Compare Bliss of Sri Lanka by Direct Traveller vs Sri Lanka by Travel for All

Day 1:

Accommodation: Heritance Negombo.

You will be met and assisted on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, by Direct Traveller representatives and then introduced to your English speaking chauffeur guide. Transfer from Airport to Negombo (approx. 30 minutes)

(One night stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast at Heritance Negombo Hotel

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa

Transfer from Negombo to Anuradhapura (approx. 4 hours)Anuradhapura holds the distinction of being the third capital (after Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara) and the greatest city in the history of Sri Lanka. This glorious city is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. The Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree), which is over 2200 years old, was brought here as a sapling (from the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment). This tree is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. To add to this glory, the famous dagoba in Sri Lanka, Ruwanweliseya (2nd century BC) and The Brazen Palace too are found in Anuradhapura. Other major attractions include the Samadhi Buddha statue and the Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd Century BC), which is famous for its rock carvings.Transfer from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya (approx. 2 hours)

Overnight Stay at (Three nights stay in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa

After breakfast at Aliya Resort & Spa this morning you head to world heritage site Polonnaruwa. (approx. 1 hour & 15 minutes)Polonnaruwa became capital of Sir Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura. It was declared a capital by King Vijayabahu the 1st who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070.  The golden age of this glorious city was under the reign of King Parakramabahu the 1st who oversaw the construction of one of the greatest irrigation systems the country has seen, the Parakrama Samudhraya, which covers an area of 6,000 acres. The ruins of the Royal Palace and various buildings and structures can be seen even today. Other highlight of this city is the Gal Viharaya which has 3 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the former Temple of Tooth Relic, Shivan Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha, and Kiri Viharaya.Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Minneriya (approx. 30 minutes)Spanning over 8,800 hectares, the Minneriya National Park is located alongside the vast, renovated Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir. As a part of the corridor which joins Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya offers an amazing sightseeing experience where one may see herds of elephants throughout the year. In October, you will witness the famous gathering of the wild elephants which is the largest known meeting place of wild elephants in the world. The park is also home to about 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species.Transfer from Minneriya to Sigiriya (approx. 45 minutes)

Day 4:

Accommodation: Aliya Resort & Spa

Following the breakfast at Aliya Resort & Spa, you will get an opportunity to climb 5th century rock citadel, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka's most popular historic site, Sigiriya is 200 meters citadel was home to his palace on top of the rock and derives its name as it appears to resemble the outline of a lion from distance. King Kasyapa built his palace and decorated its walls with colorful frescoes which can even be seen today. These frescoes, along with India¿s Ajantha cave frescoes are world renowned for lasting through the ages and their awe-inspiring beauty. When you climb along the side of the rock, about halfway up, you will encounter a gateway that although in ruins, resembles a gigantic lions paw.

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast at Aliya Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Earl's Regency Hotel.

And then a transfer from Sigiriya to Dambulla (approx. 30 minutes)The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as Jambukola Viharaya is a World Heritage Site and is the largest, preserved cave temple complex in the country. It is believed that King Valahambahu converted these caves into a temple during the 1st century BC. Although there are more than 80 documented caves in the area, the temple itself is spread over five. These caves contain statues and paintings that chronicle Lord Buddha and his life. There are 153 Lord Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan Kings and 4 statues of Gods and goddesses found here. The latter include those of Hindu Gods Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover over 2,000 square metres in area. The largest image of Lord Buddha is a carving that spans over 14 metres. Transfer from Dambulla to Matale (approx. 1 hour)Matale, known for its welcoming climate is world famous for its spice gardens.  Here one may experience the intricate processes that result in Sri Lanka producing some of the best spices in the world. What¿s more, a cookery demonstration too will be held allowing visitors to learn to prepare traditional curries using local spices. Transfer from Matale to Kandy (approx. 1 hour & 30 minutes)

 (Two nights stay in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 6:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Earl's Regency Hotel

And then a transfer from Kandy to Pinnawala (approx. 2 hours)The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provides visitors with the best chance of seeing a large number of elephants at close quarters. The orphanage was established in 1975 and commenced with seven orphaned elephants. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their calfs born in the same location. Assisted by local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala commenced a successful captive breeding programme and the first baby elephant was born in 1984. It is most interesting to visit at feeding time to see the baby elephants being bottle fed and the entire herd taken for a bath thereafter to the river nearby. Transfer from Pinnawala to Kandy. Do a city tour in this afternoon.The World Heritage Site, Kandy, was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings, before the country was brought under British rule in 1815. Famous for its rich heritage and splendour, this magnificent city was last ruled by Sri Wickramarajasinghe. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most significant highlight of the city along with the Kandy lake, the town and other attractions. Visit the Kandy Town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre and a gem museum and a lapidary. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and thereafter, witness a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance.

