10 Days in Malaysia: The Perfect
Overview
Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoiled.
Sri Lanka is steeped in heritage. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, Sri Lanka is home to some of the best-preserved Asian monuments and showcases no fewer than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon.
Included/Excluded
- Specialized bilingual guide
- Private Transport
- Entrance fees (Cable and car and Moon Valley)
- Box lunch water, banana apple and chocolate
- Departure Taxes
- Entry Fees
- 5 Star Accommodation
- Airport Transfers
Tour Plan
Day 1
- Bandaranaike International Airport to Sigiriya (144km – 03hours 30minutes approx.)
A representative assigned by OneWorld Holidays will meet & greet you on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Proceed in a very comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Sigiriya.
- Proceed to Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya.
http://www.oakrayhotels.com/fresco-water-villa-sigiriya/
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Details
Day 1
- Bandaranaike International Airport to Sigiriya (144km – 03hours 30minutes approx.)
A representative assigned by OneWorld Holidays will meet & greet you on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Proceed in a very comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to Sigiriya.
- Proceed to Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya.
http://www.oakrayhotels.com/fresco-water-villa-sigiriya/
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2
- Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya (113km – 02hours 30minutes)
- After breakfast at the hotel visit Sigiriya Rock.
Climb the 5th-century rock fortress which is a world heritage site built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The Lion Rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, Rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
- Proceed to Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD And is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, The Galviharaya where 4 splendid statues of Lord Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, The lotus bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great. There are also places of worship such as the Shiva temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera, and the remains of the former Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Return to Sigiriya.
- Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3
- Sigiriya to Kandy (90km – 02hours 40minutes)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for Kandy. En route visit Dambulla.
Dambulla rock temple was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. And is a World Heritage site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex f five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha out of rock and spanning 14 meters.
- Proceed to Kandy
In 1592 Kandy became the capital city of the last remaining independent kingdom in Sri Lanka after the coastal regions had been conquered by the Portuguese. Invasions by the Portuguese and the Dutch (16th, 17th, and 18th century) and also by the British (most notably in 1803) were repelled. The last ruling dynasty of Kandy was the Nayaks of Kandy. Kandy preserved its independence until it finally fell to the British in 1815. The British deposed the king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, and all claimants to the throne, thus ending the last traditional monarchy of Sri Lanka, and replaced it with their monarchy. As the capital, Kandy had become home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha which symbolizes a 4th-century tradition that used to be linked to royalty since the protector of the relic was seen fit to rule the land. Thus, the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth were associated with the administrative and religious functions of the capital city. Even after its conquest by the British, Kandy has preserved its function as the religious capital of the Sinhalese and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, namely those belonging to the Theravada school. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, The arts & crafts center, a Gem museum, and a lapidary.
- Visit the Holy Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. (Optional)
- Visit a Gem Museum in Kandy
- In the evening view the Kandy Cultural Show. (Optional)
Kandy cultural show (Kandy Dance) program. Is one of the famous evening events not to be missed when visiting this heritage city. It starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hr. Listen to the captivating traditional drummers and be mesmerized viewing the many different art forms from the upcountry and low country of the island. The spectacular fire dancers and other folklore, Demon dancers, Traditional Kandyan dancers are a definite breathtaking experience to the locals and visitors alike.
- Proceed to Oak Ray Regency Hotel, Kandy.
www.oakrayhotels.com/oak-ray-regency/
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (80km – 02hours 30minutes approx.)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for Nuwara Eliya.
En-route visit a tea plantation and go through “Tea Experience”
Commence a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.
The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka with amazing scenic views of Mountains, Waterfalls, Valleys, and Tea Estates. It is one of the coldest places on the island but is really just like a day of spring in England with the temperature dropping even lower at night. You will notice the British influence in the town and around Nuwara Eliya. Dwellings are like country cottages or mansions of old royalty.
- Proceed to Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel or similar hotel Nuwara Eliya.
http://www.oakrayhotels.com/oak-ray-summer-hill-breeze-nuwara-eliya/
- Rest & Enjoy the cool climate in Nuwara Eliya.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5
Nuwara Eliya – Beruwela (202km – 06hours approx.)
- After breakfast at the hotel depart to Beruwela.
- Rest & Leisure at Earls Reef Hotel, Beruwela.
- Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6
- Have breakfast at the hotel and consider embarking on some water sports.
- Rest & Leisure at the Hotel.
- Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 7
Beruwela – Colombo (78km – 01hours 50minutes)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for Colombo.
- Commence a city tour of Colombo.
Colombo is a modern city that blends the beauty of the old world charm and modern-day development. The busy Bazaar, Fort & Pettah area, Old Dutch Church, Kovil, Temple in Gangaramaya, Town Hall, Independence square, and other areas in Colombo could be explored whilst on tour apart from the bargain shopping at popular stores.
In the afternoon consider going shopping in Colombo.
When shopping in Colombo, your options are anything but limiting. From modern, air-conditioned malls to the famously buzzing street markets, there’s something for everyone. Knowing where to go is the key to getting the best out of Sri Lanka’s shopping haven.
Colombo itself has a fair share of shopping malls and department stores. With everything from the latest pair of shoes & designer jewelry to mobile phones and electronic items, Colombo has an exhaustive variety of things to buy.
