Dia Lanka Travels
12 Days – Sri Lanka’s Living Heritage, Indigenous Culture & Scenic Discovery
Where Culture, Nature & Tradition Come Alive
2 N Sigiriya → 1 N Dambana → 2 N Kandy → 1 N Hatton → 2 N Ella → 1 N Udawalawe → 2 N Bentota → Departure
12 Days 11 Nights
Tailor Made
Sri Lanka
Tour Overview
Discover the many faces of Sri Lanka on an unforgettable twelve-day journey through the island's ancient kingdoms, indigenous communities, misty tea plantations, spectacular mountain landscapes, abundant wildlife, and idyllic southern coastline. Designed for travellers seeking authentic cultural encounters, this immersive itinerary combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites with unique local experiences, from meeting the island's indigenous Vedda people and learning traditional village life to travelling aboard one of the world's most scenic train journeys and relaxing on Sri Lanka's golden beaches. Accompanied throughout by your private English-speaking chauffeur-guide, you'll experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality…
Day 01 : Welcome to Sri Lanka & Journey to Sigiriya
- Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your personal English-speaking chauffeur-guide before beginning your journey towards Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
- As you leave the bustling city behind, enjoy the changing landscapes of coconut plantations, lush paddy fields, and rural villages while your chauffeur-guide introduces you to Sri Lanka's history, culture, and traditions.
- Arrive in Sigiriya and check in to your hotel surrounded by tropical gardens.
- Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying the peaceful surroundings before your cultural adventure begins.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Accommodation:Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Meal Plan:Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 4 Hours
Day 02 : Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Traditional Village Life
- Begin the morning by climbing the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Discover the ancient royal palace, beautifully landscaped water gardens, the famous Sigiriya frescoes, Mirror Wall, Lion Terrace, and breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
- Later, immerse yourself in authentic rural life during a Traditional Village Experience.
- Travel by bullock cart through farming villages, enjoy a peaceful catamaran ride across a tranquil lake, visit local paddy fields, observe traditional farming techniques, and enjoy a freshly prepared Sri Lankan lunch in a village home.
- In the late afternoon, experience an exciting Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park (seasonal), where you may encounter herds of wild elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and a remarkable variety of birdlife.
- Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Accommodation:Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Day 03 : Indigenous Culture of Dambana
- After breakfast, journey east to Dambana, home to Sri Lanka's indigenous Vedda community, whose traditions have been preserved for thousands of years.
- Meet members of the community and gain fascinating insight into their unique customs, language, traditional hunting methods, music, folklore, and sustainable way of life.
- Accompanied by a local Vedda guide, enjoy a gentle forest walk while learning about medicinal plants, edible herbs, and the community's deep connection with nature.
- Later, witness traditional fire-making techniques, archery demonstrations, and cultural storytelling before enjoying a simple meal inspired by indigenous traditions.
- Spend the evening surrounded by the peaceful forest environment.
- Overnight stay in Dambana.
Accommodation:Kevan's Casa
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 2.5 Hours
Day 04 : From Indigenous Lands to the Royal Kingdom of Kandy
- After breakfast, leave the forests of Dambana behind and travel towards the cultural capital of Kandy.
- En route, visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, where beautifully preserved murals and over 150 Buddha statues adorn five remarkable cave shrines.
- Continue to a traditional Spice Garden, where you'll discover the cultivation and uses of Sri Lanka's famous cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg while learning about Ayurvedic healing traditions.
- Upon arrival in Kandy, enjoy a leisurely city tour including Kandy Lake, a visit to a renowned Gem Museum, and the bustling local markets.
- In the evening, experience an unforgettable Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance, featuring traditional drumming, acrobatics, and spectacular fire dancing.
- Overnight stay in Kandy.
Accommodation:Fox Resort Kandy
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 3 Hours
Day 05 : Sacred Kandy & Sri Lankan Traditions
- After breakfast, visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most revered pilgrimage sites and the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
- Continue to the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, home to over 4,000 species of tropical plants, giant bamboo, towering palms, and one of Asia's finest orchid collections.
- In the afternoon, visit the vibrant local market before taking part in a hands-on Sri Lankan Cooking Experience.
- Learn how to prepare traditional curries using fresh local ingredients and enjoy the delicious meal you've created.
- Spend the evening exploring Kandy's charming cafés, artisan boutiques, and lakeside atmosphere.
- Overnight stay in Kandy.
Accommodation:Fox Resort Kandy
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Day 06 : Into the Tea Country
- After breakfast, journey through winding mountain roads into Sri Lanka's breathtaking tea country.
- Visit a working Tea Plantation and Tea Factory, where you'll follow the fascinating journey of Ceylon Tea from leaf to cup.
- Join local tea pluckers in the fields, learn traditional harvesting techniques, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup overlooking endless emerald-green hills.
- Later, visit the picturesque Castlereagh Reservoir and enjoy the cool mountain climate before checking into your hotel in Hatton.
- Spend the evening relaxing amidst the tranquil surroundings of Sri Lanka's hill country.
- Overnight stay in Hatton.
