Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Indian Ocean’s pearl, and 11 days of explorations highlighting the best of ancient history and culture, lush green tea estates and waterfalls, wildlife, and beautiful golden sandy beaches.
When you arrive at Colombo CMB airport, you will be met by your tour leader and transferred to your hotel (we can pick you up from any hotel in Colombo or Negombo as well). The first destination will be the coastal town of Negombo, which has long been known as Sri Lanka’s most popular beach, famous for its golden sandy beach, food, and fun.
We haven’t planned any activities for day one, so you can arrive in Sri Lanka whenever you want. If your flight arrives early in the morning, unwind at your cozy hotel’s beach and pool. In the evening, you can take a walk along the beach while admiring the beautiful sunset and the pleasant evening atmosphere.
Stay the night in a Negombo seafront hotel.
After a delicious breakfast accompanied by a hot cup of Sri Lankan tea or coffee, you will embark on a wonderful journey through the stunning Sri Lankan countryside towards Dambulla, the central point of the island’s cultural triangle.
You’ll stop by the Millennium Elephant Foundation on your way to Dambulla. Take advantage of the opportunity to feed them and bathe them in the nearby river.
When you arrive in Dambulla, you will be treated to a wonderful cultural village tour while exploring the beautiful countryside (ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED). It will begin with a Bullock Cart ride, one of the most ancient and important modes of transportation in Sri Lanka, which is still used in some villages. During the tour, you will take a canoe across the lake and a pleasant Tuk Tuk ride before arriving at the farmer’s house, where you will experience typical Sri Lankan countryside hospitality.
After that, check into your cozy resort and unwind by the pool or in the surrounding nature.
Stay the night in a resort in Sigiriya / Dambulla.
In the morning, you will go to Sigiriya Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress near Dambulla. On top of this rock, King Kasyapa (477 – 495 BC) built his palace, which was decorated with colorful frescoes on all sides. Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE and one of the best-preserved examples of an ancient civilization. Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily; in fact, to reach the top, you must climb a series of vertiginous staircases. Along the way, you’ll see some amazing frescoes and a pair of massive lion paws carved into the bedrock.
Afternoon safari to Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park with your tour Guide/Driver, as this is the best time to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. If you’re looking for some serious jungle action, Minneriya / Kaudulla is the place to be! This 8800-hectare park is primarily a sanctuary for elephants, but it also has herds of deer, bulls, wild boars, and colorful birdlife. This location is well known as the world’s largest elephant gathering spot.
After that, spend your evening on your own, walking around and taking in the scenery. If you’re curious, you could try an Ayurvedic herbal massage.
Stay the night in a resort in Sigiriya / Dambulla.
After breakfast, drive to Kandy, the last Sinhalese kingdom’s capital. It is situated on a plateau surrounded by mountains that are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforests. Kandy is also well-known for sacred Buddhist sites such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
If you are up for it, you could enjoy an amazing hot-air balloon tour around the beautiful Sigiriya area early in the morning (optional activity / must be pre-booked).
Visit the Royal Cave Temple after breakfast (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Dambulla has Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex. The rock rises 160 meters above the plains and houses 5 cave temples containing some of the most unique and significant historical drawings.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) and Kandy View Point upon arrival in Kandy.
Stay the night in a hotel in Kandy.
In the morning, go on a gem museum tour to learn more about the world’s most famous and prestigious Sri Lankan gems and jewelry.
Then, pay a visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of Asia’s best botanical gardens. It receives 2 million visitors per year and is well-known for its orchid collection. The garden contains over 4000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. The botanical garden covers an area of 147 acres.
Afternoon walk around Kandy’s city center before attending a cultural dance show inspired by Sri Lankan arts, traditional dance, and cultural heritage (ADMISSION FEES INCLUDED).
Stay in a hotel in Kandy for the night.
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Sri Lanka’s tea region of Nuwara Eliya. Many of the buildings in this city date back to the British colonial period, including the Queen’s Cottage, the General’s House, the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club, and the Town Post Office. It is often referred to as “Little England.”
While driving through the cold and misty hills that host lush green tea plantations en route to Nuwara Eliya, stop at a tea factory to see how the rich tradition of making Ceylon tea is kept alive to this day. End your factory tour in style with a perfectly blended cup of tea.
Afternoon stroll through Nuwara Eliya’s city center and the fruit and vegetable market.
Stay in a hotel in Nuwara Eliya for the night.
If you are up for it, you can take a spectacular train ride from Nanu-oya station to Ella village in the morning. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful hill country train journeys in the world (Train tickets included, will be arranged at the station).
Explore the village, Ella is everyone’s favorite hill country village because it’s such a beautiful natural setting. The Nine Arch Bridge, a popular tourist attraction in Ella, is a massive bridge made entirely of solid rocks, bricks, and cement, with not a single piece of steel used.
After that, depart Ella for Yala National Park. En route, you will stop at Ravana waterfall, one of Ella’s most popular tourist attractions.
Stay at Yala for the night.
You will visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and most beautiful national park, early in the morning while it is still cool and breezy. Yala National Park is divided into two sections by a river that runs through it. Because the river makes crossing to the other side difficult, Yala is effectively divided into two parks. But that doesn’t take away from the fantastic offerings! The park, which encompasses a variety of ecosystems, has an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloth bears, leopards, and a plethora of colorful birds. Enjoy a 4×4 jeep ride in search of leopards perched on trees or whispering in the bushes, crocodiles patrolling the river, or wild elephants drinking water and playing in the early morning light.
Following that, you will be heading towards Mirissa. When you arrive at your hotel, you could grab a towel and relax on the beach while sipping a cocktail or a cold beer under the shade of a palm tree.
Stay in a hotel in Mirissa / Dickwella for the night.
Return to the beautiful golden sandy beach early in the morning and board a boat for an exciting ride on the sea in search of blue whales and dolphins. Please keep in mind that whale watching is an SUMMER activity.
Return to your resort and unwind on the beach or by the pool of your cozy hotel.
Among the popular optional activities are Jet Skiing, Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Fishing, and Deep Sea Fishing.
In the evening, you can take in the breath-taking sunset scenery and the relaxing seaside atmosphere. You can also go to a seafront restaurant and try some authentic Sri Lankan seafood, such as a delicious crab curry.
Spend the night in a hotel in Mirissa / Dickwella.
After breakfast, you’ll travel along the beautiful south coast to Galle, a city known for its Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). It is the meeting point of classic Dutch and British architecture and a tropical setting, creating a vibrant and beautiful atmosphere.
On the way to Galle, stop in Matara to see and photograph the most famous Sri Lankan stilt fishermen.
When you arrive in Galle. Take a stroll through the Galle Fort, listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observing how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today, flooding cultural enthusiasts worldwide. Following that, you’ll visit a turtle hatchery, where baby turtles learn to swim for the first time and injured adults are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
In the evening, return to your resort and unwind on the beach or by the pool.
Stay in a resort in Bentota for the night.
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, which has a fascinating history dating back to the fifth century. This was an important port city in the East-West trade even in ancient times. It is now a bustling modern town with a distinct atmosphere. The vibrant streets, restaurants, and modern shopping malls draw both locals and tourists.
When you arrive in Colombo, you will have the opportunity to visit all of the city’s highlights, such as the Red Mosque, Gangarama Temple, Independent Square, and so on.
Following that, you may wish to dine at a well-known and internationally renowned restaurant in Colombo to cap off your trip to Sri Lanka with an unforgettable meal.
After that, either proceed to the airport in time for your return flight or we will drop you back to your hotel in Colombo or Negombo to conclude this wonderful island tour.
