Best of Sri Lanka – Classic Tour

DAY 1

Arrival in Sri Lanka - Negombo

On arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met by our representative and will be transferred to a hotel in Negombo – a fishing town just under 30 minutes’ drive from the Airport.

Enjoy the comforts of your hotel and the surroundings to overcome the jetlag after a long flight.

(Option: Based on your arrival time we can avoid an overnight stay on Day 01 and commence the tour directly.) 

Overnight stay in Negombo.

DAY 2

Negombo to the Historic Heartland

Depart Negombo around 7:30 AM for a scenic drive to Sigiriya and Dambulla, the cultural center of Sri Lanka. On the way, visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where you can witness baby elephants roaming freely and being lovingly bottle-fed and bathed by their caretakers. This heartwarming experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Continue your journey to Sigiriya, with a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, featuring stunning paintings and sculptures that reflect the island’s rich heritage.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Dambulla or Sigiriya.

DAY 3

City of Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park, a treasure trove of history featuring hundreds of ancient structures—tombs, temples, statues, and stupas, all intricately carved from stone in a compact area.

After lunch, head to either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without witnessing the majestic Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you may be lucky enough to observe the largest gathering of Asian elephants on the planet, known as “The Gathering,” which occurs during the dry season from April to October.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Dambulla or Sigiriya.

DAY 4

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

After breakfast, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Famous for its stunning palace ruins perched atop a massive 200-meter-high rock, Sigiriya is surrounded by the remnants of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other ancient structures, earning it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Constructed in the 5th century AD by King Kashyapa, this remarkable site showcases ancient engineering, art, and culture. Enter through the colossal stone lion’s paws and ascend the 1,200 steps to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Take time to explore the surrounding areas, including the lily-pad-covered moats, water gardens, and cave shrines, all considered a hydraulic marvel of the past.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Dambulla or Sigiriya.

DAY 5

Kandy - The Hill Capital

After breakfast, check out and drive to the picturesque city of Kandy. On the way, enjoy refreshing herbal tea at the spice gardens in Matale.

Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world. Originally constructed by the Kandyan Kings between 1687 and 1707, the temple houses and honors the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, and it is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the late evening, experience a vibrant cultural show that celebrates Sri Lankan folklore through traditional dance and drumming. This spontaneous event showcases the unique artistry of Sri Lankan performances, offering a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Kandy.

DAY 6

Nuwara Eliya – The Cool City of Lights

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the lush, tea-carpeted valleys to Nuwara Eliya, situated 1,890 meters above sea level, where the mean temperature is a refreshing 16°C. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

En route, stop at Ramboda to admire the stunning Ramboda Waterfall. As you continue to Nuwara Eliya, visit a lush tea plantation to witness the journey of Ceylon Tea from bush to brew. Join local tea pluckers as they carefully harvest the prized tea leaves and buds and learn about the meticulous process of crafting some of the world’s finest teas.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 7

Horton Plains National Park, World’s End & Baker’s Falls

After breakfast, embark on a visit to Horton Plains National Park for a nature trail that takes you to Baker’s Falls and the iconic World’s End. This is a highlight of your itinerary, offering a unique opportunity to explore mist-covered grasslands, evergreen forests, and cloud forests, all interspersed with freshwater streams and swamps.

The park’s main attraction, World’s End, features a sheer precipice that drops almost vertically for 700 meters, providing breathtaking views over much of the southern region of the island.

On your way through Horton Plains, don’t miss Baker’s Falls, renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. Here, water cascades down a 20-meter (66-foot) high stone slab, creating stunning visuals from various angles.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 8

Ella by Train – The Most Scenic Train Ride

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Nanu Oya Train Station for your scenic train journey to Ella.

The views from the train are nothing short of breathtaking! As you travel, you’ll see rolling green carpets of tea bushes, with colorful sari-clad tea pluckers moving gracefully through the landscape. Be sure to sit on the left side of the train for the most picturesque views.

Upon arrival in Ella, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an engineering marvel from the early 20th century. Nearly 100 years old, this bridge was constructed using only stone and cement, without any strengthening iron or concrete. Next, explore Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in the country, and a must-visit while in Ella.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Ella.

DAY 9

Hike at Mini Adam’s Peak & Travel to Tissamaharama

After breakfast, embark on a morning hike at Mini Adam’s Peak, which stands at 1,141 meters. The hike from the entrance takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, complete with rolling clouds—a truly enchanting sight for any traveler.

After your hike, travel to Tissamaharama, located in the southeastern part of the country. Upon arrival, take some time to relax at your accommodation.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Yala or Tissamaharama.

DAY 10

Safari at Yala National Park

Yala is the second largest and one of the most popular wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is the best park in the country for spotting and photographing leopards and elephants, as well as other fascinating mammals such as sloth bears, black-naped hares, spotted deer, sambar, Hanuman langurs, toque monkeys, stripe-necked and ruddy mongooses, wild boars, and golden jackals.

For your safari, you’ll be picked up early in the morning around 5:30 AM to arrive at the park entrance by 6:00 AM. This early arrival increases your chances of encountering the park’s diverse wildlife. The safari lasts about four hours, and you’ll return to your hotel around 10:30 AM.

After lunch, spend some time relaxing on the beach, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Yala or Tissamaharama.

DAY 11

Galle Dutch Fort & Beach Stay on the South Coast

After breakfast, drive to Galle to explore the Galle Fortress. This magnificent structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.

After your visit, continue to Bentota, known for its expansive sandy beach, which is at its best from October to April.

Take in the refreshing ocean breeze, enjoy the waves, and relax on the golden sands. Meditate at sunrise, free your spirit, and savor a delicious cocktail or a freshly brewed cup of tea while watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Bentota.

DAY 12

River Cruise or Relaxation

After breakfast, take some time to relax on the beach.

Alternatively, you can take a short drive to Balapitiya for a magical speedboat ride along the beautiful Madu River. This stunning wetland estuary spans over 900 hectares, with 770 hectares covered by water and home to 64 islands.

The boat ride offers a unique opportunity to explore this intricate wetland ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It’s one of the last remaining wetlands in Sri Lanka featuring a pristine mangrove forest.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Bentota.

DAY 13

Turtle Care Centre & Colombo

After breakfast, depart for Colombo, a drive of approximately 2 hours.

En route, visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. This Turtle Care Centre, one of 18 hatcheries along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, was established in 1981 to protect and conserve the island’s endangered turtle species.

Upon arrival in Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, embark on a city tour to witness the evolving skyline and vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Colombo.

DAY 14

Departure from Sri Lanka

After breakfast, take some time to relax and enjoy the comforts of your hotel.

Your guide will meet you in the lobby at the scheduled time to drive you to Colombo International Airport for your departing flight home. 

Take with you 14 days of unforgettable memories and countless pictures to cherish your visit to Sri Lanka.