Itinerary
- Day 1
Negombo
You'll arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where a driver meets you for the transfer to Negombo. After settling into your accommodation, take time to rest from your flight and relax by the beach. A bicycle is available for free use if you want to cycle through the surrounding countryside and get a feel for the area.
Included Activities
- Airport pickup and transfer to Negombo
- Beach time in Negombo
- Free bicycle rental to explore countryside
Landmarks/POIs Bandaranaike International Airport Negombo Beach - Day 2
Negombo to Dambulla-Sigiriya
Following breakfast, head into the cultural triangle toward Dambulla and Sigiriya. You'll climb Sigiriya Rock (Lion's Rock), a 200-meter ascent where you can see ancient wall paintings, the mirror wall featuring Sanskrit markings, and the massive stone lion paws carved into the rock. From the top, you get panoramic views across the landscape and if you're lucky, spot elephants in the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. Later, move on to Polonnaruwa and explore some of the less-visited sites there.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to cultural triangle of Dambulla-Sigiriya
- Hike and climb Sigiriya Rock
- View ancient wall paintings at Sigiriya
- View mirror wall with Sanskrit markings at Sigiriya
- Visit stone lion paws at Sigiriya summit
- Panoramic views from Sigiriya summit
- Wildlife viewing of elephants in Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks
- Visit Polonnaruwa
- Off-road exploration
Landmarks/POIs Sigiriya Rock Minneriya National Park Kaudulla National Park Polonnaruwa - Day 3
Sigiriya to Kandy
Depart Sigiriya and travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second-largest city. On the way, stop at Dambulla Cave Temple and visit a spice garden where you can learn about the local spices grown in the region. The drive continues to the hills, which offer beautiful views overlooking Kandy Lake. Once you check in at your hotel, you'll have those panoramic vistas from your room. Later, visit the Temple of the Tooth and catch a cultural dance performance in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Spice garden tour and learning about spices
- Views of Kandy Lake
- Visit Temple of the Tooth
- Cultural dance show
Landmarks/POIs Dambulla Cave Temple Kandy Lake Temple of the Tooth - Day 4
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Leave Kandy and head toward Nuwara Eliya, but first stop at the Botanical Garden. Then you'll enter the tea region where a tea factory tour shows you how tea is processed and dried, and you get to sample different varieties. Nuwara Eliya itself has a distinct feel with its colonial-era architecture, so you'll see buildings like the Queen's Cottage, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, and Town Post Office. The cold, misty hills create a different atmosphere from the rest of the island. During your stay, walk around the historical town, visit Lover's Leap waterfall, spend time in Victoria Park, and explore Gregory Lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Botanical Garden in Kandy
- Tea factory visit and learning tea-making process
- Tea tasting at tea factory
- Historical city walk in Nuwara Eliya
- View Lover's Leap waterfall
- Visit Victoria Park
- Visit Gregory Lake
Landmarks/POIs Botanical Garden Lover's Leap Victoria Park Gregory Lake - Day 5
Nuwara Eliya to Ella
After breakfast, leave Nuwara Eliya heading toward Ella. The drive passes through beautiful waterfalls and tea garden landscapes. You'll take the scenic train ride into Ella, and your guide will meet you at the station. Once there, check out Ella's highlights including the Nine Arch Bridge and Ella Gap viewpoint. Later, hike up Little Adams Peak to catch the sunset from the top.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train ride to Ella
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Visit Ella Gap
- Hike Little Adams Peak at sunset
Landmarks/POIs Nine Arch Bridge Ella Gap Little Adams Peak - Day 6
Ella to Yala
From Ella, travel to Yala in the southeastern part of the island. In the evening, join a safari into Yala National Park where you might see leopards, bears, and various bird species in their natural setting. After the safari concludes, you'll have a BBQ dinner. You're staying at Tissa Lake View, a romantic hotel near the lake. Other things to do include a bird safari on Tissa Lake itself and visits to the ancient Tissamaharama city and temple.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (BBQ after Yala National Park Safari)
Included Activities
- Evening Yala National Park Safari
- BBQ dinner
- Tissa Lake bird safari (optional)
- Tissamaharama ancient city and temple (optional)
Optional Activities
- Tissa Lake bird safari
- Tissamaharama ancient city and temple visit
Landmarks/POIs Yala National Park Tissa Lake Tissamaharama Temple - Day 7
Yala to Mirrissa
Head to Mirrissa, known for its golden sand beach and laid-back vibe. Board one of the local boats for a blue whale watching trip, and you'll see them jump, swim, and dive in the ocean around you. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, and once evening comes, the beach bars and venues fill up with the local party scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat trip to view blue whales
- Whale watching experience
- Beach time in Mirrissa
Optional Activities
- Beach parties in the evening
Landmarks/POIs Mirrissa Beach - Day 8
Mirrissa to Colombo
Travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, stopping at Galle Fort along the way and taking a Bentota Madu River Safari to see mangroves and local wildlife. After arriving in Colombo, take a city tour that includes shopping districts, local restaurants, Galle Face Green (the waterfront promenade), and Gangarama Temple. The day concludes either with a transfer to the airport if your trip is ending or to your hotel in Colombo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Galle Fort
- Bentota Madu River Safari
- Colombo city tour
- Visit Galle Face Green
- Visit Gangarama Temple
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Colombo
- Dining at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Galle Fort Bentota Madu River Galle Face Green Gangarama Temple
