Sri Lanka Kandy Perahera Festival Tour

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Day 1.Arrive Colombo.

Met upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and transferred to the hotel, a journey of approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering Colombo’s vibrant cityscape, including a visit to Galle Face Green, a scenic seaside promenade, and Pettah Market, a bustling local bazaar as well as the revered Gangaramaya Temple.   

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Day 2. Colombo - Anuradhapura

Morning  drive to Anuradhapura, taking approximately four and a half to five hours. Upon arrival, the afternoon is devoted to exploring the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Anuradhapura, home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest historically recorded tree, and the imposing Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba. The visit includes the towering Jetavanaramaya stupa, the Abhayagiri Monastery, and the Twin Ponds.

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Day 3. Anuradhapura

Morning short 30-minute drive to Mihintale, where one can climb the sacred Mihintale Rock, the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Highlights include Ambasthala Dagoba and the panoramic Aradhana Gala viewpoint. 

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In the afternoon, additional exploration of Anuradhapura includes the lesser-known Isurumuniya Temple, the Samadhi Buddha Statue, and the Thuparamaya Dagoba. 

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Day 4. Anuradhapura – Avakuna – Habarna

Morning drive of about one and a half hours brings us to the Avukana Buddha Statue, a magnificent 5th-century stone carving. Continuing the journey, another one-and-a-half-hour drive leads to Habarana. 

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In the afternoon, a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park offers the opportunity to witness the famous Elephant Gathering, along with sightings of leopards, sloth bears, and various endemic bird species. 

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Day 5. Habarna – Dambulla – Sigiriya – Habarna

The day begins with a 30-minute drive to Dambulla to explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, home to five rock-cut cave temples adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues. 

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In the afternoon, we embark on a climb up Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock, to admire the ancient frescoes, the historic Mirror Wall, and breathtaking summit views. 

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Day 6. Habarna – Kandy (Perahera Festival)

A morning drive of two and a half to three hours to Kandy, passing through scenic spice plantations along the way. The afternoon is dedicated to witnessing the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival, one of Asia’s grandest Buddhist celebrations, showcasing elaborately decorated elephants, traditional drummers, dancers, and fire performances. 

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Day 7. Kandy

Morning is reserved for relaxation, with optional visits to Kandy Lake or the Royal Botanical Gardens. In the evening, we experience the final and most spectacular night of the Kandy Perahera Festival before another overnight stay in Kandy.

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Day 8. Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

A scenic two-and-a-half to three-hour morning drive leads to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England.” The afternoon is spent visiting a tea plantation and factory, strolling around Gregory Lake, and exploring Victoria Park and the town’s charming colonial architecture. 

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Day 9. Nuwara Eliya – Horton’s Plain – Nuwara Eliya

The  day starts with an early morning drive of approximately one and a half hours to Horton Plains National Park. Here, we embark on a four-to-five-hour trek through misty grasslands and cloud forests, culminating at World’s End, a dramatic 880-meter cliff drop, and Baker’s Falls, a stunning waterfall. 

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Day 10. Nuwara Eliya - Yala

A morning drive of five to six hours to Yala National Park, followed by an afternoon jeep safari. We have the chance to spot Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles before spending the night in Yala.

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Day 11. Yala - Galle

Another morning jeep safari in Yala enhances the chances of wildlife sightings before a four-to-five-hour drive to Galle along the picturesque southern coastline.  If lucky, we might see the stilted fishermens fishing on the coast.

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Day 12. Galle

The morning is dedicated to sightseeing in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, the best-preserved colonial sea fortress in Asia. The visit includes the Galle Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, followed by an afternoon of leisure, where we can relax at Unawatuna Beach or explore local cafes and markets. 

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Day 13. Galle – Colombo International Airport

The final day begins with a two-to-two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Colombo for a timely transfer to the airport for the international departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka.

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