DAY 01: AIRPORT – NEGOMBO
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, and after claiming your baggage, you will be met and greeted by a company representative and transferred to Negombo.
Check in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay in Negombo.
DAY 02: NEGOMBO – PINNAWALA – DAMBULLA (B,D)
After breakfast, proceed to Dambulla.
En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated approximately 90 km from Colombo. The orphanage was originally founded in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. It is aimed at providing care and protection for many orphaned baby wild elephants found wandering in the forests of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage also places an emphasis on breeding and ongoing research for these gentle giants.
Upon completion, continue your journey to Dambulla and check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
DAY 04: DAMBULLA – HIRIWADUNA – DAMBULLA (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast at the hotel, visit the World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Fortress and climb the rock.
The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and a World Heritage Site, Sigiriya not only boasts ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning excellence but is also acclaimed as one of the finest monuments of art and culture. Step through the gigantic Lion Paws, overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below, to appreciate the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, Lion Rock, resembling the mythological City of Gods, is adorned with frescoes that relate to the Gupta-style paintings found in the Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of the eminent Mirror Wall, which embraces the western face of Sigiriya and represents an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey through yesteryear to understand how the citadel rose above its citizens, with the castle, ponds, and irrigation systems that pumped water right to the summit through an ingenious hydraulic system. This colossal masterpiece of the great king remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Upon completion, proceed to Hiriwaduna to enjoy a village walk and end your session with a village lunch.
The trek begins with a scenic walk along the bund of a wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies, and possible sightings of crocodiles add to the charm of the trek. Observe villagers as they go about their early morning tasks, such as fishing or washing clothes at the edge of the lake. Initially, you will wade through a shallow stream and thereafter cross a wider tributary in a catamaran with an obliging farmer to inspect chena cultivation (slash-and-burn agriculture). Enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal cooked using traditional methods, with earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is a great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife, including monkeys, bears, pythons, and even elephants.
Return to your hotel upon completion.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
DAY 05: DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY (B,L,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Kandy.
En route, proceed on a spice walk in Matale.
An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale remains well known for its remarkable contribution to the island’s flagship crops, ranging from tea, rubber, and vegetables to spices. Having spearheaded the rebellion in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by a spice garden, where you will be warmly welcomed, and observe the therapeutic values of spices and their preparation processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea. Alternatively, spend some time exploring the lively streets if you prefer a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Afterwards, enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch.
Upon completion, continue your journey towards Kandy.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DA Y 06: KANDY – PERADENIYA – KANDY (B,D)
After an early breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later enhanced by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – today equipped with welcoming facilities and located just 4 miles from Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre paradise, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions, and an octagon conservatory before being greeted by a vast expanse of magnificently landscaped, lush green turf, perfect for an exhilarating break.
Towards the north of the entrance is a cafeteria, which you may pass before stepping into some of the highlights of the gardens, including the orchid house and the giant Javan fig tree, both overflowing with grace.
Upon completion, enjoy a city tour in Kandy.
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy – a World Heritage Site and the last royal capital of the Sri Lankan kings – creates a vivid impression of culture, history, and heritage in the minds of visitors from across the globe. A stroll through this small lakeside town, cradled among misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre, filled with the latest world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts and crafts centre, as well as a gem museum and lapidary. Walk through a burst of colour as you glide past fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming at a cultural show, which enhances the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the Wonder of Asia.
Upon completion, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 07: KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA (B,D)
After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy a city tour upon arrival.
Often referred to as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya charms visitors with its colonial-era architecture, cool climate, and beautifully manicured gardens. Explore highlights such as Gregory Lake, ideal for a relaxing stroll or boat ride, and the picturesque Hakgala Botanical Garden, home to a rich variety of flora. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, a city tour here is a delightful blend of nature, history, and old-world charm.
Check in to your hotel.
Enjoy high tea at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 08: NUWARA ELIYA – AMBEWELA – ELLA (B,D)
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ambewela Train Station to board your train to Demodara. (Train tickets are subject to availability.)
