Itinerary
- Day 1
Colombo
You'll touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport where someone from the company will be waiting for you. From there, a comfortable transfer takes you into Colombo and straight to your luxury hotel. After you've had time to settle in and freshen up from your flight, your tour guide will meet with you in the evening to walk through what's coming up over the next few days.
- Start point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Colombo BIA Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Airport welcome by company representative
- Private transfer from Colombo Airport to hotel
- Evening tour briefing with personal guide
- Day 2
Colombo
Breakfast at the hotel gets the morning started, then you'll head out to check out Colombo's mix of old colonial buildings and newer development. The Dutch Hospital Precinct is worth a walk through with its shops and cafes, and the National Museum has some incredible artifacts and royal pieces. Gangaramaya Temple shows you different architectural influences from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and China all in one place. If there's time, the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens is nearby. Come evening, you can either explore Colombo's nightlife scene, take a walk along Galle Face Green at sunset, or just unwind back at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sri Lankan breakfast at hotel), Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Colombo city exploration
- Visit to Gangaramaya Temple
- Visit to Colombo National Museum
- Explore Dutch Hospital Precinct
Optional Activities
- Visit Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
- Colombo nightlife experience
- Sunset walk along Galle Face Green
Landmarks Gangaramaya Temple Colombo National Museum Dutch Hospital Precinct Dehiwala Zoological Gardens Galle Face Green - Day 3
Colombo to Ambalangoda
Breakfast happens at 6:30 AM before you head south along the coast. You'll stop at a Turtle Conservation Project in Ahungalla to learn how they protect green turtles, then take a peaceful Madu Ganga River Safari through mangrove forests and cinnamon plantations with a visit to a temple by the river. In Ambalangoda, you'll see the Mask Museum to understand traditional mask-making techniques. Then it's on to Meetiyagoda's moonstone mines where you can watch how gemstones are actually harvested. By evening you'll be checked into your hotel in Ambalangoda.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Early breakfast at hotel at 6:30 AM), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Turtle Conservation Project in Ahungalla
- Madu Ganga River Safari with mangrove exploration and cinnamon island visit
- Visit to Hindu temple along Madu Ganga estuary
- Explore Mask Museum & Factory in Ambalangoda
- Explore Moonstone Mine in Meetiyagoda
Landmarks Turtle Conservation Project Madu Ganga River Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines - Day 4
Ambalangoda to Unawatuna
After breakfast, you'll drive along the coast to Unawatuna and first explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO site that dates back to 1588 when the Portuguese built it. The cobblestone streets have boutique shops, and you can see the Dutch Gate from 1669. Then it's to Unawatuna Beach, a curved stretch of golden sand that's perfect for swimming or snorkeling. On the way, you might catch stilt fishermen in Weligama doing their centuries-old trade. If you're interested, whale and dolphin watching tours run seasonally from nearby Mirissa between November and April. The rest of your day is yours to spend at leisure on the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit to Unawatuna Beach for swimming and snorkeling
- View stilt fishing tradition in Weligama
Optional Activities
- Visit Wella Devalaya Shrine
- Explore Kadolana Mangrove Reserve
- Mirissa Whale & Dolphin Watching (November to April)
Landmarks Galle Fort Unawatuna Beach Weligama Stilt Fishing Wella Devalaya Shrine Kadolana Mangrove Reserve 
- Day 5
Unawatuna
You'll need to be up at 5:30 AM for the drive to Mirissa where you'll board a boat to head out into the Indian Ocean. This is one of the best chances you'll have to see Blue Whales, Bryde's Whales, and Sperm Whales, plus dolphins and other marine life. Keep your camera handy because you might also spot flying fish, sea turtles, manta rays, or sharks. After you get back to Unawatuna, spend time on the sand, swim in the water, or relax under a palm tree with a drink. Later, take a quiet walk along the beach before heading back to your hotel for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Early morning whale and dolphin watching tour in Mirissa
- Leisure time at Unawatuna Beach
Landmarks Mirissa Beach - Day 6
Unawatuna to Tissamaharama
