Day 1: Arrival & Negombo (30 minutes drive)
Arrive in Sri Lanka, at Colombo’s international airport. You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Negombo.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay Negombo.
Day 2: Colombo – Anuradhapura
After a relaxed breakfast, leave for Anuradhapura (4.5hrs)
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 3: Anuradhapura
Today, you’ll start with a visit to Anuradhapura’s ancient sacred ruins. Anuradhapura is considered the most extensive and the most important of the ancient cities in the northern region. It served as a capital city of this region for over 1000 years and hence was residence to many ancient kings from 377 BC. The city prospered and became a centre for Buddhist devotion.
Next, you’ll visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale, the location where Buddhism was first introduced to the island of Sri Lanka. Learn about the historical and mythological versions of how Buddhism arrived at Mihintale. The mountain peak of Mihintale is approached by a grand stairway of 1840 granite steps, has many temples, lodgings for monks and several splendid statues of the Buddha.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 4: Anuradhapura-Wilpattu National Park-Anuradhapura
A full day safari is the best way to explore Wilpattu for wildlife watching. Unspoilt and beautiful Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka.
Wilpattu’s most famous residents are leopards and sloth bears. Chances of sightings are good. It is also possible to see Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Asiatic Buffalo and Crocodiles. There are several species of butterflies, endemic birds, reptiles, snakes and amphibians to complement the big game.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
Day 5: Anuradhapura – Trincomalee (3 hrs)
After breakfast leave for Trincomalee.
Enjoy the rest of the day at the beach, or take a short trip to see the colonial sights of Trincomalee, like the quaint Post Office.
If you are keen on military history, Trincomalee has a long naval tradition, with Allied forces having important naval bases here during both World Wars due to its deep natural harbour. Perhaps you’d like to visit the Commonwealth War Graves here.
Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 6: Trincomalee
A full day at leisure by the beach.
Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 7: Trincomalee
A full day at leisure by the beach.
Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 8: Trincomalee – Dambulla (2.5 hrs)
After breakfast leave for Dambulla.
Afternoon, leave to experience Hiriwadunna Village Experience to discover the charm of Hiriwadunna village, where tranquil rural life comes alive amidst lush greenery and serene waterways. Immerse yourself in authentic traditions, scenic walks, and the warm hospitality of its people.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Day 9: Dambulla-Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa-Dambulla
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, visit 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.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Day 10: Dambulla – Kandy (3 Hrs)
After enjoying your breakfast, leave for Kandy. En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples which is 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 the influence of Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.
Afterwards visit Peradeniya botanical garden near Kandy. This is a much-acclaimed botanical garden, which is also good for birds. It is bounded on three sides by the Mahaveli River, which snakes around the 60-hectare gardens. Before its use as a botanical garden, it had served as a royal pleasure garden. Peradeniya is the second largest botanical garden in Asia. Don’t miss the orchid house. In 1905, an avenue of palms was planted and now is one of the most photographed places in the gardens. Afterwards, arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 11: Kandy
This morning 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.
Afternoon, at leisure enjoying hotel facilities.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 12: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (2.5 Hrs)
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 Nanu Oya railway station. Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
After the train ride, you’ll take a short drive to the nearby town of Nuwara Eliya and check into your hotel. This afternoon, visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. A relaxed evening back at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya.
Day 13: Nuwara Eliya-Ella (2.5 hrs)
After a relaxed breakfast, drive to the scenic city of Ella to explore its beautiful surrounds of Ella. First a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 hours. The eye-catching views are not to be missed. Afterwards, visit the famed Nine Arches bridge and enjoy a walk around the town.
Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 14: Ella
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.
Evening at leisure in your resort.
Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 15: Ella -Yala (3 Hrs)
Today is a day of leisure . Enjoy your a relaxed morning at your resort in Ella, and after checkout, drive to your resort in Yala, where you continue to rest and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Yala.
Day 16: Yala
Enjoy morning and afternoon safaris at Yala National Park, the most popular park in Sri Lanka for spotting leopards, elephants, sloth bears and a host of other animal and bird life.
Overnight stay in Yala.
Day 17: Yala – Udawalawe (2.5 Hrs)
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and enjoy the facilities. Proceed to Uda Walave for an afternoon safari. Uda Walave is known for its large herds of elephants, where family groups can often be seen.
