beauty. Once a favored retreat for the Scottish and English, its history is reflected in the charming gardens and stately manor homes that adorn the town.

Upon arrival, take your time to explore this delightful town at your own pace before checking in at the Grand Hotel. This stunning National Heritage Property, established in 1891, will be your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Set amid lush tea plantations and rolling hills, the Grand Hotel combines classic elegance with modern comforts. Its commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics and aim for a zero-waste future.

This afternoon, indulge in a high tea experience at the hotel, where you’ll enjoy a selection of fine teas paired with delectable finger foods and pastries. Originally the residence of a British governor, the hotel now offers a sophisticated setting for this cherished tradition. In the evening, you might choose to wander through the hotel’s expansive gardens or savor a gourmet meal at the on-site restaurant.

After breakfast, journey to the towering Single Tree Temple and set out on a scenic 40-minute hike to the Single Tree Hill viewpoint. Here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and lush tea fields. Following your hike, visit a nearby tea factory where traditional machinery still operates. Gain insight into the art of tea production and see how premium tea leaves are crafted into Ceylon black tea. If the factory tour has sparked your curiosity, you can savor a taste of the finished product. Conclude your day with a delightful lunch at the esteemed Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of Asia’s oldest golf clubs.

This morning, journey to the sacred town of Kataragama, with a scenic detour through the charming highland town of Ella. Stop to admire the breathtaking views from Ella Gap, which offers sweeping vistas across the lush plains. As evening approaches, head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuary. Embark on a thrilling 4WD safari through the park’s diverse landscapes, including expansive grasslands, verdant forests, and tranquil lagoons. Your experienced guide will keenly listen for the subtle signs of wildlife that might otherwise go unnoticed. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, and buffalo, and if fortune favors you, a rare glimpse of a leopard—the park is renowned for its sightings of these elusive big cats. After an exhilarating day of wildlife encounters, unwind at your resort, conveniently located near the park’s less-traveled back entrance. This prime location ensures easy access to the park’s wonders without the crowds typically found at the main gates.

Today, immerse yourself in another thrilling safari adventure in Yala National Park. As Sri Lanka’s second largest national park, Yala offers an array of wonders waiting to be discovered. Take this opportunity to indulge in some birdwatching, as Yala is home to approximately 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, painted stork, and Crimson-fronted Barbet. Keep an eye out for the majestic peacocks showcasing their vibrant plumage. If Yala is unexpectedly closed, the group will explore the remarkable Bundala National Park instead. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at your resort this evening.

This morning, enjoy an optional visit to Kataragama Temple to explore the shrine dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo, the local deity. Later, transfer to Galle, a charming seaside town near Sri Lanka’s southern tip. After settling into your hotel, make your way to Galle Fort. Here, you’ll meet Mr. Sunil, a skilled local artisan renowned for his traditional woodcarving. He will demonstrate his craft and invite you to try your hand at it. Next, join your guide for a walking tour of Galle Fort, the best-preserved Dutch colonial town in Sri Lanka. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, this historic fort is a hub of ancient mosques, churches, museums, and boutiques. Discover Galle’s rich history and vibrant present as your guide recounts its fascinating stories.

This morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Consider visiting a nearby cinnamon plantation to discover the spice-making process or explore the Hiyare Rainforest Reservoir on the edge of Galle, a haven for bird watchers. For more details on how to book these experiences, consult your knowledgeable guide.

In the evening, your guide will lead you through the vibrant local markets, where you’ll uncover the fresh ingredients that define Sri Lankan cuisine. After exploring the colorful market stalls, head to a local host’s home for an immersive Sri Lankan cooking class. You’ll get hands-on experience preparing traditional dishes like Ambulthiyal fish curry, lentil dhal, and eggplant curry, finishing with a delightful dessert.

Bid farewell to Galle as you journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, indulge in a delicious northern Sri Lankan lunch at a charming courtyard restaurant, set in a historic home from Jaffna. In the afternoon, embark on a guided orientation walk through the city. Experience the bustling Pettah fruit and vegetable market, where you’ll immerse yourself in the lively sights, sounds, and aromas of Colombo. Visit the striking Red Mosque with its iconic candy cane stripes and towering minarets, visible from across the city. Discover Colombo’s architectural heritage with its Dutch and British influences. As your Sri Lankan adventure draws to a close, consider joining your guide and fellow travelers for a final group dinner to celebrate the journey.

Your journey concludes after breakfast this morning. Should you wish to extend your stay in Colombo, please contact your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation.