Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a great destination to enjoy the pleasures of the sea, as well as to venture inland on various adventure tours and experience the culture of the locals. And that it has a lot to offer in terms of culture. Not for nothing is it called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
But how can you travel Sri Lanka meaningfully and stress-free and take away the best experiences from it?
Check out a sample itinerary for a five-day tour of the island. Along the way, it will take you to ancient royal cities, Buddhist temples and religious sites hidden in impenetrable jungles, National Parks with exotic wildlife, and finally the most renowned beaches on the south coast.
This itinerary includes a five-day sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka and is rounded off with another five days of beach fun with a free programme.
You have arrived in Sri Lanka, welcome! :)
Your driver is picking you up at the airport and you can't wait to get to know the island!
Your first stop is the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, where you'll get to see Indian elephants up close and personal. The facility has been in operation for over 40 years, caring for elephants who, for various reasons, cannot fend for themselves. Most of the elephants who come here were babies who were sick, injured and abandoned by their herd and at the orphanage you can watch them going about their daily activities, which include feeding, moving to the Maha Oya River and then bathing and rooting around in the mud on the banks.
Before you leave, you can also visit the local "Mushroom Factory". A factory that makes paper from elephant dung, and then a shop where you can buy some of the paper products.
Today, one of the island's biggest attractions awaits you. The climb to Lion Rock. which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area, especially the remote mountainous landscape in the south of the island. At the top are the ruins of the palaces built by King Kashyapa in BC. He hid here from his brother and built an impregnable fortress. Before climbing the rock to the remains of the fortress, you will walk through the original royal gardens with water tanks and fountains that make the area below the rock a beautiful park.
After visiting Lion Rock, you can then visit Mount Pidurangala, which has a beautiful view of Sigiriya in particular. However, the climb is more challenging especially in the final passage and definitely not for everyone. The top of the rock is large and gradually sloping. There is therefore room for everyone to take a short break to contemplate the beautiful view :)
You stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, where you are greeted on arrival by a huge golden statue of Buddha. However, the more pleasant approach to the cave compound is from the other side, a few minutes' drive from the main road. There are fewer tourists and you'll meet many curious monkeys on the way to the top :). At the top you need to take off your clothes again and cover your legs and shoulders. If you are not comfortable walking on the rock surface, you can use socks again. In the individual cave chambers there are beautifully sculpted Buddhist statues and decorated walls. An interesting fact is that you must not have your back to the Buddha in the photos, which is also pointed out by a number of signboards.
You're heading further south down the island, towards the mountains. The first of the stops will be in the agricultural area around the town of Matale, where you will visit a spice garden and learn how the different types of spices commonly used today and in Czech cuisine are grown and processed. After a lecture with a local guide, you can also buy a little something as a souvenir in a local shop.
The town of Matale is also known for its rather large Hindu community. And to prove it, there is a beautiful Hindu temple right on the main road in the centre of town, which is definitely worth a visit. Again, watch out for shoes and shorts :). From Matale, you will then move on to Kandy, where you will rest in a nice Hotel.
In the morning you will be able to see the city of Kandy in daylight, including a view of the whole city and the lake below.
Then you will have a tour of the Temple of Buddha's Tooth in the heart of the city. This is one of the most sacred buildings on the island. Hidden in the heart of the temple is the Buddha's tooth, closely guarded and locked away in seven golden boxes. Aside from the relics, you can also admire the richly decorated rooms depicting the history of the Buddha's tooth in painted pictures.
I definitely recommend you to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which is one of the most important in the world. With an average temperature of 24°C and 160 rainy days a year, tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world thrive here.
