We at Olanka have compiled a guide to deliver the perfect nine-day holiday package in the tropical island of Sri Lanka. Our travel packages include escorted tours that guarantee a truly memorable holiday experience and tailor-made tour packages for families as well as honeymooners on the lookout for the best Sri Lanka holiday packages for the year 2021.
Day 01 & 02 – Sigiriya & Dambulla
Start your exciting 9-day Sri Lanka vacation package by heading to the ancient Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.
En route, enjoy a brief stop at the famous Pinnawala elephant orphanage where you can get up-close and personal with majestic elephants and their calves as they play in delight. After the encounter with elephants, check into one of the best boutique hotels or villas for the night and be treated to an authentic Sri Lankan dinner buffet, made to recipes perfected over the years.
On the second day, get ready to explore Sigiriya, the famous Lion Rock. From the moment you step foot on the enthralling site, the extensive collection of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys, and fountains are sure to mesmerise you. The Rock Fortress is a harmony between nature and ingenious human imagination. Thereafter, head towards Dambulla, a quaint village with historic significance. The town famously houses the Dambulla Cave Temple which is the largest, best-preserved, cave-temple complex in the country. Also known as Golden Rock Temple, this World Heritage Site comprises a cave monastery and five sanctuaries. After a walking tour through the village and a boat ride, relax and unwind at a soothing Ayurveda Spa, which can be a truly welcoming experience after a full day of excitement and thrill.
Day 03 – Kandy
After a glimpse into an ancient kingdom, head towards another fascinating kingdom of the past – Kandy. Explore the city brimming with fascinating history, rich culture, spectacular beauty, and old-world charm.
A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy as it is one of the most picturesque and iconic Buddhist temples in the country. Located in the heart of the town surrounded by the glistening Kandy Lake also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, the temple was once the royal palace inhabited by the king of Ceylon and his consorts during the Kandyan kingdom. After the end of the Kandyan Kingdom, the palace was transformed into a Buddhist temple that holds the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha.
Thereafter, enjoy a delectable lunch by the lake, seasoned with authentic Sri Lankan spices and flavours. Head back to the temple in the evening to witness the magical cultural show complete with Kandyan dancing, Sri Lanka’s iconic art form which includes elaborate costumes and loud drumming.
Soak in the culture of the beautiful Kandy and stay at one of the best hotels or villas that surround the city. Kandy is known for its beautiful villas and honeymoon hotels that can be booked at affordable prices.
Day 04 – Nuwara Eliya
Having explored the cultural hub of Sri Lanka, take a journey to the charming town of Nuwara Eliya. On the way, stop by Ratnapura, a gem mining station where you can learn about the lives of miners and facts about famous gems in Sri Lanka.
Once in Nuwara Eliya, check into one of the best villas or cosy hotels before visiting the breathtaking ‘World’s End’ and the stunning twin falls -the St. Clair’s and Devon falls. Don’t miss out on the privilege of sipping a warm cup of the world-renowned Ceylon tea directly from its source! Other activities in Nuwara Eliya include the famous farm tour, horseback riding and tea plucking tours. Watch the grazing cows and learn about milk production at the Ambewela farm or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime horse riding experience among the tea plantations of breezy Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05 – Yala National Park
Day 05 invites you to venture into the wilderness of a lush tropical rainforest. The Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s famous wildlife sanctuary is located in the southeastern region of the country and extends over the districts of Hambantota and Monaragala whilst also bordering the Indian Ocean. It is the most visited wildlife sanctuary in the island since its designation in 1900. The Park is best known for its variety of wild animals and plays a vital role in the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, and aquatic birds.
After checking into one of the many luxury villas and hotels in Yala, set off on an exhilarating wildlife safari in safari jeeps with some of the most experienced guides. From the very first minute into your safari, the magic begins. You can spot beautiful dancing peacocks, spotted deer, glorious leopards, vicious reptiles, and flocks of vibrant birds nesting together in a brush with a herd of majestic elephants. Prepare to be amazed by the jungle life as you end the day around a grand bonfire and BBQ dinner under the undisturbed starry night sky.
Day 06 & 07 – Bentota
Say goodbye to the enchanting rainforest and dive headfirst into the wild waves as you head towards the serene town of Bentota the next morning. This is a place no Sri Lanka travel package would miss. The area is known for its beautiful tropical beaches, surf waves, and vibrant bars and restaurants. Enjoy the coast, bask in the sun, and soak in the warm waters, before you resort to a stiff drink by the beach.
Get a glimpse of stilt fishermen artfully practicing a way of life passed down through generations. Interesting tales and historic accounts about the iconic Galle Fort await you when you embark on the famous Galle city tour.
Relax in the morning and head towards the beach in the evening where you can enjoy one of many exciting water sports. You can also explore the beautiful Bentota by kayaking along the borders of rich mangrove forests where bird life thrives.
Stay at one of the best hotels in the town. Their refurbished living spaces, fine restaurants, lively bars, and relaxing spas are guaranteed to show you a good time with views of the Indian Ocean.
Day 08 & 09 – Colombo
After a good night’s rest, day-eight calls for a fun city tour around the bustling city of Colombo.
Colombo is the heart of the beautiful island boasting an array of fun activities and it is the last destination of your Sri Lanka vacation Package. Set off on a stroll along the bustling roads of Pettah also known as a ‘one-stop-shop’ where the loud chatter of shop keepers and locals bargaining will keep you on your toes; Visit the National Museum for an introduction to local history; Head down narrow streets, past monuments, and into some of the city’s most significant spots, and do what the locals do —travel by tuk-tuk or stroll along the streets of Colombo as you take in the city’s commercial heritage and observe influences from the times of the Portuguese, Dutch and English.
Colombo comes alive at night and anyone having a Sri Lanka trip should enjoy it. Start with a meal at Park Street Mews and unwind to its live music, head to Love Bar for some interesting cocktails, and dance the night away at R&B – all in the same evening. You could also spend an evening at the Dutch Hospital Entertainment Precinct. The oldest building in the Colombo fort, the hospital was built by the Dutch and was only used to treat Dutch patients. Now it is an area with shops and restaurants. Watch as it comes to life at night with all-night music, dancing, and delectable food. Colombo is the ideal place to end your Sri Lanka itinerary 9 days with a blast!
