Discover Sri Lanka

Arrival into Colombo International Airport - At leisure in Negombo

Day 1: Negombo

Transfer from Colombo International Airport to Negombo
Car Transfer: Transfer to Negombo, a popular beach destination on the West coast, close to the airport and the city of Colombo. Estimated travel time: 15 minutes


At leisure in Negombo
Excursion: Soak up the sun and relax on the golden sand of Negombo beach. Though it isn't as paradisaical as some of Sri Lanka's other beach locations, it is perfectly spacious and tranquil. Find a beach spot and head in the water for a refreshing dip. If you would prefer to do some exploring, the town has an interesting old quarter so you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the colonial streets and Dutch fort to get a sense of the history of the place - which was once one of the most important sources of cinnamon. The South of Negombo town gives a beautiful insight into the area's history and the daily routine of its people. The old streets evoke a historic charm and there is a cheerfulness from the colourful boats clustered together on the sand. For a glimpse of coastal Sri Lankan life, you may want to wander down to the Negombo fish market and witness the energetic buzz of a traditional fishing port; locals call it 'Lellama'. While you walk on the beach, you can watch fishermen untangle their fishing nets. Negombo is well known for its traditional fishing industry which relies on the network of Dutch canals connecting to Negombo lagoon. You can approach the market from Munnakare Bridge, which boasts wonderful views. In the evening, the beach road in Negombo comes alive as locals and tourists head to the many bars, pubs and seafood restaurants in this area. Why not join them for an ice cold beer (or two)?

Hamilton canal, negombo fish market, negombo lagoon and fishing village boat trip - At leisure in Negombo

Day 2: Negombo

Hamilton canal, negombo fish market, negombo lagoon and fishing village boat trip
Excursion: Today you will experience the calm waters of the Hamiton canal, a Dutch built canal system later fortified by the British in 1802. This picturesque boat trip will take you on an authentic journey where you will get an insight into Sri Lankan fishing culture, its people and their lifestyles. It will begin by passing through the quaint seaside village of Negombo and the fisher families that reside here, giving you a taste of their daily lives. Afterwards you’ll proceed onwards to Negombo lagoon and visit Lellama, a fresh fish market on the seashore. The catches of the day vary, but typically include cuttlefish, crabs, lobsters and shrimp! Once you have explored the market, you will be shown how the fisher folk prepare their nets for the catch, launch their boats and dry excess fish in the sun. As you make your way through the mangrove lined lagoon into Muturajawala Marshes keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, ergets, herons, kingfishers and cormorants - it is teeming with wildlife!


At leisure in Negombo
Excursion: Soak up the sun and relax on the golden sand of Negombo beach. Though it isn't as paradisaical as some of Sri Lanka's other beach locations, it is perfectly spacious and tranquil. Find a beach spot and head in the water for a refreshing dip. If you would prefer to do some exploring, the town has an interesting old quarter so you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the colonial streets and Dutch fort to get a sense of the history of the place - which was once one of the most important sources of cinnamon. The South of Negombo town gives a beautiful insight into the area's history and the daily routine of its people. The old streets evoke a historic charm and there is a cheerfulness from the colourful boats clustered together on the sand. For a glimpse of coastal Sri Lankan life, you may want to wander down to the Negombo fish market and witness the energetic buzz of a traditional fishing port; locals call it 'Lellama'. While you walk on the beach, you can watch fishermen untangle their fishing nets. Negombo is well known for its traditional fishing industry which relies on the network of Dutch canals connecting to Negombo lagoon. You can approach the market from Munnakare Bridge, which boasts wonderful views. In the evening, the beach road in Negombo comes alive as locals and tourists head to the many bars, pubs and seafood restaurants in this area. Why not join them for an ice cold beer (or two)?

At Leisure In Habarana Hotel

Day 3: Habarana

Transfer from Negombo to Habarana
Car Transfer: You will be driven from the coastal city of Negombo to the small city of Habarana in the North Central Province. Estimated travel time: 4 hours


At leisure at The Other Corner
Excursion: The Other Corner is a collection of chalets and treehouses tucked away in the jungle-clad outskirts of Habarana. You will have a chance to enjoy the facilities at your leisure and get to know this peaceful portion of Sri Lanka. Here, the jungle is your back garden. With your free time, you can opt to take a revitalising dip in the outdoor pool which is encircled by a vivid selection of flora and a popular spot for butterflies. For those wanting to relax, there are plenty of hammocks along the verandas so lounge with a good book or nod off to the soothing sounds of the forest. Alternatively, take a short walk on one of the Lodge's many hiking trails where you can weave among the trees and keep an eye out for animals and reptiles - the Stripe-necked Mongoose and the Star Tortoise are among the inhabitants here.