Slowly you leave Kandy and head up into the mountains through the local tea plantations towards the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. You may need more of those stops here, as there's prettier and prettier scenery around every bend. 🤗
You must also stop for a tour of one of the many tea processing farms, where you'll learn about the different varieties, learn about the techniques used during colonial times, and finally taste the different grades of white, green and black tea. All this, of course, with an engaging guide who will be happy to show you around the farm. At the end, you'll even have the opportunity to buy a souvenir tea, perhaps as a gift for someone back home. 😇
Late in the afternoon you finally arrive in such a "heart" of colonialism in Sri Lanka, the town of Nuwara Eliya. Even as you arrive, you notice a distinct British influence, whether in the form of the architecture of the local post office, the villa quarters around Lake Gregory, or the local racecourse or golf course. And if you're lucky, you'll get some real English weather. After all, that's why the English chose this place to build, the altitude of around 1900 metres above sea level means the daytime temperature is much closer to European countries.
You are transferring to the highest train station in Sri Lanka, Pattipola. From here, you'll enjoy a ride on the famous train to the mountain hiking hub of Ella. In Ella, you'll once again feel a slightly European vibe. In fact, in high season it can seem that there are more tourists than locals. From the town you can walk to the famous Nine Arches Viaduct or to Rawana Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools on hot days.
Make sure to take time to explore the area around the town of Tissamaharama, where you'll find the huge Tissa Wewa water reservoir or the well-preserved dagoba, where sacred relics were once kept. On the way out of town, I recommend stopping anywhere along the road for homemade curd and honey, it's downright delicious. 😍
You leave the mountains and slowly make your way back to the ocean. On the way, you'll visit Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large elephant population, so you don't have to worry about not seeing any. Of course, it is best to visit the park early in the morning or towards the evening when it is not so hot and the animals are no longer sheltered from the heat. Besides the elephant family, you can also see herds of water buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, a variety of waterfowl and coyotes.
Yala is a larger park than Udawalawe and the main landmark is the elephant-shaped rock around which deer, elephants and water buffalo graze on the plains. The main attraction of the national park, however, is the leopards, which are often not easy to find due to the size of the park, so seeing them is not a given when visiting. Moreover, if a driver finds them and lets others know, the roads become a melee, with drivers fighting for the best spot to spot them.
You survived all the rigors of the inland and finally made it to the ocean, congratulations! 🤗
Your first stop will be at a rock formation where a geyser is created by waves crashing into the rocks in rough seas. The hole in the rock from which the water emerges is 20 metres deep and it has to be said that sometimes it's a real blow. 👌
Your 11-day tour officially ends here and you will now spend a beautiful 5 days on the Indian Ocean coast. For inspiration, I'm adding some other places to visit :)
You will be able to enjoy the sunset on the photogenic Dallawela beach near Unawatuna. There is a massive rock jutting out of the ocean, which invites you to climb it and take a photo as a souvenir.
The southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
The lighthouse is 50 metres high and there are 222 steps to the top. The lighthouse offers a spectacular view of the southern rugged coastline.
The Dutch fortress in the nearby town of Galle. With its preserved unique architecture of houses influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British immigrants and its original fortifications dating back to 1663, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an old courthouse still in use, a Dutch church, museums and luxury hotels in beautiful historic buildings. From the walls with the lighthouse there is a nice view of the ocean and the city. The streets of the city are filled with jewelry shops with gems and souvenirs. Although the old part of town is separated from the new bustling part by the cricket stadium and the main road, it is still a lively town, unlike Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Some houses are occupied by people, while others have been converted into stylish hotels and restaurants, offices or shops.
A little further down the coast is the first large town of Matara. On a large beach right in the centre of the town, a suspension bridge provides access to the local Buddhist temple of Weherahena.
Transport back to the airport.
Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, mountains, tea plantations and historical sites. There is truly something for everyone. After an intense journey inland, you can relax on the southern coast of the Indian Ocean, where you can reflect on your travel experiences or explore the beaches and towns along the coast. The people here are friendly, many of them speak English and are always happy to help. So if you want to combine an active exotic holiday with a bit of history, surfing and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is the destination for you :)
Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a great destination to enjoy the pleasures of the sea, as well as to venture inland on various adventure tours and experience the culture of the locals. And that it has a lot to offer in terms of culture. Not for nothing is it called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
But how can you travel Sri Lanka meaningfully and stress-free and take away the best experiences from it?
