Nature’s Harmony Retreat

OVERVIEW

EXPLORE & WITNESS THE “PARADISE OF ASIA” IN 11 NIGHTS 12 DAYS – THE VACATION OF A LIFETIME

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 – Transfer to Sigiriya

1. Check in to the Hotel at Sigiriya
2. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple – Dambulla cave temple is one of the most important ancient temples in the world. The temple which is built within a rock goes back in history of the Buddhist Culture for thousands of years.

3. Village safari with lunch –Sri Lankan village lunch in an authentic village in the middle of paddy fields – including a cart safari, Catamaran Lake ride and the lunch

4. Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the Evening (Sun Set) – This historic venue is considered as the 8^th wonder of the world. A complete Palace built on top of the rock and a complete fortress around the rock. A UNESCO world heritage site which is a must to be included in your plan when visiting Sri Lanka. “History apart, you would not want to miss the view from the top”

5. Spend the rest of the day leisurely at the hotel
6. Night Stay in Sigiriya

 

 

Day 02 – Safari and a Visit to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

1. Pick up from the hotel at Sigiriya (Early Pick up at 5.30am)
2. Transfer to the safari starting point at Minneriya National / Hurulu ECO Park – (Note – A breakfast pack issued (on request) by the hotel can be enjoyed in the middle of the Minneriya Forest.)
3. 03 hours of the ultimate Wild life experience – Capture the golden opportunity to witness Asia’s largest gathering of mighty elephants, wandering in the green grassland overlooking the beautiful Minneriya reservoir. Enjoy the flicker of monkeys swinging through the branches and search the forest for the sight of leopards, sloth bears, mongooses, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo, porcupine and Indian pangolins.

4. Start heading towards the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa – A World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilization. Mahāvaṃsa place the founding of the city in 437 BCE a major human settlement on the island for almost three millennia and one of the oldest cities in Asia. It is the cradle of the Sinhalese civilization, Theravada Buddhism, and the longest-serving ancient capital of Sri Lanka.

5. Enjoy a Cultural Show at the Habarana Cultural Centre (6.00 pm) – A vibrant display of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional dance, music, and drumming. Visitors can witness captivating performances such as the Kandyan dance, fire walking, and folk dances that reflect the island’s ancient customs and rituals. Held in the scenic town of Habarana, this show offers an immersive experience into Sri Lankan traditions, making it a memorable highlight for tourists seeking to explore the country’s cultural diversity.
6. Return to the hotel in Sigiriya
7. Night Stay in Sigiriya

 

 

Day 03 – Transfer To Kandy (The Last Kingdom of Srilanka)

1. Breakfast at the Hotel
2. Pick up from the Hotel
3. Start heading towards Kandy
4. Visit to the Nalanda Gedige – The center point of Sri Lanka – Nalanda Gedige is an ancient stone temple located in the heart of Sri Lanka, near Matale. Believed to have been built between the 8th and 10th centuries, it uniquely blends Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements. This small, intricately carved structure is considered an example of early Dravidian architecture and is noted for its historical significance and serene surroundings. The temple’s location marks the geographical center of the island, making it a symbolic and cultural landmark in Sri Lanka.
5. Visit an Herbal and spice garden to experience world renowned Sri Lankan spices, how they grow & how to use them. (Ranweli Spice Garden)- Sri Lanka has been famous for an exquisite range of spices for centuries. It’s these spices that are largely behind the mouth-watering flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, be it curry of vegetable, red or white meat, fish or seafood or even some sweetmeat. 
6. Lunch at the Kandy View Point – Have lunch at one of the best restaurants in the city of Kandy with a view of the whole city of Kandy and the Kandy Lake 
7. In the evening, visit to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. – “The number one tourism landmark in the world “The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a world-renowned place of worship, where the left Canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is enshrined. The temple which is venerated by thousands of local & foreign devotees and tourists daily was named as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1988.
8. Check in to the hotel in Kandy
9. Night Stay in Kandy

 

 

Day 04 – Transfer to Nuwaraeliya ‘The Little England’

