Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Negombo
You'll arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and get transferred to your beachfront hotel in Negombo. This coastal town has a relaxed vibe, and your first night is complimentary. Settle in by spending time at the pool, exploring the gardens, or heading down to the beach to get used to the tropical setting.
- Start point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sea Horse Hotel)
Included Activities
- Welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport by local representative
- Private transfer to beachfront hotel in Negombo (approximately 20 minutes)
- Evening briefing with tour guide
- Leisure time to relax at hotel pool, gardens, or beach
- Day 2
Negombo
This day focuses on Negombo's local character. You'll visit St. Mary's Church and Katuwapitiya Church, then pop into a Buddhist temple to see how people practice spirituality here. Walk through the fish market where locals sell their catch, take in views along the old Dutch-era Hamilton Canal, and spend some time on Negombo Beach. The guide meets with you in the evening to go over tomorrow's plans.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sea Horse Hotel), Hotel (Bevely beach Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Negombo town
- Visit to St. Mary's Church—a colonial-era Catholic cathedral
- Stop at Katuwapitiya Church—spiritual hub of Negombo's Catholic community
- Visit to local Buddhist temple
- Explore fisherman's village and Negombo fish market
- Leisure walk along Hamilton Canal
- Relaxation or sea bath at Negombo Beach
- Evening planning session with tour guide
Landmarks St. Mary's Church Katuwapitiya Church Negombo Beach Hamilton Canal - Day 3
Negombo to Kalpitiya
You're leaving at 5:00 AM for Kalpitiya on the northwest coast. On the way, stop at Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary where over 150 bird species live alongside toque macaques and fishing cats. Try birdwatching on the trails or take an optional boat ride through this quiet area. Then head to Kalpitiya to relax on the beach for the rest of the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Resort (Blue Lagoon kalpitiya)
Included Activities
- Scenic transfer from Negombo to Kalpitiya
- Visit to Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary—haven for over 150 bird species and diverse wildlife
- Leisure time to relax and refresh with sea bath on Kalpitiya Beach
- Evening briefing with guide to discuss next day's plans
Optional Activities
- Boat ride within Anawilundawa Sanctuary (subject to availability)
- Nature walk within the sanctuary
Landmarks Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary Kalpitiya Beach - Day 4
Kalpitiya
Get up early for a boat trip to watch dolphins off Kalpitiya's coast. You'll likely see Spinner Dolphins doing acrobatic flips, plus Bottlenose, Spotted, Striped, Humpback, Risso, and Fraser's Dolphins in the Indian Ocean. After returning to shore, spend the afternoon at the beach. Your guide meets you in the evening to discuss the trip to Wilpattu National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Resort (Blue Lagoon kalpitiya)
Included Activities
- Early morning dolphin watching boat excursion (departure around sunrise)
- Spot various dolphin species in their natural marine habitat
- Photo opportunities and breathtaking ocean views
- Afternoon leisure time at Kalpitiya Beach—relax, swim, or soak in the sun
- Evening briefing with guide for next day's activities
Landmarks Kalpitiya Beach - Day 5
Kalpitiya to Anuradhapura
Depart at 5:00 AM toward Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka's oldest wildlife areas. Drive through thick forest and open plains watching for Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and spotted deer alongside over 30 mammal species. Bird spotting includes jungle fowl, painted storks, and eagles. You'll have a traditional lunch in the wilderness before heading back to your hotel near Anuradhapura.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Sri Lankan lunch during the safari), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Randiya Hotel), Hotel (Alakamandawa Hotel)
Included Activities
- Early morning transfer to Wilpattu National Park (5:00 AM departure)
- Guided wildlife safari through diverse ecosystems—leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and more
- Birdwatching and reptile spotting opportunities
- Traditional Sri Lankan lunch during the safari
- Evening briefing with guide to plan next day's activities
Landmarks Wilpattu National Park - Day 6
Anuradhapura
After breakfast, travel to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and a UNESCO site. See the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the world's oldest recorded tree brought here in 288 BC, then visit eight sacred temples including the Ruwanwelisaya stupa and other major stupas. Walk among ancient ruins, monasteries, and water tanks that show the regal grandeur of centuries past.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Randiya Hotel), Hotel (Alakamandawa Hotel)
Included Activities
- Transfer to sacred city of Anuradhapura
- Explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites and ancient city ruins
- Visit to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi—the world's oldest recorded tree
- Pay respects at the Eight Great Places of Veneration (Atamasthana)
- Cultural storytelling and history with tour guide
- Discussion and planning of next day's journey with guide
Landmarks Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Ruwanwelisaya Thuparamaya Lovamahapaya Abhayagiri Dagaba Jetavanarama Mirisaveti Stupa Lankarama - Day 7
