Day 1: Arrival & Negombo
Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo (30 min)
Later in the day, take in the colours and sights of Negombo. Explore the streets of Negombo on foot. Here, fishermen bring fresh catch at the Negombo fish market. Temples and churches attest to the multi-faith community of the island. The remains of a Dutch fort show colonial remnants – much to explore on your walking tour.
Hotel- Arie Lagoon or similar (BB basis)
Day 2: Dambulla
After breakfast, drive to Dambulla (4 hrs)
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples which are famous for rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows how the Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.
Hotel- Amaya Lake or similar (BB basis)
Day 3: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
This morning, begin with a visit and climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100 mts above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.
Afterwards, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Hotel- Amaya Lake or similar (BB basis)
Day 4: Kandy
After breakfast, drive to Kandy (2.5 hrs)
Visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people.
Visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island.
In the evening, watch the Kandy Cultural Show – a must-see performance of various traditional forms of dance, music, and acrobatics.
The show typically includes Kandyan dances characterized by elaborate costumes and dynamic movements, Drum orchestra playing heart-thumping beats, fire walking and fire breathing demonstrations. Each act is accompanied by a narrative explaining its historical and cultural significance, offering a slice of Sri Lankan history and tradition. It’s an unforgettable cultural feast that both entertains and educates visitors.
Hotel- Amaya Hills or similar (BB basis)
Day 5: Pekoe Trail
Today, tackle the Pekoe Trail- Stage 1- Hanthana to Galaha (12.8 kms, easy). Begin your trek at the Ceylon Tea Museum (a place worth visiting if you’re keen on learning about the history of tea in Sri Lanka) and continue to walk in the shade of the tall trees that line the roads of the Hanthana Tea Estate, one of the oldest and largest tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
Walk alongside the rocky ridge of ‘Katusu Konda’ (meaning Lizard’s back in Sinhala) with sweeping views of the seven peaks of the Hanthana range, as well as the nearby peaks of the Knuckles mountain range.
Pass a dramatic mountain facade featured in the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’.
Encounter smaller villages scattered across the trail, and along this stage you’ll find the community of Kithulmulla, which takes you to the end of Stage 1, near the post office in Galaha.
Hotel- Amaya Hills or similar (BB basis)
Day 6: Train ride to Nuwara Eliya
This morning, you’ll experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Kandy railway station and pick you again from Nau Oya railway station. (3 hours train ride). Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Explore the small beautiful town of Nuwara Elia.
Visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. Taste fine Ceylon teas with a tea master.
Hotel – Araliya Green Hills or similar
Day 7: Nuwara-Eliya – Ella
Drive to Ella (2hrs)
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ella, where lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Ella Rock and Nine Arches Bridge await. This picturesque hill town offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning views.
Hotel-O2 Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 8: Pekoe Trail
Today, tackle Pekoe trail stage 13 Ella-Demodara (8.8 km, moderate). This stage is a very scenic route that takes you from Haputale, one of the major towns in the tea country to one of the tea country’s better-known landmarks where Sir Thomas Lipton would survey his favorite tea estates.
Walk through a cool and humid forest reserve towards a mountain that takes you to the Thotalagala – Dambatenne Valley. Climb uphill on beautiful tea trails, past an organic bio-tea producing estate and onto walking paths with views across the valley to Lipton’s Seat.
Hotel-O2 Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 9: Ella – Wellawaya
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed to Wellawaya and check into your hotel.
After a short break head out to explore the local village. Here you get to meet the friendly and welcoming locals going about their daily lives. Once again, an opportunity to engage in local cultures and soak in the unique ambiance of local life. Another highlight of your visit will be a home cooked meal full of customary Sri Lankan flavours, followed by hot tea and sweets.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the serene surroundings.
Hotel – Jetwing Kaduruketha
Day 10: Wellawaya
Today, visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. The complex consists of seven statues dating back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara. Later, enjoy a village tour to see a slice of rural Sri Lanka.
Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel – Jetwing Kaduruketha
Day 11: Wellawaya – Uda Wallawe
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and leave for Uda Walawe.
Later, enjoy an afternoon safari at Uda Walawe National Park.
Hotel – Centuria Wild
Day 12: Uda Walawe – Galle
This morning, visit the Elephant transit home to watch elephants being cared for.
Drive to the historic city of Galle (2hrs), where you will enjoy a guided tour of the World Heritage city of Galle, with its colonial fort, churches and lighthouse. The city has a quaint laid-back charm, inviting leisurely exploration.
Hotel: Fort Printers or similar
Day 13: Beach
After a few days of strenuous action, now is the time to relax, as you drive from Galle to Ahungalla (1.5 hrs) on the west coast, where the lovely beach awaits.
Check into your hotel and relax by the beach.
Hotel- Heritance Ahungalla or similar (BB basis)
Day 14: Beach
Full day relaxing by the beach
Day 15: Departure
Departure (2 hours drive) to the airport for your return flight.
