Road To Sri Lanka

You will be welcomed with flower garlands at the arrival hall of the airport by the Walkers Tours team and escorted to the vehicle to reach your next destination.

Airport – Negombo | Travel Distance: 20 km | Approximate travel time: 30 minutes

Check-ion to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel leave Negombo for Habarana,

Negombo – Habarana | Travel Distance: 160 km |Approximate travel time: 3hrs 15min

Optional activity: Visit Dambulla Temple USD 07 per person

Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses.

Arrive to Habarana and spend rest of your day leisure,

After an early breakfast, proceed to Hiriwadunna.

Habarana – Hiriwadunna | Travel Distance: 5 km | Approximate travel time:15minutes

Optional Excursion Visit Hiriwadunna village: USD 18 per person

A trek experience begins with an afternoon walk to the scrub forests bordering the village of Hiriwadunna, famed for the spotting of some 130-bird species and a variety of rare butterflies. You can experience canoeing and local tractor ride while they are doing the nature trek. And you can end the experience with a traditional village lunch

Hiriwadunna – Sigiriya | Travel Distance: 20 km | Approximate travel time:45minutes

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress: USD 35 per person

After an ancient prince killed his father to claim the throne, he was forced to flee to his pleasure palace and convert it into a fortress to guard against his opposition. The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya built on a giant rock rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains below. This remarkable 5th century archaeological site is made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. A moat, rampart, extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock and the frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya.

Note: Please note that to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock, there are nearly 1,200 stone steps up and then down. Anybody in reasonably good condition will be able to venture to the top of Sigiriya Rock and it's certainly worth the effort, however important to know these little details before embarking on this outing.

After breakfast leave for Kandy making a stop at a Spice and Herbal Garden in Matale.

Sigiriya – Matale | Travel Distance: 75 Km | Approximate travel time: 1 hr 40min

Matale – Kandy | Travel Distance: 35 Km | Approximate travel time: 1 hour

Arrive in Kandy where you would be spending the next 2 days.

The hill capital is another “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (“Maha Wasala”), “Palle Wasala”- where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum, “Meda Wasala” where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated close by. The Bathing Pavilion (“Ulpenge”) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summer house. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture.

Optional activities and excursions: Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: USD 07 per person

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple.

Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden: USD 8 per person

The botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants, and flowers. Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli River (the longest in Sri Lanka). It is renowned for its collection of orchids. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm.

Enjoy a cultural dance show: USD 2 per person

Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show

It is time for more adventures!

Kandy – Ella | Travel Distance: 140Km | Approximate travel time: 3 hours 45minutes

After breakfast you will drive to Ella. The region has a rich bio-diversity rich with flora and fauna. Visit Little Adam’s Peak in time for the sunset and enjoy the breathtaking landscape which surrounds

Ella Optional excursions and activities: Hike up to the Ella Rock with a local guide: USD 20 per person

Ella Rock sits high on the hills just 2.5 kilometers above Ella Town. The close proximity to town makes it a perfect hike. Once a quaint mountain town nestled between green peaks and rolling tea-lined hills, Ella Town is far from the laid-back hidden gem it once was. While a slice of the relaxed mountain ambiance lives on, commercialization and mass tourism seem to be taking a firm hold on Ella. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that this place is magical.

Nine arch bridge: No cost involved

Was built by the British colonialists. During the construction, no metal and concrete were used - only stones and bricks. At that time, the Sri Lankans considered him a real miracle of engineering. Since then, the bridge has never been restored - it has retained its charm in its original form and is still functioning. All trains going to Badulla pass through it. You can walk over the bridge, and from one side you actually have to walk on the tracks to get there, but it is a live track and trains go over it.

Nil Diya Pokuna cave excursion: USD 25 per person

Nil Diya Pokuna is an exciting cave adventure for those looking for a thrill-seeking experience. According to legend, King Rawana brought Sita from India and kept her at Nil Diya Pokuna as he believed it was a very comfortable and safe place. Today, the site is an interesting historical ruin of the underground palace complex, filled with pretty blue water. This underground cave is the largest of its kind in all of Sri Lanka. You must be warned though that this excursion is quite risky, but definitely worth it for the adventure seekers.