Overnight stay in Udawalawe.
Day 18: Udawalawe – Thalpe (2.5 Hrs)
This morning, relax at your resort. Later, drive to the southern coast for Thalpe, where you’ll have time to chill by the stunning beach.
Overnight stay in Thalpe.
Day 19: Thalpe
A full day at leisure by the beach, to enjoy the sand between your toes and the warm water splashing on your ankles.
Overnight stay in Thalpe.
Day 20: Thalpe
Another full day at leisure by the beach.
Later in the day, drive to Colombo to check into your hotel close to the airport, to prepare for an early morning flight next day.
Overnight stay near Colombo Airport – Vivanta Colombo or Ramada by Wyndham
Day 21: Colombo -Cochin – Thrissur
Transfer to the airport early hours to catch your flight to Cochin (SriLankan Airlines UL165, 0805-0920)
Arrive in India and transfer to the small yet beautiful town of Thrissur (1.5hrs).
After lunch, visit Thrissur Basilica and take the lift up the belfry, the tallest in India for sweeping views of the city and the hills of the Western Ghats around it. Visit the Chaldean Syrian Church and other old churches nearby to learn about Kerala’s multi-faith society.
Meals: None
Hotel: Park Inn, Thrissur
Day 22: Thrissur – Kothamangalam
Visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a Shiva Hindu temple, a classical example of the Keralan architectural style with one monumental tower on each of the four sides. Mural paintings depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. It is notified as a National Monument by India.
Visit Thrissur District Heritage Museum with its collection of Keralan murals. Though many are reproductions of murals found all over the state, the advantage is that the colours are fresh, photography is allowed and you can have a much closer look than at any of the originals.
Drive to Kothamangalam (2hrs), and check in at Jose & Daisy Home Stay (Mundackal Home Stay). Rest of the day at leisure or spent time in the spice gardens around Jose and Daisy Home stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Thrissur, dinner at Jose & Daisy home stay.
Hotel: Jose & Daisy home stay
Day 23: Kothamangalam
After a relaxed breakfast enjoy the day visiting Tea Gardens, Rubber Plantations and Spice Gardens with Mr. Jose.
Enjoy cooking session with Daisy (she is a world-renowned cooking expert for Kerala Cuisines)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner at Jose & Daisy home stay.
Hotel: Jose & Daisy home stay
Day 24: Kothamangalam – Kumarakom – Houseboat
After an early breakfast drive to Kumarakom (2hrs) where you’ll embark on your overnight backwater cruise, onboard an AC luxury houseboat. Explore the waterways of Lake Vembanad gently sailing through the day, with fresh meals being served on board by your crew.
The boat is moored for the night at dusk, and your crew remain with you, serving dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hotel: Deluxe A/c House Boat
Day 25: Kumarakom – Cochin
Continue the backwater cruise from Kumarakom to Alleppey, with breakfast on your houseboat. Disembark from the houseboat and drive to Fort Cochin (1.5 hrs). Check into your heritage hotel.
Late afternoon, explore Fort Cochin independently. Walk around the old town, admire the old colonial heritage and the busy restaurants and bars. Fishermen sell fresh fish by the Chinese fishing nets, and this can be prepared for you on the spot, to enjoy a delicious evening snack or even dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Old Court House by Abad
Day 26: Fort Cochin
Enjoy a full day guided tour of Fort Cochin after breakfast.
Visit the Old Jew town, with the Jewish Synagogue at its heart. Explore old churches, colonial remnants of fortifications, and the Dutch Palace with its beautiful mural paintings from the 17th century.
Late evening we go to watch the famous classical Indian dance-drama Kathakali in dance centre to enjoy the Kathakali dance show followed by dinner.
Kathakali is a stylized classical Indian dance noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movement presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Old Court House by Abad
Day 27: Fort Cochin – Marari Beach
After a leisurely morning, drive to Marari Beach (1.5hrs).
Arrive Marari Beach (Mararikulam) and check in at your beach resort. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Turtle Beach Marari
Day 28: Marari Beach
Full day at leisure at Marari Beach
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Turtle Beach Marari
Day 29: Marari Beach – Kochi International airport
Departure transfer to Kochi International airport (2 hrs), to board your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast
