11 Days – Private Cultural Tour & Yoga Retreat
A unique collaboration with Blue Lotus Yoga House
This 11-day Sri Lanka cultural journey and yoga retreat combines ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences with four days of yoga and meditation at Blue Lotus Yoga House in Hikkaduwa. Travel through sacred cities, misty tea plantations and wild national parks with a private driver and local guide, before integrating your experiences in a peaceful yoga retreat by the ocean.
For couples, friends or groups of 2 to 12 people. This unique journey combines the most beautiful aspects of Sri Lanka. It is a slow and meaningful travel experience designed for culture, nature and inner rest.
Highlights
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7-day private cultural round tour through Sri Lanka
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ancient temples and sacred Buddhist sites
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tea plantations and mountain landscapes
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wildlife safari in Yala National Park
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authentic village and cooking experience
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4-day yoga and meditation retreat in Hikkaduwa
Locations
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Anuradhapura
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Sigiriya
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Kandy
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Haputale
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Yala National Park
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Hikkaduwa
DAY 01 ARRIVAL AT AIRPORT | TRANSFER TO ANURADHAPURA
Highlights
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Arrival and Pick-up at Airport
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Mihinthale Buddhist Monastery & Ancient Ruins
Ayubowan – Welcome to Sri Lanka!
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Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by representatives of Lanka4me.
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On Route to Anuradhapura visit the Mihinthale Buddhist Monastery.
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After the activity your driver brings you to your hotel in Anuradhapura, where you also have dinner and can take a rest.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient and sacred cities. Home to magnificent stupas, impressive monasteries, royal palaces, and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a civilisation that flourished more than 2,000 years ago. Rich in history, culture, and spirituality, Anuradhapura is an unforgettable destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.
Mihintale
Just a short distance away lies Mihintale, widely regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This sacred mountain is where the Buddhist monk Mahinda met King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC, marking the beginning of Buddhism on the island. Climb the ancient stone steps to the summit and discover peaceful temples, ancient ruins, and breathtaking panoramic views, making Mihintale a truly inspiring and spiritual experience.
DAY 02 & 03 – ANURADHAPURA | SIGIRIYA
Highlights
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Exploring Anuradhapura’s Unesco World Heritage.
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Sunrise climb to Sigiriya Rock or Pidurangala peak.
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Sri Lankan Cooking Class and Optional Ayurvedic Treatments
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Trip
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Elephant Safari in Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park
Dive into the heart of Sri Lankan culture
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After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Anuradhapura and enjoy a guided exploration of the city’s ancient ruins and sacred heritage sites.
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On the journey towards Sigiriya, you have the opportunity to visit the revered Sri Maha Bodhi pilgrimage site, one of the most sacred Buddhist landmarks in Sri Lanka.
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Upon arrival in Sigiriya, check in to your hotel and enjoy a nourishing dinner on your first evening.
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The following morning, after breakfast, begin your hike to either the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock or the scenic Pidurangala Rock for breathtaking panoramic views across the cultural triangle.
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Later, commence a day trip to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, combined with an unforgettable wildlife safari experience.
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In the evening, participate in a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class and live culinary demonstration, where you will learn how to prepare some of the island’s most beloved local dishes — which you will also enjoy for dinner that night.
Sigiriya Lion Rock:
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive rock fortress and temple complex atop a volcanic plateau. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” it features the remains of a giant lion-shaped entrance, palace ruins, exquisite frescoes, and expansive water and rock gardens.
Polonnaruwa:
Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive ancient cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the island’s second capital between the 11th and 13th centuries, it showcases the grandeur of a remarkable civilisation. Surrounded by lush greenery, the city is home to magnificent royal palaces, beautifully preserved temples, towering stupas, and the famous Gal Vihara rock sculptures. Its sophisticated irrigation systems and remarkable architecture highlight the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lanka, making Polonnaruwa an unmissable destination for history, culture, and heritage lovers.
DAY 04 & 05 SIGIRIYA – KANDY
Highlights
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Tooth of Relic Temple
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Arthur’s Seat View Point
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Kandy Traditional Dance Show
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Scenic train ride through Sri Lanka’s mountains
Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka
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Breakfast at the Hotel drive to Kandy onroute visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
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Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at prayer time.
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Sunset at the Kandy Arthur’s seat view point.
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Witness the Kandy traditional dance show.
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Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy hotel.
Dambulla Cave/Golden Temple:
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a living Buddhist site featuring five cave shrines. Thousands of years ago, a massive rock was manually hollowed out to create these caves. Each cave houses its own temple, with intricately painted ceilings depicting Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and various deities.
Kandy:
Nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains, Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
At the center lies the picturesque Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda). The city is best known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa).
Other highlights include the Royal Botanical Gardens, Bahirawakanda Temple, Udawattekele Sanctuary, the Ceylon Tea Museum, and Wales Park – perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic:
A visit to this sacred temple is a must when in Kandy. Known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, it is Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist site, dating back to the 16th century. Located next to the former royal palace and overlooking Kandy Lake, the temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha – a powerful symbol of Sinhalese identity and heritage. Every day, thousands of pilgrims dressed in white bring lotus flowers and frangipani as offerings during traditional puja ceremonies. Although the relic itself is kept within a golden casket, visitors can view the inner shrine during these rituals.
