Family Fun Sri Lanka 8N 9D

DAMBULLA  CITY 

 Dambulla is an ancient heritage city in Sri Lanka that  is influenced by Buddhist culture and situated in the center of cultural triangle of UNESCO world heritage sites and famous attraction is the  largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Apart to that several popular attractions nearby and some of them are in you travel basket.

 En-route near to Dambulla you can visit Ibbankatuwa Megalathic tomb complex  dated back to 700 – 400 B.C,  which is an ancient burial site and  thought to belong to the megalithic prehistoric and protohistoric periods of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the several ancient burial sites that have been found in the country.

Also Dambulla is having the largest agricultural economic center in Sri Lanka , where thousands of buyers and sellers meet together. If the time permit your tour guide will bring you there for a short visit. Then you will get an early checking option to the hotel in Dambulla where you plan to stay for next two days.

MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

 After early checking to the  hotel you can have a dip in swimming pool and relax in hot weather . In the evening you are proceed to witness the  biggest gathering of wild Asian elephants in the world over 300 no’s of elephant  around Minneriya rain water reserve in the  Minneriya National safari park. 

It’s home for large no of flora and fauna as well as home for large no of species of mammals, birds and reptiles , some are endemic to Sri Lanka. This will be surely, one of your remarkable life time experience. 

Day Plan

• Welcome the guests at the Colombo International Airport by Travelcom Lanka representative 
• Transfer to Negombo hotel depend on arrival time or Directly transfer to Dambulla. 
• On the way, you will be able witness the  varying landscapes and vegetation, with rural and city life, different cultivations & beautiful fauna and flora. You can taste fresh pineapple and  king coconut on the way from nearby plantations.
• Visit Ibbankatuwa Megalithic tomb complex  
• Visit Dambulla Economic center.
• Early Check in to the hotel at  Dambulla . 
• Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park . (Park Entrance fees + jeep hire directly by the guest)  
• Return to the Hotel & Overnight Stay at Dambulla
• Travel Time: Airport to Dambulla – 3 hours (approx.)

Activity time

• Minneriya Safari  – 3.5 Hrs
• Dambulla Economic center – 45 Mins
• Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tomb complex – 45 Mins

Overnight stay at Dambulla

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS & VILLAGE SAFARI

Sigiriya is an UNESCO world heritage sites and famous attraction is the Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress which is considered the 8th archaeological wonder of the world by some experts. It’s a 

testament of Sri Lanka’s city planning, advanced irrigation systems which brought water to the top of rock ,  water gardens with fountains and engineering marvels in the 5th century AD. Also you can see the beautiful frescoes and the fascinating mirror wall of the rock fortress.

After site visit  you will proceed to a nearby village to engage in an interesting village safari  which includes a boat ride across a scenic lake, a traditional bullock cart ride, nature walk and at the end You will can taste  an authentic village lunch prepared by a farmer’s family with freshly picked ingredients cooked in clay pots over firewood in a traditional style kitchen.  

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE

After visiting rock fortress and village safari with lunch you will checking to the hotel and can have short relaxation in the swimming pool . Evening you are proceed to visit Dambulla Cave temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple is an  UNESCO world heritage sites and famous attraction is the  largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka dates from 2nd centaury BC. Although there are documented 80 nos of caves , major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings related to  Buddha and his life. 

Day Plan

• After early breakfast leave for Sigiriya Rock fortress (Entrance fees directly by the guest)
• After fortress visit proceed to Village safari with Lunch
• Checking to hotel and relax in the hotel
• Afternoon visit Dambulla Cave Temple 
• Return to the Hotel & Overnight Stay at Dambulla
• Travel Time:  Dambulla to Sigiriya  – 30 Mins

Activity time

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress visit – 2.5 Hrs  – 3 Hrs
• Village Safari  with lunch– 2 Hrs
• Dambulla Cave temple  – 1.5 Hrs

Overnight stay at Dambulla

SPICE HUB AT MATALE  

When travel from Dambulla to Kandy you can  Visit  spice gardens in Matale city which  is considered as the Spice hub of Sri Lanka with large and small scale spice gardens and processing plants. Also you can learn uses and benefits of each spices and even taste them , test health care and skin care products during this one hour tour.

KANDY LAST KINGDOM OF SRI LANKA

After Spice garden visit directly proceed to hill country capital Kandy city  which have charm weather compare to hot climate in Dambulla . Kandy is the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and  one of a most visited beautiful and exciting place in Sri Lanka by foreign tourists and  famous for the most sacred Temple of the Tooth relic shrine . It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha from 1600 AD. 

One of the Island most famous tourist attraction,  Kandy Esala Perahera , also known as The Procession of the Tooth relic is held in July and August in Kandy. Once you arrived Kandy you will proceed to the Temple of tooth relic and  after the visit, scroll  around the iconic Kandy lake admiring the serene and stunning landscape. Then you check in to the hotel for a short break until evening program.

In the evening you will witness a colourful cultural show of traditional Sri Lankan dances and pageantry. This  vibrant event filled with colourful costumes, graceful dances and oriental music, making it a memorable experience. After the cultural show you can have the dinner and unwind into the night at a local pub, where you can mingle with the locals and see and experience the local pub. 

