Majestic Kingdoms

Move through the former kingdoms and see how the kings and queens lived and ruled in this ancient territory.

See for yourself why clients are calling their private trip to Sri Lanka “amazing”…..

Day 1 Negombo

Your arrival in Colombo marks the start of your experience on the Isle of Serendip. In the arrival hall of Bandaranayake International Airport you will find your English speaking host and driver. You can be at ease knowing that we take pride in selecting professional and well-spoken drivers, who will take you to your beautiful sea side hotel located a short distance from the airport.

Depending on the time of your arrival, you can relax in the pool at your hotel or take in the astonishing ocean views. Soak up the relaxing sounds of the water and watch local fishermen as they hoist in their nets full of the day’s catch. You might even want to try an adventurous catamaran ride from the beach.

Day 2 Wilpattu National Park

This morning, after you wake up in your island paradise, you will travel to Wilpattu National Park for an afternoon Safari. Here you will have a chance to see elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles and much more in their natural habitat as the sun sets. Afterward, you will take a short drive to Anuradhapura for dinner and a refreshing night’s sleep.

Day 3 Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was the island’s first ancient capital dating back to 380 BC. Today you’ll get to see it for yourself this UNESCO world heritage site. You’ll be able to view the ruins of 3 great monasteries along with what is believed to be the world’s oldest living tree under which the Buddha was enlightened. Many will choose to take in these sites on our guided cycling tour.

The evening will be a time of rest & relaxation at your hotel in Anuradhapura as you consider what you’ve seen thus far.

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Day 4 Sigiriya Rock

This morning, you will see out early and travel to the famous Sigiriya Rock. In the afternoon you ascend 200 meters to the top of this former citadel of Sri Lanka known as Lion Rock. There are beautiful caves and water gardens around the base of this mountain. While hiking and winding up the staircase to the top, you’ll see the famous damsel frescoes. Enjoy a short rest and the beautiful view at the top while looking over the footers for the once famous palace.

Day 5 Dambulla

The journey today takes you into the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. In Dambulla you’ll see the best preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. Cave #2 will impress you with over 150 life sized statues of the Buddha along with extravagant murals.

After your cave temple tour you’ll head south toward the city of Kandy which was the last capital of Sinhalese kings.

Day 6 Kandy

The magic of the former Kandy Kingdom comes alive as you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This Buddhist temple is a UNESCO world heritage site that is within the royal palace complex. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in the local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic of the Buddha’s tooth holds the governance of the nation. Take a few minutes to visit the Sri Dalada Museum which is on the same site and keep an eye out for monkeys who prowl around this area.

Following the temple and museum, your private guide will take you on a tour of the town of Kandy including the famous Kandy Lake. Be sure to make a few stops along the way and enjoy a cold drink or ice cream offered by the many vendors along the paved route. Also, don’t miss the newly renovated Queens’ bathing house situated on the west side of the lake.

If you’re visiting during the month of August, you’ll be in for the experience of a lifetime with the Esala Perahera. This annual procession of dancers, drummers, costumed participants, silk gowned elephants, spearmen and flag bearers parades around the city with great flair!

Day 7 Nuwara Eliya

Wake up this morning and prepare for the train ride to Nuwara Eliya. This journey will take you through picturesque tea plantations, waterfalls and riverbeds – just made for post cards. The cool refreshing weather of Nuwara Eliya can be enjoyed while exploring the beautiful tea country. Here you can tour a working plantation to see how tea is produced from picking to packaging.

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Day 8 Colombo

After a late check out, you will make the trip down the mountain to the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. Take your time on the way to stop at a tea plantation in Hatton and enjoy the famous tea. You may want to capture some photos of the process of plucking the beautiful tea leaves while you are there. You will also have opportunities to see breathtaking waterfalls along the way. Once in Colombo, you will check into your hotel and settle in for the night.

Day 9 Colombo

After breakfast you’ll set out on your Colombo city tuk-tuk safari. While touring you will visit the magnificent stone edifice at Independence Square which commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. Then you will tour the Gangarama Temple which is the oldest Buddhist temple in Colombo.

If time permits, the Red Mosque in the bustling market area known as Pettah is a must- see. Nearby, the Dutch hospital is considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area dating back to Dutch colonialism. It has now been refurbished to offer the best of dining, shopping and spa. Enjoy high tea at the world-famous Galle Face hotel. Then , to wrap up the city tour, you can take a stroll oceanside on the Galle Face Green as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, you will prepare for your journey home. Depending on your flight details, you can spend some time shopping for souvenirs and enjoy one last cup of tea. Reminisce with joy on your experience and contemplate when you can return to the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”