Flying Ravana zip line: USD 25 per person

The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer, slides at a maximum speed of 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Get on board at Mini Adam’s Peak and fly over iconic tea estates and lush greenery overlooking the famous Ella Gap. Flying Ravana is truly, Ella in all its glory or you can spend your day leisure for 2 days in Ella.

After an exciting few day in Ella drive down to Yala, the hotspot for leopard sightings in Sri Lanka.

Ella - Buduruwagala | Travel Distance: 35km | Approximate travel time: 1hour

Optional excursion: Buduruwagala Statue visit: USD 2 per person

Buduruwagala is a rock with with seven figures that are carved into the rock with a massive 51-foot Buddha statue at the centre. The name Buduruwagala means “the rock with the statue of Buddha” and describes the site quite literally. Seven figures are carved into the rock with a massive 51-foot Buddha statue in the Abhaya Mudra gesture at the centre. The rock itself has shape of a kneeling elephant with its head own. Although there is no documented information about this site in the ancient scriptures, Different historians have dated these statues from the 6th century to late Anuradhapura period. (Between 8 – 10 Century). These carvings are of the Mahayana Buddhist style and belongs to the Pallawa- Sri Lankan art tradition, similar to the statues at Dova Temple.

Continue your journey to Yala,

Buduruwagala – Yala | Travel Distance: 90km | Approximate travel time: 2hours

Arrive to Yala where you will be spending 2 nights,

The Yala National Park, a rather arid land with the highest density of leopards in the world! While the elusive cat is the star here, 215 species of birds and over 44 diverse mammals call this expansive space of wonder their home.

Bird Watching is quite an endearing experience in the National Park. Different species of birds such as the Paradise Flycatcher, Bee-eaters, eagles and jungle fowls keep giving special appearances as most people track the bigger animals. The area is covered mostly with scrub vegetation with over 280 species of plants.

Don't forget to look for pugmarks and follow them! If you’re lucky a leopard will oblige you with a sighting. If you are extremely lucky, you might spot a hunt. The grace with which the cat conducts itself is quite a sight to behold. Allow the wilderness to capture your heart fully, just before you capture it on your lenses.

Optional excursion: Half day jeep Safari at Yala National Park: USD 60 per jeep

Yala National Park entrance: USD 35 per person

After breakfast we will be taking you to the historic city Galle,

Yala – Galle | Travel Distance: 175km |Approximate travel time: 3hours

The South Coast’s major city is Galle, whose oldest landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort which is a “World Heritage Site” in which the central city is contained. But the city may be much older. Some scholars believe it to be the “Tarshish” of the Old Testament, to which King Solomon sent his merchant vessels, and to which Jonah fled from the Lord. Today, the 90-acre Galle Fort shows no evidence of the Portuguese founders. The Dutch incorporated the Portuguese northern wall in a great rampart in 1663. A second, taller wall was built inside of it. Between the two walls, a covered passage connected the central bastion with the Fort’s two half bastions overlooking the sea. The Dutch also installed a sophisticated drainage system, complete with brick-lined underground sewers that were flushed twice a day by the high and low tides. The original gate to the fort was by the harbour. It is still there, marked by the British Coat-of-arms on the front and the Dutch V.O.C. (Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie) with the Coat-of-arms with a rooster crest, on the inner side of the Fort.

Galle – Wadduwa | Travel Distance: 105km | Approximate travel time: 2hours 15minutes

Your dream of staying in a tranquil local beach not far from Galle, Wadduwa is one perfect location. This chilled-out beach paradise is hidden between coconut plantations and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region with golden sands contrasting against the clear blue skies. This is a working fisherman village and each morning the fishermen gather to sell their catch of the day – experience it yourself by strolling down to the market in the morning to see what the warm Indian Ocean waters have given for the day. Nightlife here is as relaxed as the days and mainly consists of tasty seafood dinners followed by cocktails in the evenings.