Anuradhapura to Habarana
Start early with a game drive in Habarana's quiet forests spotting elephants, deer, wild boar, and birds. Return for a traditional lunch at a local village lodge. In the afternoon, head to Minneriya National Park where you'll see one of the world's largest gatherings of wild Asian elephants at the reservoir. Watch them drink, bathe, and socialize as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Sri Lankan lunch), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel ), Hotel (Kaveri Hotel)
Included Activities
- Early morning game drive in Habarana National Park
- Traditional Sri Lankan lunch
- Afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park
- Observe the spectacular elephant gathering by the lakeside
- Wildlife photography and birdwatching opportunities
- Evening discussion with tour guide to plan next day's itinerary
Landmarks Habarana National Park Minneriya National Park Minneriya Tank - Day 8
Habarana to Sigiriya
After breakfast, climb Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO-listed 5th-century fortress that rises nearly 200 meters with remarkable construction. Then go to Pidurangala Rock for great views of Sigiriya and explore its ancient cave temple. Try village activities like bull cart rides and river safaris, or walk through paddy fields. Back at your hotel in Sigiriya, you'll plan the next day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel ), Hotel (Kaveri Hotel)
Included Activities
- Challenging climb of Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Visit to Pidurangala Rock with views of Sigiriya Rock
- Experience Sri Lankan village lifestyle
- Bull cart driving experience
- River safari
- Paddy field activities
- Evening planning session with tour guide
Landmarks Sigiriya Lion Rock Pidurangala Rock - Day 9
Sigiriya to Dambulla
Head to Dambulla to see the Golden Temple and Cave Temple Complex, a UNESCO site in use for over 2,200 years. Five main caves hold 157 Buddha statues and murals covering more than 2,100 square meters. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the countryside. From there, drive to tranquil Kandalama Lake and walk through Dambulla town to check out the local markets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kingdom Gate Dambulla)
Included Activities
- Visit to Golden Temple & Cave Temple of Dambulla—UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore ancient mural paintings and Buddha statues within five sanctified caves
- Climb to summit for awe-inspiring panoramic views
- Scenic stop at Kandalama Lake and view of the lake
- Explore Dambulla Town & Local Markets
- Evening planning session with guide for next day's adventures
Landmarks Golden Temple and Cave Temple of Dambulla Kandalama Lake - Day 10
Dambulla to Tissamaharama
Travel to Tissamaharama through lush jungle terrain in southern Sri Lanka. Stop in Buttala at Kirivehera Temple, a revered Buddhist stupa from the 3rd century BC, and a vibrant Hindu temple. Arrive in Tissamaharama and start a full-day game drive in Yala National Park where leopard density is the highest in the world. You'll see elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, and over 200 bird species. Check in at your eco-lodge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Okray RainTree Hotel), Hotel (MagampuraEco Village hotel)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Tissamaharama via scenic jungle route through Buttala
- Visit to Kirivehera Temple—revered Buddhist stupa
- Visit to vibrant Hindu temple
- Full-day wildlife safari at Yala National Park—spot leopards, elephants, and more
- Arrival and check-in at eco-lodge or hotel in Tissamaharama
- Evening session to plan next day's activities with guide
Optional Activities
- Overnight camping experience in Yala (on request)
Landmarks Kirivehera Temple Yala National Park - Day 11
Yala National Park
You're up early at 5:00 AM for a full-day game drive in Yala. Have breakfast while traveling as the jungle comes alive, perfect for spotting leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and birds. Move through open plains, dense forest, wetlands, and coastal lagoons throughout the day. Take a lunch break at a scenic spot inside the park, then continue looking for wildlife. Return to your hotel to go over the day's sightings.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast en route), Lunch (Traditional Sri Lankan lunch at scenic picnic spot inside Yala Park), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (MagampuraEco Village hotel), Hotel (Okray Rain Tree)
Included Activities
- Early departure at 5:00 AM for full-day Yala safari adventure
- Breakfast en route to the park
- Explore Yala's wilderness in-depth: leopards, elephants, sloth bears & birdlife
- Traditional Sri Lankan lunch at scenic picnic spot inside Yala Park
- Scenic photo opportunities and wildlife spotting
- Evening planning session with tour guide for next day
Landmarks Yala National Park 
- Day 12
Yala to Udawalawe
Transfer early to Bundala National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland. Do a half-day safari spotting over 200 bird species like Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbills, and Painted Storks. You might see Sri Lankan elephants, spotted deer, water buffalo, and mongoose. After this, continue to Udawalawe where you'll check in and have a relaxing evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast en route to the park), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (Athgira river camp Hotel), Camping (Ele Camp Udawalawe)
Included Activities
- Early morning half-day safari at Bundala National Park
- Breakfast en route to the park
