5 Day Sri Lanka Exploration: Visit Dambulla, Kandy, Tea Factory, Ella and Wildlife Safari Tour

Embark on a 5-day exploration of Sri Lanka, visiting Dambulla’s Royal Rock Temple, Kandy’s sacred sites, a tea factory, Ella’s stunning landscapes, and a thrilling wildlife safari tour.

Duration: 5 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Airport – Colombo

Bandaranaike International Airport - Arrive by flight and you will be transferred to the arrival terminal. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. You will meet one of the Representatives of Apple Vacations will assist you as he will be having a paging board with your name in the meeting area, and he will introduce you to your own English speaking chauffeur guide who will transfer you to the hotel in Colombo. (Pick up at airport or Colombo City)

Colombo - Colombo is a major port of the Indian Ocean and is located on the west coast of the island, just south of the Kelani River. The majority of Sri Lanka’s international trade is conducted there, which has one of the biggest artificial ports in the world. Visit the most well-known sights in the capital of Sri Lanka during this tour to discover more about it. For first-time visitors, the family-friendly tour is strongly recommended.

Colombo – Sigiriya

Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre - Located in the Dambulla Secretariat Division of Matale District, in the center of Dambulla town started in 1999 to establish a wholesale market for vegetables and fruits. One important feature of the DDEC is thus a more direct participation of the farmers is selling farm produce.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium - Sri Lanka’s 30,000-seat Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is a cricket stadium. The Stadium, the first and only international cricket pitch in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, is located in Dambulla on land leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple. The Dambulla Tank (reservoir) and the Dambulla Rock are visible from the stadium.

Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs - Ibbankatuwa Ancient burial ground lies five kilometers before the Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. An archeological Department board will indicate the turn off from the main road. The site is reached by traveling about 500m in to this road. The site was developed in to a tourist attraction in 2017 and was formally open to the public.

Ederagala Wana Senasuna - Enderagala Wana Senasuna is a Buddhist temple in a calm and quiet location in Dambulla in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. According to the inscription found in the caves, the history of this temple dates back to the 2nd – 1st century B.C. The temple is located beside the Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee (A006) Highway, only 6km away from the Dambulla city. You can reach Enderagala Wana Senasuna withing15 minutes from Dambulla Cave Temple.

Sigiriya Museum - This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya’s cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. (Combine with Sigiriya fortress)

Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress - Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to be once the epicentre of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning.

Once came down from the giant rock and go for try the Taste of Delicious Sri Lankan Food

Optional Tours

• Village safari-USD 30-Canoe Ride, Bull cart ride, tuktuk safari and Sri Lankan Food

Pidurangala Rock - Pidurangala Rock is adjacent to Sigiriya Rock and is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys but also Sigiriya Rock.

Oakray Woodcarvings - From typical wooden elephant ornaments to the more intricately carved wooden traditional masks, Oak Ray Wood Carving boasts of one of the more comprehensive wood carving collections in Sri Lanka. The ‘Oak Ray’ brand, primarily catering to the hospitality needs of tourists has diversified its name into the niche of handicrafts and has quickly become a go-to establishment to find that perfect memento of your journey around the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya - Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple - The Rock Temple of Dambulla, called Jumbukola Vihara (Dambulla Cave Temple) in the (Mahavamsa)-the principal Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka, is situated about forty seven miles north west of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, on the main road to Anuradhupura. Dambulla is a scent of unique interest. Its rock temples are the most extensive in the Island, and one of the most ancient, and in the highest state of preservation and order.

Golden Temple of Dambulla - One of Sri Lanka’s most frequented, appealing, and well-liked tourist destinations is Dambulla. Buddhist ideas are present in this historical and religious location, which allows visitors to sense that special sensation before even arriving in the city.

Kandy View Point - Kandy View Point Climb the hill by Kandy Lake to reach Kandy viewpoint and receive a view of the city that cannot be beaten. As a popular tourist spot, the area brings in a large number of peddlers, though they often sell sub-par items. The area also has a reputation for high pickpocket activity, so keep an eye on your belongings. From the hill, you can enjoy great views over the lake and the city as a whole.