Visit Polonnaruwa - Afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park

Day 4: Polonnaruwa - Habarana

Visit Polonnaruwa
Excursion: Over 800 years ago, Polonnaruwa was a thriving religious and commercial centre, a vibrant hub from where kings ruled the central plains. Following the destruction of Anuradhapura towards the end of the 10th century, the city became Sri Lanka’s royal capital, of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms, and continued its glorious reign until the 13th century. You can still get a sense of the grandeur of the city from the ancient remnants which, as one of the best preserved historic cities in the world, provide a window into the past and give you an idea of how impressive the capital was in its heyday. You will find the site fascinating to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures - tombs, temples, shrines and stupas - exemplifying exquisite examples of ancient craftsmanship. The sacred Quadrangle is just one of the city’s star attractions. The compact group of buildings and statues is raised up on a platform bounded by a wall and every stone surface is ornately decorated with beautifully crafted carvings.


Afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park
Excursion: With its low-canopy forests, scrubland, grasslands, and swamps, Minneriya National Park boasts an unusually wide range of habitat types. You will have the chance to explore this park on an afternoon jeep safari. Minneriya National Park is considered an important feeding ground for elephants in the vicinity of Matale, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee and is famed for its 'Elephant Gathering' -a spectacular phenomenon during the long dry seasons when hundreds of elephants can be seen feeding on the grasslands bordering the tank while others cool off in its refreshing water. This annual event (considered to be the largest wild elephant gathering in South Asia) is a unique spectacle attracting hundreds of wildlife fanatics every year but elephants are present here year round so you will have good chances of seeing them even if your travel dates do not coincide with the Elephant Gathering. In addition to elephants, the Park is home to 24 species of mammals, including endemic monkeys, sloths and the less frequently seen Sri Lankan leopard. The Minneriya Reservoir is also a welcome refuge for large water birds such as the Lesser Adjutant, the Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican in addition to resident and migratory bird species. Essentially, a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers! Duration: Approximately 3 hours starting from 3pm

Habarana & Sigiriya culture trip by Jeep - Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Day 5: Habarana - Sigiriya

Habarana & Sigiriya culture trip by Jeep
Excursion: Today, you’ll be accompanied by a villager and taken on an exhilarating off-road jeep ride to explore the unsullied cultural delights of Sigiriya and Habarana. Our local experts can assure that this experience is stepping into Sri Lankan culture at its most genuine. Trace your fingers along the stones of ancient temples, discover a traditional village nestled behind the rock fortress of Sigiriya and get stuck into the abundance of handiwork which takes place here, such as carpentry, brick making and blacksmithery. If you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle of the town, meander through through the nearby forest and sit by the lake where you may spot water buffaloes wallowing in the water. You are also welcome to explore the vegetable gardens and rolling rice fields, whetting your appetite for a lunchtime feast cooked using these local ingredients. This will be lovingly prepared for you at a nearby village house. Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on the season/date (e.g. local markets are only open on Wednesdays) . This trip starts at 8am.


Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Excursion: Today you will climb one of the most famous historical sites in Sri Lanka. Declared by locals as the Eighth wonder of world, Sigiriya Rock is both a magnificent fortress and a true bastion of Fifth Century regality. Steeped in ancient history, the rock plateau was made the royal residence of King Kasyapa in the second half of the Fifth Century and the remains of the Fortress’s extensive network exist to the present day. After the King’s death, the Royal Palace was used as a Buddhist monastery up until the 14th century when it was abandoned. The Palace is surrounded by vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains so you will have some time to explore these too; it’s definitely worth the extra walk. Marvel at its western wall which is almost entirely covered in painted frescoes depicting beautiful women - it is believed that these images were a celebration of the female form. Chiselled into the Northern side of the Rock is the main gateway - an enormous lion - which is where the site got the name 'Sigiriya', originating from Sihagri, meaning Lion rock. One the most striking features of Sigiriya is the Mirror Wall, a section of the Rock that was so thoroughly polished that the King could admire his reflection in the stone. We would encourage you to check yourself out in the mirror too but bear in mind that your reflection will not be so clear as the Wall has since been decorated with personal poems and inscriptions painted by visitors of the City - some of the oldest dating back to the Eighth century. Take a closer look at these inscriptions and unveil some fascinating stories. N. B - the walk to the summit of Sigiriya Rock requires a good level of physical fitness as it is a steep ascend and descend. This is better done in the early mornings and late afternoons (between 8 -10am or 4-6pm when the sunlight is not too harsh). Children under 8 years old and very elderly people may find this somewhat challenging. However, that being said, many small children and senior people do this climb slowly so you will be the best judge of your group's capabilities. We recommend bringing water and a hat to wear. Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the pace of the walk.

