15 Day Private Sri Lanka 'Miracle' Tour

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time - 20 to 30 mins)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Pinnwala and visit the Elephant Orphanage. (Travel Time - 2 to 2 ½ hrs) Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat, located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the best place for an up close and personal experience with the world’s largest land mammals! Thereafter continue to Dambulla and visit the Cave Temple. (Travel Time – 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves.

Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex. On completion of the day check into the hotel and relax.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Polonnaruwa and explore the ruins of the Ancient Kingdom. (Travel Time – 50 to 60 mins) Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD.

View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history.

Afterwards, proceed to the entrance of Minneriya National Park and hop into the safari jeep to go on a lovely safari. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins) This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October.

In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas. On completion return to the hotel and relax.

After a relaxed morning at the hotel, visit a local village and get an experience of authentic Sri Lankan village life. Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer.

Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home-cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day. Afterwards, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and witness the sunset from the top of the Rock Fortress. (Travel Time – 20 to 30 mins)

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame.

Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past. On completion of the day return to the hotel and relax.

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Matale visit a Spice Garden and a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. (Travel Time - 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda.

The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need. Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Later in the evening go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage.

Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colourful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums. On completion of the visit return back to the hotel and relax.

After the breakfast, at the hotel go on Temple Run Tour in Kandy Get amazed by the wood crafting masterpiece that is the Embekke Temple. Wander through the historic and beautiful Gadaladeniya Temple and view its wonderful paintings and sculptures. Visit the Lankatilaka temple that was quite architecturally advanced for its time.

See awe-striking sight of the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, the inside walls of which are covered in painstakingly restored paintings. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues.

Get an unforgettable experience of history and art. Afterwards proceed to Peradeniya and visit Royal Botanical Gardens. (Travel Time – 20 to 30 mins) Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants.

Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms. On completion return back to the hotel and relax.

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning proceed to Kandy railway station by 8:30 am to catch the train to Nanu Oya. (Travel Time – 30 to 40 mins)

The Kandy to Nanu Oya train journey takes you on a scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant greens carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Hill Country.

Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows. Your chauffeur will pick you up from Nanu Oya Train station and proceed to the hotel and check-in. (Travel Time – 30 to 40 mins)

Later in the evening proceed to a Tea factory and get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea and visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country. (Travel Time – 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Tea Factory to learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as 'tea puckers' as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets. Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea.

Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world. On completion return back to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time – 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Early in the morning proceed to Horton Plains National Park to go on a lovely trek in the National Park. (Travel Time: 40 to 50 mins) Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests.

Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World's End and the cooling sprays from Baker's Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic faunae that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archaeological finds that were discovered in the area.

After the trek returns to the hotel and relax, later in the evening go on a scenic tour in cosy Nuwara Eliya city. Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions.

Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase an inexpensive and colourful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory. On completion return to the hotel and relax.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Yala, en route makes a pause at scenic little Villa of Ella and embrace its marvels. (Travel Time – 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Explore Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction.

End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka On completion continue to Yala and check into the hotel and relax. (Travel Time - 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Early in the morning hop in to your safari jeep and proceed to Yala National Park to go on a lovely jeep safari. This amazing three-hour Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka.

Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. After the safari return back to the hotel, relax, check out and proceed to Galle and visit the Old Colonial city of Galle. (Travel Time – 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories.

Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics. On completion proceed to Bentota and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time – 50 to 60 mins)

Lunuganga Estate Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka's and one of Asia's most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998.

Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel. Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.

Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for. Madu River Boat Safari Go on a wonderful boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem.

Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.

After relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time - 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

Later go on city and shopping tour in the commercial city of Sri Lanka. Experience the colourful lights and the bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green and the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.

Enjoy the nightlife as you party till the morn. On completion return back to the hotel and relax.

Must Try: • Lunch @ Gallery Café in Colombo (At your own expense) • Crab Dinner @ Ministry of Crabs (Reservation required, at your own expense) • Barefoot Gallery (Books and Handlooms) • Creative Porcelain at Paradise Road. • Spa Ceylon • Walk in the Galle face green • Laksala (Hand Crafts) • ODEL • Arcade Independence Square

Optional Activities - Colombo by Tuk Tuk – USD 65 Per Person Enjoy seeing the sights of Colombo in a converted tuk-tuk. Ride through the streets and see all the attractions of the capital city of Sri Lanka. Enjoy wonderful food and drink even while on your tour. Make your eardrums shake to your favourite beats as you enjoy panoramic views with your special chauffeur.

Colombo Night Cycling Tour – USD 70 Per Person See Colombo City in the light of lamps and electricity on this night cycling tour. Visit the Independence Memorial Hall, a national monument located at the Independence Square. See the Gangaramaya Temple with its mix of modern and traditional architecture.

Pass by historic places such as the Municipal Building, the Race Course, the Dutch Hospital, Old Colombo Lighthouse, the Prison of the last King of Ceylon, Galle Face Green, the Old Parliament and etc and hear their stories. Cycle through the streets of Slave Island where African slaves were held during the Portuguese and Dutch era.