Accommodation:The Argyle
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 3 Hours
Day 07 : Scenic Train Journey to Ella
- After breakfast, board one of the world's most spectacular railway journeys from Hatton to Ella.
- Travel through mist-covered mountains, lush tea estates, cascading waterfalls, charming villages, and dramatic valleys while enjoying unforgettable scenery from your train window.
- Upon arrival in Ella, explore the lively mountain town with its boutique cafés, artisan shops, and relaxed atmosphere before checking into your hotel.
- Spend the evening at leisure surrounded by Sri Lanka's beautiful highlands.
- Overnight stay in Ella.
Accommodation:Morning Dew Hotel
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 3 Hours
Day 08 : Discover the Beauty of Ella
- Wake up to the fresh mountain air before hiking to Little Adam's Peak, where breathtaking panoramic views await.
- Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, nestled among dense jungle and tea plantations, before visiting the beautiful Ravana Falls and learning about the legends associated with the ancient Ramayana.
- Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring Ella's vibrant cafés, local handicraft shops, or simply relaxing while taking in the spectacular mountain scenery.
- Overnight stay in Ella.
Accommodation:Morning Dew Hotel
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Day 09 : Wildlife Adventure in Udawalawe
- After breakfast, journey south to Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka's best wildlife destinations.
- Visit the renowned Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
- Later, enjoy an exciting afternoon Jeep Safari, offering excellent opportunities to observe wild elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat.
- After an unforgettable safari, check into your nearby lodge.
- Overnight stay in Udawalawe.
Accommodation:Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 2 Hours
Day 10 : Southern Heritage & Bentota
- After breakfast, travel along Sri Lanka's picturesque southern coastline.
- En route, explore the charming Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where centuries-old colonial architecture blends beautifully with boutique cafés, art galleries, artisan shops, and spectacular ocean views from the ancient ramparts.
- Continue to Bentota and enjoy a relaxing evening by the Indian Ocean.
- Overnight stay in Bentota.
Accommodation:The Palms
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time:Approx. 4 Hours
Day 11 : Coastal Culture & River Life
- Enjoy a leisurely day discovering the natural beauty and traditions of Sri Lanka's southwest coast.
- Experience a peaceful Madu River Boat Safari, cruising through lush mangrove forests, cinnamon islands, and small fishing villages while observing rich birdlife and local river communities.
- Visit a traditional Cinnamon Plantation, where you'll learn how the world-famous Ceylon Cinnamon is carefully harvested and processed using generations-old techniques.
- Spend the remainder of the day relaxing on Bentota's golden beaches or enjoying optional water sports.
- Overnight stay in Bentota.
Accommodation:The Palms
Meal Plan:Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12 : Good Bye from Sri Lanka
- After breakfast, bid farewell to Sri Lanka as your chauffeur-guide transfers you to Bandaranaike International Airport.
Meal Plan:Breakfast
Travel Time:Approx. 2 Hours
Tour Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Traditional Hiriwadunna Village Experience.
- Bullock Cart Ride & Village Catamaran Ride.
- Authentic Sri Lankan Village Lunch.
- Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari. (Seasonal)
- Indigenous Vedda Community Experience at Dambana.
- Forest Walk with Vedda Guide.
- Traditional Herbal Knowledge & Cultural Demonstration.
- Dambulla Cave Temple. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Spice Garden Experience.
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance.
- Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Experience.
- Tea Plantation & Tea Factory Visit.
- Tea Plucking Experience.
- Scenic Train Journey from Hatton to Ella.
- Little Adam's Peak.
- Nine Arch Bridge.
- Ravana Falls.
- Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari.
- Elephant Transit Home.
- Galle Dutch Fort. (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Madu River Boat Safari.
- Cinnamon Plantation Experience.
- Bentota Beach.
Inclusions
- 05 nights’ accommodation.
- Breakfast and Dinner at all hotels expect Breakfast only at Galle hotel.
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-Speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Driver guide's meals and accommodation.
- 24/7 Support: Providing customer support and assistance before and during your trip, in case of any issues or emergencies.
- Pick-up and drop-off at the airport at the beginning and end of the tour.
- Service charges at the hotels & current applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government.
- Entry permits to all mentioned cultural sites, temples, museums, monuments, and safaris as per the itinerary.
- Hatton to Ella a scenic train ride. (Tickets & Seats are subject to availability)
Exclusions
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA fee. (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Christmas & New Year Eve dinner supplement. (24th & 31st December)
- Perahera Supplement at Kandy Hotel during the Perahera Period (TBN)
- Early Check-in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any expense of personal requirements telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills etc.
- Any additional expenses, other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.
Booking & Payment Information
A 20% advance payment is required to confirm your booking. The remaining 80% balance can be paid in cash upon arrival or by bank transfer at least 3 days before arrival. (For bank transfers, all charges must be covered by the customer, and the full invoiced amount must be received by Dia Lanka Travels.)
Cancellation Policy
Non-Refundable Advance & Late Cancellations – The 20% advance payment is non-refundable under all circumstances. Additionally, cancellations made within 30 days of arrival and no-shows are not eligible for any refund, as all accommodations, transportation, and travel arrangements are confirmed in advance.
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