The people are very friendly and the beaches are safe for that long walk on the beach you’ve been yearning for.

Optional excursion: Richmond Castle: USD 2 per person

A Fascinating insight into colonial Sri-Lanka, based on an Indian Maharaja Castle, the Richmond Castle was built with materials from all around the world. The castle is an architectural masterpiece and a telling tale of magnificence and romance. Or you can spend leisure at the beach in Wadduwa,

Today after early breakfast depart to Colombo.

Like many capital cities in developing countries Colombo is fast changing its face. almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood, yet in some parts, the old-world charm is retained. A 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings are still to be seen in the city.

Transfer to the NSBM university to take part in the Global Youth Camp

Called by many names including “The Lion Rock” for its initial name of “Sinhagiri”, Sigiriya is near the town of Dambulla and is a colossal column of rock nearly 200m high. It was a royal citadel for 18 years (477-495) when it was fortified by King Kasyapa. The architectural and irrigational technologies of Sigiriya, such as the Water Gardens, still baffle engineers. The climb up steep steps of metal with railings passes a wall decorated with frescoes of bare-breasted women. Art experts consider them unique. The summit of the rock is a hectare in area and the outer wall of the palace was constructed on the brink of the rock with gardens and ponds softening the harshness of the eerie. Since it was constructed over 1,500 years ago, it is claimed by enthusiast as the Eighth Wonder of the World and is anyway a World Heritage Site.

The ancient kingdom of Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha as well as Edwardian buildings, a king-made lake, a nature reserve and exciting shops. As the second largest city of the island and the capital of the Central Province, Kandy has grown from being a medieval kingdom to a friendly, busy city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations and close to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. As well as the Temple of the Tooth, there are many Buddhist monasteries and Hindu places of worship to visit, and cultural dance performances to watch. Kandy is a convenient base to stay for a few days while exploring the Cultural Triangle as there are comfortable hotels to suit every budget. The city is easily accessible from Colombo by rail, road and float plane.

Galle Fort begun by the Portuguese in the 16th century, expanded by the Dutch in the 17th Century and consolidated by the British in the 19th century, is not a historical ruin but has been transformed into a living, thriving contemporary settlement. Located at the southwest corner of the island the Fort covers 52ha and contains within its broad, grey granite rampart walls, nearly 500 houses. Entrance to the Fort is through either of two main gates, one of which contains the Dutch Coat of Arms on one side and the British on the other. The Fort is Number 200 on UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and is free to enter and explore. The cobbled streets are lined with houses from the Dutch and British periods, with some art deco masterpieces, many of which have been converted into boutique shops and stylish guest houses

Yala National Park is also known as the Ruhunu National Park and is one of the biggest jungles in the country. Set in the southeast of Sri Lanka, it is a 305 km drive from Colombo. Elephants are the Park’s main attraction although leopards are seen frequently and sloth the bear occasionally. Yala is also home to hundred species of birds, endemic and foreign, including the jungle fowl, Sri Lanka’s national bird, and flocks of peacocks. Yala also has a beach front and swamps haunted by crocodiles. As one of the first National Parks established in Sri Lanka (in 1938), Yala is an established place for tourists to visit and stay as it has plenty of accommodation near its gates, both luxurious and budget and even camping; morning and evening safaris by jeep can be arranged easily.

Ella is a small hill country village now much developed with independent guesthouses, bordered by mountains, estates and waterfalls, with spectacular views and a history of dramatic legend. In the great Indian epic, Ramanaya, dating from more than 1,000 years before Christ, it is written that Sita Cave, 2km from Ella, was used by Ravana, king of Lanka, to conceal Sita, the beautiful wife of Rama. This attracts many visitors from India who are following the Ramanaya story. Equally appealing is the view through Ella Gap as well as Ravana Falls. Ella is also a popular stop on the backpackers’ trail from west to east Sri Lanka and many small cafés and low budget guesthouses have opened up beside the main road through the village to cater for them. The quaint hamlet, at 204km from Colombo, is best reached by train.