No matter how much shopping you do in Colombo, your shopping isn’t complete without experiencing the hustle and bustle of Pettah. With almost anything being available in the many narrow streets, you will have plenty of shops to choose from that will satisfy your retail needs. Shops are located in clusters, with specific types of items being sold in each cluster. Although driving through, and parking may be problematic, the entire stretch of shops is located within a “walkable” distance. Whatever you choose to purchase, be sure to polish your bargaining skills, which is important to fetch the best prices.
- Proceed to Great Southern Hotel or a similar hotel in Colombo.
http://greatsouthernhotel.com.au/great-southern-hotel-colombo/
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8
Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport (35km – 40minutes approx.)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for the airport in time for the flight out of Sri Lanka.
- (03 hours prior to flight departure)
Day 2
- Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya (113km – 02hours 30minutes)
- After breakfast at the hotel visit Sigiriya Rock.
Climb the 5th-century rock fortress which is a world heritage site built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The Lion Rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, Rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
- Proceed to Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD And is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, The Galviharaya where 4 splendid statues of Lord Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, The lotus bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great. There are also places of worship such as the Shiva temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera, and the remains of the former Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Return to Sigiriya.
- Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3
- Sigiriya to Kandy (90km – 02hours 40minutes)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for Kandy. En route visit Dambulla.
Dambulla rock temple was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. And is a World Heritage site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex f five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha out of rock and spanning 14 meters.
- Proceed to Kandy
In 1592 Kandy became the capital city of the last remaining independent kingdom in Sri Lanka after the coastal regions had been conquered by the Portuguese. Invasions by the Portuguese and the Dutch (16th, 17th, and 18th century) and also by the British (most notably in 1803) were repelled. The last ruling dynasty of Kandy was the Nayaks of Kandy. Kandy preserved its independence until it finally fell to the British in 1815. The British deposed the king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, and all claimants to the throne, thus ending the last traditional monarchy of Sri Lanka, and replaced it with their monarchy. As the capital, Kandy had become home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha which symbolizes a 4th-century tradition that used to be linked to royalty since the protector of the relic was seen fit to rule the land. Thus, the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth were associated with the administrative and religious functions of the capital city. Even after its conquest by the British, Kandy has preserved its function as the religious capital of the Sinhalese and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, namely those belonging to the Theravada school. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, The arts & crafts center, a Gem museum, and a lapidary.
- Visit the Holy Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. (Optional)
- Visit a Gem Museum in Kandy
- In the evening view the Kandy Cultural Show. (Optional)
Kandy cultural show (Kandy Dance) program. Is one of the famous evening events not to be missed when visiting this heritage city. It starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hr. Listen to the captivating traditional drummers and be mesmerized viewing the many different art forms from the upcountry and low country of the island. The spectacular fire dancers and other folklore, Demon dancers, Traditional Kandyan dancers are a definite breathtaking experience to the locals and visitors alike.
- Proceed to Oak Ray Regency Hotel, Kandy.
www.oakrayhotels.com/oak-ray-regency/
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (80km – 02hours 30minutes approx.)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for Nuwara Eliya.
En-route visit a tea plantation and go through “Tea Experience”
Commence a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.
The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka with amazing scenic views of Mountains, Waterfalls, Valleys, and Tea Estates. It is one of the coldest places on the island but is really just like a day of spring in England with the temperature dropping even lower at night. You will notice the British influence in the town and around Nuwara Eliya. Dwellings are like country cottages or mansions of old royalty.
- Proceed to Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel or similar hotel Nuwara Eliya.
http://www.oakrayhotels.com/oak-ray-summer-hill-breeze-nuwara-eliya/
- Rest & Enjoy the cool climate in Nuwara Eliya.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5
Nuwara Eliya – Beruwela (202km – 06hours approx.)
- After breakfast at the hotel depart to Beruwela.
- Rest & Leisure at Earls Reef Hotel, Beruwela.
- Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6
- Have breakfast at the hotel and consider embarking on some water sports.
- Rest & Leisure at the Hotel.
- Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 7
Beruwela – Colombo (78km – 01hours 50minutes)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for Colombo.
- Commence a city tour of Colombo.
Colombo is a modern city that blends the beauty of the old world charm and modern-day development. The busy Bazaar, Fort & Pettah area, Old Dutch Church, Kovil, Temple in Gangaramaya, Town Hall, Independence square, and other areas in Colombo could be explored whilst on tour apart from the bargain shopping at popular stores.
In the afternoon consider going shopping in Colombo.
When shopping in Colombo, your options are anything but limiting. From modern, air-conditioned malls to the famously buzzing street markets, there’s something for everyone. Knowing where to go is the key to getting the best out of Sri Lanka’s shopping haven.
Colombo itself has a fair share of shopping malls and department stores. With everything from the latest pair of shoes & designer jewelry to mobile phones and electronic items, Colombo has an exhaustive variety of things to buy.
No matter how much shopping you do in Colombo, your shopping isn’t complete without experiencing the hustle and bustle of Pettah. With almost anything being available in the many narrow streets, you will have plenty of shops to choose from that will satisfy your retail needs. Shops are located in clusters, with specific types of items being sold in each cluster. Although driving through, and parking may be problematic, the entire stretch of shops is located within a “walkable” distance. Whatever you choose to purchase, be sure to polish your bargaining skills, which is important to fetch the best prices.
- Proceed to Great Southern Hotel or a similar hotel in Colombo.
http://greatsouthernhotel.com.au/great-southern-hotel-colombo/
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8
Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport (35km – 40minutes approx.)
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for the airport in time for the flight out of Sri Lanka.
- (03 hours prior to flight departure)