Each year, the relic casket is paraded through the streets during the Esala Perahera, a spectacular 10-day festival and one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in the world. Best time to visit: Morning or evening during puja ceremonies.
Arthur’s Seat:
Arthur’s Seat is one of the best viewpoints in Kandy, offering breathtaking panoramic views across Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace, and the surrounding hills. Perched high above the city, it is a peaceful spot to admire the scenery and capture memorable photographs.
Named after a British tea planter who is said to have enjoyed the same spectacular view from a stone seat at his nearby bungalow, Arthur’s Seat remains a favourite stop for visitors exploring Kandy. Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, or during the day, the stunning vistas make it a must-see attraction.
DAY 06 KANDY – HAPUTALE
Highlights
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Lipton’s Seat Hike
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waterfalls in the highlands
Travel into Sri Lanka’s lush hill country
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After breakfast take the train to Haputale to enjoy the breathtaking highlands of Sri Lanka.
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Upon arriving in Haputale by train your driver take you to your hotel from the train station.
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Check-in in your Hotel visit a tea plantation in the highlands.
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Explore scenic waterfalls in Haputale and enjoy a delicious dinner in your hotel.
Lipton’s Seat:
Once a favourite viewpoint of Sir Thomas Lipton, this scenic lookout near Haputale offers sweeping views over the surrounding tea plantations. Accessible by road or a scenic walk, it’s the perfect place to take in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country, just as the famous tea pioneer once did.
DAY 07 YALA NATIONAL PARK
Highlights
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Safari at Yala National Park
Every safari is different, making each moment exciting and full of possibility
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Check-in in you hotel and take a little rest.
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Enjoy a unforgettable 1/2 day Safari at Yala National Park.
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When you come back let this beautiful day come to a end with a nourishing dinner.
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Next Day after breakfast transfer to Hikkaduwa.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife destination and the country’s second-largest national park. Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres in the island’s south-east, it is home to an incredible variety of landscapes, including dry forests, open grasslands, wetlands, lagoons, and pristine coastline.
The park is world-famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards anywhere on Earth, giving visitors an excellent chance of spotting these magnificent big cats in their natural habitat. Yala is also home to wild elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and more than 200 species of birds, making every safari an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Unlike a zoo, Yala is a true wilderness where animals roam freely. Every game drive is different, with wildlife appearing naturally as you explore the park’s diverse landscapes. This sense of adventure and unpredictability is what makes a safari in Yala one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka.
DAY 08-11 YOGA RETREAT IN HIKKADUWA
Highlights
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Blue Lotus Yoga House
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Daily Yoga and Meditation
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Golden Beaches of Hikkaduwa
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Relaxing Beach Life
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Departure
Southern Coast Escape & Departure
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After the cultural journey, the experience continues with a 4-day yoga retreat at Blue Lotus Yoga House in Hikkaduwa.
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For four days and three nights you follow a gentle rhythm of Yoga, Meditation and Deep Relaxation practices.
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Optional add-on: Ayurvedic treatments, Surfing, Snorkeling, Diving and other activities in Hikkaduwa.
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Every morning you will enjoy a fresh and rich breakfast and in the evening a nourishing and healthy dinner in the Yoga House.
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After the Retreat your driver brings you back to the Airport for your departure.
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Hope to see you again soon!
Hikkaduwa
Located on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south-west coast, Hikkaduwa is one of the island’s most popular beach destinations. Famous for its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, it attracts visitors looking to relax, snorkel, dive, surf, or simply soak up the tropical atmosphere. The nearby marine sanctuary is home to colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, and sea turtles, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Away from the beach, Hikkaduwa has a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, with beachfront cafés, seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and a welcoming mix of local culture and international influences. Whether you’re chasing adventure on the water, enjoying fresh seafood by the ocean, or watching a spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean, Hikkaduwa offers the perfect blend of relaxation and unforgettable coastal experiences.
Blue Lotus Yoga House
Blue Lotus Yoga House is a peaceful sanctuary where you can relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Nestled amongst tropical gardens and just moments from the Indian Ocean, it offers a tranquil escape from the busier beach resorts, creating the perfect setting for rest, reflection, and wellbeing.
Dedicated to mindful living and holistic wellness, Blue Lotus Yoga House welcomes guests of all experience levels to enjoy yoga, meditation, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re joining a yoga class, connecting with like-minded travellers, or simply embracing the peaceful surroundings, you’ll discover a warm and nurturing space that inspires balance, renewal, and inner calm.
Included
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10 nights accommodation at 3-4 star hotels
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breakfast and dinner
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Arrival and departure assistance at the airport
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Transportation by A/C vehicle on private basis with passenger insurance.
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Service of the English speaking chauffeur guide.
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yoga and meditation program
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water bottles & Wifi on board
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All government taxes are included for above all
Exclusions
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Air fares and visa charges.
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Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified).
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Lunches
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Any expenses on private basis