Sri Lanka Highlights & Maldives

Sun 04 May 25: Colombo

Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Colombo Katunayake Airport

Mon 05 May 25: Airport / Dambulla Cave Temple / Dambulla

Upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met by a professional chauffeur guide
of Hayleys Travels. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle. Next, transfer to the hotel in Dambulla
En route visit the Dambulla cave temple
Located in the north-central province this UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 1st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne,commissioned magnificent carved images within the livingrock. Later kings made further improvements and the cavescontain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters.

Tue 06 May 25: Dambulla / Minneriya / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla

With packed breakfast, proceed to do a Minneriya National Park Jeep safari. Enjoy a Jeep Safari in the Minneriya National park. Its centerpiece is the large Minneriya Tank, and the park also boasts an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forest to wetlands,grasslands and terrain previously used for slash-and-burn agriculture. For most visitors, the principal attraction here is elephants. Minneriya forms part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa national parks, and up to200 of the beasts can be found here at certain times of year during their migrations between the various parks. Other mammals found in the park include sambur, spotted deer, sloth bears and leopards,and there's also a good chance of seeing macaque and purple-faced languor monkeys. In addition, an enormous number of birds have been spotted at Minneriya, including endemic species such as the Sri Lankan hanging parrot and the crimson-fronted barbet.
Thereafter, proceed to visit Polonnaruwa.
The ruined capital of Polonnaruwa is one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The heyday of the city in the twelfth century represented one of the high watermarks of early Sri Lankan civilization.
Polonnaru Was extensive and well-preserved remains, offer a fascinating snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka, including some of the islands finest monuments and it is compact enough to be thoroughly explored in 3 hours. The Gal Vihara, a collection of magnificent Buddha statues carved out of sheer rock is not to be missed and a prime example of the craftsmanship of that era.
Return to the hotel and relax
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Amaya Lake, Dambulla

Wed 07 May 25: Dambulla / Sigiriya / Matale / Kandy

With a packed breakfast, proceed to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock fortress which is a UNESCO world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa(477-495). The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains of the dryzone. It is the country's most memorable single attraction, a remarkable archeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. The rock was the innermost stronghold of a 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ''Heavenly Maidens'' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy.
En-route visit the Matale Spice Garden.Early evening, you will visit a Kandyan Dance performance and be treated to a spectacular fire walking finale. Kandy is also famous for it's shopping, gems and jewelry, handicrafts,batiks, silks etc. And you will have the opportunity of browsing to your hearts content.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Amaya Hills, Kandy

Thu 08 May 25: Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kandy which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The historic city about 480m above sea level surrounded by mountains was known to Sri Lankan as Kanda Uda Rata, which means the hill country.
Kandy was home to Sri Lanka's last independent Kingdom,which survived two centuries of colonial incursion before finally falling to the British at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Visit the Temple of the tooth. Catch a panoramic view of the picturesque town from Upper lake Drive.Afterwards, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
Visit a Tea plantation and Tea factory in Nuwara Eliya.
Check into the hotel and relax
Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Blackpool Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Fri 09 May 25: Nuwara Eliya / Ella

After breakfast, proceed to Nanu Oya station and transfer toElla via train. (approx. 04 hours)
Once in Ella check in to the hotel and relax.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Mountain Heavens, Ella

Sat 10 May 25: Ella / Negombo

After breakfast, do a sightseeing tour in Ella.
Explore Ella including the Little Adams Peak, 09 Arch Bridge etc.
Ella in Sri Lanka is a very well known worldwide for its breathtaking view and scenery, Little Adams Peak is just one of it. The eye catching and conspicuous peak is the one not to miss, situated in Ella, Sri Lanka,it has been attracting tourists for a long time now. The reason for its popularity is the amazing view that never fails to attract and impress visitors.
Trekking/Hiking
It may be a long journey, but it helps the travelers interact with nature in a different way. Little Adams Peak is visited mainly because of the great hiking experience it gives to its climbers. It never falls short of beauty. It is filled with greenery and beautiful trees and plants. Resorts and hotels have been built to serve the climbers that may be tired after the long walk. The walk may belong, but once one reaches the top, it is just worth the struggle.
The path is straight making the walk less complicated.
Beautiful Mountain View, After the walk is over, the visitors witness the great view from the top of the mountain. It gives a perfect and
clear view of the city of Ella. The view looks even more amazing when the clouds start to roll in. Good weather is a cherry on the top to the view. The sunsets are not to be missed. The blazing and crimson sunsets are a treat to watch.
Little Adams peak at Ella has received positive reviews and that is because it never fails the tourists and visitors. It is highly recommended to people who plan to explore and witness the wonders of Sri Lanka. On completion, travel to Negombo and check into the hotel
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo

Sun 11 May 25: Negombo / Airport

After breakfast proceed to the airport for your departure flight with all the happy memories of the tropical isle; Sri Lanka once known as Taprobane.