13-Nights Sri Lanka - Land of Serendipity

Galle

This capital city has a colorful history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most popular historical site here is the 300 year old Dutch clock tower and fort that has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the Colonial periods of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Shopping wise, visitors will be astonished by the beautiful wooden masks locals carve and paint by hand, and the hand-made lace.  They are truly works of art.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town in Sri Lanka known for its tea production. Enjoy the temperate climate, breathtaking views, historic buildings in the town centre, and of course, tea!

Kandy

The city lies in the Kandy Valley with its beautiful tropical plantations. The city is home to many attractively adorned temples and palaces including the Lankatilaka temple, which is decorated with delicate floral designs and paintings. In August, Kandy hosts an extravagant Buddhist festival consisting of food, cultural dancing, and richly decorated elephants.

Dambulla

Dambulla is a town in Sri Lanka located in the Matale District in the Central Province. Dambulla is famous for the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. There are 157 statues in the complex, and the rock in the center towers over the complex at 520 feet. The religious art in the shrine-caves date back to the 3rd century BC, and the Buddhist cave-temple complex has been in continuous use through present day. Additional attractions in the area include the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium as well as the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron Wood Forest (Na Uyana Aranya).

Negombo

Situated on the coast north of the airport, Negombo, founded by the Moors, is now a predominately Catholic enclave. The architectural remnants of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial years make it an interesting place for a stroll. Attractions include decent beaches, colorful buildings, fisherfolk putting out to sea in outrigger sailboats and even a canal dug by the Dutch in the 18th century. The city itself can be seen on a day trip from Colombo, or a stop on the way to the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Be sure to sample some of the fresh catches.

Negombo is a fascinating area to visit during Christian holidays. Sri Lankan Christians pay homage to the saints with an enchanting blend of Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism. Negombo, however, is crowded with package resort hotels—the beaches to the south are better and definitely less crowded. 30 mi/55 km north of Colombo.