[... _/\_ "Welcome to Sri Lanka" ...]

As your flight touches down, the anticipation builds, and our friendly Dolphin Holidays representatives are there to greet you with a warm Sri Lankan smile.

Next, your journey leads you to Colombo, the bustling capital city of a beautiful island. This vibrant metropolis perfectly combines contemporary life with age-old customs, providing a peek into the heart and soul of this enchanting place.

As the day winds down and it's time to relax, we'll take you to the peaceful coastal town of Negombo. This town is renowned for its unspoiled shores, charming lagoons, and a lively community deeply rooted in fishing. Here, you'll be settling into a cozy hotel or resort, allowing you to cherish the tranquility and the breathtaking views of the coastline.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Negombo

Discover Negombo's hidden gems with a visit to the tranquil Angurukaramulla Temple, a stroll along the picturesque Dutch Canal, birdwatching at Negombo Lagoon, exploring the local fishing industry at the Fish Market, or relaxing at the peaceful Palangathure Beach. You can also explore the mangroves and wildlife at Muthurajawela Marsh, appreciate colonial architecture at Negombo Fort, and visit the charming churches in "Little Rome." For a richer experience, consider a local guide while respecting local customs and traditions.

En route: Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, to watch the Baby Elephants play with trunks in the river with other giants who love the exercise

Stargazing in the night at the hotel to see the entire Milky-way Galaxy without the glare of the townships

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Sigiriya

Morning – Climb Sigiriya Lion’s Rock Fortress for the Sunrise – another UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Frescoes, Mirror Walls, Royal

Palace Garden, Lion’s Mouth, Hydraulic water pumping to the top, On the way down see the granite Amphitheater & be alert to find the ‘anomalous stone sculpture’ on the side of the Rock fortress after sunset.

Afternoon : Visit Polonnaruwa Ruins including the 'Gal Vihara' – Stone Temple Sculptures – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sightsee the Stone Temple Sculpture - ‘Gal Vihara’, Ancient Ruins, Primordial Civil Engineering Feats of irrigating distant fields with the minimum drop of altitude from the Parakrama Samudra or other lakes by the ancient kings, etc.

Sightsee : Vatadage, ‘Royal Palace’ of King Parakrama Bahu, Kiri Vehera Dagoba, Rankoth Vehera Stupa,

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Sigiriya

Visit the Holy Shrine of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya – the 1st Sacred Bodhi – setting an example of planting trees to replenish what gets logged due to the aging of trees & backup the environment

One of the Oldest Trees in the Island, helps protect the ecology. Visit the Temple that has been built with glorious gifts of devotees & other holy shrines including Isurumuniya, Mirisaveti & Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya etc. in the vicinity

Afternoon : Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to explore Wildlife (Leopard, Cheetah) roaming in the natural environment

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Anuradhapura Hotel

Welcome to Day 05 of your remarkable Sri Lankan adventure with Dolphin Holidays. Today, we embark on a special tour that seamlessly blends historical, cultural, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Our expedition commences in Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city, with origins tracing back to 380 BCE, holds immense historical and cultural importance.

Next, we head to Sigiriya, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Dominating the landscape, Sigiriya is an architectural marvel and a symbol of ancient Sri Lankan ingenuity. The climb to the summit offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and gardens.

Our journey continues to Dambulla, home to the famous cave temples. These caves house a remarkable collection of Buddhist art, with intricately painted ceilings and walls dating back to the 1st century BC.

We conclude our day in the charming city of Kandy, nestled amidst the lush hills of central Sri Lanka. Kandy is renowned for its picturesque settings, including the tranquil Kandy Lake and the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic. The evening comes alive with the captivating Kandyan cultural show, featuring traditional dance and music.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Kandy Hotel

City Tour of Kandy – To see the lakefront, stroll around the Lake, visit the Sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Premier Botanical Garden of South Asia at Peradeniya to see the flora of both Tropical & Temperate zones of the planet

Do some shopping on Gems, Batiks, Wood Carvings, Tea and Silk.

Evening : Kandy Cultural Dance Performance at 5 pm

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Kandy Hotel

Enroute: Visit a Chic Tea Plantation, Tea Factory & Taste Pure Ceylon Tea.

Evening – City Tour of Nuwara Eliya (‘Little England’) – View British Architecture, beautifully landscaped Park, Race Course, Golf Course & Lake Gregory in ‘little England’ far from the UK.

Accommodation: Overnight stays at the Nuwara EliyaHotel

Explore the Temperate Zone of the Isle where the animals have a distinct hue – the sambar, rabbit & deer appear to be different and the flora have a distinct color compared to the rest of the country

Indulge in the timeless tradition of "High Tea" at the renowned Grand Hotel, often affectionately referred to as "the Buckingham of Second Life." This grand establishment encapsulates the epitome of elegance and sophistication, providing an extraordinary experience that rivals even the most prestigious real-world tea rooms and hotels.

Evening : Stroll around the township of ‘Little England’

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Nuwara Eliya Hotel

Embark on a Train Ride with picnic Brunch, Capture the sights of the rolling hills of the Central Highlands.

On arrival at Ella, Visit the Little Adam's Peak & 9 Arches Bridge.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Nuwara Eliya Hotel

Option of Trekking the 'Ella Rock' – (Highest Peak in Ella) or

Visit the Spiral Railroad at Demodara, Climb the Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery, 'Umbrella Rock' Monastery & Ravana Falls & ….

Participate in a 'Hands On' Cookery Class preparing 7 dishes in 2 hours

In the later part of the day, head over to Yala National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Yala is a habitat to a rich array of creatures, such as elusive leopards, majestic elephants, elusive sloth bears, and a myriad of avian species. The park's rugged landscape and a variety of environments provide an ideal setting for these fascinating beings.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Yala Adventure Campsite with Bonfire & Fireflies

Your day begins in Ella, a town nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Ella is famous for its lush green landscapes, tea plantations, and stunning viewpoints. As the sun rises, you'll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of the Ella Gap, a remarkable cleft in the hills that reveals an expansive panorama.

When you arrive in Galle, you'll enter a realm where history meets the sea. Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its well-preserved fort, which reflects the island's colonial history. You may walk along the cobblestone streets, see the Dutch architecture, and learn more about the city's history at the Galle Fort Museum.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Galle hotel

Enroute: Visit ‘Hummanaya’ Blowhole – Sri Lanka’s only blowhole fountain but the 2nd biggest on the planet, take a look at it from the viewing platform located near Dickwella (Long Beach)

Watch the Stilt Fishing line fishermen absolutely Still, Silent & fishing with tons of Patience – unique to Sri Lanka.

Excursion to a Turtle Farm at Koggala to watch sea turtles nest on the fabulous beachfront while relaxing on the pristine beach

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Galle Beach Hotel

Visit the Galle Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Excursion to explore non wild nature on the Madhu River (Ganga) Boat Ride to experience life in the estuary - Amphibians, Reptiles & Mammals with Birds, dragon flies, bumble bees …

Excursion to Explore Watersports – Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Banana Boating, WindSurfing, Jet Skiing, etc.

Look forward to an evening with a Candle Light Dinner on the beach.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Bentota Beach Hotel

As your unforgettable journey with Dolphin Holidays comes to an end, it's time to prepare for your departure from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. We understand that saying goodbye to this tropical paradise may not be easy, but rest assured, we've got your departure covered with ease and convenience.