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Your Holiday Proposal

PROPOSAL ID: SL-20250205

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, 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 of Kandy and Galle. 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 of the island, and let the gentle evening breeze soothe your mind as you sip cold beer in your hotel on relaxed evenings.

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 5, 2025
Route:
Negombo – Sigiriya – Mineeriya – Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Ella – Yala – Koggala
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 (HB 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.
Enjoy the Hiriwaduna Village Experience with Lunch, enroute to Dambulla.
Experience 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.
Later, drive to Dambulla (4.5 hrs)
Hotel- Amaya Lake or Similar (HB basis)

Day 3
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- Amaya Lake or Similar (HB basis)

Day 4
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, explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a cycling tour. 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 (HB basis)

Day 5
Drive to Kandy (3hrs)
Enroute, visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island.
Proceed to Kandy, where you will attend a cultural dance show in the evening.
Hotel- Amaya Hills or Similar (HB basis)

Day 6
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.
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.
Drive onwards to Nuwaraeliya, stopping at Ramboda Waterfall
Hotel- Araliya Green Hills or Similar (HB basis)

Day 7
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 (Including Tasting & Plucking) to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports.
A relaxed evening back at the hotel.
Hotel- Araliya Green Hills or Similar (HB basis)

Day 8
This morning, you’ll experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Nanu Oya railway station and pick you again from Ella railway station. (3 hours train ride). Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
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- Oak-Ray Ella Gap or similar (HB basis)

Day 9
Gently walk up the Little Adam’s Peak (1.5hrs) for a great view of the landscape.
Afternoon Birding Around Tissa Wetlands. Check into your hotel in Yala.
Hotel- Tamarind Tree (HB basis)

Day 10
Morning and Afternoon Safari at the Yala National Park, looking for leopards, sloth bears, elephants and other wild animals.
Hotel- Tamarind Tree (HB basis)

Day 11
Drive from Yala to Koggala (3.5 hours drive). Stop enroute for a kayaking session. Arrive at Koggala and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure by the beach
Hotel- Koggala Beach or Similar (HB basis)

Day 12
Visit Galle and explore the World Heritage city on a Cycling Tour
Hotel- Koggala Beach or Similar (HB basis)

Day 13
Full day at leisure by the beach
Hotel- Koggala Beach or Similar (HB basis)

Day 14
Departure (3 hours drive) to the airport for your return flight.

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

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS:
· 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
· 1 Airport transfer each way
· Government tax

HOTELS

Negombo – Arie Lagoon
Dambulla – Amaya Lake
Kandy – Amaya Hills
Nuwara Eliya – Araliya Green Hills
Ella – Oak-ray Ella Gap
Yala – Tamarind Tree
Koggala – Koggala Beach

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What our clients say

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Great safaris in Ranthambhore

Alex Chapman

I would have no hesitation of going with Instep again

Christopher, Crewe

Saved a lot of stress and effort

Christina, Cambridge

Had a great time

James, St.Ives

The most wonderful time in north India

Eddie, Cambridge

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

George Hollis,Ely

Cannot wait to go back!!!

Mr and Mrs Miller, Eastbourne

Offered some great alternatives that we had not known about

Karen Willloughby, Norwich

Expert guide brought history to life

Mr. and Mrs. Broad, Lincoln

No hesitation in recommending them to our friends and family

Kenneth Baker, Manchester
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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. (£)