Highlights of Sri Lanka

Bandaranaike Airport - Sigiriya

Day 1: Arrival & journey to the Cultural Triangle

Today you will be welcomed and driven to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Upon arrival, check-in in at your hotel and relax. In the afternoon you might like to take an optional hike up the Pidurangala Rock. This rock is close to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress but is much less visited. One reason for this is the challenging climb to the top with many steep stairs. If you decide to go for it, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the landscape of the cultural triangle and the fortress.

Sigiriya

Day 2: The mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Make an early start this morning, before it gets too hot, to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fort. This is one of Sri Lanka's most striking UNESCO World Heritage Sites perched on a high rocky outcrop towering above open plains. Your guide will show you the gardens and natural caves with amazing cave paintings on the way up. At the top, you’ll see the ruins of the ancient royal palace built by King Kashyapa. You’ll also enjoy stunning views over the cultural triangle. In the afternoon you could opt for an optional jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park (additional fee). The park is home to a large population of elephants, so you’ll get to see them in their natural habitat.  

Sigiriya - Negombo

Day 3: Journey to the coast

After breakfast travel to Negombo - a small fishing town on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is also a historically interesting location owing to the Dutch-influenced architecture that remains intact right across the town. This includes the magnificent Dutch Fort as well as several churches. In the afternoon you will go on a boat trip across the Negombo Lagoon. The tour starts at the Dutch Canal, which was built by the Dutch colonialists to transport spices and other goods as fast as possible from Negombo to Colombo. In the lagoon, you’ll see the interesting plants and animals that live in and around the mangroves. Afterwards, return to your hotel and relax.

Negombo - Hikkaduwa

Day 4: Beach life

After breakfast, you will be driven for a couple of hours along the coast to the lively beach town of Hikkaduwa. Here you’ll check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to relax, settle in and take a stroll along the sands. 

Hikkaduwa

Day 5: An underwater world

Spend a full day making the most of the sun, sea and sand on Sri Lanka's Indian Ocean coast. Hire some snorkelling gear and dive into an underwater world on the colourful reef just offshore. In the evening grab a table at one of the many seafront bars and restaurants and enjoy the sunset. 

Hikkaduwa

Day 6: Hazy beach days

Spend a full day settling into the rhythm of Sri Lanka beach life. Today you might like to visit Gangarama Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple just inland with beautiful hand-painted murals to admire.

Hikkaduwa

Day 7: One last day at the beach

One of the joys of Sri Lanka is spending time at the beach. Today will be your last day on the coast, so make the most of it and enjoy a swim and sunbathe and one last sunset on the sands. 

Hikkaduwa - Yala National Park

Day 8: Yala wildlife safari

After breakfast today you’ll travel to Tissamarahama close to the Yala National Park. Check in at your hotel and have some time to relax. In the afternoon you’ll head off on a jeep safari into the Yala National Park. Home to scenic landscapes and rare wildlife, the park is a real treasure of this emerald isle. Particularly known for its high population of leopards, the riches within the park do not end there. You will also see sambar deer, wild buffaloes, bandicoots, foxes and a wealth of reptiles and birds in their natural habitats.

Yala National Park - Ella

Day 9: Into the Highlands

After breakfast, set off for the town of Ella in the verdant highlands of Sri Lanka. On the way, stop off for a visit to the lovely Rawana Waterfall. According to an Indian legend, the demon Rawana kept the Indian princess Sita hidden here, and it is a magical place to walk and enjoy nature. Continue on your scenic drive to Ella and check in at your hotel.

Ella - Kandy

Day 10: Journey to Kandy

Today we drive through tea plantations and forested hills to the highland town of Kandy. Set around a wide lake, Kandy is a lovely laidback place to spend time. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and relax after the drive. In the afternoon you might like to take an optional visit to the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden boasts 150 acres of land featuring many of the island’s endemic flora. The orchid house and the medicinal herb garden are particular favourites.

Kandy

Day 11: The Temple of the Tooth

After a relaxed breakfast, visit the Holy Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. This temple holds a very holy relic that is much revered - a tooth of Lord Buddha. Because of this, the temple is visited daily by many Buddhist pilgrims. Afterwards, enjoy your last afternoon in Sri Lanka with a relaxed stroll around the town centre. Tonight we recommend booking a table at one of the many great restaurants in Kandy for a farewell meal.

Kandy - Bandaranaike Airport

Day 12: Airport transfer

After breakfast today you'll be picked up at your hotel for  a transfer to the airport. Enjoy a scenic drive and arrive in good time for your flight.