A Tour of Southern Sri Lanka

A Tour of Southern Sri Lanka Overview

An ideal tour for nature lovers featuring dramatic views and superb mountain scenery of the Hill country and Southern Coast. Visit tea estates, historic temples, and shrines and see leopards on a safari at the premier game reserve of Yala National Park.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Galle

Meet on arrival and transfer to Galle en route visiting a Devil Mask factory.

Overnight in Galle.

Distance and journey time: 152 km, approx. 3 hrs

Day 2: Visit Weherehena and Wewurukannala temples

Make a visit to the Weherehena and Wewurukannala temples. En route, visit Weligama to see the stilt fishermen and the Buddhist temple at Dickwella.

Proceed to visit the Mulkirigala Rock Temple at Tangalle and the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.

Overnight in Tangalle.

Distance and journey time: 80 km, approx 2.30 hrs

Day 3: Tissamaharama Temple and Yala National Park.

Continue to the historical Tissamaharama Temple and Kataragama Shrine. Late afternoon visit Yala National Park. There are herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world.

Overnight at Yala.

Distance and journey time: 117 km, approx 2.30 hrs

Day 4: Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Leave for Nuwara Eliya en route visiting Mahayana Buddhist Images at Buduruwagala, The famous Buddhist Statues at Maligawila and also see Diyaluma Water Falls. Nuwara Eliya is studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breath-taking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright coloured saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Distance and journey time: 224 km, approx. 6.30 hrs including touring

Day 5: Travel to Dowa Cave Temple and Nuwara Eliya

Visit the tea estate, the Dowa Cave Temple and the 17th Century Wooden Bridge at Bogoda.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6: Kandy and Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary

Depart for Kandy, arriving early afternoon for a visit to the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala.

Kandy - the World Heritage Site is the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy centred around The Temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills. In the evening, step to the beat of the traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture.

Overnight in Kandy.

Distance and journey time: 76 km, approx. 3 hrs

Day 7: Departure or beach extension

Departure. Why not extend your stay on one of the fabulous beach resorts in Sri Lanka?

Distance and journey time: 101 km, 3 hrs