Check out a sample itinerary for a five-day tour of the island. Along the way, it will take you to ancient royal cities, Buddhist temples and religious sites hidden in impenetrable jungles, National Parks with exotic wildlife, and finally the most renowned beaches on the south coast.
This itinerary includes a five-day sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka and is rounded off with another five days of beach fun with a free programme.
You have arrived in Sri Lanka, welcome! :)
Your driver is picking you up at the airport and you can't wait to get to know the island!
Your first stop is the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, where you'll get to see Indian elephants up close and personal. The facility has been in operation for over 40 years, caring for elephants who, for various reasons, cannot fend for themselves. Most of the elephants who come here were babies who were sick, injured and abandoned by their herd and at the orphanage you can watch them going about their daily activities, which include feeding, moving to the Maha Oya River and then bathing and rooting around in the mud on the banks.
Before you leave, you can also visit the local "Mushroom Factory". A factory that makes paper from elephant dung, and then a shop where you can buy some of the paper products.
Today, one of the island's biggest attractions awaits you. The climb to Lion Rock. which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area, especially the remote mountainous landscape in the south of the island. At the top are the ruins of the palaces built by King Kashyapa in BC. He hid here from his brother and built an impregnable fortress. Before climbing the rock to the remains of the fortress, you will walk through the original royal gardens with water tanks and fountains that make the area below the rock a beautiful park.
After visiting Lion Rock, you can then visit Mount Pidurangala, which has a beautiful view of Sigiriya in particular. However, the climb is more challenging especially in the final passage and definitely not for everyone. The top of the rock is large and gradually sloping. There is therefore room for everyone to take a short break to contemplate the beautiful view :)
You stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, where you are greeted on arrival by a huge golden statue of Buddha. However, the more pleasant approach to the cave compound is from the other side, a few minutes' drive from the main road. There are fewer tourists and you'll meet many curious monkeys on the way to the top :). At the top you need to take off your clothes again and cover your legs and shoulders. If you are not comfortable walking on the rock surface, you can use socks again. In the individual cave chambers there are beautifully sculpted Buddhist statues and decorated walls. An interesting fact is that you must not have your back to the Buddha in the photos, which is also pointed out by a number of signboards.
You're heading further south down the island, towards the mountains. The first of the stops will be in the agricultural area around the town of Matale, where you will visit a spice garden and learn how the different types of spices commonly used today and in Czech cuisine are grown and processed. After a lecture with a local guide, you can also buy a little something as a souvenir in a local shop.
The town of Matale is also known for its rather large Hindu community. And to prove it, there is a beautiful Hindu temple right on the main road in the centre of town, which is definitely worth a visit. Again, watch out for shoes and shorts :). From Matale, you will then move on to Kandy, where you will rest in a nice Hotel.
In the morning you will be able to see the city of Kandy in daylight, including a view of the whole city and the lake below.
Then you will have a tour of the Temple of Buddha's Tooth in the heart of the city. This is one of the most sacred buildings on the island. Hidden in the heart of the temple is the Buddha's tooth, closely guarded and locked away in seven golden boxes. Aside from the relics, you can also admire the richly decorated rooms depicting the history of the Buddha's tooth in painted pictures.
I definitely recommend you to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which is one of the most important in the world. With an average temperature of 24°C and 160 rainy days a year, tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world thrive here.
