Sri Lanka Tour with Air Arabia Airlines for 8 Days

DAY 1 – ISTANBUL – COLOMBO FLIGHT 14:35 → 03:55 (+1) We meet at 10:00 at the Ejder Turizm stand at Istanbul Airport for the start of our tour. After passport and baggage procedures, we depart for Colombo at 14:35 with Air Arabia Airlines. Our flight is via Sharjah. Overnight on the plane. DAY 2: COLOMBO ARRIVAL – PINNAWALA – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA We arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport at 04:00 local time. After completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our local guide and private vehicle and proceed to our bus. After a short breakfast break in the early morning, we head to our first stop, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Pinnawala, which began operations in 1975, is located amid a wide area of palm and tropical vegetation and is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited conservation centers. Here, we will have the chance to closely observe the elephants’ daily feeding routines, and our guide will share information about the rehabilitation process of especially orphaned calves. We will also have the opportunity to witness the traditional morning bathing time by the Ma Oya River. We then continue on to Dambulla. The Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple), with a structure that has stood since the 1st century BC, is one of Sri Lanka’s best-preserved temple complexes. In this sacred site, made up of five separate caves, we will have the opportunity to see many statues depicting the life of Buddha. After our visit, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Our hotel: Camellia Resort & Spa Sigiriya 4★ or similar. DAY 3 – SIGIRIYA – ANURADHAPURA – KANDY After breakfast at our hotel, we head to see Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s iconic structures. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, this massive rock formation is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also known as the “Lion Rock.” As we climb to the summit of the 200-meter-high fortress, we will see remains such as frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and ancient water gardens. Upon reaching the top, Sri Lanka’s panoramic views will greet us. After the Sigiriya tour, we continue to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which housed the country’s first kingdom. This ancient city, one of the most important cultural centers of Sinhala civilization, is greatly revered for the area where the sacred Bodhi tree stands. Here, we will tour the region containing historically and religiously important structures such as Jetavanaramaya Stupa, Thuparamaya, and Sri Maha Bodhi. At noon, after experiencing the distinctive flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at a local restaurant, we head to Kandy, one of the country’s centers of culture and tradition. Along the way, we stop at the Matale Spice Garden to learn about the cultivation of island plants such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and black pepper. Upon arrival in Kandy, we check into our hotel and have dinner. Overnight at our hotel in Kandy. Accommodation: Royal Kandyan Hotel 4★ or similar. DAY 4 – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA After breakfast at the hotel, we set off along Sri Lanka’s lush, vegetation-rich roads for new discoveries. Our first stop of the day will be Dalada Maligawa – the Temple of the Tooth, located in the heart of Kandy and considered one of the country’s most revered religious centers. This impressive structure, which houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, leaves a deep impression on visitors with its mystical atmosphere and historical texture. After visiting the temple, we turn our route to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s famous tea-growing region. Along the way, we will enjoy a very pleasant drive accompanied by tea terraces, misty hills, and waterfalls. En route, we stop at a tea processing factory to see step by step how Ceylon tea is processed and taste freshly brewed teas. By noon, we arrive in Nuwara Eliya and begin our city tour. Founded by British governors in the 19th century, this high-altitude town is known as “Little England” because of its cool climate, well-kept gardens, and colonial architecture. During our city tour, sights include Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and historic areas made up of English-style buildings. At the end of the day, we transfer to our hotel and settle into our rooms. Dinner and overnight stay are at our hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Accommodation: Araliya Red Hotel 4★ or similar. DAY 5 – NUWARA ELIYA – COLOMBO After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we bid farewell to Nuwara Eliya’s cool highland atmosphere and set off for the vibrant capital, Colombo. As we descend from the highlands toward the coastline, our route continues through tropical vegetation, rows of palm trees, and traditional Sri Lankan villages. One of the most unforgettable experiences of the day will be our train journey starting from Nanu Oya station. As we travel along this route, considered one of the most impressive panoramic train routes in the world, endless tea plantations, hills disappearing into the clouds, and waterfalls will accompany us. At the end of the train journey, we continue to Colombo by private vehicle and transfer to our hotel. Upon arrival in Colombo, we check into our rooms and take a short rest. In the evening, our guests who wish may take a short exploratory tour in the city center; alternatively, you may spend the day relaxing and enjoying the comfortable facilities offered by the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay are at our hotel in Colombo. Our hotel: Fairway Colombo 4★ or similar. DAY 6 – COLOMBO CITY TOUR After breakfast at our hotel, we begin our panoramic city tour to get to know Colombo, Sri Lanka’s lively capital, more closely. Colombo is a vibrant and colorful city with a colonial heritage that stretches from the past to the present, a modern urban texture, and a tropical atmosphere. Along our tour route, we will see panoramic views of key city landmarks such as Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Beira Lake, the Red Mosque known as Jami Ul-Alfar, cosmopolitan Indian neighborhoods, the old lighthouse, the Dutch-era hospital building, Pettah Market, and historical ramparts. We then visit Gangaramaya Temple, considered one of Sri Lanka’s important religious centers. The temple complex also includes a small museum displaying numerous statues, ritual objects, and traditional artworks. Afterward, we proceed to the National Museum and have the opportunity to closely examine Sri Lanka’s history, from the period of the kingdoms to the colonial era, independence, and the modern state. The museum’s rich collection includes royal items, traditional masks, weapons, and historical manuscripts. In the afternoon, our guests may spend free time at Colombo’s famous tea and spice shops, jewelry workshops, or modern shopping centers. Dinner and overnight stay are at our hotel in Colombo. Our hotel: Fairway Colombo 4★ or similar. DAY 7 – COLOMBO – NEGOMBO BEACH TOWN & OVERNIGHT STAY After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Negombo, located on Sri Lanka’s west coast along the Indian Ocean. This beach town, about 40 kilometers from Colombo, has a very pleasant atmosphere with both its historical background and tropical seaside life. Negombo, which bears traces of Portuguese and Dutch rule in the past, is known today as “Little Rome” because of its fishing culture, colorful atmosphere, and large Catholic population. Our first stop is St. Mary’s Church, one of the town’s most striking religious buildings. This impressive structure, reflecting 19th-century architecture, stands out with its interior decorations and Gothic details. Next, we visit Negombo Fish Market to experience the local way of life up close. This short walk among freshly caught fish, dried seafood, and local market culture offers our guests a rich observation opportunity into the region’s social fabric. We then continue with a pleasant exploration around the Dutch Canal, Negombo Lagoon, the historic harbor area, and the coastline. During our walk along the lagoon shore, mangrove trees and bird species native to the area showcase the beauty of the natural environment. Later in the day, we check into our beachfront hotel in Negombo and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Guests may relax by the ocean, enjoy the sunset, or take advantage of the hotel’s facilities. Dinner and overnight stay are at our beachfront hotel in Negombo. Our hotel: Jetwing Sea 4★ or similar. DAY 8 – NEGOMBO – COLOMBO AIRPORT – 04:45 ISTANBUL FLIGHT We depart at midnight for the transfer to the airport. After passport and ticket procedures, we take our seats on the plane. Our flight to Istanbul is at 04:45 local time. Transfer via Sharjah – arrival at Istanbul Airport at 13:50. End of our tour and services.