The Kingdoms, Wildlife & Highlands of Sri Lanka

Route
Airport → Sigiriya
Travel Time
Approximately 3 Hours
Upon arrival, guests will be warmly welcomed by an Arctic Tern Travels representative before commencing their scenic journey towards the Cultural Triangle.

Spiritual Blessing Experience
Ridiyagama Temple Visit
Before beginning your Sri Lankan adventure, visit the peaceful Ridiyagama Temple to receive blessings from resident Buddhist monks.
Cultural Importance
For more than two millennia, Buddhist temples have served as places of worship, meditation, and guidance. Receiving blessings at the beginning of a journey symbolizes protection, prosperity, and safe travels.

Arrival at Sigiriya
Continue through picturesque countryside landscapes towards Sigiriya.
Evening Relaxation
After hotel check-in, unwind beside the swimming pool and allow your body to recover from international travel.
Enjoy
Tropical surroundings
Poolside relaxation
Sunset views
Leisure time after your flight
Dinner & Overnight Stay
Enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night's rest.
Accommodation
3–4 Star Hotel – Sigiriya
Meal Plan
Half Board Basis (HB)

Route
Sigiriya → Minneriya → Sigiriya
Following an early breakfast, embark on one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated heritage experiences.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Duration
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
UNESCO Heritage Importance
Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," Sigiriya was built by King Kashyapa during the 5th century and remains one of Asia's most spectacular archaeological masterpieces.
Highlights
Ancient frescoes
Mirror Wall
Lion's Gate
Royal gardens
Panoramic summit views

Authentic Breakfast Experience
Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast according to your preferences.

Kaludiya Pokuna
Duration
30 Minutes
Hidden within the forest reserve near Sigiriya, Kaludiya Pokuna is an ancient monastic meditation complex famous for its tranquil black-water pond and peaceful natural surroundings.
Photography Opportunities
Perfect for nature and landscape photography.

Sigiriya Village Experience
Duration
Approximately 2.5 Hours
Experience authentic rural Sri Lankan life.
Activities Include
Bullock cart ride
Catamaran crossing on a village lake
Traditional village walk
Local interactions
Culinary demonstration

Home Hosted Lunch
Enjoy an authentic meal prepared by a local family using traditional cooking methods and fresh local ingredients.
Cultural Value
This experience directly supports local communities while preserving traditional lifestyles.

Minneriya National Park Jeep Safari
Duration
3–4 Hours
Embark on an exciting wildlife safari.
Wildlife Highlights
Possible sightings include:
Asian Elephants
Deer
Peacocks
Monkeys
Crocodiles
Numerous bird species
The park is internationally famous for "The Gathering," one of the largest seasonal congregations of wild elephants in Asia.
Overnight Stay
Return to Sigiriya.
Accommodation
3–4 Star Hotel – Sigiriya
Meal Plan
Half Board Basis (HB)

Eastern Coastal Heritage & Lagoon Adventure
Route
Sigiriya → Trincomalee
Travel Time
Approximately 2.5 Hours
Discover the spiritual and natural treasures of Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline.

Kinniya Hot Springs
Duration
30 Minutes
Visit the legendary natural hot springs of Kinniya.
Historical Importance
According to local legends, these ancient therapeutic springs have been used for centuries for relaxation and wellness.

Kanthale Lake
Duration
20 Minutes
Stop for breathtaking photography opportunities overlooking one of Sri Lanka’s largest reservoirs.
Scenic Importance
The lake offers beautiful reflections and abundant birdlife.

Koneswaram Temple
Duration
40 Minutes
Visit one of South Asia’s most revered Hindu temples dramatically perched on Swami Rock overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Cultural Significance
Often referred to as the "Temple of a Thousand Pillars," Koneswaram has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries.

Lunch Break
Enjoy authentic Eastern Sri Lankan cuisine.

