Hill Country & Romantic
01
Culture and Hill Country Tours
06Nights 07 Days
Explore the scenic hill country and experience its heritage and natural beauty.
Set off on a hill country tour with Vistra Tours to explore breathtakingly lush tea estates and cultural highlights such as the Temple of the Tooth, sure to leave you mesmerized.
From the last royal capital of Sri Lanka to a town in the mountains known as “Little England”, discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the region which has its own unique old world charm.
Day 01
Airport | Kandy
On arrival at the airport your dedicated Vistra Tours Guide will be there to welcome you, from there you’ll embark on your scenic journey to the captivating city of Kandy.
Immerse yourself in Kandy’s unique charm, where a vibrant culture and rich heritage are palpable. Wander through its iconic sites and feel the enduring traditions that continue to win the hearts of visitors from across the world.
One of its foremost attractions is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy which is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists. After which you will be able to enjoy a cultural show which showcases the traditional drumming and dancing which form a major part of the Kandyan identity.
As the evening sets in, delight in an authentic Sri Lankan dinner at your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 02
Kandy | Pinnawala | Peradeniya
After a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast, we journey to an unforgettable experience awaits with friendly jumbos at this popular attraction where orphaned.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage encompasses a 25-acre property and offers visitors a chance to get up close to elephants. Highlights include seeing elephants being bottle fed and watching as they play and cool off during bath at the river nearby.
In the afternoon, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya one of the island’s most picturesque of gardens, originally a royal pleasure garden.
This site was later developed by the British today, it offers the ideal escape from the bustling city and features lush lawns, charming pavilions and a vibrant variety of flowering plants. The Orchid House is a not to be missed attraction here as is the giant Javan fig tree.
As the day draws to a close, head back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 03
Kandy | Nuwara Eliya
After a hearty breakfast, continue your hill country adventure as you head to Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy a scenic tour through lush mountains carpeted with tea bushes interspersed with the occasional gushing waterfall, famously known as Little England.
Sprawling tea plantations and refreshing mountain air await travelers here, offering a welcome respite from the tropical heat.
Take in well maintained colonial bungalows which still retain their old world charm and the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, a Donald Steele Masterpiece one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia.
Take a stroll or an invigorating bike ride along the scenic banks of Lake Gregory towards the evening. A hike through the green grass and past redbrick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 04
Nuwara Eliya | Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park lies in its raw, windswept beauty and the thrilling reward of its iconic viewpoint with an altitude above 7,000 feet, the plateau sweeps to a robust 3,170 hectares.
World’s End a dramatic escarpment that plunges nearly 880 meters, offering awe-inspiring, panoramic vistas that stretch all the way to the distant coast on clear mornings. Beyond this breathtaking precipice.
The Park invites explorers to wander through a unique montane ecosystem of misty grasslands, cloud forests tangled with moss-covered trees, and serene waterfalls like Baker’s Falls, all while keeping an eye out for elusive wildlife such as sambar deer and a variety of endemic birds.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a hike; it’s an unforgettable journey into the wild, rugged heart of Sri Lanka’s highlands, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers seeking both grandeur and tranquility.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05
Nuwara Eliya | Ella
After your breakfast, embark on a journey in the heart of Ceylon’s famous tea country.
Wander through emerald-green terraces, where skilled tea pluckers in vibrant traditional sarees expertly harvest the tender leaves.
Then, step inside a working factory to discover the fascinating art of transforming fresh leaves into the world’s finest tea. End your tour with a fragrant cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while feasting your eyes on misty valleys and peaks.
Proceed to Ella.
The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as “The Bridge in the Sky” is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and photogenic landmarks. It’s located between Ella and Demodara railway stations, hidden amidst lush green tea plantations and rolling hills.
Ella is a charming town surrounded by majestic mountain peaks ideal for adventurous travelers to explore via treks and hikes. Popular spots to visit include the Mini Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock and the Nine Arch Bridge, all of which offer some spectacular views.
Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 06
Ella | Colombo
After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Colombo for some last-minute shopping. A true city of startling contrasts.
Colombo is the bustling commercial metropolis of the island. It’s a hub where colonial buildings and temples exist alongside gleaming skyscrapers. Traverse around the city, and shop at exclusive concept stores featuring the work of premier local designers.
Why not enjoy a unique culinary dining experience at fusion restaurants or head towards Pettah; walk around its bustling streets and take in the cacophony of exotic sounds.
Pay a visit to the Dutch Hospital Complex and enjoy live music, a plethora of restaurants serving great food and more. Round up your stay by experiencing Colombo’s evolving nightlife, at popular clubs and casinos.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
Day 07
Colombo | Airport
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer from Colombo to the airport for departure.
02
Hill Country and Heritage Tour
10 Nights 11 Days
Discover the true diversity of Sri Lanka with these special tours, offers you the chance to appreciate just how beautiful and diverse the tropical island is.
Pay visits to iconic World Heritage Sites steeped in history and experience the rich sense of culture that pervades local communities.
Enjoy intimate mountainside getaways blanketed in lush greenery, and safaris at famed national parks home to thriving wildlife.
Day 01
Airport | Pinnawala | Kandalama
Pick up from the Airport thereafter transfer to Pinnawala. The elephant Orphanage the beauty lies in the joyful spectacle of elephants thriving in a caring community and you have a chance to witness baby elephants being bottle fed as well as get up close to them.
It is an amazing sight to observe how these orphaned and sometimes injured gentle giants are taken care of at this orphanage.
First established in the year 1975 to rehabilitate and provide care to injured and orphaned elephants, it has since expanded to house more than 90 jumbos. The highlight of the visit, of course, will be the daily bath sessions which the elephants enjoy twice a day down by the river. Thereafter transfer to Kandalama.
Savour a delectable dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
Day 02
Kandalama | Anuradhapura
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and prepare to leave for the first great capital of Sri Lanka and a place where time stands still, imagine walking in the footsteps of ancient kings Anuradhapura is one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world spanning over 1,300 years.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site mesmerizes visitors with its vast archaeological park, where sacred Bodhi trees descended from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment tower above sprawling complexes of magnificent dagobas, like the immense, white-domed Ruwanwelisaya, and intricate moonstone-carved palaces.
Wandering among these awe-inspiring ruins, some dating back to the 4th century BC, you feel the profound spiritual energy and engineering brilliance of an ancient civilization that mastered hydraulic innovation with sophisticated reservoirs.
Savor a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandalama.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
Day 03
Sigiriya | Polonnaruwa | Kandalama
After a scrumptious breakfast head to Sigiriya, the fifth-century citadel on 200 meters high rock of King Kashyapa and iconic world heritage site. Sigiriya does not only boast of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments to ancient arts and culture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take in the iconic frescoes of the graceful cloud maidens, stroll beside the legendary mirror wall that lines the western side of the fortress, and pause to appreciate the artistry of ancient verses and poems etched by visitors.
On your journey to Kandy, a stop at the legendary Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a sacred complex that has been a place of pilgrimage and royal patronage since the 1st century BC.
Thereafter, transfer to Polonnaruwa. The city of Polonnaruwa offers a glimpse into the island’s ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Wander around the World Heritage Sites taking in various stupas, reclining Buddha statues and more.
Savor a delectable dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
Day 04
Dambulla | Matale | Kandy
Relish a delicious breakfast at your hotel and en route to Kandy stop at an iconic attraction in Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Rock Temple also known as the Golden Temple houses ancient relics.
This site is home to distinctive paintings which can be found in five magnificently constructed cave temples beside the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Observe how these exquisite cave paintings are drawn along the walls along with over 150 statues of Lord Buddha. While you explore this sanctuary make sure to take in the massive gold Buddha statue as well.
Your journey continues to a lush spice garden in Matale, where you will engage all your senses. Learn about traditional growing methods and the healing power of spices before enjoying a well-deserved cup of invigorating herbal tea, and proceed to Kandy.