Slowly you leave Kandy and head up into the mountains through the local tea plantations towards the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. You may need more of those stops here, as there's prettier and prettier scenery around every bend. 🤗
You must also stop for a tour of one of the many tea processing farms, where you'll learn about the different varieties, learn about the techniques used during colonial times, and finally taste the different grades of white, green and black tea. All this, of course, with an engaging guide who will be happy to show you around the farm. At the end, you'll even have the opportunity to buy a souvenir tea, perhaps as a gift for someone back home. 😇
Late in the afternoon you finally arrive in such a "heart" of colonialism in Sri Lanka, the town of Nuwara Eliya. Even as you arrive, you notice a distinct British influence, whether in the form of the architecture of the local post office, the villa quarters around Lake Gregory, or the local racecourse or golf course. And if you're lucky, you'll get some real English weather. After all, that's why the English chose this place to build, the altitude of around 1900 metres above sea level means the daytime temperature is much closer to European countries.
You are transferring to the highest train station in Sri Lanka, Pattipola. From here, you'll enjoy a ride on the famous train to the mountain hiking hub of Ella. In Ella, you'll once again feel a slightly European vibe. In fact, in high season it can seem that there are more tourists than locals. From the town you can walk to the famous Nine Arches Viaduct or to Rawana Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools on hot days.
Make sure to take time to explore the area around the town of Tissamaharama, where you'll find the huge Tissa Wewa water reservoir or the well-preserved dagoba, where sacred relics were once kept. On the way out of town, I recommend stopping anywhere along the road for homemade curd and honey, it's downright delicious. 😍
You leave the mountains and slowly make your way back to the ocean. On the way, you'll visit Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large elephant population, so you don't have to worry about not seeing any. Of course, it is best to visit the park early in the morning or towards the evening when it is not so hot and the animals are no longer sheltered from the heat. Besides the elephant family, you can also see herds of water buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, a variety of waterfowl and coyotes.
Yala is a larger park than Udawalawe and the main landmark is the elephant-shaped rock around which deer, elephants and water buffalo graze on the plains. The main attraction of the national park, however, is the leopards, which are often not easy to find due to the size of the park, so seeing them is not a given when visiting. Moreover, if a driver finds them and lets others know, the roads become a melee, with drivers fighting for the best spot to spot them.
You survived all the rigors of the inland and finally made it to the ocean, congratulations! 🤗
Your first stop will be at a rock formation where a geyser is created by waves crashing into the rocks in rough seas. The hole in the rock from which the water emerges is 20 metres deep and it has to be said that sometimes it's a real blow. 👌
Your 11-day tour officially ends here and you will now spend a beautiful 5 days on the Indian Ocean coast. For inspiration, I'm adding some other places to visit :)
You will be able to enjoy the sunset on the photogenic Dallawela beach near Unawatuna. There is a massive rock jutting out of the ocean, which invites you to climb it and take a photo as a souvenir.
The southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
The lighthouse is 50 metres high and there are 222 steps to the top. The lighthouse offers a spectacular view of the southern rugged coastline.
The Dutch fortress in the nearby town of Galle. With its preserved unique architecture of houses influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British immigrants and its original fortifications dating back to 1663, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an old courthouse still in use, a Dutch church, museums and luxury hotels in beautiful historic buildings. From the walls with the lighthouse there is a nice view of the ocean and the city. The streets of the city are filled with jewelry shops with gems and souvenirs. Although the old part of town is separated from the new bustling part by the cricket stadium and the main road, it is still a lively town, unlike Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Some houses are occupied by people, while others have been converted into stylish hotels and restaurants, offices or shops.
A little further down the coast is the first large town of Matara. On a large beach right in the centre of the town, a suspension bridge provides access to the local Buddhist temple of Weherahena.
Transport back to the airport.
Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, mountains, tea plantations and historical sites. There is truly something for everyone. After an intense journey inland, you can relax on the southern coast of the Indian Ocean, where you can reflect on your travel experiences or explore the beaches and towns along the coast. The people here are friendly, many of them speak English and are always happy to help. So if you want to combine an active exotic holiday with a bit of history, surfing and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is the destination for you :)
itinerary by Jakub Moser
Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a great destination to enjoy the pleasures of the sea, as well as to venture inland on various adventure tours and experience the culture of the locals. And that it has a lot to offer in terms of culture. Not for nothing is it called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
But how can you travel Sri Lanka meaningfully and stress-free and take away the best experiences from it?
