Sri Lanka Heritage East Coast

Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be warmly welcomed by your Let's See Asia representative and begin your journey towards the cultural capital of Kandy. En route, you will visit the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe rescued elephants being fed and bathing in the river. After this heartwarming experience, you will continue your scenic drive through lush countryside and rolling hills before arriving in Kandy. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the evening at leisure to relax and settle in. Dinner will be served at your hotel, allowing you to experience the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. Overnight stay at Mirage Kandyan Heights.

After breakfast, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Kandy, which is Sri Lanka's cultural capital and a city of great historical and religious significance. You will visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is one of Buddhism's most venerated sites and houses the revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha. You will then continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, one of Asia's finest botanical gardens, where you can wander through beautifully landscaped gardens featuring thousands of species of tropical plants, orchids, and towering palm trees. Throughout the day, you will enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka's hill country, with its cool climate, lush greenery, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Dinner will be served at your hotel. Overnight stay at Mirage Kandyan Heights.

After breakfast, you will travel towards Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, stopping en route at the Spice Garden in Matale, where you will learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous spices and medicinal herbs, including cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and cloves. You will then continue to the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will explore the impressive cave complex adorned with colorful Buddhist murals and over 150 beautifully crafted Buddha statues. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, which is famous for its wild elephant gatherings, where you may witness herds of elephants, as well as spotted deer, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. After your safari, you will continue to Sigiriya and check into your hotel. Dinner will be served at your hotel. Overnight stay at Camellia Resort & Spa.

After breakfast, you will discover Anuradhapura, which is Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and one of the country's most sacred UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dating back over 2,000 years. You will explore the impressive ruins of this ancient kingdom, including massive stupas, monasteries, and intricately carved stone structures that showcase the grandeur of Sri Lanka's early civilization. You will visit the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, which is a sacred fig tree grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, making it one of the most venerated sites in the Buddhist world. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the city's history, its kings, and its significance as a center of Buddhism and ancient learning. After a day of exploration, you will return to your hotel in Sigiriya and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay at Camellia Resort & Spa.

After breakfast, you will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka's most remarkable archaeological wonders, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. You will ascend through the ancient water gardens, climb the famous Lion's Paws staircase, and admire the exquisite frescoes and the Mirror Wall before reaching the summit, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and countryside. Later in the day, you will experience traditional village life with a bullock cart ride through the paddy fields, a catamaran ride across a village lake, and an introduction to traditional Sri Lankan cooking and farming practices. You will have the opportunity to interact with local villagers and experience their warm hospitality before returning to your hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at Camellia Resort & Spa.

After breakfast, you will explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was Sri Lanka's medieval capital and is home to beautifully preserved ruins, royal palaces, ancient temples, and giant Buddha statues that showcase the grandeur of Sri Lanka's glorious past. You will walk through the archaeological park, discovering the remarkable architectural and artistic achievements of the Polonnaruwa kingdom. Continuing your journey, you will travel towards Sri Lanka's beautiful East Coast, stopping en route at Kantale Lake for a relaxing kayaking experience on the calm waters surrounded by lush greenery. After this peaceful interlude, you will continue to Nilaveli on the East Coast, check into your beachfront hotel, and enjoy dinner with the soothing sound of the ocean in the background. Overnight stay at C Beyond Nilaveli.

After breakfast, you will explore Trincomalee's most iconic landmarks and enjoy panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. You will visit Fort Frederick, which is a colonial-era fort built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch and British, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding area. You will also visit the Koneswaram Temple, which is an ancient Hindu temple perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the ocean and is one of Sri Lanka's most important and beautiful temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple offers breathtaking ocean cliff views, with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon, creating a truly spiritual and picturesque experience. After your exploration, you will return to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay at C Beyond Nilaveli.

After breakfast, you will embark on a boat excursion to Pigeon Island National Park, which is a marine national park located just off the coast of Nilaveli and is one of Sri Lanka's premier snorkeling destinations. You will discover colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life, including vibrant reef fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating underwater creatures. The crystal-clear waters around the island provide excellent visibility for snorkelling, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the coral ecosystem. Your guide will help you spot different species of fish and marine life, and you will have ample time to swim and explore the underwater world. After your marine adventure, you will return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner. Overnight stay at C Beyond Nilaveli.

Today is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure on the beautiful East Coast of Sri Lanka, with no organized activities scheduled to allow you complete flexibility to relax and recharge. You can spend your day relaxing on the pristine white sand beaches of Nilaveli, swimming in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply unwinding by the hotel pool with a refreshing drink and a good book. For those seeking adventure, optional whale watching excursions are available at an additional cost, offering the chance to spot Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the deep waters off the coast. You may also explore the local area, visit nearby villages, or enjoy beach activities such as snorkeling and swimming at your leisure. Dinner will be served at your hotel. Overnight stay at C Beyond Nilaveli.

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the East Coast and proceed towards Negombo for your final night in Sri Lanka. The journey takes you across the island, passing through diverse landscapes of rural villages, paddy fields, and coastal scenery. Upon arrival in Negombo, you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore this charming coastal town. Negombo is known for its beautiful beaches, colonial-era churches, Dutch Canal, and colorful fishing harbor, and you may choose to take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront or explore the local markets. Dinner will be served at your hotel, providing a relaxing end to your final evening in Sri Lanka. Overnight stay at Earls Regent Negombo.