Start at 5:00 AM and head to Yala National Park with a breakfast stop along the way to fuel up. Once you arrive, you'll spend the full day on a game drive through forests, grasslands, and lagoons near the Indian Ocean. The park has the world's highest concentration of leopards, so keep watch for those plus elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and different deer species. Birdwatchers will spot over 130 species here including painted storks and lesser flamingos. Later you'll visit a nearby Hindu temple to see local spiritual practices. By evening, you'll head back to Tissamaharama.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast en route to Yala National Park), Lunch (Sri Lankan Traditional Lunch on rest in Yala park inside), Dinner
Included Activities
- Full-day game drive in Yala National Park
- Sri Lankan Traditional Lunch inside Yala park
Optional Activities
- Evening visit to nearby Hindu temple
Landmarks Yala National Park - Day 7
Tissamaharama to Ella
Leaving at 6:00 AM, you'll drive through countryside while climbing up to Ella, a hill town sitting at 1,041 meters. The Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is an architectural marvel built with just stone and cement during the British period, stretching 91 meters and standing 24 meters high. You can explore the village's unique railway loop as well. Ravana Falls is one of Sri Lanka's widest waterfalls and has connections to the Ramayana stories. Hike up to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views of the Ella Gap and surrounding hills. If you want some adventure, the Flying Ravana Zipline takes you over tea plantations and valleys.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Demodara Railway Loop and Nine Arch Bridge
- Visit Ravana Falls
- Hike to Little Adam's Peak
Optional Activities
- Flying Ravana Zipline Adventure
Landmarks Nine Arch Bridge Ravana Falls Little Adam's Peak Demodara Railway Loop - Day 8
Ella to Nuwara Eliya
At 7:00 AM you'll start driving to Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka in the central highlands at a comfortable temperature. Along the way, you get great views of rolling tea plantations and green hills. The town was founded in 1846 by explorer Samuel Baker and still offers British activities like golf and trout fishing. Hakgala Botanical Garden has beautiful landscaping with roses and tree ferns, plus monkeys wandering around. The colorful Seetha Amman Temple has intricate religious carvings, and Lake Gregory is scenic with waterfalls including the dramatic Lovers Leap nearby. Settle into your hotel in Nuwara Eliya for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden
- Explore Seetha Amman Temple
- Stop at Lake Gregory and nearby waterfalls
Optional Activities
- Visit Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
- Trout fishing in clear streams
- Boating on Lake Gregory
- Explore Galway's Land National Park
- Visit World's End cliffs
Landmarks Hakgala Botanical Garden Seetha Amman Temple Lake Gregory Lovers Leap Galway's Land National Park World's End - Day 9
Nuwara Eliya
You'll drive early to Horton Plains National Park, an incredible natural area sitting over 2,100 meters high. You'll have breakfast from a packed meal while taking in misty mountains and meadows. Then trek through montane grasslands and cloud forests to World's End, where there's a sheer 900-meter drop and views that reach the southern coast on clear days. Baker's Falls is surrounded by rhododendrons and forest. While you're there, watch for endemic species like sambar deer, Sri Lanka bush warbler, and purple-faced langur in their natural habitat.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Packed breakfast en route), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through Horton Plains to World's End
- Visit Baker's Falls
- Panoramic views of Mount Kirigalpotta and Mount Thotupola Kanda
Landmarks Horton Plains National Park World's End Baker's Falls Mount Kirigalpotta Mount Thotupola Kanda - Day 10
Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
After breakfast, you'll travel to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage City in the central highlands known for its cultural and spiritual importance as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. The scenic drive takes you through misty mountains, waterfalls, and tea plantations, with a stop at Ramboda Waterfalls on the way. The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya has over 500 plant species worth seeing. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of Buddhism's holiest sites and definitely worth your time. Walk around Kandy Lake in the evening, catch a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Show with music and costumes, and visit a gem shop to learn about Sri Lanka's famous gemstones.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya
- Explore sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
- Walk around Kandy Lake
- Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
- Visit gem shop
Optional Activities
- Ramboda Waterfalls visit
Landmarks Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy Lake Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya Ramboda Waterfalls - Day 11
Kegalle - Peradeniya