Check out a sample itinerary for a five-day tour of the island. Along the way, it will take you to ancient royal cities, Buddhist temples and religious sites hidden in impenetrable jungles, National Parks with exotic wildlife, and finally the most renowned beaches on the south coast.
This itinerary includes a five-day sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka and is rounded off with another five days of beach fun with a free programme.
You have arrived in Sri Lanka, welcome! :)
Your driver is picking you up at the airport and you can't wait to get to know the island!
Your first stop is the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, where you'll get to see Indian elephants up close and personal. The facility has been in operation for over 40 years, caring for elephants who, for various reasons, cannot fend for themselves. Most of the elephants who come here were babies who were sick, injured and abandoned by their herd and at the orphanage you can watch them going about their daily activities, which include feeding, moving to the Maha Oya River and then bathing and rooting around in the mud on the banks.
Before you leave, you can also visit the local "Mushroom Factory". A factory that makes paper from elephant dung, and then a shop where you can buy some of the paper products.
Today, one of the island's biggest attractions awaits you. The climb to Lion Rock. which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area, especially the remote mountainous landscape in the south of the island. At the top are the ruins of the palaces built by King Kashyapa in BC. He hid here from his brother and built an impregnable fortress. Before climbing the rock to the remains of the fortress, you will walk through the original royal gardens with water tanks and fountains that make the area below the rock a beautiful park.
After visiting Lion Rock, you can then visit Mount Pidurangala, which has a beautiful view of Sigiriya in particular. However, the climb is more challenging especially in the final passage and definitely not for everyone. The top of the rock is large and gradually sloping. There is therefore room for everyone to take a short break to contemplate the beautiful view :)
You stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, where you are greeted on arrival by a huge golden statue of Buddha. However, the more pleasant approach to the cave compound is from the other side, a few minutes' drive from the main road. There are fewer tourists and you'll meet many curious monkeys on the way to the top :). At the top you need to take off your clothes again and cover your legs and shoulders. If you are not comfortable walking on the rock surface, you can use socks again. In the individual cave chambers there are beautifully sculpted Buddhist statues and decorated walls. An interesting fact is that you must not have your back to the Buddha in the photos, which is also pointed out by a number of signboards.
You're heading further south down the island, towards the mountains. The first of the stops will be in the agricultural area around the town of Matale, where you will visit a spice garden and learn how the different types of spices commonly used today and in Czech cuisine are grown and processed. After a lecture with a local guide, you can also buy a little something as a souvenir in a local shop.
The town of Matale is also known for its rather large Hindu community. And to prove it, there is a beautiful Hindu temple right on the main road in the centre of town, which is definitely worth a visit. Again, watch out for shoes and shorts :). From Matale, you will then move on to Kandy, where you will rest in a nice Hotel.
In the morning you will be able to see the city of Kandy in daylight, including a view of the whole city and the lake below.
Then you will have a tour of the Temple of Buddha's Tooth in the heart of the city. This is one of the most sacred buildings on the island. Hidden in the heart of the temple is the Buddha's tooth, closely guarded and locked away in seven golden boxes. Aside from the relics, you can also admire the richly decorated rooms depicting the history of the Buddha's tooth in painted pictures.
I definitely recommend you to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which is one of the most important in the world. With an average temperature of 24°C and 160 rainy days a year, tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world thrive here.
