Culture and Wildlife of Sri Lanka with Jasmine Trails

Culture and Wildlife of Sri Lanka with Jasmine Trails

Culture and Wildlife of Sri Lanka

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Known by many names over the centuries like Serandip, Lanka, Tambapanni, Sri Lanka is a hidden gem in the India Ocean. It has diverse and stunningly beautiful landscapes, from rain forests to sandy beaches and is famous for its ancient Buddhist ruins. Set in seemingly untouched natural beauty, this tour takes you through over 2000 years of history and heritage till modern times. Also enjoy some incredible wildlife safaris and a discovery of Sri Lanka’s famous tea.

Anuradhapura reclining Buddha Sri Lanka With Jasmine Trails
Jasmine Trails recommended tour, Culture and Wildlife Tour of Sri Lanka. In the picture is a leopard at Yala National Park
Kandy Ella Train Journey with Jasmine Trails
See Anuradhapura UNESCO World Heritage Site with Jasmine Trails

Tour Snapshot

  • Number of nights: 12 nights tour
  • Best time to visit: December – March
  • Routing: Anuradhapura-Kandy-Hatton-Yala-Galle-Colombo
  • Tour reference number: SL-001

Tour Highlights

  • ​Visit 6 World Heritage Sites
  • Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress
  • See the oldest historically documented tree in the world, the Bodhi Tree
  • See a 14m-long rock-cut figure of the reclining Buddha at Dambulla
  • Take a scenic train journey through tea country to Hatton
  • Track leopards at Yala National Park
  • See the charming colonial architecture of Galle

Brief Programme

After you arrive in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, you will be chauffeured to Anuradhapura (200 kms, 4.5 hours).

Today visit the ancient 12-meter high Buddha at Aukana, carved out of granite.

Also visit Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Anuradhapura was an ancient settlement and capital.

This evening climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The climb is worth the effort for the superb views as well as the ruins of the ancient city.

Visit the fascinating ancient city at Polonnaruwa (45 minutes). In 1982 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Drive to Kandy visiting enroute Dambulla Cave temple. Be amazed at the colourful murals and statues inside these Buddhist caves.

Enjoy walking through the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya from the 18th century.

Later today visit the famous Temple of the Tooth.

Take a short and beautiful train journey to Hatton. The day is to relax and enjoy your hotel.

Today is a day to relax and enjoy your hotel. You can also choose an optional activity.

Drive to the Yala National Park best known for its leopards.

Morning and evening game drive into the Yala National Park.

Enjoy one more game drive and leave for Galle, a fort town at the sea with colonial history. Explore the city with your guide.

Relax at the Hotel or explore the city on your own. We can offer you some optional activities too like spending the day at the beach or even whale watching excursion.

Head to Colombo today. Depending on the time of your flight home, we can offer some more visits on the way.

SEE ALL OUR RECOMMENDED TOURS

This tour is a sample of one of the popular routings and experiences. We will be delighted to customize it to your interests and budget.

What can we add on to this programme?

  • Beach stays can be added for those who would like to unwind before heading home.
  • For those who are not so interested in wildlife, we can make a purely cultural tour.
  • This tour can be combined with tours in South India. See Jasmine Trails recommended tours.

Write to us now  to get this tour customized for you with a price proposal.

The tour price will depend on many factors such as time of travel, hotel selection, and add-on experiences and services.

Recommended hotels: 

Write to us now  to get this tour customized for you with a price proposal.