Driving from Kandy to Kegalle, you'll reach a town known for its green landscapes and elephant conservation efforts. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for elephants that have been abandoned or injured, and watching dozens of them play and splash in the river is something special. You can hand-feed them with fruits and milk. A traditional Spice Garden shows you how cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves are used in cooking and medicine. The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, Sri Lanka's largest, covers vast grounds with orchids, giant palms, and flower beds, plus famous bamboo avenues and a striking royal palm avenue.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and watch river bath
- Hand-feed elephants with fruits and milk
- Explore traditional Spice Garden
- Kandyan Cultural Dancing Show in the evening
Landmarks Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden - Day 12
Kandy to Habarana
Departing at 6:00 AM, you'll cycle through Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka's second ancient capital. Pedaling through the archaeological park at your own pace, you'll pass remains of the Royal Palace and see Gal Vihara, rock-cut Buddha statues carved from granite. Stop by the ancient Lotus Bath, once a royal pool. Ride along the shores of Parakrama Samudra, a massive ancient reservoir. This eco-friendly way to explore medieval Sinhalese architecture and planning gives you an intimate experience. In the afternoon, head to Minneriya National Park for a safari to see the elephant 'Gathering.' Then continue to Habarana for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bicycle tour through Polonnaruwa archaeological park
- Visit Royal Palace ruins
- View Gal Viharaya rock-carved Buddha statues
- Afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park
Landmarks Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park Gal Viharaya Parakrama Samudra Minneriya National Park 
- Day 13
Habarana
You'll tackle the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site rising 200 meters above the jungle. This 5th-century citadel built by King Kasyapa has the famous Frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens, an impressive Mirror Wall, and the Lion's Gate. From the top, you get 360-degree views of the jungle and surroundings. Nearby, climb Pidurangala Rock through quiet forest paths and centuries-old cave temples for an unobstructed view of Sigiriya. Later, experience village life by traveling in a bullock cart across rice paddies, sailing on a catamaran across a lake, and visiting a local farm to help prepare authentic rice and curry cooked in clay pots.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Rustic village lunch with rice and curry slow-cooked in clay pots), Dinner
Included Activities
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress with Mirror Wall and Lion's Paw Terrace
- Hike Pidurangala Rock
- Hiriwadunna village tour with bullock cart ride
- Catamaran crossing and paddy field walk
- Traditional cooking session and rustic village lunch
Optional Activities
- Visit wood carving center
Landmarks Sigiriya Rock Fortress Pidurangala Rock - Day 14
Habarana to Dambulla
Set off at 6:30 AM toward the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It's been standing for 2,200 years, first used as a royal refuge in the 1st century BC. As you go up the stone steps, you see panoramic views of the Cultural Triangle unfold. Inside five main caves are 157 Buddha statues plus statues of deities and ancient kings, with intricate murals covering over 2,100 square meters showing Buddha's life story. The frescoes, painted with natural pigments, have held their color through the centuries. From the terrace, a golden Buddha statue looks out over the land.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple)
- View 157 Buddha statues and ancient murals
Optional Activities
- Visit Kandalama Lake
Landmarks Dambulla Cave Temple Kandalama Lake - Day 15
Dambulla to Anuradhapura
Starting at 7:30 AM, you're heading into the heart of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization. Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the island's first capital from the 4th century BC and thrived for over a thousand years. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the world's oldest living human-planted tree, dating to 288 BC and brought from Bodh Gaya in India. The Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba is a gleaming white stupa ordered by King Dutugemunu. Check out the Thuparama Dagoba, the first stupa ever built in Sri Lanka, the vast Abhayagiri Monastery that once housed 5,000 monks, and the Jetavanaramaya Stupa, which originally rose 122 meters. Walk the Eight Sacred Sites circuit, a revered pilgrimage route.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (world's oldest living human-planted tree)
- Explore Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
- Visit Thuparama Dagoba
- Discover Abhayagiri and Jetavanaramaya monastic complexes
Landmarks Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba Thuparama Dagoba Abhayagiri Monastery Jetavanaramaya Stupa - Day 16
Anuradhapura to Trincomalee
