Simply Sri Lanka

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Negombo

   You'll arrive in Negombo at some point during the day. After getting settled, there's plenty to do if you want to keep exploring. Walk along the seaside and watch the fishing boats, try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant, or rent a bicycle to see the countryside. Just make sure you're back by 5:30 pm for the welcome meeting with your group.

   Optional Activities

   • Observe local fishing craft
   • Taste fresh seafood
   • Bicycle rental to explore countryside
2. Day 2

   Negombo to Dambulla

   After breakfast, you'll drive about 4.5 hours heading toward Dambulla, getting there around midday. Once you check into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax if you need it. If you're up for more activity, there are jeep safaris into elephant country at nearby wildlife reserves, or you could head to the Dambulla Caves to walk around and see what's there.

   Meals

   Breakfast

   Optional Activities

   • Jeep safari at Minneriya wildlife reserve (LKR6500)
   • Jeep safari at Kaudulla wildlife reserve (LKR6500)
   • Visit Dambulla Caves

   Landmarks/POIs
   Dambulla Caves
   Minneriya National Park
   Kaudulla National Park

3. Day 3

   Sigiriya - Kandy

   Start early and head out about 30 minutes to Sigiriya fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most well-known spots. You can climb up to the top for views across the area, or explore the gardens and take photos from ground level if climbing isn't your thing. Back at the hotel for breakfast, then it's a 3 hour drive to Kandy with an optional stop at a spice garden for lunch along the way. By evening, visit the Dalada Maligawa Temple of the Tooth, the most important Buddhist site in Sri Lanka.

   Meals

   Breakfast

   Included Activities

   • Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress visit
   • Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) visit

   Optional Activities

   • Stop at region's spice gardens for lunch

   Landmarks/POIs
   Sigiriya
   Dalada Maligawa

4. Day 4

   Kandy

   This morning is yours to explore Kandy at your own pace. Walk through town and see what catches your eye, check out the citadel, or take a nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary where you'll see flowers, birds, and monkeys in the tropical rainforest. You'll regroup for lunch at Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise that employs women from the local community. After that, the rest of your day is free to do whatever you like.

   Meals

   Lunch (Sri Lankan dishes at Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise founded by the agriculture ministry providing employment to women from local communities)

   Included Activities

   • Hela Bojun social enterprise lunch

   Optional Activities

   • Walk through Kandy town
   • Explore Kandy citadel
   • Nature walk at Udawattakele Sanctuary
   • Cultural performance (LKR1000)
   • Botanical Gardens visit (LKR1200)
   • Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home (LKR1400)

   Landmarks/POIs
   Udawattakele Sanctuary
   Kandy Lake

5. Day 5

   Kandy to Unawatuna

   Travel south by vehicle for about 6 hours to reach Unawatuna, a great beach area with lots of local restaurants and bars to check out. The afternoon and evening are free, so you can walk through the monkey-filled mangrove forest off the Galle-Matara road, or just relax on the beach. Getting a massage here is also a nice option if you're looking to unwind.

   Meals

   Breakfast

   Optional Activities

   • Walk through monkey-filled mangrove forest
   • Indulgent massage

   Landmarks/POIs
   Unawatuna Beach

6. Day 6

   Galle

   Head into nearby Galle to check out the Dutch-colonial buildings, boutique shops, and cafes in this interesting old town. Walk around the perimeter of Galle Fort, grab an icy ginger drink at one of the cafes to cool off, then make your way back to Unawatuna beach for more relaxation. If you'd rather, pick up a cocktail at a beachside restaurant and wind down there instead.

   Meals

   Breakfast

   Included Activities

   • Galle Fort walking tour

   Optional Activities

   • Ginger drink at a cafe
   • Cocktail at beachside restaurant

   Landmarks/POIs
   Galle Fort

7. Day 7

   Unawatuna to Colombo

   Leave Unawatuna and drive about 4 hours to Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. Once you arrive, your leader will take you on a city walk to see local shops and sights around town. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, check out Good Market, which features social enterprises and responsible businesses. Tonight is free to do your own thing, though your leader can suggest an optional group dinner if you're interested.

   Meals

   Breakfast

   Included Activities

   • Guided market visit in Colombo

   Optional Activities

   • Visit Good Market (Saturdays only)
   • Optional group dinner
   • Colombo by Tuk Tuk Urban Adventure (USD55)
   • Eat, Eat, Repeat Urban Adventure (USD55)

   Landmarks/POIs
   Good Market

8. Day 8

   Colombo Departure

   Start the morning with string hoppers and super-black coffee as your trip comes to an end. After breakfast, you'll head out, finishing up your time in Sri Lanka.

   Meals

   Breakfast (String hoppers and super-black coffee)