Embark on one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking rail journeys from Ambewela to Ella, where every moment feels like a scene from a postcard. As the train winds through misty mountains, rolling tea plantations, and lush green valleys, you will pass charming villages, cascading waterfalls, and iconic bridges along the way. With cool hill country air and ever-changing panoramic views, this scenic ride is a truly unforgettable experience – perfect for soaking in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka at a relaxed pace.
Meet your driver at Badulla Station and transfer to your hotel in Ella.
Overnight stay in Ella.
DAY 09: ELLA – YALA (B,D)
After breakfast, proceed to Yala.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon safari at Yala National Park.
Spreading over a vast 1,259 km², Yala – with its grasslands, shrubs, tanks, and dunes – is rightfully the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumbles through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only entering the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization that thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it. Its usual inhabitants include herds of elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, jackals, abundant birdlife, and one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, making the park one of the finest wildlife destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swishes past narrow bends for an exhilarating experience, blended with the sounds of the wilderness under the tropical sun.
Upon completion, check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Yala.
DAY 10: YALA – GALLE – BENTOTA (B,L,D)
Check out this morning after breakfast and travel to the south coast. En route, commence a guided walking tour of the Old Galle Dutch Fort.
Galle, the epic southern capital, is where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere of beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets, listen to the creak of wooden saloon doors, and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions, attracting cultural enthusiasts from around the world. Its original ramparts and bastions, preserved to date, showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the Old Gate, which carries the British coat of arms. Flanking the Old Gate is the Zwart Bastion, the oldest of all, and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets laid out in a rectangular grid pattern, lined with houses featuring Dutch colonial-style verandas. Step into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. Above all, the Dutch Fort remains a living community, with its usual buzz of administrative offices, courts, commercial buildings, churches, and southern locals filling its streets with the air of Galle’s architectural heritage.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant inside Galle Fort.
Upon completion, travel to your hotel in Bentota and check in.
Overnight stay in Bentota.
DAY 11: BENTOTA – KOSGODA – BALAPITIYA – BENTOTA (B,D)
After breakfast, visit a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda.
The turtle hatchery supports the hatching and protection of sea turtles. It also cares for sea turtles with disabilities and treats those that have become weak due to fishing activities. Local and international visitors are welcomed to support its goal of saving this endangered species and to witness the magical process of releasing baby sea turtles back into the sea. The place is especially suitable for children and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all.
Upon completion, proceed to Balapitiya to enjoy a boat safari.
The Madu Ganga River, one of Sri Lanka’s most prized possessions and home to lush mangroves, is located in the Galle District. The river covers at least 150 acres of land and includes 14 of the 24 mangrove species found in Sri Lanka. This mangrove environment supports many different species of flora and fauna, making it a haven for ecologists and botanists.
Upon completion, return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Bentota.
DAY 13: BENTOTA – COLOMBO (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo.
Upon arrival in Colombo, embark on a city tour.
The throbbing metropolis of Colombo, located in the west, is not only the country’s commercial capital but also the engine that drives over 50% of the national GDP, alongside Colombo’s ambitious urban development efforts. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal-white Race Course – a horse-racing hub in 1893 and a World War II airstrip – now furnished with stylish clothing, food, and tea boutiques.
Meanwhile, ride to Pettah and tune into the Floating Market – an offbeat shopping experience – or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming Colombo Port City, an offshore city featuring parks, commercial complexes, and even an F1 track. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards the Arcade, facing the historic landmark of Independence Square. Designer boutiques, top-notch cuisine outlets, and even the walk-over fish tank have transformed this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through windows showcasing the best fashion, jewellery, and handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangaramaya Temple. Or jazz up your evening with Colombo’s nightlife, spiced by nightclubs and casinos that border its bustle. If you are lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), before enjoying an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna to end your day perfectly.
Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lakeside – Superior Room
DAY 14: COLOMBO – AIRPORT (B)
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your safe departure back home.
End of Tour.