Savour a delectable dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 05
Kandy | Peradeniya | Kandy
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya offers a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Manicured lawns and well-tended greenery intercepted with lovely blooms make space a welcoming place to relax.
The Royal Gardens is located just four miles from Kandy town. Step into a 147-acre sanctuary of natural tranquility. Stroll past elegant pavilions, manicured lawns, and a striking octagon conservatory as you immerse yourself in these vast, lush gardens.
Find the perfect respite at the cafeteria north of the entrance, located near key attractions such as a giant Javan fig tree and the Orchid House.
Visit Kandy, a picturesque hill city and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, sense of rich history, heritage and the unique traditions that pervade it.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 06
Peradeniya | Kandy
A day in Kandy, one of its foremost attractions is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa), and the enduring legacies of ancient royalty.
Wander through the town’s vibrant streets, discovering a treasure trove of attractions. Browse shops offering intricate local souvenirs and international brands, explore a fascinating gem museum, and arts & crafts centre.
In the evening explore the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a key destination for Buddhist pilgrims and a repository of immense cultural and spiritual significance.
After which you will be able to enjoy a cultural show which showcases “Kandyan Dance” the traditional drumming and dancing which form a major part of the Kandyan identity.
Enjoy a delectable dinner at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 07
Kandy | Nuwara Eliya
Replete with misty winding roads, slopes blanketed by lush green carpets of tea bushes and invigorating fresh mountain air, the charming little town of Nuwara Eliya offers visitors an intimate getaway experience.
Offers cool weather and colonial charm, and breathtaking landscapes. A visit to a tea plantation, hike to World’s End in Horton Plains, or boat on Gregory Lake for a perfect day out.
Enjoy hikes among grassy slopes and valleys which open to captivating vistas of a picturesque countryside hamlet.
A delicious dinner awaits you at the hotel. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Day 08
Nuwara Eliya | Kandapola
Breakfast at hotel thereafter transfer to Horton Plains.
Explore Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and eco-tourism haven nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka. Vast expanses of verdant grasslands surround one of the island’s most pristine wet montane evergreen forests, offering a refreshing escape into nature’s tranquility.
With an altitude above 7,000 above sea level, the plateau stretches across 3,170 hectares, home to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet. Be sure to marvel at the majestic Baker’s Falls, cascading dramatically over rugged rock cliffs.
Trek across frost-kissed grasslands, inhaling the crisp, refreshing mountain air. Gaze down at the dizzying 3,700-foot cliff of World’s End, a breathtaking drop into the southern plains. Alternatively, drive gently through herds of shy sambar deer as birdsong fills the air, creating a truly magical encounter with nature, on completion transfer to Kandapola.
Overnight stay in Kandapola
Day 09
Kandapola | Yala
Savor a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey to the wild wonders of Yala.
Set off on a safari to explore Yala National Park by jeep, sprawling across an area of 1,260 kilometers. Yala home to rugged terrains including dunes, grass and shrub lands and water holes, has long since is the second largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka.
The Park is home to large herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, jackals and to an array of bird species. It’s also one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and his mesmerizing destination has one of the highest leopard densities in the world
Here the cries of the wilderness and you bask under the warmth of the tropical sun as you traverse the jungle.
Treat yourself to a delectable dinner at a hotel in Yala.
Overnight stay in Yala.
Day 10
Yala | Galle
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Galle.
Galle is among the most visited cities located on the Southern Coast of the island. The Dutch Fort offers an interesting blend of classic Dutch period architecture and tropical settings, a trademark of a quintessential Island experience.
Wander through the historic fort, soaking in the atmosphere of its stylish cafes, diverse restaurants, and cultural museums.
Check out bastions preserved up to date showcasing evidence of a heritage preserved for more than three and a half centuries, after which you can catch a spectacular sunset from the ramparts overlooking the Indian ocean.
Head back to your hotel for a hearty dinner.
Overnight Stay in Galle.
Day 11
Galle | Airport
On completion the tour, transfer to airport for departure.