Slowly you leave Kandy and head up into the mountains through the local tea plantations towards the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. You may need more of those stops here, as there's prettier and prettier scenery around every bend. 🤗
You must also stop for a tour of one of the many tea processing farms, where you'll learn about the different varieties, learn about the techniques used during colonial times, and finally taste the different grades of white, green and black tea. All this, of course, with an engaging guide who will be happy to show you around the farm. At the end, you'll even have the opportunity to buy a souvenir tea, perhaps as a gift for someone back home. 😇
Late in the afternoon you finally arrive in such a "heart" of colonialism in Sri Lanka, the town of Nuwara Eliya. Even as you arrive, you notice a distinct British influence, whether in the form of the architecture of the local post office, the villa quarters around Lake Gregory, or the local racecourse or golf course. And if you're lucky, you'll get some real English weather. After all, that's why the English chose this place to build, the altitude of around 1900 metres above sea level means the daytime temperature is much closer to European countries.
You are transferring to the highest train station in Sri Lanka, Pattipola. From here, you'll enjoy a ride on the famous train to the mountain hiking hub of Ella. In Ella, you'll once again feel a slightly European vibe. In fact, in high season it can seem that there are more tourists than locals. From the town you can walk to the famous Nine Arches Viaduct or to Rawana Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools on hot days.
Make sure to take time to explore the area around the town of Tissamaharama, where you'll find the huge Tissa Wewa water reservoir or the well-preserved dagoba, where sacred relics were once kept. On the way out of town, I recommend stopping anywhere along the road for homemade curd and honey, it's downright delicious. 😍
You leave the mountains and slowly make your way back to the ocean. On the way, you'll visit Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large elephant population, so you don't have to worry about not seeing any. Of course, it is best to visit the park early in the morning or towards the evening when it is not so hot and the animals are no longer sheltered from the heat. Besides the elephant family, you can also see herds of water buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, a variety of waterfowl and coyotes.
Yala is a larger park than Udawalawe and the main landmark is the elephant-shaped rock around which deer, elephants and water buffalo graze on the plains. The main attraction of the national park, however, is the leopards, which are often not easy to find due to the size of the park, so seeing them is not a given when visiting. Moreover, if a driver finds them and lets others know, the roads become a melee, with drivers fighting for the best spot to spot them.
You survived all the rigors of the inland and finally made it to the ocean, congratulations! 🤗
Your first stop will be at a rock formation where a geyser is created by waves crashing into the rocks in rough seas. The hole in the rock from which the water emerges is 20 metres deep and it has to be said that sometimes it's a real blow. 👌
Your 11-day tour officially ends here and you will now spend a beautiful 5 days on the Indian Ocean coast. For inspiration, I'm adding some other places to visit :)
You will be able to enjoy the sunset on the photogenic Dallawela beach near Unawatuna. There is a massive rock jutting out of the ocean, which invites you to climb it and take a photo as a souvenir.
The southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
The lighthouse is 50 metres high and there are 222 steps to the top. The lighthouse offers a spectacular view of the southern rugged coastline.
The Dutch fortress in the nearby town of Galle. With its preserved unique architecture of houses influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British immigrants and its original fortifications dating back to 1663, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an old courthouse still in use, a Dutch church, museums and luxury hotels in beautiful historic buildings. From the walls with the lighthouse there is a nice view of the ocean and the city. The streets of the city are filled with jewelry shops with gems and souvenirs. Although the old part of town is separated from the new bustling part by the cricket stadium and the main road, it is still a lively town, unlike Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Some houses are occupied by people, while others have been converted into stylish hotels and restaurants, offices or shops.
A little further down the coast is the first large town of Matara. On a large beach right in the centre of the town, a suspension bridge provides access to the local Buddhist temple of Weherahena.
Transport back to the airport.
Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, mountains, tea plantations and historical sites. There is truly something for everyone. After an intense journey inland, you can relax on the southern coast of the Indian Ocean, where you can reflect on your travel experiences or explore the beaches and towns along the coast. The people here are friendly, many of them speak English and are always happy to help. So if you want to combine an active exotic holiday with a bit of history, surfing and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is the destination for you :)
Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a great destination to enjoy the pleasures of the sea, as well as to venture inland on various adventure tours and experience the culture of the locals. And that it has a lot to offer in terms of culture. Not for nothing is it called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
But how can you travel Sri Lanka meaningfully and stress-free and take away the best experiences from it?
