Day 1: Arrival & Colombo
Arrive in Sri Lanka, at Colombo’s international airport. You’ll be met by your Instep Adventures representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Enjoy a Colombo Tuk Tuk tour with visits to Gangaramaya temple and Seema malakaya. The colourful and busy streets of capital Colombo will be an exciting treat for all, and riding the tuk tuk driven by your friendly local guide adds to the charm. You get to visit some of our guide’s favorite and secret locations, meet some of his friends and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes visits to a serene temple, a famous red-mosque and a visit to the main vegetable market, all places where you’ll love experiencing different cultures and religions. Enjoy a potent espresso at a coffee export merchant and a cold beer on a rooftop overlooking the port and a lot more.
Hotel: Jetwing Colombo Seven or similar
Day 2: Colombo – Wilpattu
Drive to Wilpattu (3.5 hrs) and check into your hotel
Enjoy an afternoon safari in Wilpattu National Park. Unspoilt and beautiful Wilpattu (‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala) is the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Its most famous residents are leopards and sloth bears. Less visited than Yala, it is ideal for those who prefer a tranquil wildlife quest.
Hotel: Thimbiri Wewa Resort or similar
Day 3: Anuradhapura and Mihintale
Visit 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.
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.
Drive to Dambulla and check into your hotel
Hotel: Hotel: Amaya Lake or similar
Day 4: Dambulla and Polonnaruwa
Drive to Dambulla (2 hrs) and check into your hotel
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples, a World Heritage site 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.
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage site. 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 has great sculptures of the Buddha.
Hotel: Amaya Lake or similar
Day 5: Sigiriya – Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – Kandy
An early morning visit and climb up the World Heritage site of the Sigiriya before the weather gets too warm. The rock fortress 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.
Drive to Kandy (2.5 hrs)
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.
Hotel: Amaya Hills or similar
Day 6: Kandy
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.
Time to relax and unwind at your hotel this afternoon, or you can explore Kandy’s central water tank, and the local markets. Hela Bojun Hala is worth a visit if you are looking for a spot for delicious Sri Lankan lunch. This open-air food court sells local dishes and provides employment opportunities for local women.
In the evening, watch the Kandy Cultural Show – a must-see performance of various traditional forms of dance, music, and acrobatics.
Thow 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
Day 7: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
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 amaclass train tickets.
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
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya – Ella
Drive to Ella (2 hrs)
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.
Enjoy a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 hours. The eye-catching views are not to be missed.
Hotel: EKHO Ella or similar
Day 9: Ella – Yala
After a relaxed morning, drive to Yala (1.5hrs)
Enjoy an afternoon safari in Yala, the most visited National Park in Sri Lanka, offering dense jungles, lakes, lagoons, grasslands, riverine and coastal areas. Famous for its leopards, Yala’s wide spectrum of habitats makes it hospitable to a range of flora and fauna.
Hotel: EKHO Safari or similar
Day 10: Yala
Enjoy a full day safari in Yala. Yala is the most visited National Park in Sri Lanka, offering dense jungles, lakes, lagoons, grasslands, riverine and coastal areas. Famous for its leopards, Yala’s wide spectrum of habitats makes it hospitable to a range of flora and fauna.
Hotel: EKHO Safari or similar
Day 11: Yala – Uda Walawe
After a relaxed morning, drive (2hrs) to Uda Walawe
Enjoy an afternoon safari at Uda Walawe National Park – one of Sri Lanka’s best-known National Parks due to its proximity to Colombo and the predictability of elephant sightings, often in large herds and family groups.
Hotel: Centuria Wild or similar
Day 12: Uda Walawe – Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Enjoy a morning safari in Uda Walawe OR choose to visit the Elephant transit centre.
Drive to Sinharaja Reserve (3hrs).
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Sinharaja Birds Paradise or similar
Day 13: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Enjoy a full day with a birding naturalist in the World Heritage site of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a rainforest known for its rich birdlife. Several endemic species are found here, as are mixed flocks.
There are waterfalls and natural pools inside the forest, so come prepared to splash and enjoy the cool waters.
Hotel: Sinharaja Birds Paradise or similar
Day 14: Sinharaja – Galle
After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Galle (3 hrs)
Visit the historic city of Galle, 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 15: Galle – Wadduwa
After breakfast, drive to Wadduwa (2hrs)
Check into your hotel and relax at the beach for the rest of the day
Hotel: Blue Water Wadduwa or similar
Day 16: Beach
Full day to relax and enjoy the beach
Hotel: Blue Water Wadduwa or similar
Day 17: Beach
Full day to relax and enjoy the beach
Hotel: Blue Water Wadduwa or similar
Day 18: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day of your holiday. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll be driven to the airport (about 30 mins) to end your Sri Lankan holiday