Learn More

Day Plan

• Checkout from the hotel after breakfast
• En route Visit Spice Gardens in Matale which is the Spice hub of Sri Lanka. Can visit spice plantations and processing centers
•  Visit Sacred Temple of tooth relic in Kandy – The last kingdom of Sri Lanka
• Evening Experience the Cultural Show
• Check in to the Kandy Hotel and overnight stay in Kandy
• Overnight stay in a  Hotel in Kandy
• Travel Time:  Dambulla to Kandy  – 2 hours (approx.)

Activity time

• Matale Spice garden tour – 1.5 Hrs
• Temple of tooth relic – 1.5Hrs
• Evening Cultural show – 1 Hrs

Overnight stay at Kandy

KANDY CITY TOUR 

After breakfast you will embark on a city tour in Kandy. If you are gem entrusts you can visit gem shops where Sri Lanka is famous for its unique range of gems. Sri Lanka’s gem industry has a very long and colorful history. The island have the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world 

 PERADENIYA ROYAL BOTONICAL GARDEN VIST AND TEA FACTORY VISIT

En-route to Nuwara-Elia visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden , The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 during Sri Lankan kings and later , The Botanical Garden at Peradeniya was formally established in 1843 by British rulers. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres and a must visit place in Kandy. After garden visit proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

En-route you can visit tea garden and tea processing factory and taste zip of finest Ceylon Tea. In over 150 years, the name Ceylon had become synonymous with the world’s finest tea. 

What Scotland is to whisky; Ceylon is to tea.

NUWARA ELIYA 

Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque city located in an altitude of around 1,868 mts above sea level  in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its cool climate, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes. Often referred to as “Little England” due to its colonial-era architecture and English countryside feel, Nuwara Eliya is a popular tourist destination known for its tea plantations, scenic waterfalls, and recreational activities 

After checking in to the hotel,  in the evening, you will proceed to the Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour that covers the famous Gregory lake. You can engage many water sports activities here. After enjoying the sightseeing tour relish in a local pub in a colonial building.

Day Plan

• Check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Nuwara Eliya
• En-route Visit Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya
• Visit Tea factory with tea plantation and tea tasting
• Visit beautiful Ramboda water falls
• Visit beautiful Gregory Lake with plenty of water sports
• Check in to hotel in Nuwara Eliya .
• Travel Time:   Kandy to Nuwara Eliya  – 2.5 hours (approx.)

ACTIVITY TIME

• Kandy City visit ( Art & Craft, Gem Museum )– 1.5 Hrs
• Royal Botonical Garden – 2 Hrs
• Tea factory visit – 1 Hrs
• Greagory Lake – 1.5 Hrs

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya

SITHA AMMAN KOVIL

After breakfast proceed to Ella, en-route visit famous Sitha Amman kovil. This is the only Sitha Amman kovil in the world and is built according to South Indian architecture. Legend has said that Sitha was held captive and hidden in this spot by king Rama to protect her from the  king Ravana according to the Epic Ramayana. A small stream that runs close to this spot is believed to be the place where Sitha bathed during her stay. Thousands of Indian tourists visit here annually to witness this place 

ELLA , A FAMOUS TOURISTS HOT SPOT IN SRI LANKA

Ell is indeed a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. The average day time temperature is between 23°- 27°. You will witness the scenic beauty of cool up country with plenty of fresh air. Some highlights and attractions are Nine Arch Bridge which is a famous landmark in Ella , Little Adam’s Peak for hikers, beautiful Ravana Falls, Ella Gap –  a stunning natural phenomenon where the landscape dramatically opens up and lot of adventure activities like Flying Ravana Mega Zipline, Ella Swing making it a favourite among tourists visiting the island nation. Also lot of nature trails available there. 

Nightlife in Ella is colourful and vibrant but not like larger cities and revolves around array of cosy bars and restaurants that cater to travellers looking to unwind after a day of exploring. 

Yo can have live music performances, featuring acoustic sets or local bands in many pubs. These pubs serve you local beers, cocktails including Sri Lankan arrack. The vibe is generally casual, and the crowd is mainly consist of international travellers.

Day Plan

• Check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Ella

En Route

• Visit Seetha Amman Kovil 
• Visit nearby attractions around Ella
• Check in to Hotel in Ella in the evening
• Over night stay in the hotel
• Travel Time:   Nuwara Eliya to Ella  – 3 hours (approx.)

ACTIVITY TIME

• Seetha Amman Kovil – 1/2Hrs
• Ella activities – Time depend on what you select

Overnight stay at Ella

After cozy breakfast  proceed to Ahangama, a village in the deep down south of Sri Lanka where a small fishing community is living. Check in to the tropical beach resort that offers  you  sun, sea, sand and the way of life in the remote south of Sri Lanka. The resort is located in an area where you can also surf, dive . It is a place to relax, rejuvenate in the long quiet stretch of beach and a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. Another attraction is nearby  Mirissa town for Whale watching. 

