Individual Trip: Sri Lanka… Unique experiences, 9 days

Day 1: Athens / Thessaloniki – Colombo

Departure via an intermediate stop, overnight on the plane, and arrival the following day in Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya – Habarana

Arrival in the capital of Sri Lanka and transfer by road to historic Habarana. The lush area that will host us for the next two days hides some of the island’s best-kept secrets. On the way, we will visit the area where the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located. There, specialized staff provides care and treatment to abandoned and injured elephants. In the morning, when the animals take their bath in the river, the spectacle is unique. Elephants of all ages splash in the water and play with their young.
We then depart for Sigiriya, with a stop at a traditional woodcarving shop where we will see and study their craft. Arriving in Sigiriya, we will encounter the rock-fortress that serves as the city’s symbol. At the top of the 200m vertical rock lies King Kashyapa’s 5th-century castle, one of the most important sights in Sri Lanka. About halfway up the climb, there are famous paintings of the bare-breasted women of Sigiriya inside a cave, some of the most beautiful Buddhist frescoes on the island. Overnight at the hotel in Habarana.

Day 3: Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Habarana

After breakfast, we depart and begin our tour with Polonnaruwa, one of the most important cities in Sri Lanka, known for its impressive, pristine landscapes and numerous remnants of the ancient city, its temples, and the palace, which have remained almost untouched by time. Historically, it is placed in the early kingdom of the island and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Here, we will have the opportunity to admire the Royal Palace with the 4 magnificent statues of the Buddha carved into the rock, the audience hall, the baths, some ruins of old temples, as well as the unique Parakrama Samudra reservoir, built in 1200. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch and a cooking demonstration by a local farming family. After lunch, we will cycle through the village to observe the culture of the local community. Overnight at a hotel in Habarana.

Day 4: Habarana – Dambulla – Kandy

After breakfast, we transfer to Kandy. On the way, we encounter the rock temple of Dambulla. The monastery dates back to the 1st century B.C. and consists of five caves covering over 2,000 square meters with exceptional frescoes and statues of the Buddha, approximately 150 in number, including a massive one that is 14 meters high. Afterwards, on the road to Kandy, we will stop at Matale to visit a spice plantation. We will have the opportunity to see some of the most aromatic plants and spices on the planet. After watching a cooking demonstration, do not hesitate to try a relaxing massage with essential oils. In the early afternoon, we arrive in Kandy, where we will visit the University buildings and the local market. The panoramic view of the lake will excite you. The evening will find us at the top attraction of our afternoon tour: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The tooth relic of the Buddha is kept in a gold-plated casket in the center of the temple and is a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists everywhere. Our day will end with an impressive performance featuring local dances and fire-walking. Return and overnight at our hotel in Kandy.

Day 5: Kandy – Peradeniya – Ramboda Waterfalls – Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, we will visit something unique: the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which host a huge variety of rare tropical plants across 147 hectares. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the excellently manicured flowerbeds with their intoxicating scents, and do not miss the orchid greenhouse. Further along our route, we will have the opportunity to admire the Ramboda waterfalls.
Before entering the city, which is surrounded by tea plantations favored by the altitude, we will visit a plantation and a tea processing factory. We will learn about the production process of this “noble” beverage and have the opportunity to taste some of the rarest varieties.
Nuwara Eliya, covered in aromatic tea, is located at an altitude of 1,800 m. It once served as a holiday resort for the British, a fact that leaves indelible marks of colonialism in the area’s atmosphere to this day. 20 km to the south lie the Horton Plains, spread across a plateau that ends impressively and abruptly in a 700m-deep void known as “World’s End.” In the afternoon, we will walk through the city and observe the colonial architecture of the buildings. After our walk, our guide will treat us to exotic local cocktails. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Yala Park

Breakfast and departure for Yala Park via the beautiful mountainous area of Ella, which is surrounded by mountains, tea plantations, and greenery. Ella is the best place to relax and enjoy the magical landscape. The steep cliff offers stunning views, and on a clear night, you can see the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The Ravana Ella waterfalls are another impressive sight in Ella and the ideal place for a quick dip in the cool waters. Ella Rock offers stunning views of the countryside, and we will hike up to the rock itself, passing through railway tracks and tea plantations.
Arrival at the Park and overnight.

Day 7: Yala Park – Galle – Bentota

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and begin our safari. Yala Park is the second-largest park in Sri Lanka and is home to a wide variety of wild animals. Flocks of storks flutter on the banks of the Park’s lagoon under the watchful eye of crocodiles, while peacocks spread their colorful feathers while strolling in the shade of acacia trees. Monkeys and elephants enjoy tender leaves and dry branches, respectively, while all the park’s inhabitants keep their eyes and ears open for the—naturally few—leopards lurking for their prey. So, arm your cameras and look for the best snapshots!
After our unforgettable experience, we will head to the coastal area of Bentota via Galle, a beautiful colonial city that stretches along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Galle is known for its 300-year-old fort, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
The 36 hectares occupied by the fort are surrounded on 3 sides by the ocean, which made it impregnable. In the narrow alleys full of cafes and souvenir shops, we will see and photograph the Clock Tower, the city’s restored churches, and of course, the governor’s house with the British coat of arms on its outer wall. Arrival at our hotel in Bentota for relaxation and overnight stay.

Day 8: Bentota

The day is at our disposal to enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the sandy beaches.

Day 9: Bentota – Athens / Thessaloniki

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and return flight to Greece via an intermediate stop, arriving the next day.

Travel Notes