1. 1. Breakfast at the Hotel
   2. Pickup from the Hotel in Kandy – 8.00am
   3. Start heading towards the City of Nuwara Eliya
   4. Visit the Ramboda View Point on the way
   5. Visit the amazing Ramboda Waterfall on the way
   6. Visit to the Labookele TEA factory and Estate –It is one of the oldest tea estates in Sri Lanka and is about ‘150 years old’. Visiting the Damro Labookellie Tea Lounge gives you the opportunity to visit the tea factory, the estates and taste the tea for free. Also, it is the perfect place for any tired traveler to relax and get some fresh air, this is definitely a must visit place when you come to Nuwara Eliya.
   7. Check in to the Hotel
   8.  Visit to the Hakgala Botanical Gardens in the evening –Located near Nuwara Eliya, is a serene and beautiful garden nestled at the foot of the Hakgala Rock. Established in 1861, it is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is famous for its stunning collection of roses, orchids, and diverse plant species from across the globe. Surrounded by misty mountains, it’s a peaceful retreat offering visitors a chance to explore exotic flora, vibrant flowerbeds, and beautifully landscaped spaces perfect for a relaxing stroll in nature.
   9. Night stay in Nuwaraeliya

 

 

Day 05 – Explore the beauty of Nuwaraeliya

1. Early Morning Pick up from the Hotel (4.30am)
2. Start Heading towards the Hortan Plains
3. A mesmerizing hike at the ‘Hortan Plains’ – The Horton Plains hike is an enchanting journey through Sri Lanka’s highest plateau, located in the central highlands. This 9.5 km circular trail takes you through misty grasslands, cloud forests, and past striking landmarks like Baker’s Falls and World’s End, a dramatic cliff with breathtaking views. Known for its biodiversity, the hike offers a chance to see unique flora and fauna, including samba dears, colorful birds, and rare plant species, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
4. Back to Nuwara Eliya
5. Lunch at the best Indian cuisine restaurant in Nuwara Eliya
6. Visit to the “Moon Plains” in the evening. (360 degree view point) – Moon Plains, also known as Sandathenna, is a 400-metre long, 40 meter deep valley in Ranhawadigama, about 6km from Nuwara Eliya Standing at a surface elevation of 6,200 ft. It provides visitors with an amazing panoramic view of the countryside and peaks that surround it including the Mini World’s End’, a peak with a sharp drop, offering you a stunning look at the landscape below.
7. Return to the Hotel / Relax at the Gregory Lake Park
8. Relax the rest of the day at the hotel

 

Night stay in Nuwaraeliya

Accommodation included

 

Day 06 – Transfer to Ella on a Scenic Train Ride

1. Explore Nuwara Eliya or relax the morning at the Hotel
2. Pick up from the Hotel
3. Drop off at the Nanu-Oya Railway station
4. Nuwaraeliya to Ella – The train ride of a life time –This Ella Odyssey Train stops at scenic / important photo locations. Purpose of this Ella Odyssey Train is to help Sri Lanka Tourism by providing a joyful / thrilled train journey for local and overseas travelers. Nuwaraeliya to Ella Train journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in South Asia travelling through lush green tea estates / waterfalls / many tunnels which gives you a beautiful / joyful memory. (The chauffer will be travelling to the Ella Railway Station to pick you up after the Train ride) 
5.  Visit the Nine-Arches bridge –Also called the “Bridge in the Sky” is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. Arguably one of the most admired rail bridges in the world
6. Check-in to the hotel at Ella
7. Relax the rest of the day at the hotel
8. Night stay in Ella

Day 07 – Explore Ella

1. Pickup from the Hotel – 4.30am
2. Early morning visit to the Lipton Seat for the Sun Rise (01-hour ride to the mountain top)- Lipton’s Seat is a popular vantage point, from where Mr. Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and proudly look over his estate. Today, you can still have one of the best views from the lookout, and there is even a life-sized statue of Mr. Lipton on a bench to take pictures with! From here you will see one of the most breathtaking views, as the sun rises, the hills turn from a dark blue to vibrant green
3. Hike to the ‘Little Adam’s Peak’ – The Little Adam’s Peak hike in Ella is a scenic and accessible trek that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations, and mountains. Named for its resemblance to the sacred Adam’s Peak, this hike takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the summit. The path is well-marked and suitable for all levels, making it a popular spot for travelers looking to experience Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes

4. Visit to the Kumbalwela Mahmewnava Buddhist Temple – Optional – The Kumbalwela Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, located near Ella, Sri Lanka, is a serene and spiritual retreat dedicated to Buddhist teachings and meditation. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful landscapes, the temple offers visitors a tranquil space for reflection and learning. Known for its calm atmosphere and welcoming monks, it’s a beautiful spot to gain insight into Buddhist culture and traditions.

5. Start Heading Towards Udawalawa
6. Visit to the amazing Ravana Falls on the way – Currently ranks as one of the widest water falls in the country. The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, who is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals.