Kandy Lake - Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake in the heart of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, it was reduced in size. It is a protected lake, with fishing banned. There are many legends and folklore regarding the lake. One such is that the small island at its center was used by the king’s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums.

Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show - Kandyan move execution is one of the characterizing encounters of a stay in Kandy. Considering it a customary Kandyan move execution is something of a misnomer as the shows are particularly gone for crowd diversion and contain move schedules and outfits from the nation over, including the well-known ‘fallen angel’ moves of the west coast (which are exceptionally difficult to find in their home district).

Kandy - Ella

Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden - On the way to Nuwara Eliya or if you are to drive a few minutes away from the town, you will be treated to breathtaking views of tea estates! Make your way through the maze of tea bushes and discover where the elixirs of Sri Lanka come from. There are many tea plantations and tea factories that will be more than happy to show you around,

Devon Falls - A beautiful green waterfall with foamy water is visible in the Nuwara Eliya district along the Talawakele-Hatton route. It is highly advised for nature lovers and bird lovers to visit this incredible natural preserve because it is a mesmerizing sight. On the A7 motorway, there are two places to stop and take in the views of this waterfall. The Devon and St. Claire waterfalls may both be viewed pouring down the picturesque mountains from the lower observation point, making it even more remarkable.

Gregory Lake - Sir William Gregory, the British governor at the time, built Gregory Lake in 1873, ostensibly to generate power. However, after it was constructed, the lake was primarily used for leisure and amusement. Gregory Lake was the most well-known attraction in the region at its height of popularity, and lots of tourists used it as a place to unwind.

Nine Arches Bridge - The Nine Arch Bridge has a 91-meter span and a 24-meter height. It is a really scenic location, especially given that it is surrounded by deep jungle and agricultural land, thanks to the lovely nine arches. A forest is thriving behind the railroad, and below it, tea is being grown.

Ravana’s Cave - The Ravana Cave is located about 2 km from the Ella town and 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high. History says that the cave is used by King Rawana to hide the Princess Sita.

Ella – Udawalawa – Colombo

Ravana Ella Falls - In Sri Lanka’s Badulla District, in the village of Uduhawara, there is a waterfall named Rawan Ella. Welimada is about 12 kilometers away from the waterfall. Legends about Ravana are connected to Rawan Ella Falls.

The Udawalawa Dam - Udawalawe Trails is the ideal option for you if you’re looking for the ultimate Sri Lankan safari experience in the utmost comfort of “Collect only memories, Leave only footsteps.” Allow the Team to lead you on a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget as you sit back and enjoy. Listen to the exotically tropical owl’s evocative cry, listen to the splashing of the elephants in the adjacent lakes and streams.

Udawalawe National Park - Keeping Company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park are the Water Buffalo, Wild boar, Spotted Deer, Sambur Deer, Jackal, Black-naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, s the endemic Toque Macaque and Gray Langers. Sighting a Leopard and other smaller cats like Fishing cat & Jungle cat would be a bonus, growling in the dark. You will genuinely enter a state of natural joy if you absorb the sights and sounds of nature.

Colombo - Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on old east-west exchange courses, administered progressively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That legacy is reflected in its engineering, blending pilgrim structures in with elevated structures and shopping centers. The monumental Colombo National Museum, committed to Sri Lankan history, outskirts rambling Viharamahadevi Park and its mammoth Buddha.

