Sri Lanka Explore
Overview
An adventure through diverse landscapes and cultures.
Day 1 is the arrival day and the final day is the departure day. Depending on international flight times, additional sightseeing can be added on either of these days.
Itinerary
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo to rest before the journey begins.
Overnight Stay: NegomboHighlights:
- - Settle in
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Fish market
- - Dutch canal
- - St. Mary's Church
Drive north into the Cultural Triangle to explore the island's first great monastic city.
Overnight Stay: AnuradhapuraHighlights:
- - Sacred city dagobas and monasteries
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Isurumuniya Temple
- - Twin Ponds
- - Mihintale hill
Continue to the compact medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, celebrated for its rock-cut Buddha images.
Overnight Stay: PolonnaruwaHighlights:
- - Ancient royal city
- - Gal Vihara
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Rankoth Vehera
- - Parakrama Samudra lake
- - Vatadage
Travel to Sigiriya via the dry-zone national parks, timing the drive for an elephant safari en route.
Overnight Stay: SigiriyaHighlights:
- - Minneriya/Kaudulla elephant safari en route
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Hurulu Eco Park
- - Ritigala monastery
Climb the iconic rock fortress and visit the painted cave temples nearby.
Overnight Stay: SigiriyaHighlights:
- - Climb Sigiriya Rock
- - Dambulla Cave Temple
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Pidurangala Rock
- - Sigiriya Museum
- - Village bullock cart tour
Head south to the hill capital for an evening at its most sacred Buddhist shrine.
Overnight Stay: KandyHighlights:
- - Temple of the sacred tooth relic
- - Cultural dance show
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Kandy Lake
- - Local bazaar
- - Bahirawakanda viewpoint
A full day exploring gardens, spices and local food around Kandy.
Overnight Stay: KandyHighlights:
- - Peradeniya Gardens
- - Spice garden
- - Local food experience
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Ceylon Tea Museum
- - Udawattakele forest walk
Ride the scenic hill-country railway up into tea country and visit a working factory.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara EliyaHighlights:
- - Scenic hill-country train
- - Tea factory and plantation walk
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Gregory Lake
- - Victoria Park
A full day hiking Horton Plains' loop trail through grassland and cloud forest.
Overnight Stay: Nuwara EliyaHighlights:
- - Horton Plains hike to World's End
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Hakgala Botanical Garden
- - Pedro Tea Estate
Continue by scenic rail to Ella and spend the afternoon on short hikes with valley views.
Overnight Stay: EllaHighlights:
- - Nine Arches Bridge
- - Little Adam's Peak
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Ella Rock hike
- - Ravana Falls
- - Lipton's Seat
Descend to the dry southeast for a wildlife safari focused on elephant herds.
Overnight Stay: UdawalaweHighlights:
- - Wildlife safari (elephant herds)
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Elephant Transit Home
- - Second game drive
Continue to Yala for two safaris — the best way to maximise chances of leopard, sloth bear and rich birdlife.
Overnight Stay: Tissamaharama / Yala areaHighlights:
- - Two safaris: evening and following morning (leopard, sloth bear, birdlife)
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Bird watching around the Tissa tank
Transfer to the south coast and spend the afternoon exploring the ramparts and streets of Galle Fort.
Overnight Stay: Galle or UnawatunaHighlights:
- - South coast transfer
- - Galle Fort exploration
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Galle Lighthouse
- - Maritime Museum
- - Dutch Reformed Church
A final beach morning, with whale watching if in season, before transferring to Colombo for departure.
Highlights:
- - Final beach morning
- - Whale watching if in season
Also worth seeing, subject to available time:
- - Coconut Tree Hill
- - Jungle Beach — subject to flight time