7. Night stay in Udawalawa

 

Day 08 – Transfer to Yala

1. Breakfast at the Hotel
2. Pickup from the Hotel
3. Visit to the Elephant Transit Home – The Elephant Transit Home, located near Udawalawe National Park, is a rehabilitation center dedicated to orphaned and injured elephants in Sri Lanka. Here, young elephants receive care and nurturing with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild once they are old enough. Visitors can observe feeding times from a viewing platform, witnessing the gentle care given to these elephants as they prepare for their return to nature. It’s a heartwarming experience that supports conservation efforts and promotes awareness about protecting Sri Lanka’s elephant population.
4. Start heading towards Yala
5. Visit to the Katharagama Hindu Temple – A temple complex dedicated to Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama deviyo or Hindu War God Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the ancient tribal people. The shrine has for centuries attracted Tamil Hindus from Sri Lanka and South India who undertook an arduous pilgrimage on foot.
6. Check in at the hotel in Yala
7. Spend the rest of the day leisurely at the hotel
8. Night stay in Yala

 

Day 09 – Wildlife Safari

1. Early morning pickup from the Hotel – 5.00am
2. Safari at the Yala National Park – Included – Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s premier wildlife reserves, famed for its rich biodiversity and the highest density of leopards in the world. The park spans diverse landscapes, from dense forests and grasslands to sandy beaches along the Indian Ocean. Visitors can enjoy thrilling safari experiences, spotting a variety of animals like elephants, sloth bears, and exotic bird species. Yala’s beauty and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
3. Check in to the Hotel
4. Pick up from the Hotel at 11.00am
5. Start Heading towards Mirissa
6. Bird watching tour at the Kalametiya/Bundala Bird Sanctuary – Optional  – Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, located along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a tranquil haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This coastal wetland and mangrove ecosystem is home to over 150 species of birds, including migratory species, herons, flamingos, and kingfishers. Beyond birds, visitors may spot reptiles, small mammals, and unique plant life across its lagoons and marshes. With its serene surroundings and rich biodiversity, Kalametiya offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to connect with Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
7. Check in to the Hotel in Mirissa and spend the rest of the day leisurely
8. Night stay in Mirissa

Day 10 – Whale watching and start heading towards Balapitiya

1. Early morning pickup from the Hotel
2. Heading towards the starting point
3. Whale Watching in Mirissa – Whale watching in Mirissa offers a thrilling experience to see some of the ocean’s giants up close, including blue whales, sperm whales, and playful pods of dolphins. Set off early in the morning from this popular coastal town, where skilled guides navigate the waters to bring guests as close as possible to these majestic marine creatures. Mirissa is one of the best places globally for spotting blue whales, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
4. Check out from the hotel and start heading towards Colombo along the coast
5. Snorkeling at Mirissa / Hikkaduwa – Optional – Snorkeling in Mirissa invites you to explore vibrant underwater landscapes teeming with tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, and unique marine life. The warm, clear waters make for excellent visibility, offering snorkelers of all levels a chance to experience Sri Lanka’s coastal beauty up close. With its variety of reef ecosystems, Mirissa is a fantastic spot for a relaxing yet exciting aquatic adventure.
6. Coconut tree hill in Mirissa –A lateritic headland in Mirissa, It is a popular tourist destination in the country and is located at a headland with a coconut plantation. Coconut Tree Hill, despite being located on privately owned lands, is one of the most Instagrammed locations in Sri Lanka
7. Visit to the Galle Dutch fort –The story of the Galle Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site reverberates through every traveler’s photo and caption. Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their conquests, the fort was later fortified and conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century, until it later fell to the might of the British. The oldest library of the country is also in the Galle fort.
8. Night Stay in Balapitiya

 

Day 11 – Transfer to Colombo after an eventful morning  

1. Pick up from the hotel at balapitiya
2. Early morning boat ride at the Madu River –The amphibic landscape of Maduganga is Sri Lanka’s largest remaining mangrove swamp, home to several fish and reptile species. It’s a fantastic birding territory, too. Madu Ganga Wetland is inhabited by more than 300 species of plants and almost 250 species of vertebrate animals. Due to its rich biodiversity, Madu Ganga was listed under the International Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The Convention on Wetlands is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was signed in 1971.
3. Visit to the Turtle Hatchery and Conservation Centre – The Victor Hasselblad Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, Sri Lanka, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. Visitors can learn about various endangered species, observe baby turtles hatching, and even participate in the release of young turtles back into the ocean. The hatchery plays a crucial role in protecting these marine animals and educating the public on marine conservation.
4. Start heading towards Colombo
5. Check-in to the hotel in Colombo
6. Night stay in Colombo

 

 

Day 12 – End of a Vacation in Paradise

1. Pick up from the Hotel in Colombo
2. Drop off at the ‘Bandaranaike International Airport”

Note: Colombo City tour can be arranged in the morning depending on the flight times.

 

END OF TOUR