Classic Ceylon

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1
   BIA → Sigiriya → Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   Arrival & Journey to Sigiriya

   • Meet your Trailmark Tours representative at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
   • Begin your Sri Lankan adventure with a scenic drive towards Sigiriya, located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
   • Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the airport region towards the historic Cultural Triangle.
   • Arrive in Sigiriya and check in to your hotel.
   • Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey.

   Evening — Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   • In the afternoon/evening, visit the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic heritage attractions.
   • Explore the ancient fortress complex, gardens, water features and historic remains.
   • Climb the rock and discover the famous ancient frescoes and the remains of the royal palace complex.
   • Enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding forests and countryside from the upper levels.
   • After the visit, return to your hotel and relax.

   Overnight: Sigiriya Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2
   Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Minneriya / Kaudulla Safari → Sigiriya

   Morning — Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Depart Sigiriya and travel towards the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
   • Explore the magnificent ruins of Sri Lanka's medieval capital.
   • Discover ancient temples, royal buildings, stupas and impressive stone sculptures.
   • Visit some of the most important archaeological sites within the ancient city.
   • Explore the famous Gal Vihara, known for its remarkable Buddha statues carved into the granite rock.
   • Continue exploring the historic remains and learn about Sri Lanka's ancient civilization.

   Afternoon / Evening — Wildlife Safari

   • Return towards the Sigiriya area after exploring Polonnaruwa.
   • Depending on seasonal wildlife movements and park conditions, enjoy an afternoon/evening safari in Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla National Park.
   • Explore the wildlife-rich surroundings by safari jeep.
   • Keep your eyes open for wild elephants, spotted deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
   • During suitable seasonal conditions, you may have the opportunity to witness large gatherings of wild elephants around the park's water sources.
   • The choice between Minneriya and Kaudulla can be adjusted according to current wildlife movements and local safari conditions.
   • After the safari, return to your hotel in Sigiriya.
   • Relax and enjoy the evening.

   Overnight: Sigiriya Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

3. Day 3
   Sigiriya → Kandy → Temple of the Tooth → Cultural Dance

   Morning — Journey to Kandy

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Check out and depart Sigiriya.
   • Travel towards Kandy, Sri Lanka's historic hill capital.
   • Enjoy the scenic journey through the central part of the island.
   • Arrive in Kandy and check in to your hotel.
   • Take some time to relax.

   Evening — Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

   • Visit the magnificent Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa.
   • Explore this important Buddhist and cultural landmark in the heart of Kandy.
   • Experience the beautiful architecture, religious atmosphere and traditional surroundings of the temple complex.
   • The Temple of the Tooth is one of Sri Lanka's most significant religious and cultural sites.

   Traditional Cultural Dance

   • In the evening, enjoy a vibrant traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performance.
   • Experience traditional Kandyan dancing, drumming and cultural performances.
   • After the show, return to your hotel.

   Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

4. Day 4
   Kandy City Tour → Nuwara Eliya → Tea Factory

   Morning — Kandy City Tour

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Begin your Kandy city sightseeing tour.
   • Explore the beautiful surroundings of Kandy and experience the atmosphere of Sri Lanka's historic hill capital.
   • Visit selected viewpoints and important areas of the city.
   • Enjoy some time to experience local life, scenery and culture.

   Afternoon — Journey to Nuwara Eliya

   • Depart Kandy and begin your scenic journey into Sri Lanka's spectacular central highlands.
   • The landscape gradually changes from tropical surroundings to cool mountain scenery and endless tea plantations.
   • Enjoy breathtaking views of mist-covered mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea-covered slopes.

   Ceylon Tea Factory Visit

   • Stop at a traditional Ceylon tea plantation and tea factory.
   • Learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous tea industry.
   • Discover how freshly picked tea leaves are processed, dried, graded and prepared.
   • Enjoy the opportunity to taste authentic Sri Lankan tea.
   • Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka's important tea-producing areas and sits in the central highlands at around 1,868 metres above sea level.
   • Continue to Nuwara Eliya.
   • Check in to your hotel and relax.
   • Enjoy the cool climate and peaceful atmosphere of this charming hill-country town.

   Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

5. Day 5
   Nuwara Eliya → Nanu Oya / Railway Station → Scenic Train → Ella

   Morning — Nuwara Eliya

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Spend some time enjoying the cool mountain atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya.
   • Depending on your train schedule, travel towards the railway station at Nanu Oya.
   • Board the scenic hill-country train towards Ella.

   Scenic Train Journey to Ella

   • Experience one of Sri Lanka's most memorable railway journeys.
   • Travel through spectacular mountain scenery, tea plantations, deep valleys and misty highlands.
   • Enjoy the changing landscapes from the comfort of the train.
   • The train journey provides excellent opportunities for photography and experiencing local life.

   Arrival in Ella

   • Arrive in Ella and meet your Trailmark Tours representative.
   • Transfer to your hotel and check in.
   • Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
   • Relax and take in the spectacular mountain surroundings of Ella.
   • Ella is known for its dramatic mountain scenery and is a popular base for walks and hikes through the surrounding highlands.

   Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

6. Day 6
   Ella → Nine Arch Bridge → Yala → Yala Safari

   Morning — Nine Arch Bridge

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of Ella's most photographed landmarks.
   • Walk through the surrounding tea plantations and tropical vegetation towards the historic railway bridge.
   • Enjoy spectacular views of the bridge and surrounding mountain landscape.
   • Take time for photographs and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Ella countryside.

   Ella → Yala

   • Return to the hotel and check out.
   • Depart Ella and travel towards the southern wildlife region of Sri Lanka.
   • Enjoy the changing scenery as the mountains gradually give way to the dry-zone landscapes around Yala.
   • Arrive at your hotel near Yala and check in.
   • Take some time to relax and refresh.

   Evening — Yala National Park Safari

   • In the afternoon/evening, embark on an exciting Yala National Park safari.
   • Explore the park's diverse habitats by safari jeep.
   • Look out for Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles and a wide variety of bird species.
   • With favorable conditions and some luck, you may also encounter the Sri Lankan leopard.
   • Enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings and sunset atmosphere of the park.
   • After the safari, return to your hotel.
   • Wildlife sightings are naturally dependent on animal movements, weather and park conditions.

   Overnight: Yala area Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

7. Day 7
   Yala → Galle Fort → BIA

   Morning — Journey Towards Galle

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
   • Check out and depart your Yala accommodation.
   • Begin your journey towards the southern coast.
   • Travel through the beautiful landscapes of southern Sri Lanka.

   Galle Fort Visit

   • Arrive in historic Galle and visit the magnificent Galle Fort.
   • Explore the historic fortifications, ramparts, charming streets and colonial-era architecture.
   • Enjoy a leisurely walk through the old fort area.
   • Discover the unique combination of Sri Lankan, Portuguese and Dutch influences reflected in the architecture and history of the fort.
   • Enjoy time for photographs, shopping or a relaxing coffee within the historic fort.
   • Galle Fort and its fortifications are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent an important part of Sri Lanka's colonial heritage.

   Galle → Bandaranaike International Airport

   • After exploring Galle Fort, continue your journey towards Bandaranaike International Airport.
   • Enjoy the final scenic drive through the southern and western parts of Sri Lanka.
   • Arrive at BIA in time for your departure flight.
   • TOUR ENDS AT BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

   Meals: Breakfast