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Your Holiday Proposal

PROPOSAL ID: SL-20250204

Sri Lanka’s tropical warmth and natural beauty provide an exotic backdrop for its traditions, history and culture.

On this tour, you’ll sample the best of the island’s culture, including the Cultural Triangle with some of Asia’s greatest archaeological treasures, the lush slopes of the Hill Country with its expansive vistas of rolling tea plantations and beautifully renovated British-era tea bungalows, and the historic cities. This relaxed trip not only takes in some of the island’s best historical sights but gets you up close and personal to Sri Lankan life. Spend time at a picture-perfect beach, watch wildlife at the best National Parks, and let the gentle evening breeze soothe your mind as you sip cold beer in your hotel on relaxed evenings.

Sample the best of Sri Lanka, from the bustling streets and markets of capital Colombo, the Cultural Triangle with some of Asia’s greatest archaeological treasures, the lush slopes of the Hill Country with its expansive vistas of rolling tea plantations, down to Kandy and Galle. Enjoy pristine beaches and wildlife, experience local life and cuisine.

Everywhere you go, you’ll be met with warm welcomes and smiles, as much a part of Sri Lankan experience as its ancient monuments, wildlife and fine teas.

Created/Updated: February 4, 2025
Route:
Negombo – Wilpattu – Sigiriya – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Ella – Yala – Sinharaja – Negombo
Themes:
Activity Levels
Moderate
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Activities and excursions as specified in itineraries
  • Entrance fees/tickets for all monuments, safaris etc
  • All in-destination transfers & transport in A/C vehicles with safe and experienced driver
  • Accommodation & Meals as specified
  • English speaking experienced guides and naturalists
  • 24/7 support throughout your holiday

Your itinerary in detail

Day 1
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.
Hotel- Arie Lagoon or Similar (BB basis)

Day 2
Take in the colours and sights of Negombo. Journey 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 morning city tour.
Later, drive to Wilpattu (4 hr)
Hotel – Thimbiri wewa Resort or Similar (BB basis)

Day 3
Morning and afternoon safaris in 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.
Hotel – Thimbiri wewa Resort or Similar (BB basis)

Day 4
Hiriwaduna Village Experience with Lunch, enroute to Sigiriya (2.5hrs)
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.
Drive onwards to Sigiriya.

Hotel – Amara Forrest or Similar (BB basis)

Day 5
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 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 – Amara Forrest or Similar (BB basis)

Day 6
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.
Enjoy an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park. Minneriya is dominated by the Minneriya tank and surrounding flood plains, forest and wooded hills. A wetland of international importance, Minneriya is home to Asian Elephants and is exceptionally rich in bird and wildlife.
Hotel- Amara Forrest or Similar (BB basis)

Day 7
Drive to Kandy (3 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.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance show in Kandy
Hotel- Hotel Thilanka or Similar (BB basis)

Day 8
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. (3 hours train ride). Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Optional – At the Gregory Lake Water Sports centre, activities can be done on direct payment if interested.
Hotel- Araliya Red or Similar (BB basis)

Day 9
This morning, visit Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. It is situated 2200 m above sea in the central highlands of SriLanka, approximately 20 km south of Nuwara Eliya and covers 3162 hectares in extent. The climate here is a wet montane climate with a mean annual temperature of 15 centigrade. The vegetation in Horton Plains is defined as Montane Rainforests or Cloud Forests which shows gnarled and stunted growth not exceeding 15 meters in height. Horton Plains is famous for the World’s End, a stunning viewpoint, which is a sheer drop of 870 meters hidden in clouds, and Baker Falls.
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.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya.
Hotel- Oak-Ray Ella Gap or similar (BB basis)

Day 10
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.
Afternoon Birding Around Tissa Wetlands. Check into your hotel in Yala.
Hotel- Tamarind Tree (BB basis)

Day 11
Morning and Afternoon Safari at the Yala National Park, looking for leopards, sloth bears, elephants and other wild animals.
Hotel- Tamarind Tree (BB basis)

Day 12
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and enjoy the facilities. Later, leave for Sinharaja National Park (4 hrs drive)
Hotel – Blue Magpie or Similar (BB basis)

Day 13
Visit Sinharaja National Park in the morning, looking for birds. The rainforest is beautiful and you can visit waterfalls where you can refresh yourself.
Later, drive to Negombo (3hrs)
Hotel- Arie Lagoon or Similar (BB basis)

Day 14
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day of your holiday, you’ll be driven to the airport in time to catch your return flight home.

Please let us know how you feel about this itinerary, remember we'll be more than happy perfecting it to your satisfaction.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Includes:
· Hotel Accommodation
· All transfers with A/C Van
· English speaking chauffeur
· Breakfast
· Train tickets- A/c first class/observation (On availability only)
· Private safari jeeps
· All entrance fees for site visits
· Airport transfers
· Government tax

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What our clients say

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Great safaris in Ranthambhore

Alex Chapman

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Christina, Cambridge

Had a great time

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The most wonderful time in north India

Eddie, Cambridge

Look forward to travelling with you again, maybe Sri Lanka next time?

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Offered some great alternatives that we had not known about

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Expert guide brought history to life

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Our Accommodation Ratings

Opulent: Exceptional, unashamedly the best of sheer luxury. (£££££)

Luxury: Outstanding levels of 5* comfort, hospitality and facilities. (££££)

Premium: Excellent levels of comfort and hospitality and a wide range of facilities. (£££)

Mid-Range: Good levels of comfort and hospitality, with a reasonable range of facilities. (££)

Simple: Clean and simple, no frills. Often in areas of natural beauty or near wildlife reserves. (£)