Day 7:

Meals: Breakfast at Earl's Regency Hotel

Accommodation: Jetwing Yala

Transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, en-route you will visit a Tea Planation (approx. 3 hours)Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Upon your visit you will observe how the quality of tea is graded and also have a walk-through of the manufacturing process. The highlight of your visit will be enjoying the taste of a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory. Overnight Stay at Grand Hotel

(One night stay in a Deluxe room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 8:

Meals: Breakfast at Grand Hotel

And then a transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe (approx. 5 hours)The park is adjacent to the Udawalawe reservoir and Walawe river. The region is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mountain range that wind endlessly on the Balangoda, Kalthota and Haputale escarpments. Spread over 30,821 hectares, the Park has an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm and an average year-round temperature of 29.4 C.  The Udawalawe National Park is famous for its many herds of elephants which can be observed in their natural habitats. You will see the spotted deer, sambur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal which are also inhabitants of the park.Later on you will visit the Elephant Transit Home which is a facility within Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka that was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Consevation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.Transfer from Udawalawe to Yala (approx. 2 hours)

 (Two nights stay in a Superior room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 9:

Accommodation: Jetwing Yala.

Early this morning you will proceed on a game drive of Yala National Park by jeep(You will have the option of either taking a long a picnic breakfast provided by the hotel or having a late breakfast back at the hotel).Do a jeep safari of Yala National Park which is undoubtedly the largest and most popular in Sri Lanka. It consists of five blocks, all of which are at present open to the public. Block 1, Ruhuna is the most visited of the five. Visitors can expect to see wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles.  Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here. Thereafter you will return to the hotel and be at leisure, relaxing by the pool and later this afternoon proceeds on another game drive of Yala National Park.

Day 10:

Meals: Breakfast at Jetwing Yala

Accommodation: Ramada Colombo

And then transfer from Yala to Colombo. Overnight Stay at Ramada Colombo

(One night stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)DAY 11:   This day you will proceed to the Airport in time to connect with your departure flight or transfer to a beach resort can be organised.

Day 1: Arrival In Colombo – Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

We have conceived with care, itineraries comfortably designed to welcome manual wheelchair users, answering the needs of less mobile travelers to enable an exciting and serene visit of Sri Lanka.

We wish you a great trip to Sri Lanka, rich in encounters and discoveries.

Upon arrival, warm welcome at the airport by your guide and your driver.

Drive to the local market of Negombo located nearby the airport. This market is the 2nd most important one of the island. You will find there all kinds of fishs and sea shells displayed directly on the floor. This visit is an ideal occasion to immerse yourself sofly in the local ambiance.

Tour of the little town of Negombo.

After those visits, check in at your hotel located by the sea, in the little town of Negombo.

Lunch at the hotel.

Free time in the afternoon to relax.

Day 2: Negombo - Sigiriya

Today, drive to the center of Sri Lanka, to explore the great treasures of the island.

You will cross a part of the island of Ceylon with its rich landscapes and lush vegetation. Do not be surprised if elephants cross the road in front of your vehicle!

North of Sri Lanka offers one of the best highlights of the island with its former capitals Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

Lunch will be served on the way in a comfortable local restaurant.

In mid-afternoon, you will reach the great rock of Sigiriya. It is an enormous red stone overlooking by 150 meters a lush forest. Photo stop to admire this spectacular landscape.

Check-in and dinner at your hotel

Day 3: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya

In the morning, drive north bound to explore the great archeological site of Polonnaruwa. This site was at the 11th century the capital of the kingdom of Ceylon. Numerous palaces and temples were built there, making this area the most active place of the island for art and religion.

Now that this site has been invaded by the forest, it has become a peaceful archeological park.

Have a tour of 2 to 3 hours to explore the major sites of this area.

Visit a wood art factory located nearby the site.

Lunch in a local restaurant with a fantastic view on the lake.

After lunch, drive back to your hotel.

Enjoy some time to relax in the afternoon.

Day 4: Sigiriya

In mid-morning, departure to the country side of Sri Lanka for a moment among nature.

