Sigiriya / Plonnaruwa / Sigiriya

After breakfast, visit Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.

Sigiriya
Morning: Climb the renowned Sigiriya rock fortress and explore the water gardens and granite abode (one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Sigiriya is situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka's Central Province, in close proximity to the municipality of Dambulla. The name denotes a historical and archaeological location dominated by a colossal granite column measuring approximately 200 meters (660 feet) in height. The ancient Sri Lankan chronicle Culavamsa records that King Kasyapa (477–495 CE) chose the location for his new capital. He constructed his palace atop this rocky outcrop and embellished its peripheries with vivid frescos. Approximately halfway up the face of this mountain, on a small plateau, he constructed a gateway in the shape of a monstrous lion. The nomenclature of this location is derived from the Lion Rock, or Shīhāgiri. The monarch's death left both the royal palace and the capital deserted. Until the fourteenth century, Buddha's monastery occupied the edifice.

Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa ranks second in Sri Lanka in terms of historical significance. Anuradhapura preceded it in its designation as Sri Lanka's capital. King Vijayabahu I, who reestablished the nation under a local ruler in 1070 after his victory over the Chola invaders, initially designated Polonnaruwa as the capital of the second-oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka.

Currently, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa stands as an exemplary archaeological site in the nation, bearing testament to the rigor and magnificence exhibited by the kingdom's initial monarchs. The 1982 Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer also used it as a backdrop for filming sequences. UNESCO has designated the ancient city of Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage Site.

In addition to temples, dagobas, and palaces, the city excursion exemplifies the historical craftsmanship of Sri Lanka. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa will host the following attractions during this three-hour guided excursion:
• Royal Palace (the residence of the era's most prolific and accomplished architect, King Parakramabahu) • Nissankamulla Palace (a royal audience hall featuring magnificent stonework)
• Gal Viharaya (home to some of the nation's finest rock sculptures)
• Thuparama and Lankathilaka Image Houses (excellent illustrations of vaulted shrine chambers)
• Vatadage: Provide an approximate representation of the appearance of a complete vatadage.
• Rankoth Vehera, the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa • Parakramabahu Statue, one of ancient Sri Lanka's greatest monarchs

Subsequently, embark on a cooking class and Sigiriya village excursion to learn authentic Sri Lankan village cuisine and experience life as a Sri Lankan villager.

Activities for the day
The day's activities included a village tour, a Minneriya safari, a visit to Sigiriya Rock, and an exploration of the city of Polonnaruwa.
Accommodation
Hotel in Sigiriya

Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Ella

After breakfast, drive to the scenic hill country resort of Nuwara Eliya and Ella; en route, stop at Ramboda waterfall, tea garden and tea factory. Later in the day, embark on a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, followed by a journey on the hill country train.

Tea Factory, Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya
After this excursion concludes, you will proceed by car to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, enjoy two hours of sightseeing, including a visit to a tea factory and plantation that produces the world's finest tea.

While tasting exquisite Sri Lankan tea, you can learn everything there is to know about tea harvesting and processing. Although you may not like tea, the Hill Country, also known as Tea Country, is the most picturesque part of the island and worth visiting.

Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour
Your guide will lead you on a strolling tour of Nuwara Eliya. Gregory Lake, downtown Nuwara Eliya, the Nuwara Eliya market, Gregory Lake, and Victoria Park are among the points of interest.

Hill country blue train trip
Following the Nuwara Eliya city tour, you will board the ella-bound hill country train to experience one of the world's most scenic train journeys.

Activities
Victori Park, Tea Factory, City Tour of Nuwara Eliya, Gregory Lake, and the Hill Country Blue Train Trip are all worth visiting.
Accommodation
Hotel in Ella 

Yala/ Galle / Bentota

You can opt for an early morning Yala National Park safari at your own expense. After breakfast, depart for the seaside hotel in Bentota, making stops along the way to explore the Madu River estuary, Bentota beach, and the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre. The journey will last for five hours.

Bentota
Bentota Beach is the island's most frequented seaside vacation spot. The distinctive geographical position is a significant factor contributing to the Bentota Beach Resort's appeal as a beach vacation destination. The mainland connects the island's southern boundary, where the Bentota resort is located. Bentota primarily consists of a narrow land stretch that runs north-south. Unlike most other islands, Bentota shares its borders with both a river and a sea. The Indian Ocean borders Bentota's western side, while the Bentota River borders its eastern side. This narrow sliver of land is home to a considerable number of hotels, offering vacationers a tranquil environment. Online hotel reservations for Bentota through Serendipity Tours are available at an exceptionally reasonable price. 

Sea turtle conservation project
In order to preserve the turtle population, which is on the verge of extinction, initiatives have been implemented along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where the turtles nest. The turtle constructs an incubation chamber on the beach, where she lays her eggs, covers them with sand as instructed, and allows them to dry in the sun's heat. Fishermen often collect the eggs and then sell them to consumers. However, currently, conservation programs purchase the eggs and allow them to hatch naturally in enclosed areas, preventing the birds from catching them. They release the young into the sea two days later at night, increasing their chances of survival.

Maud River Safari
Because of its international ecological significance, this location was designated "Ramsar Wetland" in 2003. It is the second largest wetland in Sri Lanka, spanning 915 hectares and home to nearly 300 families across 23 islands. The Coast Conservation Department has designated the River Sanctuary as a Special Area Managed (SAM) and Tourist Development Area. Balapitiya is the place of residence for the 'Madu Ganga'.

The city tour of Galle
Galle, an ancient seaport in Sri Lanka, functioned as a strategic location along the Silk Route. The Portuguese discovered it later and built a fortress there, followed by the Dutch who further fortified it. Currently, the World Heritage Site recognizes this fortress.

Galle Fort
With a multiethnic and multireligious populace, the fort boasts a rich historical background. There is considerable interest from the Sri Lankan government and several Dutch individuals who retain ownership of properties within the fort in transforming it into one of the world's modern marvels. Under criteria iv, UNESCO acknowledged the cultural significance of the fort and designated the location a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation is in recognition of the site's exceptional display of "an urban ensemble that exemplifies the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to the 19th centuries."

Galle Fort, alternatively referred to as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle," withstood the destructive Boxing Day tsunami that struck a portion of the town's coastline. Since then, it has been restored. The Galle Fort accommodates the prestigious Amangalla resort hotel, which is in close proximity to the Dutch Reformed Church. Built in 1684, its original purpose was to accommodate the Dutch Governor and his staff. In 1865, following its transformation into a hotel under the name New Oriental Hotel, it served nineteenth-century European passengers traveling between Europe and Galle Port.

Activities
The Galle Fort Tour, the River Safari, and the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Accommodation
Hotel in Bentota