SS HORIZON TOURS
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), where our chauffeur will warmly receive you. Transfer to Negombo, a coastal town affectionately called “Little Rome” for its historic churches. Highlights include the Dutch Fort, St. Mary’s Church and the lively fish market. Spend the evening unwinding on Negombo Beach. Overnight stay in Negombo.
✈️ Airport → 🚗 Drive to Negombo → 🏰 Dutch Fort → ⛪ St. Mary’s Church → 🦈 lively fish market → 🌅 Leisure on Negombo Beach → Overnight stay in Negombo.
Travel to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Continue to Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO site dating back to the 1st century BC. Explore five caves adorned with murals and over 150 Buddha statues, including a striking golden Buddha at the entrance. In the afternoon, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and palace ruins at the summit. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
🐘 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage → 🕍 Dambulla Cave Temple → ⛰️ Sigiriya Rock Fortress → Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Morning visit to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, with highlights such as the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, and Lotus Pond. In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for wild elephants and diverse birdlife. Return to Sigiriya for overnight stay.
🏛️ Polonnaruwa ruins → 🦓 Minneriya jeep safari → Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Travel to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Climb to the summit for panoramic views and sacred stupas. Heading north to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. Tour highlights include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Abhayagiri Monastery, and the Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna). Relax in the evening. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
🙏 Mihintale sacred site → 🌳 Sri Maha Bodhi Tree → 🕍 Ruwanwelisaya Stupa → 🏯 Abhayagiri Monastery → 💧 Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) → Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Drive south, en route stopping at a spice garden in Matale to learn about medicinal plants and Ayurveda. Arrive in Kandy, the cultural capital, and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. In the evening, enjoy a Kandyan cultural dance performance. Overnight stay in Kandy.
🌿 Spice Garden in Matale → 🙏 Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic → 🎭 Kandyan cultural dance show → Overnight stay in Kandy.
Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, home to thousands of plant species including orchids. Drive through scenic tea country to Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its colonial charm and cool climate. En route, stop at a tea plantation and factory to learn about tea production and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. On arrival, visit Gregory Lake, a tranquil reservoir built in 1873. Spend the evening exploring Nuwara Eliya’s colonial architecture, markets, or golf course. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
🍃 Royal Botanical Gardens → 🚗 Tea country drive → 🍃 Tea plantation & factory visit → 🌊 Gregory Lake → 🏡 Colonial Charm → Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Drive south to Yala National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari, and it is famous for its leopard population and diverse wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, and exotic bird species. Overnight stay in Yala.
🚗 Drive south → 🦁 Yala jeep safari → Overnight stay in Yala.
Visit Tissamaharama Temple and taste buffalo curd with treacle, a southern delicacy. Continue to Mirissa and relax on its golden beaches. Overnight stay in Mirissa.
🕍 Tissamaharama Temple → 🍮 Taste buffalo curd & treacle → 🏖️ Relax on Mirissa Beach → Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Early morning whale watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa. Arrive in Galle and explore the UNESCO listed Galle Fort, the Maritime Museum, and the Lighthouse, which offers sweeping ocean views. Overnight stay in Galle.
🐋 Whale watching excursion → 🏰 Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO) → ⚓ Maritime Museum → 🌅 Galle Lighthouse → Overnight stay in Galle.
Return to Colombo, to discover the capital’s highlights: the National Museum, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, the bustling Pettah Market and Galle Face Green. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight. As one Sri Lankan chapter ends, countless memories await beyond the Horizon.
🏙️ Heading to Colombo → 🏛️ National Museum → 🕍 Gangaramaya Temple → 🏞️ Independence Square → 🛍️ Pettah Market → 🌅 Galle Face Green → ✈️ Airport transfer for departure.