Mirissa is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. The town offers boat tours where you can spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins. The whale watching season typically runs from November to April. The waters around Mirissa are great for snorkeling and diving, especially for seeing coral reefs, tropical fish, and sometimes even sea turtles.

Another  iconic attraction in Mirissa is Coconut Tree Hill, known for its row of tall coconut palms on top of a small hill overlooking the  Indian ocean. It’s a favourite Instagram -worthy location for tourists and offers stunning views, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Also Mirissa has a vibrant nightlife scene with beachfront bars, restaurants, and beach parties. Many of the bars offer drinks, music, and even bonfires right on the sand, making it a popular place for evening relaxation and socializing. Another attraction is  the art of stilt fishing – a mastery passed down from generation to generation and experience the insight of the only village of stilt fishing in the world.

Day Plan

• Check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Ahangama
• En-route Visit nearby attractions around Ella
• Check in to Hotel in Ahangama 
• in the evening involve in beach activities

• Over night stay in the hotel

• Travel Time Ella – Ahangama  – 3 hours (approx.)

ACTIVITIES

• Whale watching
• Slit Fishing
• snorkelling and diving
• Surfing

Overnight stay at Ahangama

GALLE FORT TOUR

After breakfast proceed to visit iconic Gall Fort. As we always put our effort to mingle you with local lifestyle, mode of transport to Galle is by a public bus from Ahangama. This will be a nice experience of how the locals get along with their daily means of transport .

Galle Fort is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site stands as a testament to the island’s colonial past, architectural splendours and vibrant culture. It’s originated in  the 16th century by the Portuguese during their colonial expansion in the Indian Ocean. The fortifications were further fortified and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.  Over the years, Galle Fort evolved into a thriving hub of trade, culture,  attracting merchants and sailors from across the globe.

This  impressive architecture  reflects a blend of European, South Asian, and Moorish influences. Within its walls, narrow cobblestone streets wind their way past colonial-era buildings adorned with Dutch gables, intricately carved wooden doors, and latticed windows are interesting features. 

 The Dutch Reformed Church, The Galle Fort Lighthouse, The National Maritime Museum are some important places to visit.

After exploring the Galle City and having a nice lunch at colonial type restuarnt take a walk up to the train station and catch a public train to Ahangama through the southern coastal line where you can get experience of another mode of transport to get more know how on local lifestyle. 

From the Ahangama train station there is walking distance to hotel where you can walk through Ahangama village and observe their day to day works.

Day Plan

• After  breakfast proceed to Galle fort by bus
• Visit Gall fort and other places of interest (2.5 Hrs)
• You can have your lunch in a cosy restaurant with colonial touch in the fort itself
• Return to the hotel by train
• Check in to Hotel in same hotel in the afternoon
• Relax in the beach
• Travel time –
  •  Ahangama to Galle – 30mins

Overnight stay at Ahangama

HIKKADUWA COASTAL TOWN

After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Colombo via Hikkaduwa, a popular Sothern coastal town in n Sri Lanka, is renowned for surfing and coral reefs. We stop over there for optional boat ride to see most popular coral reefs in Sri Lanka. 

Hikaduwa has a vibrant beach culture and became a lively tourist attractions, drawing both adventure seekers and those looking to relax. Hikkaduwa is home to a well-known coral sanctuary that attracts snorkelers and divers from all part of the world. The Hikkaduwa Coral Reef is rich in marine life, including colourful corals, tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles. Snorkelling here allows for visitors to explore this vibrant underwater ecosystem just off the coast. 

You can experience a popular activity of  glass-bottom boat ride in Hikkaduwa which allows visitors to explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs without diving as surrounding water body is pretty clear. 

After boat ride , directly proceed to Colombo city where you stay your last night of itinerary. .

COLOMBO CITY

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Diverse and vibrant   and developed during colonial period and can found many colonial era architectural buildings, Beautiful landscapes, bustling streets and many more. Colombo night life is vibrant with lot of Casinos , street foods and other entertainments.

Some of cultural and Historical Landmarks are Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo Fort, Wolvendaal Church, Old Parliament Building, Cargills Department Store, Colombo Lighthouse, Red Mosque, Hindu kovils and many more to see.

Also you can visit Galle Face Green , a large oceanfront park that stretches along the coast in the heart of Colombo. 

Colombo offers various shopping options  from street shops to high end shopping malls and  bustling Pettah market is a must visit place. 

Day Plan

• After  breakfast proceed to Colombo Via Hikkaduwa
• Hikkaduwa Glass bottom boat safari to see coral reefs (OPTIONAL)
• Checking to Hotel in Colombo
• Afternoon Colombo City tour
• Overnight stay in Colombo and ready your baggage for following day departure

This is the last day of your ‘Family Fun’  tour in this paradise island. After having a  lavish spread of breakfast at the hotel get ready for departure for the airport.

In Case the departure flight due in late night, you can ask late checkout from hotel and  you can shop around  Colombo City until your departure time from hotel.

This will be the end of an exciting, fun-filled and memorable tour in Sri Lanka. Hope to see you in next year too to explore the unexplored part of this Isle of paradise.

Day Plan

• After breakfast , check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Airport
• Travel Time:   Bentota to Colombo  – 2.5 hours (approx.)