Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Your flight to Sri Lanka takes off today. The anticipation builds as you settle in for the journey ahead, ready to experience what's waiting for you.
- Day 2
Colombo
After landing in Colombo, you're transferred to your hotel and get settled. Once you've checked in, the afternoon is yours to walk through the city and see temples, mosques, and towers. By evening, try some local street food from vendors around the area.
Optional Activities
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple (payable on site)
- Visit World Trade Center twin towers
- Visit Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque
- Try kottu or curry rice at local restaurants
Landmarks Gangaramaya Temple World Trade Center Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque 
- Day 3
Wilpattu National Park
The drive heads into rural Sri Lanka toward Wilpattu National Park, the country's largest nature reserve. You'll check into your jungle tent accommodation and spend the rest of the day listening to the wilderness around you, getting a feel for the landscape.
Landmarks Wilpattu National Park 
- Day 4
Wilpattu National Park
Wake to the sounds of the forest and move through the park at your own pace. Spend time relaxing in hammocks around the camp or take an optional game drive to search for elephants, leopards, and sloth bears if you're interested.
Optional Activities
- Game drive in open jeep through Wilpattu National Park (payable on site)
Landmarks Wilpattu National Park - Day 5
Jaffna
You head north to Jaffna, a city shaped by South Indian influence with colorful Hindu temples and local culture that feels different from the rest of the country. Wander through the streets and talk with locals who are known for being friendly and welcoming.
Landmarks Jaffna 
- Day 6
Jaffna
Start at the local market to see fresh vegetables, exotic fruits, and fragrant herbs. Then sample North Indian-influenced dishes like naan and samosas. Visit Ammachichi Food Center later for vegetarian options and get a real sense of Jaffna's food scene.
Optional Activities
- Visit Jaffna market and browse stalls
- Visit Ammachichi Food Center for vegetarian dishes
Landmarks Jaffna Market - Day 7
Anuradhapura
Head south to Anuradhapura, where Buddhist stupas, Hindu temples, churches, and mosques all exist in one city. See the Bodhi Tree, Jetavanaramaya Temple, and Thuparamaya Stupa. You'll notice the warmth and openness of people you meet along the way.
Landmarks Bodhi Tree Jetavanaramaya Temple Thuparamaya Stupa - Day 8
Ritigala
Leave Anuradhapura and travel to a village accommodation surrounded by nature. Bike with a local guide through green fields to see how village life works, then join a traditional cooking course with locals who teach you their methods.
Included Activities
- Bike tour through village with local guide
- Traditional cooking course with locals
Landmarks Ritigala Mountains - Day 9
Ritigala
This morning you hike through the Ritigala Mountains with a local guide, passing waterfalls and impressive cliffs. Later, take a gentle boat trip and go on an oxcart safari. Lunch happens with local residents, giving you a chance to sit and talk with them.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch with locals)
Included Activities
- Guided hike through Ritigala Mountains
- Boat trip
- Oxcart safari
- Lunch with locals
Landmarks Ritigala Mountains - Day 10
Polonnaruwa
Stay in a rustic homestay with locals and tour the village around you. Visit local gardens and experience how people actually live. You can either rock climb Sigiriya Rock for views from above, or stay relaxed and join an evening cooking course.
Included Activities
- Village tour
- Evening cooking course
Optional Activities
- Rock climbing at Sigiriya Rock
Landmarks Sigiriya Rock 
- Day 11
Kandy
During a cooking course, you'll prepare Sri Lankan specialties using fresh produce from gardens nearby. Eat your home-cooked meal in a tree hut overlooking the lake. After that, transfer to Kandy to check out colonial buildings and historic bars in the royal city.
- Meals
- Dinner (Home-made traditional Sri Lankan meal at tree hut on lakeshore, surrounded by coconut palms and herb garden)
Included Activities
- Traditional cooking course with fresh garden vegetables
Optional Activities
- Drink at the Royal Bar
Landmarks Kandy 
- Day 12
Kandy
Travel through Kandy by tuk tuk to see the city's myths and traditions. The Temple of the Tooth is a major stop, a sacred pilgrimage site where Buddha's tooth is kept. You'll see incense, hear prayers, and notice the golden ornaments throughout.
Optional Activities
- Tuk tuk ride through Kandy (payable on the spot)
- Visit Temple of the Tooth
Landmarks Temple of the Tooth - Day 13
Ella
Board the famous blue highland express train at Nanuoya station and ride through mountain landscapes with gorges, waterfalls, and green slopes. The train takes you to Ella, a secluded highland town tucked away in the hills.
Included Activities
- Panoramic train ride from Kandy to Ella on Highland Express
Landmarks Nanuoya Station - Day 14
Ahangama
You'll see the Nine Arches Bridge between jungle and tea plantations, stop at Ravana Waterfalls and Ella Gap for photos. Head to Ahangama beach to try stilt fishing with locals, learning the traditional technique and casting your own line. End the day with a meal of freshly caught fish.
Included Activities
- Stilt fishing with locals in Ahangama
Optional Activities
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge
- Stop at Ravana Waterfalls
- Visit Ella Gap
- Meal with freshly caught fish
Landmarks Nine Arches Bridge Ravana Waterfalls Ella Gap - Day 15
Galle
Drive to Galle and check into your hotel. Either relax on Jungle Beach with its fine sand and turquoise water, or just wander through the coastal area at whatever pace feels right to you.
Optional Activities
- Visit Jungle Beach
Landmarks Jungle Beach 
- Day 16
Galle
Walk through Galle's charming streets and explore the historic Fort, a UNESCO site from the 17th century Dutch colonial period. Stop at cafes and shops along the alleyways, then watch the sunset over the water from the fort walls.
Optional Activities
- Visit Fort Galle
- Stroll through Galle's alleyways and cafés
- Watch sunset on the beach
Landmarks Fort Galle - Day 17
Departure
You leave Galle and drive back to Colombo for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your time in Sri Lanka as you head home with all the experiences from your journey.
- Day 18
Arrival
You land back home today carrying stories and memories from Sri Lanka. The adventure is behind you now, but the experiences will stay with you.