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple - Afternoon Visit Temple Of Tooth Relic - Kandy

Day 6: Dambulla - Kandy

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Excursion: A pilgrimage site for the last 22 centuries, this extensive cave monastery is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Dambulla Rock Cave Temple is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site located at an elevation of 1118 feet above sea level, with caves cut out of a massive granite outcrop that rises above the surrounding countryside and provides striking views across the plains of the dry zone in the distance. The complex is comprised of five caves, all decorated with magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings. Constructed and painted from around 2nd century BC right up to the Kandyan era of the 18th century, this unique artwork forms an unbroken documentation of the history and painting styles of Sri Lanka through the past 2500 years. It’s recommended to visit the caves in reverse order beginning with number five, so that you view the caves in increasing degrees of magnificence. This culminates impressively with the enormous, cavernous space of cave two.


Transfer from Habarana to Kandy
Car Transfer: Travel from the small town of Habarana through the hill country covered in bright green tea plantations and forest towards the beautiful city of Kandy. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


The Temple of the Tooth
Excursion: Visit Lord Buddha's Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Kandy is the most venerated religious place for the Sinhala Buddhist community. The tooth, reputed to be one of the Buddha's, is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. It is also politically significant, as it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was consequently the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Rituals on the tooth are performed three times daily, and on Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers. This visit offers some eye-opening insight into the culture and history of the area and Sri Lanka.

Market visit and cooking class with local family - Afternoon cultural village walk in Kandy

Day 7: Kandy

Market visit and cooking class with local family
Excursion: The best way to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Kandy's food markets is with a local family; they will show you the tricks of the trade and the unique spices found nowhere else. The colourful stalls are laden with fresh produce - vegetables, meats, spices and herbs - which can be purchased at a fraction of the cost back home. Having chosen some tasty ingredients, you'll head to their home in the rural village of Kobbekaduwa, and get stuck into preparing a mouth-watering Sri Lankan feast. After being treated to a refreshing fruit juice, you'll clean and chop the vegetables, pound the herbs and spices with a stone mortar and break coconuts to scrape out the flesh. Learn how to extract coconut milk by hand and how to kindle a traditional wooden hearth. While you dice, chop, simmer and saute, your host will talk you through the delicate balance of spices that make Sri Lankan cuisine so distinctive. Once everything is plated up, take a seat on the veranda and enjoy your meal together.


Afternoon cultural village walk in Kandy
Excursion: Set out on an intriguing cultural walk with a guide into a local village. Here you will be introduced to the local community where you can learn about their daily lives. Many involve themselves in cottage industries, weaving reed baskets, making traditional sweets, producing Kitul jaggery and home gardening. Part of your time in the village will be spent with a local family, as they show you how they make incense sticks and advertise them. You may also get to see how Kitul syrup or jaggery; raw sugar obtained from date or palm sap is extracted and produced - both are fascinating to watch! There is an opportunity to buy their produce at the end if your keen to support their business. The walk will end with a warming cup of tea in one of the villagers homes.

Tea Experience And Tasting In Nuwara Eliya

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Car Transfer: Take a journey through the rolling tea estates of the Hill Country to Sri Lanka's 'Little England'. Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights) with its breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery, and temperate climate, was a favourable escape for the English and Scottish pioneers of Sri Lanka's tea industry - the quaint English village ambience they created still remains today. The town's pink Victorian post office, the hill club with its hunting paraphernalia, the golf club and the race course all evoke nostalgia of Britain's colonial past. However, visitors' sense of familiarity is touched by a surrealism as the green lawns of the golf course blend into tea plantations and tuk-tuks rush along the streets, evoking the areas interesting history and heritage. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


Tea experience and tasting in Nuwara Eliya
Excursion: Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its rolling hills and picture book aesthetics but will forever be connected to the tea trade. Against the swathes of undulating greenery which extends to the horizon, you will often see local workers breaking up the canvas as they earn their living picking leaves for the tea. During this tea experience which is led by local women, they will teach you the tricks of their trade including how the tea leaves are plucked, manufactured and processed through the large factory. At the end of the tour, you get the chance to taste a cup of pure tea - delicious! Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Scenic train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella - At Leisure At Ella

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Scenic train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
Excursion: You will hop on the train at Nanu Oya, the small station of Nuwara Eliya and be transported through the scenic mountains to Ella. This is a train journey you will never forget, as a large observatory window gives you the chance to see the highlands in all their glory - swathes of plush greenery cover rolling hills, and we can guarantee your'll be utterly captivated for the journeys entire duration.


At leisure at Chill Ville Hotel
Excursion: Spend some leisure time at the gorgeous Chill Ville Hotel. Sip on a warming Sri Lankan tea whilst overlooking the mountains, or take a dip in the infinity pool that drops away into the rolling hills.

Little Adam's Peak in Ella - At Leisure At Ella

Day 10: Ella

At leisure at Chill Ville Hotel
Excursion: Spend some leisure time at the gorgeous Chill Ville Hotel. Sip on a warming Sri Lankan tea whilst overlooking the mountains, or take a dip in the infinity pool that drops away into the rolling hills.