What's Included
  • Daily 500ml water bottle
  • Guidance by an English-speaking driver
  • Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Enjoy seasonal fruits
  • Dinner included
  • Breakfast included
  • Savor a King Coconut
  • Complimentary onboard WIFI (on request)
  • 4 nights of comfortable accommodation
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees For Sites
  • Gratuity For Driver & Guide
  • Optional Activities
  • Food & Drinks Other than Specified
Additional Information

Experience the fascinating destinations in Sri Lanka. Explore the awe-inspiring Royal Rock Temple in Dambulla and enjoy panoramic vistas of the rural landscape from within the caves and from the Giant Lion Rock. Kandy, a vibrant city nestled around a lake in the heart of Sri Lanka, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds immense spiritual significance in the realm of Buddhism. Take a tour of the tea factory, understand the plucking and manufacturing of tea, and sample the freshly brewed delight, embodying the true essence of Sri Lanka. The majestic landscapes of Ella, encompassing mountains, waterfalls, and canyons, are a sight to behold. Embark on a thrilling Jeep safari through the Wilderness National Park’s rough terrains in search of indigenous sloth bears, foxes, mongooses, a variety of birds, snakes, and other residents of the dense forests.

  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
  • littering & smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
  • Room upgrades on availability.
  • Standard check-in time is at 14:00hrs – Early check-in will be provided on availability basis
  • Alcohol will not be served by any hotel on Poya days (full moon) and other days prohibited by the Government.
  • Quench your thirst by stopping for a complimentary king coconut along the roadside.
  • Stop to enjoy some tropical/seasonal fruits during your journey.
  • Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue
  • Please respect and leave the plants and native wildlife untouched
  • Deposit trash in designated receptacles
  • For 1 Person Single room, 2 Person Double Room, 3 Person Triple Room Respectively.
  • Please observe proper dress code when visiting the temples as a form of respect. The basic rule is to wear clothing that covers the shoulders, and knees (Participants are advised dress appropriately for this activity (long pants, long-sleeved shirt or scarf to cover shoulders, and closed shoes)
  • Please do not wear strong scented perfume as animals are sensitive to odour.
  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended for all tour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Selvir32
Dec 7, 2023
Thank you Apple Vacations for making our trip to SriLanka smooth and memorable - We travelled to Srilanka from Chennai during end of November 2023. Since it was sudden trip and we were travelling as family of three (including our 2 year old) we were looking for a reliable tour company. Found couple of them on trip advisor based on reviews , but Apple vacations impressed us since the beginning with their prompt responses and reasonable price quotes. Thank you to our trip coordinator Mr. Suren for being patient in answering all my queries and accommodating all my requests in the itinerary before booking the package. Upon arrival we were assigned Mr. Krishan as our private guide and Chauffeur for the entire trip. Krishan made us feel very much comfortable and took us to all the places as per itinerary without any issues. Since we had planned our trip for only 5 days and 4 nights we had a tight itinerary. So it was bit challenging for us and Krishan to make sure we don’t miss out on anything despite the tight schedule. Overall we are very much satisfied with the service provided by Apple vacations especially Mr. Suren and Mr. Krishan. We will definitely recommend them to our friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G368ecpraveenp
Dec 6, 2023
More value for money - Wonderfull tour organized by Apple vacations, thank you so much for the memorable trip. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikek273
Apr 25, 2019
Excellent four day tour - Our four day tour to Sri Lanka was excellent. Our tour guide Rai was always on time extremely knowledgeable and a really lovely guy. We visited all the major sites in Kandy and the surrounding area including the elephant safari which was well worth it. Rai was happy to tailor the tour to our needs and we would be more than happy to recommend this tour to anyone. We were in Sri Lanka at the time of the Easter bombings and Apple Vacations were very helpful and reassuring. Sri Lanka is a lovely country with very friendly people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bhawanau2021
Jun 22, 2024
Memories made in Sri Lanka😍 - We took a 5-day tour to Sigiria, Kandy, Dambulla, Ella, Uduwalwe and Colombo. It was a great trip managed by Apple Vacations, especially would like to thank Krishant our Tour Guide for everything who took care of us with a comfortable vehicle throught our trip. Very professional and on time for pick up and drop. Hotels were great. Thanks for everything and we felt the trip was completely worthwhile! We would go again and recommend such a trip to anyone looking for a hassle-free and safe trip for valuable memories within short time.😍😍😍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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