Sri Lanka Intro

Early this morning, you may choose to visit the famous local fish market before breakfast. After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, you will be transferred to Chilaw. Chilaw is a large town in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. En route, enjoy an inspiring experience. a visit to the 'toddy' tapping areas, where you can taste some locally made toddy. Toddy is a traditional alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the coconut flower. A skilled toddy tapper climbs a coconut tree to collect the sap and moves skillfully along ropes from tree to tree. Upon arrival in Chilaw, the rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, you will be transferred to the city of Anuradhapura. En route, you will visit Wilpattu National Park for an exciting afternoon safari. The park is located in the northwestern lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. Wilpattu National Park is home to approximately 25-30 species of mammals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, buffalo, sambar, and mongoose. The park also hosts a rich variety of indigenous flora and fauna. A unique feature of Wilpattu is its “Willus” - natural, sand-rimmed lakes or depressions that fill with rainwater. After your wildlife safari, continue your drive to Anuradhapura and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to explore Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, renowned for its well-preserved ruins. The highlight of the day will be a guided bicycle tour of the magnificent Anuradhapura ruins. Among the ruins, you will visit the sacred Bo Tree, a spiritual symbol marking the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for many of Anuradhapura’s great buildings. The ruins are spread across a vast area, with some located in woodland settings and others in park-like surroundings, dotted with columns and ponds. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, we will transfer to Jaffna, a Tamil-majority city in northern Sri Lanka. This coastal city was inaccessible for many years due to the civil war. Upon arrival, you will explore the city and its surroundings with your tour guide. We will journey around the Jaffna Peninsula, visiting the intriguing ruined dagobas (shrines) of Kantarodai. These two dozen or so dagobas, standing 1–2 meters high, are set in a palm-fringed field, creating a rather otherworldly vista. We will also visit Nilavarai, a natural underground water well, said to be bottomless, where legend has it that the Hindu god Rama shot an arrow to bring forth water. The rest of the day is at your leisure. For those interested in further exploration, an optional visit to Nainativu Island is recommended. This island is one of the holiest sites in Sri Lanka for both Buddhists and Hindus, and locals often make a pilgrimage there. Please consult your guide locally for details.

Overnight at Hotel.

This morning, after breakfast, you will have some free time to spend at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will begin a half-day Jaffna city tour with our guide, exploring daily life in this vibrant city. First, we will visit Naga Pooshani Amman Kovil, a colorful ancient Hindu temple complex set amid mature neem trees. The main deity is the naga goddess Meenakshi, a consort of Shiva. Women wishing to conceive often visit here seeking blessings during the trance-inducing midday puja. Next, we will tour the beautiful Jaffna Public Library, lovingly restored after its destruction during the civil war. We will also visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important Hindu temples in Jaffna. In the evening, enjoy another Inspiring Taste by trying the famous Jaffna crab curry. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we will drive to Trincomalee, a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and explore this coastal gem with our guide on a city tour. In addition to the city tour, you may wish to visit the Trincomalee British War Cemetery or Trincomalee Harbour. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

This morning, after breakfast, the rest of the day is free for leisure. You can relax on the beach or enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, transfer to Sigiriya. En route, visit Minneriya National Park for an exciting wildlife safari, where you may spot wild Asian elephants and other native animals. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, check in to your resort. In the evening, enjoy leisure time at your own pace. You may wish to visit the Dambulla Wholesale Market, the largest fruit and vegetable market in Sri Lanka, or join an evening Sigiriya Cycle Tour to experience authentic rural life and interact with locals.

Overnight at Hotel.

Today, experience a visit to Sigiriya (Lion Rock), one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical monuments. We’ll rise early to avoid the midday heat and explore this dramatic rocky outcrop, which rises majestically from the surrounding plains. Lion Rock is crowned by the ruins of a magnificent ancient palace. The climb to the top is a good workout, but the views and historical significance make it well worth the effort. Later, continue to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Polonnaruwa was the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka and remains one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the country, reflecting the discipline and grandeur of its early rulers. With our guide, we will explore the city’s key sites and visit the Archaeological Museum. Afterward, return to your hotel in Sigiriya. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, transfer to Kandy, the major city in central Sri Lanka. En route, we will stop to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and explore its magnificent cave complex. This World Heritage-listed monastery has been a pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. After the sightseeing tour, continue your drive to Kandy. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to freshen up before attending a famous Kandy cultural show and enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel.

This morning, after breakfast, continue your guided city tour of Kandy, the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and the capital of the central hill region. We’ll begin with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), located in the heart of the city. This is the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, housing a relic of the tooth of Buddha, said to have been taken from his funeral pyre. Next, we’ll visit a local market, where you can sample a variety of delicious endemic fruits and interact with shopkeepers and shoppers to get a taste of local life. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

This morning, after breakfast and check-out from the hotel, proceed to board the train to Nuwara Eliya. Nestled deep in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, Nuwara Eliya sits at an elevation of 1,800 meters, making it one of the coolest regions in the country. The temperate climate made it a favorite retreat for the English and Scots during the colonial era, and remnants of this past can still be seen in the manicured gardens and manor homes that adorn the city. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, drive to your hotel for check-in and take some time to relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Overnight at Hotel.

This morning, after breakfast, proceed to visit the Pedro Tea Estate. Established in 1885, the plantation still features some of its original machinery, offering a glimpse into the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. After your visit, the rest of the day is free for leisure. You may wish to take a relaxing stroll through Victoria Park, enjoying its mix of wild and carefully landscaped plant life.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, proceed to Yala National Park for an exciting afternoon guided jeep safari. Yala is one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka, encompassing a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and lagoons along the Indian Ocean. The park is home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. During the guided game drive, we will explore the rich biodiversity and luxuriant plant life of this remarkable region. After your safari, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. 

Note. If Yala National Park is closed, a visit to Bundala National Park will be arranged instead.

Overnight at Hotel.

Early this morning, embark on a wildlife safari in Yala National Park. Spot leopards lounging in trees or stalking through the brush, crocodiles patrolling rivers, and wild elephants grazing across the savanna. Keep an eye out for any wildlife you may have missed yesterday. After the morning safari, return to your hotel to refresh. In the afternoon, enjoy another safari, with opportunities for wildlife photography and further exploration of the park’s diverse ecosystems. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, proceed to Galle, a perfectly preserved colonial town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, known for its unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, then take a late afternoon walk around the iconic Galle Fort. With our guide, explore the Royal Dutch Fort, wandering through its maze of gallery-filled narrow streets and uncovering over 400 years of rich history. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1588, it was later extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. After the tour, the rest of the day is free for leisure activities.

Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo for your departure flight.