'8 Days in Sri Lanka with Turkish Airlines'
Day 1 – FLIGHT FROM ISTANBUL TO COLOMBO
We meet at 16:30 at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport. After completing ticket, luggage, and passport procedures, we board Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight TK730 to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, departing at 19:30. Overnight on the plane.
Day 2 – ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO – PINNAWALA – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA
After approximately 8 hours of direct flight with Turkish Airlines, we arrive at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport at 05:55 local time. After passport and luggage procedures, we meet our special vehicle and local guide and proceed to our bus. After a breakfast break, we head to our first stop, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Pinnawala is an elephant care center established in 1975, now one of Sri Lanka’s symbols, located on a 25-acre coconut plantation. Here, we will have the chance to closely observe the efforts to reintegrate elephants into nature. We will watch the elephants take their morning baths by the river and gather information from our guide.
Next, we travel to Dambulla. The Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple), with a history dating back to the 1st century BC, is one of the most impressive sacred sites in the country. After exploring the five-cave complex with 150 statues dedicated to Buddha and colorful frescoes, we transfer to our hotel.
Overnight at our hotel in the Sigiriya region.
Our hotel: Camellia Resort & Spa Sigiriya 4★ or similar.
Day 3 – SIGIRIYA – ANURADHAPURA – KANDY
After breakfast at our hotel, we depart to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most striking landmarks. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, this massive rock formation is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also known as "Lion Rock." As we ascend the 200-meter-high rock fortress, we will see remnants such as frescoes, mirror walls, and ancient water gardens. When we reach the top, we will be greeted with views of Sri Lanka’s lush nature. After our visit to Sigiriya, we head to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the nation’s first capital.
This area was one of the first great centers of Sinhala civilization and is home to the sacred Bodhi tree. In this area filled with historical ruins, we will see important sites such as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Isurumuniya Temple, and Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest tree planted by human hands in the world).
After tasting the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at a local restaurant during lunch, we travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital. On the way, we stop at the famous Matale Spice Garden to learn about the production of tropical plants such as cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and black pepper.
Upon arrival in Kandy, we check into our hotel. Overnight at our hotel in Kandy.
Our hotel: Royal Kandyan Hotel 4★ or similar.
Day 4 – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast at our hotel, we embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s lush nature. Our first stop is the Dalada Maligawa – Temple of the Tooth, located in the heart of Kandy and considered one of the holiest sites for Sri Lankan Buddhists. This temple, believed to house a tooth of Buddha, will enchant us with its architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and spiritual essence.
Following our visit to the temple, we head to Nuwara Eliya, the country's tea production center. We enjoy a pleasant journey along the way, surrounded by lush tea plantations and waterfalls. We will visit a tea factory along the route to closely observe the production stages of Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea and savor a freshly brewed cup of tea.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya around noon, we begin our city tour. This charming hill town, established in the 1800s by British governors, is known as “Little England” due to its colonial-style buildings, cool climate, and verdant nature. During our tour, we will visit Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and buildings notable for their English-style architecture.
At the end of the day, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Overnight at our hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Our hotel: Araliya Red Hotel 4★ or similar.
Day 5 – NUWARA ELIYA – COLOMBO
This morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we say goodbye to the cool mountain air of Nuwara Eliya and head toward Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Along the way, we will pass through Sri Lanka’s interior regions, descending toward the coastline, enjoying views of tropical forests, palm trees, and small villages.
The most enjoyable part of our journey will begin with a train ride starting from the Nanu Oya train station. This route is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, with lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and waterfalls accompanying us along the way. After the train journey, we arrive in Colombo and transfer to our hotel.
Upon arrival, we settle into our rooms for a short rest. In the evening, we can take a brief tour of the city center or relax using the facilities offered by our hotel.
Overnight 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 explore Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo offers a colorful city portrait with its colonial-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and tropical texture.
During our tour, we will see both historical and cultural stops, including Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Beira Lake, the Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar), Indian Neighborhoods, the Lighthouse, the Dutch Hospital Building, Pettah Market, and the city walls, all from a panoramic view.
Next, we visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist temples. It features sculptures, religious objects, and a small museum showcasing traditional artworks. After this, we proceed to the National Museum to learn about the kingdoms, colonial periods, and independence process throughout the island's history. The museum collection includes ancient royal artifacts, masks, weapons, and manuscripts.
In the afternoon, our guests may choose to spend free time in Colombo’s world-famous tea and spice shops, jewelry stores, or shopping centers.
Overnight at our hotel in Colombo.
Our hotel: Fairway Colombo 4★ or similar.
Day 7 – COLOMBO – NEGOMBO COASTAL TOWN & OVERNIGHT
This morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we head toward Negombo, a charming coastal town located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, about 40 km from Colombo. This town stands out for its historical background and tropical atmosphere.
Negombo, which has witnessed Portuguese and Dutch colonization in the past, is now known as “Little Rome,” famous for fishing and its Catholic identity. Our first stop is St. Mary’s Church, the most magnificent structure in the city. Built in the 19th century, this impressive building is noted for its colorful ceiling decorations and Gothic architecture.
Next, we visit the Negombo Fish Market. This authentic market features a wide range of products from dried fish to freshly caught seafood. Accompanied by our guide, we will take a short stroll to closely observe the local life and cultural dynamics of the region.
Afterwards, we enjoy a delightful exploration of the Dutch Canal, Negombo Lagoon, the historic port area, and along the beach. During our walk along the lagoon, we will see mangrove forests and tropical birds, offering beautiful snapshots of the area’s natural richness.
The remainder of the day is spent at our hotel along Negombo beach, where we have free time to relax by the seaside, watch the sunset, or take advantage of hotel amenities.
Overnight at our beach hotel in Negombo.
Our hotel: Jetwing Sea 4★ or similar.
Day 8 – NEGOMBO – COLOMBO AIRPORT – FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL
This morning, after an early breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. After completing our passport and luggage procedures with our guide, we board Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight TK731 to Istanbul.
After a direct flight of approximately 9 hours, we arrive at Istanbul Airport around 14:05 Turkish time.
We conclude our Sri Lanka tour filled with memories. Until we meet again on the next adventure!
** PLEASE ASK FOR TWIN BEDS **