After breakfast, you'll drive from Anuradhapura to the quiet eastern coast and Trincomalee, a port city built around one of the world's finest natural harbors. The 17th-century Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese and later controlled by the Dutch and British. Inside sits Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock, a sacred Hindu shrine to Lord Shiva and one of the revered Pancha Ishwarams, with panoramic ocean views. Gokanna Temple also offers sweeping coastal vistas. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the soft white sands of Nilaveli Beach, one of Sri Lanka's most unspoiled stretches where you can swim in calm turquoise water or snorkel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock
- Tour historic Fort Frederick
- Leisure time at Nilaveli Beach
Optional Activities
- Visit Kanniya Hot Water Springs
- Visit Trincomalee War Cemetery
- Explore Lover's Leap Point and Rawana Bay
Landmarks Koneswaram Temple Fort Frederick Gokanna Temple Nilaveli Beach Kanniya Hot Water Springs Trincomalee War Cemetery Lover's Leap Point - Day 17
Nilaveli
After breakfast, transfer to Nilaveli Beach, 16 km northwest of Trincomalee, a quiet seaside area with cultural heritage. Spend your day on Goldi Sand Long Beach where soft sand meets gentle ocean waves. The highlight is visiting Pigeon Island National Park, 1 km offshore and one of only two marine sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Snorkel in clear water to see vibrant reef fish and coral. The Velgam Vehera Temple is a historical Buddhist site surrounded by greenery offering peaceful spiritual time. Return to your hotel in the evening and your guide will discuss and prepare you for tomorrow's travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Snorkeling excursion to Pigeon Island National Park
- Visit Velgam Vehera Temple
- Leisure time at Nilaveli Beach
Landmarks Pigeon Island National Park Velgam Vehera Temple Nilaveli Beach - Day 18
Nilaveli to Anuradhapura
After a leisurely breakfast at your beachside hotel, you'll head back toward Anuradhapura, leaving the tranquil shores of Nilaveli behind. This is a relaxing day to unwind and think back on your time on the eastern coast while enjoying the scenic drive through different Sri Lankan landscapes. You'll see changes from coastal areas to lush inland greenery as you travel at a comfortable pace. Optional stops can happen for refreshments, local crafts, or just to stretch and take in views. Once in Anuradhapura, check in and the rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool, have a traditional meal, or take a quiet evening walk.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Short stops for refreshments and local handicrafts
- Day 19
Anuradhapura to Negombo
Starting at 5:00 AM, you'll head to Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka's largest wildlife reserves along the northwest coast. The park's unique landscape has natural sand-rimmed water basins called 'Willus' that create vital habitats. On your safari, watch for the Sri Lankan Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, and Sambar Deer. Over 130 bird species live here including Painted Storks, Spoonbills, and Jungle Fowl. The park has cultural significance with Queen Kuweni legends and Prince Saliya connections. You'll have a traditional rice and curry lunch inside the park. After your safari, continue to Negombo, a charming coastal town near Colombo known for colonial architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry meal with fresh fruits), Dinner
Included Activities
- Full-day game drive in Wilpattu National Park
- Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch inside park
Landmarks Wilpattu National Park - Day 20
Negombo
Start your day relaxing in Negombo, a vibrant coastal city just north of Colombo with long golden beaches, charming canals, and colonial heritage. Check out remnants of the 17th-century Dutch Fort and walk along the historic Hamilton Canal, once a major trade route. The Negombo Lagoon with its fishermen's huts shows the area's deep connection to the sea. Visit the beautiful St. Mary's Church, a neoclassical structure with colorful religious frescoes. Later, head north to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, a Ramsar Wetland with over 150 bird species including cormorants, egrets, and storks. Beyond birds, the sanctuary has over 20 mammal species, 70+ butterfly species, and over 50% of Sri Lanka's freshwater fish.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Negombo city tour exploring landmarks
- Visit Anawilundawa Ramsar Wetland Sanctuary
Optional Activities
- Birdwatching in Anawilundawa
- Hiking along Anawilundawa trails
- Boat ride through Anawilundawa ecosystem
- Shopping at local markets and boutiques
Landmarks Negombo Lagoon Dutch Fort St. Mary's Church Hamilton Canal Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary - Day 21
Departure
As your Sri Lanka journey ends, a transfer to Colombo International Airport will be arranged based on your flight time. Take with you memories of incredible landscapes, cultural sites, and the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka.
- End point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Colombo BIA Airport)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Colombo International Airport
