The Must-See Attractions on a Budget

Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, your driver welcomes you as you exit. Heat, scents and light mark your first moments on the island: you have arrived in tropical land.

Your journey begins with a first stop in Negombo.

Located on the west coast, Negombo is a seaside resort often nicknamed the "Little Rome" because of its many churches.

As an option, we offer you the opportunity to explore the city, its churches and the beaches where fish are dried. You can also soak up the atmosphere of the vegetable markets and seafood products, among the largest in the country. Depending on available time, it is also possible to embark on a boat trip along the Dutch canal and enjoy a sunset.

Make a stop at Kurunegala, halfway between Colombo and the Cultural Triangle. Several visits and activities can punctuate this stop.

You can in particular climb one of the city's emblematic rocks, such as Ethagala, also called the Elephant Rock, to enjoy a panoramic view of Kurunegala and its surroundings.

The Kurunegala Reservoir allows for a peaceful walk along this artificial lake surrounded by natural landscapes. The Kurunegala Archaeological Museum invites you to discover historical artifacts and cultural remains linked to the ancient history of the region.

You can also stroll through the local markets to observe the country's products and Sri Lankan crafts, or visit a coconut plantation to learn more about this resource, its cultivation and harvesting.

These various discoveries offer a beautiful overview of Kurunegala's natural, cultural and historical heritage.

Then continue with Dambulla, a site inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage, known for its Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill. You will discover murals, Buddha statues in different postures, spread across a set of five caves, as well as a beautiful panorama of the surroundings.

Note: this visit requires good physical condition, as there are many steps to climb.

Also take time to stroll through the Dambulla wholesale market, a vast hall where fruits, vegetables and other products grown in Sri Lanka are traded.

This market is intended for professionals who come to stock up before reselling their goods in Colombo, the economic capital.

This detour allows you to better appreciate the diversity of products grown on the island and discover many species that are sometimes little known.

Take the time to visit the temple of Nalanda Gedige. Discovered by British archaeologist Bell and now protected by UNESCO, this temple remained hidden in the heart of the central forest for a long time.

Its dating has long been debated, but the most commonly accepted hypothesis places its construction around the 8th century, making it one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka.

You then head to Kandy, the last royal capital of the island, which still retains an aristocratic atmosphere.

Discover the city center on foot by starting with a visit to the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, a richly decorated site that houses the relic of Buddha's tooth.

Continue with a walk of approximately 4 kilometers around the lake. Nearby, the vegetable market is also worth a visit for the diversity of its products and its lively atmosphere, even if it is sometimes crowded with touts.

Depending on your preferences, you can also attend one of the three ceremonies held at the Tooth Temple, at 5:30 am, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, with schedules that may vary slightly depending on the season.

At 5:00 pm, it is also possible to attend a Kandyan dance show, evoking the festivities that take place in Kandy during the Esala Perahera festival.

Today, we suggest you visit the Royal Botanic Garden of Peradeniya, located on the banks of the Mahaweli River. Among the most renowned botanical gardens in the world, it brings together nearly 4,000 plant species over more than 60 hectares.

As you stroll through, do not miss the avenue of royal palms, the cannonball trees, the collection of orchids as well as the multicolored flower beds.

This visit offers a pleasant walk through a remarkable botanical setting.

Optionally, board a train from Kandy station or Peradeniya for a journey through the Sri Lankan mountains. The route follows steep terrain, between tunnels and high bridges, with tea plantations as a backdrop.

Your driver then picks you up at Nanu Oya station for the rest of your journey.

Seating subject to availability.

As you leave Ella, take time to admire the Rawana Falls, which gush down the mountainside. It is possible to swim there, while remaining cautious.

On your way south, you can also discover the statues of Buduruwagala. Over two thousand years old, they form a striking ensemble, reflecting the craftsmanship of the stone carvers of that era. The most imposing represents a Buddha 17 meters high.

In the afternoon, you set off for a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, through this park of tall grasses, appreciated for its elephant population and abundance of birds. You can also observe crocodiles, bears, sambars, monitor lizards, and sometimes even leopards if luck is on your side.

Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you benefit from his explanations throughout the visit, as well as his trained eye for spotting animals in the undergrowth. The park was created in 1972.

Jeep included. Park entrance is to be purchased on site.

We invite you to visit one of the most recognized rehabilitation centers in Sri Lanka, the "Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home". This center welcomes orphaned baby elephants until they become sufficiently independent to be released into the wild.

No physical contact with the elephants is planned, in order to minimize interactions with humans as much as possible. However, you can observe the baby elephants during feeding by volunteers. This visit offers a moment appreciated by travelers who are sensitive to nature and wildlife.

Feeding times (duration: 20 min): 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM.

You then proceed to the southern tip of the island, at Dondra Cape, facing the Indian Ocean, where stands the tallest lighthouse in Southeast Asia. Installed on its promontory, it invites you to take a break to enjoy the landscape and reflect on the past of this tower, whose lantern once guided many ships.

This is the last day of your trip to Sri Lanka. We hope you will have wonderful memories of your stay with us.

Your transfer to the airport of Colombo- Bandaranaike is organized so you can reach your flight with complete peace of mind.

On the way, we propose a visit to Galle, a city with a rich architectural heritage marked by various colonial influences.

Its fort, built in the 17th century by the Dutch, forms a peaceful and welcoming village, away from the rest of the city. You can walk along the ramparts, visit the lighthouse and observe the many churches as well as the small shops.

We wish you a good journey and a safe return home.