Check out a sample itinerary for a five-day tour of the island. Along the way, it will take you to ancient royal cities, Buddhist temples and religious sites hidden in impenetrable jungles, National Parks with exotic wildlife, and finally the most renowned beaches on the south coast.
This itinerary includes a five-day sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka and is rounded off with another five days of beach fun with a free programme.
You have arrived in Sri Lanka, welcome! :)
Your driver is picking you up at the airport and you can't wait to get to know the island!
Your first stop is the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, where you'll get to see Indian elephants up close and personal. The facility has been in operation for over 40 years, caring for elephants who, for various reasons, cannot fend for themselves. Most of the elephants who come here were babies who were sick, injured and abandoned by their herd and at the orphanage you can watch them going about their daily activities, which include feeding, moving to the Maha Oya River and then bathing and rooting around in the mud on the banks.
Before you leave, you can also visit the local "Mushroom Factory". A factory that makes paper from elephant dung, and then a shop where you can buy some of the paper products.
Today, one of the island's biggest attractions awaits you. The climb to Lion Rock. which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area, especially the remote mountainous landscape in the south of the island. At the top are the ruins of the palaces built by King Kashyapa in BC. He hid here from his brother and built an impregnable fortress. Before climbing the rock to the remains of the fortress, you will walk through the original royal gardens with water tanks and fountains that make the area below the rock a beautiful park.
After visiting Lion Rock, you can then visit Mount Pidurangala, which has a beautiful view of Sigiriya in particular. However, the climb is more challenging especially in the final passage and definitely not for everyone. The top of the rock is large and gradually sloping. There is therefore room for everyone to take a short break to contemplate the beautiful view :)
You stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, where you are greeted on arrival by a huge golden statue of Buddha. However, the more pleasant approach to the cave compound is from the other side, a few minutes' drive from the main road. There are fewer tourists and you'll meet many curious monkeys on the way to the top :). At the top you need to take off your clothes again and cover your legs and shoulders. If you are not comfortable walking on the rock surface, you can use socks again. In the individual cave chambers there are beautifully sculpted Buddhist statues and decorated walls. An interesting fact is that you must not have your back to the Buddha in the photos, which is also pointed out by a number of signboards.
You're heading further south down the island, towards the mountains. The first of the stops will be in the agricultural area around the town of Matale, where you will visit a spice garden and learn how the different types of spices commonly used today and in Czech cuisine are grown and processed. After a lecture with a local guide, you can also buy a little something as a souvenir in a local shop.
The town of Matale is also known for its rather large Hindu community. And to prove it, there is a beautiful Hindu temple right on the main road in the centre of town, which is definitely worth a visit. Again, watch out for shoes and shorts :). From Matale, you will then move on to Kandy, where you will rest in a nice Hotel.
In the morning you will be able to see the city of Kandy in daylight, including a view of the whole city and the lake below.
Then you will have a tour of the Temple of Buddha's Tooth in the heart of the city. This is one of the most sacred buildings on the island. Hidden in the heart of the temple is the Buddha's tooth, closely guarded and locked away in seven golden boxes. Aside from the relics, you can also admire the richly decorated rooms depicting the history of the Buddha's tooth in painted pictures.
I definitely recommend you to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which is one of the most important in the world. With an average temperature of 24°C and 160 rainy days a year, tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world thrive here.
