EXPLORE SRI LANKA - 2
Updated: Aug 13, 2022
Wilpattu-Anuradhapuraya-Sigiriya-Nuwara Eliya-Negombo (4 Days/ 3Nights)
Day 01- Arrival at Colombo airport – Wilpattu National park -
Anuradhapuraya.
Stop 01
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is world-renowned for its leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The best time to visit the 'land of the lakes', or Wilpattu National Park, is May to early September during the drought, when animals are drawn out to their waterholes. The biggest draws in Wilpattu are Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus). Apart from those two mammals are Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, jackals, sambhur, barking deer, mouse deer Wild Pig, Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Mugger Crocodiles.
Stop 02
Anuradhapuraya
The ancient city of Anuradhapura is one of the most important archaeological sites in the cultural landscape of Sri Lanka. According to historical records, Anuradhapura was the capital of the ancient Ceylonese kings from the 5th century BC until the 11th century AD. These eight places are comprised of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Mirisaweti Stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and Lankaramaya.
Stay Night in Anuradhapura
Day 02 – Pidurangala – Dambulla – National Spice Garden Mathale
Stop 01
Pidurangala
The only way to the top of the Pidurangala is via a pretty tough 30-40 minute hike, ascending quickly over a rocky path, until a section of bouldering to get to the summit. In short, it's unfortunately not very accessible. If you have issues with mobility, unfortunately this might be a spot you'll have to pass on.
Stop 02
Royal Cave Temple in Dambulla
A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 m2 ) are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues. There are 364 steps in the Dambulla cave. Cave Temples. The idea of constructing Buddhist temples by hollowing out rock faces was brought to China from Central Asia, where monuments of this sort had been constructed for centuries. Over the years, more and more caves would be excavated and decorated as pious acts on the part of monks and artists.
Stop 03
National Spice Garden Mathale
A delightful place to stroll in fragrant greenery and learn about nutmeg, pepper vines, clove trees and curry, cinnamon and the precious cardamom, a relative of ginger. It grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand. Visitors may buy spices, traditional remedies and cosmetics, taste a herbal brew and in some venues, enjoy the full flavors of Sri Lankan spices over lunch or an Ayurveda massage based on natural products from the garden.
Stay Night in Mathale
Day 03 – Gregory Wawa – Moon plains – Horton Plains National Park
Stop 01
Gregory Wawa
Lake Gregory is a local reservoir situated in the city of Nuwara Eliya. It is a popular place for tourists to visit and enjoy some recreational activities. The lake was named after Sir William Gregory, in 1873, during the British era. Tourists can roam around the lake with the help of boats available for hire. This lake acts as the perfect picnic spot and tourists can also explore the lake by hiring bicycles. The best time to visit this lake is during April.
Stop 02
Moon Plaines
The main attraction of Moon Plains is the mini–Worlds End at the edge giving a 360 Degree view of the surrounding peaks and towns. It is a Wide-open area with the chances of seeing wild boars, cows, buffaloes, deer and also a total of 105 bird species are recorded in the area of which 16 are endemic to Sri Lanka. Nine mountains of Sri Lanka can be clearly seen from the top of the Moon Plaines.
Stop 03
Horton Plaines National Park
The views are great but to be honest we have seen better views in Sri Lanka by speaking to locals and doing free hikes. The hike is an easy one and has some nice scenery which is quite different to the rest of Sri Lanka. The entire walk is around 8 km if you walk to World's End and back, or around 9 km (5.6 miles) if you do the full circuit. With about 25 leopards roaming its hills, leopard sightings in the Horton Plains are not unlikely. But, the landscape and the climate, as well as the behaviors of these leopards, certainly make these sightings quite rare.
Stay Night in Nuwara Eliya or Camping in Horton Plaines
Day 04
Negombo City tour
Departure
Transfer to Airport for departure flight.
Tour Includes
• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection.
• Include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all Chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
Tour Excludes
• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details
• International / Domestic Airfare.
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Tips & Portages.