Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Negombo
You'll land at Bandaranayake International Airport and head to your hotel on Negombo Beach. This harbor city just north of Colombo has quite a bit of history packed into it, including the remains of a 17th-century Dutch Fort. The Negombo Lagoon is worth seeing too, with traditional fishermen's huts dotting the water. St. Mary's Church is a neoclassical building with vivid religious paintings covering its ceiling that catch the light beautifully.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit 17th-century Dutch Fort remains
- Explore Negombo Lagoon and fishermen's huts
- Visit St. Mary's Church with religious paintings
Landmarks Dutch Fort Negombo Lagoon St. Mary's Church Hamilton Canal - Day 2
Negombo to Mannar
After breakfast, head north toward Kalpitiya, which sits in a quiet spot surrounded by 14 islands. Stop at the Dutch Reformed Church built back in 1706, one of the oldest Protestant churches still standing in the country. From there, check out the Dutch Fort, which was constructed between 1667 and 1676 and controlled the bay entrance while managing the famous cinnamon canal. Later, continue on to Mannar for the night, traveling through coastal scenery along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Dutch Reformed Church (St Peter's Kerk) in Kalpitiya
- Visit Dutch Fort in Kalpitiya
Landmarks Dutch Reformed Church (St Peter's Kerk) Dutch Fort in Kalpitiya Puttalam Lagoon - Day 3
Mannar to Trincomalee
After breakfast, drive east along the coast toward Trincomalee, the East Coast's main city and historically an important port for the region. You'll see Fort Frederick, which the Portuguese built first and the Dutch took over in 1639. The day includes a visit to Koneswaram Temple sitting high on Swami Rock Cliff, a spot where you can watch for blue whales. The temple has ornate shrines and a massive Shiva statue. Also walk through Gokanna Temple, which offers views looking out over the city and coastline.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Fort Frederick
- Visit Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock Cliff
- Visit Gokanna Temple
Optional Activities
- Blue-whale watching from Swami Rock Cliff
Landmarks Fort Frederick Koneswaram Temple Swami Rock Cliff Gokanna Temple - Day 4
Trincomalee to Passikudha
After breakfast, follow the scenic coastline south to Passikudah, a coastal resort town located about 35 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa. The beach here reminds many of the Maldives with its clear waters and sand. Check out the Pasikudah Mariamman Temple in the area. Then head to the Dutch Fort in Batticaloa, built by the Portuguese in 1628 and captured by the Dutch in 1638. It's one of the smaller Dutch forts but in good condition, sitting on an island with interesting architectural details still visible.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Pasikudah Mariamman Temple
- Visit Dutch Fort in Batticaloa
Landmarks Pasikudah Mariamman Temple Dutch Fort in Batticaloa Tanavare Fort - Day 5
Passikudha to Galle
After a scenic drive along the East-South Coast, arrive in Galle, which centers around its notable fort. The Portuguese founded this fortified city in the 16th century, and the Dutch later expanded the stone seawalls. Today, car-free streets wind through the fort with architecture showing Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences layered throughout. The 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church sits within the walls, and the Galle Lighthouse stands at the fort's southeast tip overlooking the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Galle Fort
Optional Activities
- View Galle Lighthouse
- Explore Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort
- Walk car-free streets in fortified old city
Landmarks Galle Fort Galle Lighthouse Dutch Reformed Church - Day 5
Galle to Colombo
Continue exploring Galle's colonial heritage, then travel to Colombo. Galle gained importance during Portuguese times when they fortified it around 1589 as Santa Cruz. The Dutch took control in 1640 and made it their capital until they moved to Colombo in 1656. The Old Dutch Government House, built in 1687, represents the best preserved VOC fortress remaining, with beautiful ramparts, bastions, and gateways. Once in Colombo, visit the Wolvendaal Church (built 1749), the Old Dutch Hospital, and other colonial-era buildings showing the layers of Portuguese, Dutch, and British occupation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Old Dutch Government House in Galle
- Visit Wolvendaal Church (Wolvendaalse Kerk) in Colombo
- Visit Old Colombo Dutch Hospital
Optional Activities
- Explore Dutch houses in Galle
- Visit Dutch church dated 1752-54 in Galle
- View St. Peter's church (former Governor's residence) in Colombo
- Visit Dutch Period Museum in Colombo
- Explore other Portuguese and Dutch colonial churches and buildings in Colombo
Landmarks Old Dutch Government House Galle Lighthouse Wolvendaal Church (Wolvendaalse Kerk) Old Colombo Dutch Hospital St. Peter's Church Dutch Period Museum - Day 7
Departure from Colombo
Have breakfast, then transfer to the airport for your departure or to connect to travel along Sri Lanka's West Coast. Allow time before your flight for a relaxed departure from the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