Slowly you leave Kandy and head up into the mountains through the local tea plantations towards the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. You may need more of those stops here, as there's prettier and prettier scenery around every bend. 🤗
You must also stop for a tour of one of the many tea processing farms, where you'll learn about the different varieties, learn about the techniques used during colonial times, and finally taste the different grades of white, green and black tea. All this, of course, with an engaging guide who will be happy to show you around the farm. At the end, you'll even have the opportunity to buy a souvenir tea, perhaps as a gift for someone back home. 😇
Late in the afternoon you finally arrive in such a "heart" of colonialism in Sri Lanka, the town of Nuwara Eliya. Even as you arrive, you notice a distinct British influence, whether in the form of the architecture of the local post office, the villa quarters around Lake Gregory, or the local racecourse or golf course. And if you're lucky, you'll get some real English weather. After all, that's why the English chose this place to build, the altitude of around 1900 metres above sea level means the daytime temperature is much closer to European countries.
You are transferring to the highest train station in Sri Lanka, Pattipola. From here, you'll enjoy a ride on the famous train to the mountain hiking hub of Ella. In Ella, you'll once again feel a slightly European vibe. In fact, in high season it can seem that there are more tourists than locals. From the town you can walk to the famous Nine Arches Viaduct or to Rawana Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools on hot days.
Make sure to take time to explore the area around the town of Tissamaharama, where you'll find the huge Tissa Wewa water reservoir or the well-preserved dagoba, where sacred relics were once kept. On the way out of town, I recommend stopping anywhere along the road for homemade curd and honey, it's downright delicious. 😍
You leave the mountains and slowly make your way back to the ocean. On the way, you'll visit Udawalawe National Park. It is famous for its large elephant population, so you don't have to worry about not seeing any. Of course, it is best to visit the park early in the morning or towards the evening when it is not so hot and the animals are no longer sheltered from the heat. Besides the elephant family, you can also see herds of water buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, a variety of waterfowl and coyotes.
Yala is a larger park than Udawalawe and the main landmark is the elephant-shaped rock around which deer, elephants and water buffalo graze on the plains. The main attraction of the national park, however, is the leopards, which are often not easy to find due to the size of the park, so seeing them is not a given when visiting. Moreover, if a driver finds them and lets others know, the roads become a melee, with drivers fighting for the best spot to spot them.
You survived all the rigors of the inland and finally made it to the ocean, congratulations! 🤗
Your first stop will be at a rock formation where a geyser is created by waves crashing into the rocks in rough seas. The hole in the rock from which the water emerges is 20 metres deep and it has to be said that sometimes it's a real blow. 👌
Your 11-day tour officially ends here and you will now spend a beautiful 5 days on the Indian Ocean coast. For inspiration, I'm adding some other places to visit :)
You will be able to enjoy the sunset on the photogenic Dallawela beach near Unawatuna. There is a massive rock jutting out of the ocean, which invites you to climb it and take a photo as a souvenir.
The southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
The lighthouse is 50 metres high and there are 222 steps to the top. The lighthouse offers a spectacular view of the southern rugged coastline.
The Dutch fortress in the nearby town of Galle. With its preserved unique architecture of houses influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British immigrants and its original fortifications dating back to 1663, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an old courthouse still in use, a Dutch church, museums and luxury hotels in beautiful historic buildings. From the walls with the lighthouse there is a nice view of the ocean and the city. The streets of the city are filled with jewelry shops with gems and souvenirs. Although the old part of town is separated from the new bustling part by the cricket stadium and the main road, it is still a lively town, unlike Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Some houses are occupied by people, while others have been converted into stylish hotels and restaurants, offices or shops.
A little further down the coast is the first large town of Matara. On a large beach right in the centre of the town, a suspension bridge provides access to the local Buddhist temple of Weherahena.
Transport back to the airport.
Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, mountains, tea plantations and historical sites. There is truly something for everyone. After an intense journey inland, you can relax on the southern coast of the Indian Ocean, where you can reflect on your travel experiences or explore the beaches and towns along the coast. The people here are friendly, many of them speak English and are always happy to help. So if you want to combine an active exotic holiday with a bit of history, surfing and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is the destination for you :)
