Itinerary
- Day 1
Negombo
You'll arrive in Negombo for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you get there early, the seaside is right there to walk around, or rent a bicycle and head out through the countryside. This evening you can grab dinner with other travelers at one of the beach bars or pubs nearby.
Optional Activities
- Seaside stroll in Negombo
- Bicycle rental and countryside exploration
- Welcome dinner with group
- Day 2
Negombo to Dambulla
Head to Dambulla in the Matale District. The Dambulla Cave Temples complex is the main draw here, with five sanctuaries spread through caves. If you have time, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is also accessible, or you could climb Pidurangala Rock for views overlooking Lion Rock Fortress. Dinner at a local restaurant wraps up the day.
Optional Activities
- Dambulla Cave Temples exploration
- Ancient city of Polonnaruwa visit
- Pidurangala Rock climb for Lion Rock Fortress views
- Local restaurant dinner
Landmarks/POIs Dambulla Cave Temples Polonnaruwa Pidurangala Rock Lion Rock Fortress - Day 3
Dambulla to Sigiriya to Kandy
Walk up to Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya, a 200-meter tall rock structure with ruined buildings at the top. After exploring the fortress and learning the history, you'll travel to Kandy. Your afternoon is free there, so try a traditional batik workshop, take a cooking class to learn local dishes, or just wander around on your own.
Included Activities
- Walk to Lion Rock Fortress in Sigiriya
- Explore ruined fortress and learn regional history
Optional Activities
- Lion Rock Fortress entrance (USD35)
- Traditional batik cloth workshop
- Cooking class in a local home
Landmarks/POIs Lion Rock Fortress 
- Day 4
Kandy
This day is yours to explore Kandy, the ancient capital that held out against European control. You could get an optional Ayurvedic massage to relax, walk through town to see what's around, check out the lake and busy market, tour the Royal Botanical Gardens, or catch a cultural dance performance in the evening.
Optional Activities
- Ayurvedic massage
- Walk through Kandy town
- Royal Botanical Gardens visit (USD10)
- Temple of the Tooth visit (USD7)
- Cultural dance performance (USD7)
- Cooking Demonstration and Dinner in a Local Home (USD12)
Landmarks/POIs Temple of the Tooth Royal Botanical Gardens - Day 5
Kandy to Ella
Leave Kandy on a scenic train to Ella, and this is the kind of journey worth paying attention to. Grab a window seat if you can because the views of mountains and tea fields are worth it. It's a long travel day, so bring a book or music to pass the time. Once you arrive, visit a tea factory or grab a drink at one of the local bars, then meet with your leader to hear about nightlife before heading to dinner with live music.
Included Activities
- Scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella
Optional Activities
- Local tea factory visit
- Bar visit in Ella
- Local restaurant dinner with live music
Landmarks/POIs Nine Arch Bridge 
- Day 6
Ella
Hike through the tea region on one of the shorter, popular Pekoe Trail routes. You'll pass the Nine Arches Bridge and tea plantations while cutting through local villages, then see the bridge from another angle. Stop for spicy curry lunch at a family home where you'll have Ceylon tea and learn how your hosts live. The rest of the day is free to explore Ella.
- Meals
- Lunch (Spicy curry lunch at a local family home with Ceylon tea)
Included Activities
- Pekoe Trail hike through tea region and local villages
- Nine Arch Bridge views
- Spicy curry lunch at local family home
- Ceylon tea
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration after hike
Landmarks/POIs Nine Arch Bridge Ella Forest Reserve Pekoe Trail 
- Day 7
Ella to Udawalawe
Travel south for a 4WD safari through Udawalawe National Park looking for elephants, leopards, and aquatic birds. Bring your camera and plenty of water. Back at your accommodation, catch up with other travelers and then track down appa (hoppers), kottu roti, and parippu (lentil curry) for dinner.
Included Activities
- 4WD safari through Udawalawe National Park with wildlife viewing
Optional Activities
- Local restaurant dinner with appa, kottu roti, and parippu
Landmarks/POIs Udawalawe National Park 
- Day 8
Udawalawe to Hiriketiya
Head west to Hiriketiya, a beach town full of local restaurants and bars. Your afternoon is free to wander around and get a feel for the place. You could join a guided tour to see the Hummanaya Blow Hole or visit the Dondra Lighthouse if you want structure, or simply spend time on the beach.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour to Hummanaya Blow Hole
- Dondra Lighthouse visit
- Beach relaxation
Landmarks/POIs Hummanaya Blow Hole Dondra Lighthouse 
- Day 9
Hiriketiya
Today is all about the beach. Grab a book, order a cocktail, and pack sunscreen. Just relax and enjoy the warm sand. If sitting still isn't your style, rent a bike and explore the quieter coastal areas. The beach restaurants are great for lunch and especially for watching the sunset before grabbing dinner.
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Bicycle exploration of lesser-known areas
- Sunset viewing
- Beach restaurant dining
- Day 10
Hiriketiya to Galle to Colombo
Leave Hiriketiya and head to Galle for a walking tour with your leader before moving on to Colombo. Once in the capital, you'll take another city walk visiting local shops and seeing the sights. You'll see temples and churches standing side by side, which shows how different belief systems coexist here. An optional final group dinner is available this evening.
Included Activities
- Walking tour in Galle with group leader
- City walk in Colombo with group leader
- Guided market visit in Colombo
- Temples and churches exploration
Optional Activities
- Final group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Galle 
- Day 11
Colombo
Your last morning in Sri Lanka, so have string hoppers and super-black coffee for breakfast. There are no other activities scheduled, so your trip wraps up. If you want to stay longer and see more, reach out to your booking agent before your trip starts.
- Meals
- Breakfast (String hoppers and super-black coffee)
Optional Activities
- Extended stay arrangements
