Classic Sri Lanka Holiday

Day 1: Colombo - Arrival

AYUBOWAN! Welcome to Sri Lanka, The Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred directly to Negombo, a serene coastal town nestled right next to the bustling capital, Colombo. After checking into your hotel, the day ahead is all yours to soak in the charm of Negombo, especially the tranquil Negombo lagoon.

Don’t miss a visit to the famed Negombo fishing market, affectionately known as Lellama, the second-largest fish market in the country. Here, amid the lively hustle and bustle, you can mingle with local fishermen, purchase fresh catch, and immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. If you’re up for it, consider arranging a fishing trip or a relaxing boat ride across the lagoon and out to the open ocean.

Overnight in Negombo

Day 2: Sigiriya - Minneriya National Park

Morning:
Wake up early for today as we’ll head to the ancient city of Sigiriya. Sit back and enjoy the drive surrounded by great scenery, journeying through the local villages, small towns, coconut plantations, paddy fields and small forest patches.

Afternoon:
Embark on a wildlife adventure at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, renowned for their rich biodiversity and captivating safaris. Minneriya National Park is famed for hosting Asia’s largest gathering of elephants, alongside endemic species like the purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Encounter Sri Lankan sambar deer, axis deer, and occasional sightings of the elusive leopard and sloth bear. The park’s reservoir attracts a variety of water birds, including the lesser adjutant and painted stork. Kaudulla National Park offers similar thrills with close encounters with elephants, leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, endangered rusty-spotted cats, and sloth bears, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience. Conclude your day at a comfortable hotel, enjoying relaxation at your leisure.

Overnight in Sigiriya

Day 3: Sigiriya - Rock Fortress

Morning:
We’ll ascend the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a striking marvel rising from Sri Lanka’s central plains. This dramatic outcrop, crowned with ancient ruins, is reached by near-vertical staircases that pass by stunning frescoes. The breathtaking views from the summit enhance the allure of this extraordinary site.

Afternoon:
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where Sri Lankan kings once ruled the central plains over 800 years ago. This former bustling commercial and religious hub showcases its grandeur through well-preserved archaeological treasures, offering a vivid glimpse into its prosperous past. The archaeological park is a captivating exploration with numerous ancient structures including tombs, temples, statues, and stupas clustered in a compact area. Conclude your day at a comfortable hotel, enjoying relaxation at your leisure.

Overnight in Sigiriya

Day 4: Kandy - Dambulla Cave Temple

Morning:
We’ll head to the beautiful city of Kandy, located on a plateau surrounded by mountains. En route, we’ll make a stop at Dambulla Cave Temple. This site features five caves housing around 150 breathtaking Buddha statues and paintings, showcasing some of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious art. These Buddha images, originally created over 2000 years ago, have been enhanced and enriched by successive kings over the centuries.

Afternoon:
Next, we’ll visit the Matale Spice Garden, home to Sri Lankan treasures like turmeric, pepper, and cardamom. Afterward, we’ll explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a stunning Buddhist temple within the royal palace complex of ancient Kandy, where legend says the Buddha’s tooth is enshrined.

Overnight in Kandy

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya - Train ride

Say goodbye to Kandy as we’ll take a 3-hour train ride to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a charming city nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This picturesque destination is renowned for its cool, misty climate, lush tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture. Visitors are drawn to its breathtaking landscapes, including serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and the world-famous Ceylon tea gardens. Nuwara Eliya is a perfect escape for those seeking respite from the island’s tropical heat and a taste of its colonial heritage.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Day 6: Ella - Horton Plains

Morning:
We’ll start the day with a visit to Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains is the only national park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. The climate here is a wet montane climate with a mean annual temperature of 15 centigrade. Horton Plains is famous for World’s End, a stunning viewpoint, which is a sheer drop of 870 meters hidden in clouds.

Afternoon:
We’ll transfer to Ella and go through the tea carpets of Ceylon. Along the way, visit Nine Arches Bridge, one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Demodara area between Ella and Demodara railway stations.

Overnight in Ella

Day 7: Galle & Unawatuna - Dutch Fort

Morning:
Say goodbye to Ellaa, we’re off to the charming coastal towns of Unawatuna and Galle. On our journey, we’ll pause at the stunning Buduruwagala, home to 1,000-year-old rock-cut Buddha figures. The towering standing Buddha, at 15 meters tall, is the island’s tallest and still shows remnants of its original stuccoed robe. A long streak of orange hints at its once-vibrant paint. Smaller carved figures surround this majestic statue.

Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Galle, we can see a coastal city possessing a fascinating fusion of history and modernity. Its crowning jewel is the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Dutch colonial architecture amidst a backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Conclude your day at a comfortable stay in Unawatuna, enjoying relaxation at your leisure.

Overnight in Unawatuna

Day 8: Mirissa - Whale watching

Morning:
We’ll head to Mirissa, a beautiful coastal town close to Unawatuna. You’ll set sail from the fisheries harbor, ready to see Blue Whales up close. Thanks to the narrow continental shelf south of Dondra, you can spot these majestic creatures relatively close to shore. Your naturalist guide will then take you further into the sea to look for Sperm Whales, with possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Plus, the guide will share fascinating information about the ocean biodiversity in southern Sri Lanka. You’re even welcome to take a dip in the ocean or try stand-up paddleboarding in calm waters.

Afternoon:
Return to Unawatuna, where the soft, curving sands meet crystal-clear waters just right for a leisurely swim or a tranquil sunset view. Take a stroll through the nearby fishing village, where vibrant boats bring in the day’s fresh catch to sell along the shore.

Overnight in Unawatuna

Day 9: Unawatuna - Free & Easy

Today is all yours to freely explore the beauty of Unawatuna. Do you need some inspiration? These suggestions might be helpful for you:
– If you’re curious about the local fishing scene, rise early to witness stilt fishing. It’s an age-old tradition along Sri Lankan southern coast, where you’ll see old fishermen sitting on stilts instead of boats. They stick to the calm waters near the shore, unlike the rough seas they used to tackle when they were younger.
– If you just want a chill time, all you need to do is relaxing on the golden sands. The beach is a long stretch of sand and has lovely calm clear waters for swimming. Here’s a little eco-tip for you: To minimize harm to the marine ecosystem, you should only use micro-sized or/and reef-safe certified mineral sunscreens.

Overnight in Unawatuna

Day 10: Colombo - Departure

Your journey in Sri Lanka comes to its end. After breakfast today, you’ll get the morning to yourself – no scheduled activities. Whenever you’re ready to go, our attentive driver will be ready to take you to the airport in Colombo, ensuring a seamless transition for your departing flight. Until our paths cross again on your next adventure, safe travels!