In a traditional house of the region, be welcome by a local family for an unforgettable encounter.

In company of your host, learn about the local gastronomy and give a hand in the kitchen to help preparing the traditional meal: “Rice and Curry”!

Local lunch in a traditionnal house.

Back to the hotel for some free time.

At the end of the afternoon, head to a massage parlor for 1h30 of Ayurveda massage. Select the treatment of your choice.

Day 5: Sigiriya - Matale - Kandy

Today, drive to the city of Kandy, the spiritual capital of the island.

On your way, in Matale, visit spices gardens with pepper, cardamom, chilly etc.

With your local guide you will learn plenty about those condiments and plants.

Lunch at the spice gardens.

Continue your journey to Kandy. Located at 350 meters of altitude and surrounded by hills, Kandy is the cultural center of the country.

The city became British in 1815. Nested between rice fields and tea plantations, circled by the great river of Mahaweli, Kandy is a handicraft, art and dance jewel.

Arrival at your hotel in Kandy and check-in into your rooms.

At the end of the afternoon, head to the central lake of the city to enjoy a traditional dance show: dance of the fire, dance of the harvest, dance of the offerings etc are performed in colorful traditional costumes along with musicians.

Continue to the Temple of the Tooth. Not to be missed in Kandy, this temple which was achieved in 1782. It hosts one of the most precious relic of Buddhism: the tooth of the “illuminated”, the tooth of Buddha. This tooth would have been saved from the flames in 543 BC, then after epic stories, it would have traveled to Ceylon. It has become the most precious treasure of the island.

Day 6: Kandy - Pinnawela - Kandy

This morning, departure for the Elephants sanctuary!

The place belongs to a local family taking care of retired elephants.

Visit of the foundation.

At the artisanal workshop, the elephants’ poo is recycled to make … writing paper!

It is now time for the bath of the elephants. The peaceful giants invite you to come and scrub their back!

Lunch by the river, in the park of the foundation.

On your way back to Kandy in the afternoon, stop for a nice promenade in the great gardens of

Peradeniya : the largest botanical garden of the island, covering 60 hectares nested by the banks of the river Mahaweli. This garden offers an impressive collection of orchids and of palm trees planted in 1950.

Moment of leisure at your hotel and departure for dinner in a restaurant offering a fantastic panoramic view on the city.

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

This morning, departure to a hilly region of Sri Lanka: the region of Nuwara Eliya.

You will explore today the country of Tea! Landscapes of the plantations are unique. The quality of the tea depends on the altitude at which it is cultivated. The harvest is, still today, done by hand by women generally dressed in their traditional outfit: the longhi.

Visit of a tea plantation and tasting of one of the best tea in the world !

Lunch in Nuwara Eliya.

The afternoon will be dedicated to a visit of the small town of Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is an enchanting place located in the mountains, which is very different from the rest of the country. Your are transported to the ancient colonial atmosphere of Sri Lanka, surrounded by English cottages, golf courses and colonial buildings.

Arrival in mid-afternoon at your hotel.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park

Departure to Yala, at the extreme south of the island.

You will take the most scenic road of the country before going back down the southern meadows.

Arrival in Yala National Park. Check-in in your hotel located in the heart of the National Park. You will probably witness elephants crossing the yard of your hotel.

Lunch in your lodge in Yala National Park.

In mid-afternoon you will get onboard a Jeep for an adventurous tour in the National Park. Created in 1899, this reserve is 1200 km. It is a great spot to watch wildlife.

Day 9: Yala National Park - South of Sri Lanka

Beginning of the morning to enjoy the park before driving on the beautiful road along the coast of the island.

Lunch with a great view on the ocean.

Arrival at your hotel for 4 nights.

Day 10: South of Sri Lanka - Galle

In the morning, departure for a tour to the city of Galle.

Galle is an ancient Dutch counter and is one of the most charming place of the island. Inside the fort, you will enjoy wandering in the small streets.

This quiet city of 76.000 people used to be the main Dutch counter for the trade of spices. You will see colonial buildings as well as the « Groote Kerk », a church built in 1754.

Time at leisure for souvenir shopping.

Back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 11: South of Sri Lanka

Day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and its surroundings.

Day 12: South of Sri Lanka - Departure

Morning at leisure to prepare your suitcase.

Transfer to the airport depending on the schedule of your international flight.

Say good-bye to the land of tea and spices!