Lagoon Boat Safari
Duration
1.5 Hours
Explore tranquil lagoons rich with biodiversity.
Highlights
Mangrove ecosystems
Water birds
Traditional fishing communities
Scenic waterways

Nilaveli Beach Relaxation
Spend the evening at one of Sri Lanka’s most pristine beaches.
Experience
Soft white sands
Crystal-clear waters
Tropical coastal scenery
Sunset photography
Overnight Stay
Return to Sigiriya.
Accommodation
3–4 Star Hotel – Sigiriya
Meal Plan
Half Board Basis (HB)

Kandy
Travel Time
Approximately 2.5 Hours
Journey into Sri Lanka’s last royal kingdom.

Herbal Garden Visit
Duration
40 Minutes
Discover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s famous Ayurvedic traditions.
Learn About
Medicinal plants
Herbal remedies
Traditional healing practices

Kandy Water World
Enjoy a fun-filled family-friendly aquatic experience.

Lunch Break
Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Hotel Check-In
Relax before commencing the evening cultural program.

Gem Museum
Discover Sri Lanka’s world-famous gemstone heritage.
Highlights
Blue sapphires
Rubies
Moonstones
Cat’s Eye gems

Kandy View Point
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views overlooking the picturesque city.

Kandyan Cultural Show
Witness traditional Sri Lankan dance performances featuring:
Fire walking
Drum performances
Ancient cultural storytelling

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine.
Religious Importance
The temple houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world.
Accommodation
3–4 Star Hotel – Kandy
Meal Plan
Half Board Basis (HB)

Tea Country & Little England
Travel Time
Approximately 3 Hours
Journey into Sri Lanka’s breathtaking hill country.

Ramboda Waterfall
Witness one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular waterfalls cascading through lush mountain scenery.

Seetha Amman Temple
Visit the famous temple connected to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana.

Hakgala Botanical Garden
Explore one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful botanical gardens.
Highlights
Exotic flowers
Rare plants
Mountain landscapes

Lunch
Enjoy a delightful meal amidst cool mountain surroundings.

Gregory Lake
Experience
Boat rides
Scenic lakeside walks
Beautiful mountain views

Tea Plantation & Factory Experience
Duration
1.5 Hours
Discover the world-famous Ceylon Tea industry.
Experience Includes
Tea plantation visit
Tea plucking demonstration
Factory tour
Tea tasting session
Historical Importance
Sri Lanka has been producing premium Ceylon Tea for more than 150 years.
Return to Kandy for overnight stay.
Accommodation
3–4 Star Hotel
Meal Plan
Half Board Basis (HB)

Colombo
Travel Time
Approximately 3 Hours

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Meet rescued and orphaned elephants cared for by conservation specialists.
Highlights
Elephant feeding sessions
Herd interactions
Educational experiences

Elephant Village Activities
Participate in authentic elephant-related village experiences and learn about human-elephant coexistence in Sri Lanka.

Lunch
Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Colombo Hotel Check-In
Relax before exploring the capital city.

Galle Face Green Experience
Witness one of Colombo’s most iconic oceanfront promenades.
Experience
Indian Ocean sunset
Coastal breeze
Local street food
Vibrant atmosphere

Colombo Nightlife
Try your luck at one of Colombo's vibrant entertainment and gaming venues and enjoy the city's energetic nightlife before departure.
Overnight Stay
4 Star Hotel – Colombo
Meal Plan
Half Board Basis (HB)

Airport
Travel Time
Approximately 45 Minutes
Following breakfast, enjoy your final Sri Lankan experiences.

Colombo Market Exploration
Visit the bustling local markets for last-minute shopping.
Shopping Highlights
Premium Ceylon Tea
Exotic spices
Handicrafts
Gemstone souvenirs
Traditional textiles
Cultural Importance
For centuries, Colombo has served as a gateway connecting international traders and travelers from around the world.

Departure Transfer
According to your flight schedule, transfer comfortably to the airport with assistance from Arctic Tern Travels representatives.

End of Tour
Your Kingdoms, Wildlife & Highlands of Sri Lanka journey concludes not merely as a holiday, but as a collection of unforgettable stories, cultural discoveries, wildlife encounters, spiritual moments, and meaningful human connections.
From sacred temple blessings and ancient kingdoms to elephant safaris, tea country adventures, coastal escapes, and vibrant city life, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to reveal the authentic soul of Sri Lanka.