- Spot rare and migratory birds, wetland wildlife, and coastal ecosystems
- Possible sightings of elephants, deer, and other mammals
- Transfer to Udawalawe through scenic southern landscapes
- Evening briefing with guide for next day's itinerary
Landmarks Bundala National Park - Day 13
Udawalawe
Visit the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, a conservation center since 1995 where orphaned baby elephants get care and rehabilitation. Watch young elephants being bottle-fed with milk. In the afternoon, go on a game drive through Udawalawe National Park spotting elephant herds, water birds, spotted deer, wild boars, and if you're lucky, a leopard.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Camping (Ele Camp Udawalawe), Camping (athgira river camp - udawalawe)
Included Activities
- Visit to Elephant Transit Home to observe orphaned elephants during feeding sessions
- Afternoon game drive at Udawalawe National Park
- Spot elephants, water birds, deer, buffalo, and more in their natural habitat
- Evening briefing with tour guide for upcoming plans
Landmarks Elephant Transit Home Udawalawe National Park - Day 14
Udawalawe to Mirissa
After a leisurely breakfast, head to Mirissa, a well-known spot for whale and dolphin watching. Take a boat trip into deeper waters where you'll likely see blue whales, playful dolphins, and other marine life. Later, visit Weligama Beach to watch stilt fishermen balancing on narrow wooden poles in shallow water, a traditional method from just after World War II. Spend your evening at the hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Resort (Jaga Bay Hotel)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Mirissa (approximately 5 hours' journey)
- Whale and dolphin watching boat trip in Mirissa
- Observe fascinating stilt fishermen in action at Weligama Beach
- Evening visit to Coconut hills
- Evening briefing with tour guide for next day's plan
Landmarks Mirissa Beach Weligama Beach - Day 15
Mirissa
Get an early start on a whale and dolphin watching boat trip from Mirissa, heading 15 kilometers out into the sea. Look for Blue Whales, Bryde's Whales, Sperm Whales, Killer Whales, Fin Whales, and Common, Bottlenose, Spinner, Risso's, and Striped dolphins. Keep an eye out for flying fish, turtles, manta rays, and sharks. Snacks come with the trip. Afterward, transfer to Unawatuna, visit Wella Devalaya shrine, and relax on the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Resort (Jaga Bay Hotel)
Included Activities
- Early morning whale and dolphin watching boat trip from Mirissa (approximately 15 km offshore)
- Spot Blue Whales, Bryde's Whales, various dolphins, and other marine wildlife
- Complimentary snacks served onboard during the boat trip
- Transfer to Unawatuna in the afternoon
- Visit the Wella Devalaya shrine in Unawatuna
- Relax on golden sands of Unawatuna Beach
- Evening briefing with tour guide for next day's activities
Landmarks Unawatuna Beach Wella Devalaya - Day 16
Unawatuna to Ambalangoda
Travel along the southern coast to Galle, a UNESCO site with a fort built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch later. Stop at Ambalangoda's mask museum to learn about traditional mask-making, then visit Meetiyagoda for moonstone mining insights. In Balapitiya, take a relaxing boat safari on Madu Ganga River through mangrove forests and see a Turtle Conservation Project.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (sea breeze hotel ), Hotel (Kadolana Eco Village Hotel)
Included Activities
- Morning transfer to Galle via the scenic southern coastline
- Visit to Galle Dutch Fort—UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16th–19th century colonial architecture
- Visit to Mask Workshop & Museum in Ambalangoda—discover Sri Lanka's rich mask-making heritage
- Explore the Moonstone Mine in Meetiyagoda—Sri Lanka's unique moonstone mining village
- Madu Ganga River Safari—boat ride through mangrove forests and wetlands
- Stop at Turtle Hatchery—witness local conservation efforts for sea turtles
- Evening briefing with tour guide for next day's plan
Landmarks Galle Fort Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine Madu Ganga River - Day 17
Ambalangoda to Colombo
Begin your journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling capital mixing modern and traditional elements. Check in at your hotel and then explore the Gangaramaya Temple next to Beira Lake, a fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles with a museum inside. Walk through the Fort area, Independence Square, the Old Parliament, and Galle Face Green. Shop at Model, Laksala, Barefoot, and Pettah Market.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ocean Colombo), Hotel (GSH Hotel)
Included Activities
- Morning transfer to Colombo from the southern coast
- Visit to Gangaramaya Temple—lakeside spiritual landmark
- Explore key city landmarks: Independence Square, Old Parliament, Colombo Fort, and Galle Face Green
- Enjoy shopping tour at local markets and boutique stores
- Evening briefing with tour guide for next day
Landmarks Gangaramaya Temple Beira Lake Independence Square Galle Face Green - Day 18
Departure from Colombo
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The timing depends on your flight. Reflect on everything from ancient cities and highlands to golden beaches and wildlife encounters. Head to the airport with plenty of memories and photos from your time on the island.
- End point
- Colombo, Sri Lanka (Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Airport transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) as per flight schedule
- Farewell and warm wishes from Stelaran Holidays team