Little Adam's Peak in Ella
Excursion: This is a pleasant two hour circular walk, through rolling greenery, verdant tea plantations, and past tea picking ladies. You'll be accompanied to spectacular views the whole way, and greeted by an endearing Buddha statue at the top of the climb. Little Adam's Peak is named after its bigger brother, Adam's Peak, because of its similar shaped summit. The climb gets a little steep in places, but plenty of water will be available, alongside time to rest. Panoramic vistas of Ella's emerald landscapes await you at the top, making the sweat to get there totally worth it. You'll return through more tea plantations back into the town.

At Leisure In Yala Camp - Bbq Dinner - Yala

Day 11: Yala

Transfer from Ella to Yala
Car Transfer: Descend through the scenic landscape of the hill country and travel through the countryside towards the dry zone of southern Sri Lanka, finally reaching your destination of Yala National Park. Estimate travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


Fishing with the Community- Part of Responsible Tourism initiative
Excursion: Join Yala's local fishing community for an authentic freshwater fishing experience. Local experts will teach you traditional and modern fishing techniques giving you the best opportunity to catch a decent haul. At the end of the day you will give what you have caught to a local farmer who will welcome you into his house and fry the days catch - delicious! Get to know more about local life as you enjoy the freshly prepared feast that you helped contribute to. Alongside fishing, good food and great company, you will visit Bird island and get to taste fresh coconut while surrounded by the beautiful flora and fauna.

Full day safari in Yala National Park

Day 12: Yala

Full day safari in Yala National Park
Excursion: Spend a full day exploring Yala National Park, whose vast landscape comprises of grassy plains, forest, rocky scrub land, lagoons and a coastline. This variety of environments allows Yala to support a diverse range of animals and bird life, ensuring that your day in the park is a rewarding experience and provides a magnificent exhibition of Sri Lanka’s native wildlife. Yala is considered as one of the best places to see leopards in the World and so undoubtedly spotting one of these elusive creatures will be one of your challenges for the day. Since most other jeeps leave the park after the morning safari and only return in the afternoon, you are likely to have the game reserve to yourself for a number of hours in the middle of the day. In a quieter environment the animals are likely to be more at ease, giving you a greater chance to catch a sighting of the more mysterious animals, like the majestic leopard. You can enjoy a picnic breakfast, lunch and refreshing beverages throughout the safari, which will run from 06:00 to 18:00.

At Leisure On Unawatuna Beach

Day 13: Galle - Unawatuna

Transfer from Yala to Unawatuna
Car Transfer: Travel along the scenic south coastal line to the beautiful, touristic beach city of Unawatuna. Estimated travel time: 4 hours


At leisure on Unawatuna beach
Excursion: Ever popular with travellers, Unawatuna offers the Sri Lanka of your imagination - white sand beaches lined with nodding palms and lapped by the clear blue Indian Ocean. It also just 6 kilometres from the bustle of Galle, making it an ideal stopping point for some rest and relaxation. You will have some time to relax on the beaches of Unawatuna. You could take a walk along the shore, take a dip in the ocean or simply relax on the sand with a good book.

A second day at leisure on Unawatuna Beach

Day 14: Unawatuna

A second day at leisure on Unawatuna Beach
Excursion: Spend another day at leisure to relax and rejuvenate on the beach. Unawatuna is a popular place for sitting back and absorbing the sand, the sea and the warm breeze. Really feel like you're on holiday today, or do some exploring to get to know the local area.

Explore the historical Galle Fort

Day 15: Galle - Unawatuna

Explore the historical Galle Fort
Excursion: The Dutch fort at Galle is a must-see for anyone wanting to get under the skin of Sri Lanka's history. Although it was founded by the Portuguese in 1588, the fall of Galle to the Dutch in 1640 saw the port’s further fortification. During the 18th century the Fort reached the height of its development, with the addition of residential quarters and an elaborate system of sewers. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved sea fort in South Asia, Behind the ramparts and old stone walls, the original buildings stand strong. As you amble through the narrow streets, these magnificent remnants exude an old-world charm. The historic fort area is now full of boutique shops, cafes and exclusive hotels, giving the area a modern vibrancy that seems to blend harmoniously with its classic surroundings. After a few hours exploring, we recommend a chilled beer or glass of wine at one of the local restaurants.

See You Soon, Have A Safe Flight Back Home

Day 16: Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Transfer from Galle to Colombo International Airport
Car Transfer: You will travel along the Galle-Colombo highway to the Airport and we will ensure you arrive in good time for your onward flight. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes


See you soon, have a safe flight back home
Excursion: You have just finished your Sri Lankan adventure! We hope you have had a wonderful trip and wish you a safe journey home.