Penultimate day to discover Sri Lanka
There is so much to discover together …
To start this day’s visit let’s go to Polonnaruwa
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa became the kingdom’s second capital from the 10th to the 13th century. She knows her golden years with King Parakrama Bahu Ier who undertook major works including the construction of a huge reservoir capable of irrigating the neighboring rice fields, still in operation today. During the decline of Polonnaruwa, nature reclaimed its rights, and the jungle invaded the place by mingling with the stones, giving it its current charm. In this vast shaded park where a few macaques play, we come to admire the temples and palace ruins as well as the Gal Vihara, a complex of magnificently carved Buddha statues. This large archaeological site is ideally explored by bicycle, taking a local guide with you. Don’t worry, our local DMC will take care of EVERYTHING for you.
If you are coming to visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya, it is best to come early in the morning. On the way back, take a late afternoon game drive to Minneriya National Park. This park is known to be home to a large population of elephants, which come together during the summer months for the “Great Gathering”.
One cannot evoke Sri Lanka without going to visit The tea region.
The atmosphere of the Sri Lankan highlands contrasts with the rest of the country. In this mountainous region, the landscapes are a mixture of waterfalls, tea plantations and tropical forests. Thanks to its temperate climate, the British developed tea cultivation there. South of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya is the highest city in Sri Lanka. This altitude station, created at the end of the 19th century by British settlers, is home to some architectural remains, a racetrack and even a golf course! Take the opportunity to visit a tea factory and discover the secrets of Ceylon tea.
The small village of Ella is popular with travelers for its relaxed atmosphere, waterfalls, vistas, and walking opportunities in the surrounding area. In Haputale, stroll to Lipton Seat, where Sir Thomas Lipton gazed out over his estate. Don’t miss the train journey between Haputale and Ella for a scenic ride winding through tea plantations.
West of Haputale, hike through Horton Plains National Park. Early in the morning, travel to the escarpment nicknamed World’s End, the end of the world, offering one of the best views of Sri Lanka.
We will end our discoveries of the day by taking you to Trincomalee.
On the east coast of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee, nicknamed Trinco, is renowned for the beauty of its coasts and its long white sand beaches. This historic port suffered greatly following the civil war and the devastating tsunami. In recent years, tourism has revitalized the region and travelers are flocking more each year. In the city center, take a tour of Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century. Visit the Koneswaram Hindu Temple overlooking the beautiful Trincomalee Bay. People mainly come to Trincomalee to bask on the beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli, among the most beautiful in the country. From Nilaveli Beach, a boat trip takes you to Pigeon Island, one of the best snorkeling spots in Sri Lanka. This is the opportunity to go swimming around the preserved reefs in the company of small sharks and turtles!
Follow the coastline south to Arugam Bay Beach. An international surf spot, the atmosphere is relaxed and appeals to all travelers, surfers or not.
Stay connected, from tomorrow we will take you to Jaffna and the southern beaches … we will take you to paradise.
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Important information for Israeli tourists visiting Sri Lanka. From Tel Aviv, you can make a short stopover in Bahrain, with Gulf Air. Very high quality service awaits you on Gulf Air lines, and above all at very affordable prices. Contact our operators at 972-51.55.00.251 for all the information.
