19 Days 18 Nights
Ayurvedic SPA
Yoga
Relax
Kandy Temple
Day 1 Arrival / Negombo
Start your tour of Sri Lanka in Negombo, located a short 30 minutes’ drive from the international airport. Relax, rejuvenate and prepare for your trip in the comforts of a friendly and vibrant coastal city. Negombo is a popular destination with the city accommodating a wide array of actives that range from beach sports to inbound exploration tours which navigate through Negombo’s colonial churches and narrow streets. Negombo is also home to a number of luxury hotels, boutique retail outlets and spas making it the perfect location to help you ease into your Sri Lankan itinerary.
Overnight stay in Negombo
Day 2 Transfer to Anuradhapura via Wilpattu National Park or Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
Enroute to Anuradhapura, travel via Wilpattu, stopping first at the Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary. Plan to spend your morning on the safari at the bird sanctuary followed by another safari in the afternoon at The Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu is home to a variety of mammals, birds, amphibians and other wildlife of which the Sri Lankan Elephant is the most popular sight and its Leopard and Sloth Bear the most elusive. Our private-guided tours with select operators will seek to provide you a fantastic experience on your Sri Lankan holiday safari.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura or Wilpattu
Day 3 Sight -seeing in Anuradhapura
Anuradupura, now a UNESCO World heritage site was built by Sri Lanka’s ancient kings in the 4th century B.C. Having remained Sri Lanka’s first capital for over 1400 years, the city holds incredible history and awe. The monumental relics, most of which include Buddhist temples, bigger than life stupas and a network of man-made lakes signify the works of Sri Lanka’s past kings. Ambience radiates from the township of Anuradupura and visitors are invited to attend sessions of worship and meditation to gain an intimate understanding of Sri Lanka’s most prominent religion, Buddhism.
Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 4 Anuradhapura to Habarana, via Ritigala mountain and Minneriya Safari
Habarana is a short hour by car from Anuradhapura and can be used as a base exploration in the region. Enroute, travel via the Ritigala Forest Monastery and then embark on a safari expedition at the Minneriya National Park. Explore the monastery, its surrounding forests, and wilderness and learn about the age-old Buddhist traditions and culture. Following this, head towards Minneriya National Park and jump onboard an afternoon safari. Minneriya is home to a variety of mammals and birds of which elephants are the park’s most sought after. These large mammals flock to Minneriya due to abundance of water tanks and drinking holes, in this otherwise dry land. For this adventure, be sure to let us know to arrange a safari jeep for the ultimate Sri -Lankan safari and private tour.
Overnight stay in Habarana
Day 5 Visit Sigiriya, then village tour of Habarana
Wake up early to explore the 8th Wonder of the World. Make sure you pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes as climbing the Sigiriya Rock fortress is not for the faint of heart with its steps often cascading into the crevices of the rock. Exploring this rock fortress and its gardens, lakes, prescribed texts, and beautiful architecture is an absolute must for any trip to Sri Lanka. Following this, plan to spend your afternoon exploring Habarana by way of an authentic guided Sri Lankan village tour. On tour meet some friendly townsfolk, ride a traditional bullock cart, engage in some authentic cooking classes inside a mud house and take a canoeing trip at a nearby lake.
Overnight stay in Habarana.
Day 6 Habarana to Kandy via tour of Dambulla Cave Temple and spice garden
Kandy is around an hour’s drive from Dambulla and is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular holiday destinations. Enroute, travel via the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO heritage listed site. The Dambulla Cave Temple is an underground monastery with a large network of caves with statues, stupas and well-preserved artworks dating back to the era of Sri Lankan kings. Following this, head to one of the many spice gardens on the way to Kandy, where guided tours will seek to inform you of Sri Lanka’s traditional Ayurvedic medicines and age-old practices and superstitions. Arriving in Kandy, choose to either spend the afternoon/night time relaxing or exploring Kandy town.
Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 7 Sight-seeing and relaxing at Kandy
Kandy’s is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited cities due to its rich history and historical landmarks. The most famous landmark in Kandy is the sacred ‘Temple of the Tooth’ which is believed to hold a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. For visitors traveling in the period of July-August, the ‘Asala Perahara’ (pageant) is a sight to behold with various cultural dances and decorated elephants parading through Kandy’s streets at night. Kandy is also home to a large shopping mall, luxury hotels, massage parlors, luscious gardens, tea plantations, a museum, and many more attractions. The people of Kandy are lively and the city is often always busy. Its narrow streets give way to small restaurants and local kitchens which are a must-try. When in Kandy, make sure to visit The Royal Botanical Gardens which is particularly known for its Orchid House and the large population of fruit bats.
Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 8 Sight-seeing and relaxing at Kandy
Spend the day either exploring Sri Lanka’s culture capital or relaxing and rejuvenating at one of Kandy’s world-class luxury hotels. The city has a relatively wetter and cooler temperature making it a pleasant destination to jump outside and go for a stroll. Take a walk through Kandy’s street shopping district (next to the ‘Temple of the Tooth’) and munch on a delicious snack by Kandy Lake.
Over Night stay in Kandy
Day 9 Kandy to Ella by train (subject to availability of tickets)
No trip to Sri Lanka is truly complete until you ride aboard a local train to Ella. This gorgeous journey has been considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Grab yourself a comfortable seat or latch onto an exit to truly experience a ride like no other with the train running alongside forests, waterfalls, local villages, and tea plantations. Get off at Nanu-Oya station and jump back in your private vehicle to then hop off at Ella. Ella is particularly famous for its natural scenery and cool climate. The area is surrounded by tea plantations, scenic hiking trails, friendly locals and mesmerizing landscapes.
Overnight stay in Ella
Day 10 Sight-seeing in Ella
Wake up early, as Ella offers a plethora of sites to visit. They include climbing Little Adams Peak, Nine Arch’s bridge and Ella rock. Alternatively, Ella also offers a great many hiking trails through tea plantations and towards the area’s two most famous waterfalls; Ravana and Bambaragala, both magnificent sights to behold.
Day 11 Sight-seeing in Ella
Besides the amazing natural wonders, Ella has to offer, spend a few hours at Ella town which is a chic gem on its own. Its cosy cafe’s, hippy vibes and inviting kitchens will definitely catch you off guard. Alternatively, you could also wind down at a spa specializing in traditional Ayurvedic massages. Of course, another spot you must visit in Ella is the eco-friendly 98 Acres, one of Sri Lanka’s best and most luxurious hotels. If you do get here or even better, spend your night at 98 Acres, do try their delightful high tea!
Overnight stay in Ella
Day 12 After breakfast Ella to Arugum Bay, (depending on seasonal availability)
3 hours from Ella is Arugum Bay, a popular beach holiday destination in Sri Lanka. Dominated by the income of world-ranked surfers who are driven by the large breaks and worldly acclaimed waves, Arugum Bay is one of the best places to holiday in Sri Lanka. There are other opportunities for leisure seekers with beaches and lagoons at the forefront of relaxation. For bird-watching enthusiasts, Kumana National Park is close by as well.
Overnight in stay Arugum Bay
Day 13 Leisure and water activities in Arugum Bay
The surfing season in Arugum Bay starts around April and ends in October. During this season the wind is predominantly offshore. Average water temperatures are around twenty-eight degrees and ideal for those looking to make a splash. For those that want to change it up, Arugum Bay offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan culture. Visit some local cafe’s, kitchens and delicious street vendors and indulge yourself in some of Sri Lanka’s tastiest treats. Additionally, catch a tuk-tuk to either Potuvil or Crocodile Rock, popular beachy/hangout spots in the area.
Overnight stay Arugum Bay