09 Days Highlights of Sri Lanka

Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport and be met at the airport by our representative, who will transfer you to the Hotel in Negombo (standard check-in time 1400hrs).

Enjoy the evening at the hotel.

Situated close to the Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo is a coastal city and fishing port in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and lagoon, which offer a range of water sports and other activities. Negombo is also famous for its seafood, with many restaurants offering fresh and delicious seafood dishes. The city has a rich colonial history, and visitors can explore the Dutch Fort and other historical sites. Negombo is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a convenient stopover before exploring the rest of Sri Lanka.

Dinner & Overnight at Negombo Hotel.

Check out after breakfast and depart for Sigiriya (Distance 175 km – Duration 3hrs 30 min).

After arriving at Habarana, near Sigiriya, check in to your hotel and prepare to climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. Also known as the "Lion Rock”, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The fortress dates back to the 5th century and was built by King Kashyapa, who sought to create a grand palace atop the towering rock. The sheer audacity of constructing a palace at such a height is awe-inspiring. The rock rises approximately 200 meters above the surrounding landscape, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, enjoy a stroll through a Sigiriya Village, where you are warmly welcomed by the friendly locals offering glimpses into their daily routines and cultural traditions, ending with a meal prepared by the villagers in their home. You’ll discover the simplicity and charm of life here, surrounded by lush green fields, tranquil lakes, and traditional homes.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Sigiriya.

After breakfast, visit Polonnaruwa Ancient Site, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. During the medieval period, Polonnaruwa served as the capital city from the 11th to the 13th century. The site boasts well-preserved ruins of royal palaces, temples, and other significant structures that showcase that era's architectural brilliance and artistic mastery. Exploring Polonnaruwa allows visitors to delve into the country's rich history and witness the grandeur of an ancient civilisation.

In the afternoon, join a Jeep Safari into Minneriya National Park, finishing the day with a refreshing gin & tonic and marvelling at nature’s wonders.

Minneriya National Park is a stunning wildlife reserve that spans over 8,800 hectares and is home to various animals, including elephants, leopards, deer, monkeys, and over 160 species of birds. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty as you venture through the park's diverse landscapes and encounter a myriad of wildlife species.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Sigiriya.

Check out after breakfast and head to Kandy (Distance 115 km – Duration 2hrs 30 min).

En route, visit Dambulla Cave Temple & Spice Garden.

Dambulla Cave Temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It’s a remarkable Buddhist religious site and one of the country's most renowned and well-preserved cave temple complexes. The temple consists of a series of five caves that have been transformed into stunning rock-cut sanctuaries adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues. They house over 150 statues of Buddha, including a 14-metre-long reclining Buddha statue, as well as numerous ancient frescoes depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. Dating back to the 1st century BC, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the rich Buddhist heritage and artistic achievements of ancient Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore their interiors and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Dinner & Overnight at Kandy Hotel.

Check out after breakfast and proceed to the Kandy train station for your trip to Nuwara Eliya by train (Distance 95 km – Duration 3hrs).

The train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya is a breathtakingly scenic experience through the heart of Sri Lanka, passing lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming hillside villages. The relaxed, slow-paced train ride crosses the famous Nine Arch Bridge and allows you time to soak up the picturesque landscapes in comfort.

Afterwards, stroll through a tea village and experience South Indian-style food prepared by a Tamil family, followed by a tea factory tour and tea tasting.

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the Central Province hill country. Its name means ‘city on the plain (table land)’ or ‘city of light’. The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District. At an altitude of 1,868 m, it has a temperate climate and picturesque surroundings and is one of the most important locations for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Dinner & Overnight at Hotel Nuwara Eliya.

Check out after breakfast and head to Yala (Distance 200 km – Duration 4hrs 30min).

Check in on arrival and relax for the day.

En route, we stop at the spectacular Ravana Waterfall to watch as it cascades over massive boulders. Named after the legendary character Ravana from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, the waterfall is nestled amongst a tropical rainforest environment, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Dinner and overnight at Yala Hotel.

Sleep in and enjoy the morning at your leisure.

Take an afternoon game drive into Yala National Park. Its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes mesmerise visitors and create a plentiful home for its wildlife inhabitants. At approximately 979 square kilometres, Yala is Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park and a sanctuary for numerous animal species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park has the highest concentration of leopards globally, making them the iconic symbol of Yala, but they are still elusive. If you don’t see a leopard, there are many other wonderful animals and a plethora of birds to be observed in the wild, including elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, white-breasted sea eagles, peacocks and more. The drive takes you through dense jungle, grassy plains, semi-arid scrublands, and scenic coastal lagoons, even passing scattered ancient and historical ruins and artifacts. A cherished destination, Yala National Park is a testament to Sri Lanka's commitment to conservation and eco-tourism.

Dinner & Overnight at Yala Hotel.

Check out after breakfast and head to Colombo (Distance 100 km – Duration 1hrs 45min).

En route, commence a sightseeing tour of Colombo.

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, located on the island's west coast. The city has a rich history and a vibrant culture, with a mix of modern buildings and colonial-era architecture. Visitors to Colombo can explore the bustling streets, markets, and temples and enjoy the city's parks and waterfront areas. The city's top attractions include the National Museum of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, and the Vihara Mahadevi Park. Colombo is also known for its delicious food, with a wide variety of local and international cuisine in its restaurants and street food stalls. Colombo is a fascinating and vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day leisurely.

Dinner & Overnight at Colombo Hotel.

Proceed to the airport to connect for your departure flight (Distance 50 km – Duration 1hr).