Overview
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, starting with a warm welcome at Negombo, a city marked by Dutch and British influence and known for its rich Catholic tradition and thriving fishing industry. Venture into the breathtaking Sri Lankan wilderness at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the awe-inspiring rock fortress of Sigiriya. Explore the historical cave temples of Dambulla and the royal charm of Kandy, home to the revered Temple of Tooth Relic.
Experience the tranquil hill-country beauty of Nuwara Eliya before indulging in wildlife adventures at Ella and Yala National Park. Enjoy the thrill of water sports in Bentota, explore the famous Galle Fort, and finally unwind with a city tour and shopping spree in Colombo, the island's bustling capital. This captivating journey concludes with a farewell transfer to the airport, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes and rich culture.
| Day | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Negombo | Arrival, relax at hotel, explore beach and fish market |
| 2 | Negombo → Pinnawala → Sigiriya | Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock Fortress |
| 3 | Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy | Dambulla Cave Temple, Matale Spice Garden, Kandy tour |
| 4 | Kandy → Nuwara Eliya | Explore Nuwara Eliya: tea plantations, gardens, lake |
| 5 | Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala | Ella’s Ravana Ella waterfall, Yala National Park safari |
| 6 | Yala → Bentota | Galle Fort visit, Bentota beach and water sports |
| 7 | Bentota → Colombo → Airport | Colombo city tour, shopping, departure |
Exploration Blueprint
Day 01 - Arrival to Sri Lanka - Negombo
Greet, Welcome, and Transfer to Your Hotel in Negombo
You will be greeted with a warm welcome to Sri Lanka by our representative, who will then assist and transfer you to your hotel in Negombo. Rest and relax after a long journey to Sri Lanka. Encounter the serenity of Sri Lanka with its first look during the time you travel to Negombo.
Negombo was once called the "Little Rome" in Sri Lanka for its many attractions and qualities. The Roman Catholic religion was the most prioritized, evolving over generations and influencing the city's lifestyle. The city, home to multicultural beings, has become even more colorful. The golden sandy beach has served as a major attraction for many tourists from various parts of the world. The narrow streets, the warm and welcoming breeze, the sandy beach fronts, the extensive canal, interesting history, and architecture all invite you to enjoy this vacation like never before.
The city of Negombo was under the influence of both the Dutch and British, which led to the city becoming a major attraction from ancient times. Cinnamon was a major attraction during the Dutch era, which paved the way to the current Spice Garden. The city, influenced by Dutch and British, underwent significant changes, now considered major attractions in the city, such as the Dutch Canal, Dutch Fort, and Dutch architecture and culture throughout the city.
While in Negombo, feel free to walk into the biggest sea fish market that serves only the freshest seafood. As you indulge yourself with the finest seafood dishes in Negombo, enjoy and relax, preparing for the next day of your tour.
Overnight: Hotel in Negombo
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 02 - Negombo - Pinnawala - Sigiriya
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Prepare yourselves to depart after enjoying your breakfast at the hotel. Your journey will commence in the morning and reach the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala before noon. Acting as one of the main attractions in Sri Lanka, the orphanage opens to tourists at 8:00 AM. Visitors are given the opportunity to bottle-feed the baby elephants if desired. After their breakfast, you can play with them and see how they are being directed to the river for their daily bath. Baby elephants play and dance in the water while some older elephants enjoy the juniors silently. Even though some tactful elephants are being chained, most of them are at relax. These elephants are handed over to the orphanage by many being lost, wounded, and homeless. The breeding ground for many Asian elephants is also home to more than 100 elephants in Sri Lanka. Capture these unforgettable moments with baby jumbos which add more color to your tour.
Next, you will be taken to see the miraculous rock fortress of Sigiriya, which is also identified as the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Sigiriya, built by King Kashyapa, is hidden amidst a fine forest. The tale of King Kashyapa is the most interesting of all. The king, who murdered his own father in his Kingdom, fled to Sigiriya with guilt and converted his imagination to reality by building this palace. The palace premises comprise three interesting gardens categorized as water gardens, cave and Boulder Gardens, and terraced gardens, all of which have undergone remarkable archaeology. Other interesting attractions within the palace premises include the lion’s gate at the entrance, the giant lion’s paw in one stairway, the world-famous frescoes, and the mirror wall.
Enjoy a ride on an elephant as you settle down in your hotel at Sigiriya.
Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 03 - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Matale - Kandy
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Gardens, and City Tour in Kandy
Leave Sigiriya after breakfast and prepare for an exciting day ahead. Dambulla, one of the top heritage cities on the island, possesses many historical values and attractions for visitors. Enjoy a tour of the Cave Temple of Dambulla, which consists of five cave temples: "Cave of Lord of the God", "Cave of Great Kings", "Cave of Great New Temple", "Cave of Western Temple", and "Cave of the Second New Temple." The caves contain around 157 paintings, some of which depict Lord Buddha, gods, goddesses, and kings and queens.
Next, visit the famous Spice Garden in Matale, where you can witness the cultivation of spices such as Cloves, Pepper, Saffron, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg. You'll also see herbs like Margosa, Sandalwood, Coconut, and Almond, which are vital for herbal, Ayurvedic, and traditional Sri Lankan cooking. If you're interested, you can visit the gem museum and explore the arts and crafts in the city.
Then, continue your journey to the golden city of Sri Lanka, Kandy. Known for its royal heritage, Kandy is home to the Royal Palace and the Golden Temple of Kandy (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The city is also known for its annual grand procession, where religious and cultural customs are celebrated. Explore the Kandy City Center, The Lake View, Arts and Crafts, Botanical Gardens, and enjoy the scenic backdrops that make this city one of the most attractive in Sri Lanka.
Overnight: Hotel in Kandy
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 04 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Transfer to Nuwara Eliya and Visit Places of Attraction
You will be transferred to Nuwara Eliya, where you'll settle for the night and enjoy the charm of the city. Nuwara Eliya, located in the hill country, surpasses all expectations of imagination. The city is a true masterpiece with its scenic views, breathtaking waterfalls flowing from mountain tops, and the ranges of mountains that surround it. The beautiful lake at the starting point of the city adds even more charm to this picturesque place. A complete replica of the English countryside, Nuwara Eliya offers luxurious accommodations with the finest amenities.
Visit the tea plantations, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Victoria Gardens, and the Golf Club. You can also enjoy horse riding, take a boat ride on Lake Gregory, and explore the nearby waterfalls.
Overnight: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 05 - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala National Park
Visit Ella and Its Attractions and Yala National Park
Leave Nuwara Eliya after an energizing breakfast and head to Ella. In Ella, visit the famous "Ravana Ella" waterfall, around 25 meters high and considered the widest fall in Sri Lanka. Spend your morning relaxing in Ella before heading to Yala. On your way, try some delicious Buffalo yogurt from Wellawaya.
As you enter Yala, get ready for an exciting wildlife safari! Yala National Park is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, where you can spot wild species like elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sloth bears, wild water buffalo, and various reptiles and birds. You'll also see various trees like Banyan, Neem, and Indian Blackberry in the park. The sounds of wildlife will accompany your adventure.
After a thrilling day, relax at your hotel in Yala, preparing for tomorrow’s surprises.
Overnight: Hotel in Yala
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 06 - Yala - Bentota
Transfer to Bentota and Enjoy Water Sports
Leave for Bentota after breakfast. On your way, stop at the snake and turtle farm, where you can see various types of snakes and turtles. Next, visit Galle to explore the famous Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, Galle Fort is a major attraction, and you can shop for souvenirs from Sri Lanka in its shops.
Continue to Bentota, where you'll encounter the beautiful Bentota River and Lagoon, which faces the Indian Ocean. Spend your day at the beachfront, relaxing and enjoying fresh sea fish. Engage in water sports such as swimming, body surfing, diving, skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, or playing beach volleyball.
Bentota is known as one of the best relaxation spots for tourists, so take time to recharge and enjoy the serene environment.
Overnight: Hotel in Bentota
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 07 - Bentota - Colombo - Airport
Colombo City Tour, Shopping, and Departure
Leave Bentota after breakfast and head to Colombo. In Colombo, enjoy a round of shopping at the best malls and take a city tour to explore the vibrant capital.
Capture your heartfelt moments on the way and bid farewell to Sri Lanka with plans to return someday.
You will be transferred to the airport as per your flight schedule.
Meals included: Breakfast
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation at 3-Star, 4-Star, or 5-Star Hotels
- Food and Site visiting tickets
- Breakfast
Transport in an Air-Conditioned Private Car / Van
Accompanying English Speaking Chauffeur Guide Throughout the Tour- Return Airport Transfer
- Unlimited Travel Distance
- All Applicable Taxes
Package Exclusions
- Visa Fees and Requirements
- Domestic Transfers and Flights Not Stated in the Deal Offer
- Travel Insurances
- Tips, Portage or Any Expense of Personal Nature
- Camera and Video Permits to Certain Sites