When it comes to popular travel destinations, Sri Lanka has been off the map for far too long. We think we should change that. This two-week trip that showcases the country’s vibrant cities and beautiful beaches – with a huge helping of culture and history on the side – should convince you. You’ll go from exploring ancient ruins and UNESCO sites to spice gardens and tea plantations, and even take safari wildlife safari drives to see majestic elephants in their natural environment. And with an expert CEO showing you the ins and outs of the country, you’ll get to see Sri Lanka in a way that other travellers don’t.
Day 1 Negombo
Arrive at any time and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Negombo
Explore Negombo and the busy fishing village. Then take a serene boat ride through the Dutch canal lining the marshy lands of Negombo.
Day 3 Negombo/Sigiriya
Spend 3 days exploring the ruins and monuments scattered throughout the Sigiriya region. The first visit is to the rock fortress of Sigiriya - a World Heritage Site.
Day 4 Sigiriya
Take an excursion to the Sigiriya rock fortress, which dates back more than 5,000 thousand years to the Mesolithic period.
Day 5 Sigiriya
Visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital city. Its unbelievable beauty will take your breath away. In the afternoon, go on a walking tour of a Sri Lankan village and enjoy lunch prepared by the families of the community.
Day 6 Sigiriya/Kandy
In the morning, visit the Dambulla cave complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - as well as the archaeological site of Nalanda Gedige. Also visit a batik factory and a herbal centre for demonstrations.
Day 7 Kandy
In the morning, the CEO will take the group for a stroll around Kandy Lake. Also visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Museum, and take in a cultural performance.
Day 8 Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
Explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands and gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region. Later, step back in history and have High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
Day 9 Nuwara Eliya/Yala
Drive to Buduruwagala and visit this ancient Buddhist temple complex. Continue to Yala National Park and embark on a safari wildlife safari drive. Famed for its elephants, the park is also home to monkeys, deer, leopards, and wild boars.
Day 10 Yala
Take a second safari wildlife-drive in Udawalawe National Park to see more elephants as well as jackals and crocodiles.
Day 11 Yala/Meda Wadduwa
Visit Weligama and learn about stilt fishing — a tradition founded and practiced in this area. Experience the cultural history of Sri Lanka's south coast at the colonial Galle Fort. Following the tour, head to the beach.
Day 12 Meda Wadduwa
Pristine beaches offer a perfect setting to relax and unwind. Opt to go windsurfing, snorkelling or get an Ayurvedic spa treatment.
Day 13 Meda Wadduwa/Colombo
Enjoy the morning at leisure then travel to the capital, Colombo where the CEO will provide an orientation walk of the fort area and Pettah Bazaar.
Day 14 Colombo
Depart at any time.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Arrival transfer
- Negombo city and fishing village tour
- Dutch canal boat ride
- Dambulla Cave Temple visit
- Tour Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yapahuwa fortress, and the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa
- Nature walk and Village tour with local lunch
- Visit Nalanda Gedige Temple ruins
- Visit a spice garden and batik factory
- Temple of the Tooth guided tour
- Visit the Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens and the Kandy Museum
- Cultural dance performance
- Visit a tea plantation and have High Tea at the Grand Hotel
- Visit Buduruwagala Temple complex
- Safari wildlife safari drives in Uda Walawe and Yala National Parks
- Galle Fort tour and stilt fishing demonstration
- Colombo city tour
- 13 breakfasts
- 3 dinners
Reference : GAH