Day 1: Arrival & Colombo
Arrive in Sri Lanka, at Colombo’s international airport late night (2230hrs). You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Hotel: Amari Colombo
Day 2: Colombo – Wilpattu
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.
Drive to Wilpattu (4.5hrs)
Hotel – Cloughton Wild
Day 3: Wilpattu
Unspoilt and beautiful Wilpattu (‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala) is the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Less visited than Yala, it is ideal for those who prefer a tranquil wildlife quest. 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 Buffa-lo and Crocodiles. There are several species of butterflies, endemic birds, reptiles, snakes and amphibians to complement the big game.
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.
Hotel – Cloughton Wild
Day 4: Wilpattu – Mannar – Jaffna
Drive to Jaffna with a stop in Mannar (5.5hrs)
Firmly off the beaten track, hardly any tourists venture to Mannar Island. The journey is memorable in itself, as the ferry crosses marshland, sand bars and shallow blue-green waters, escorted by flocks of flamingos. Mannar is a dry island with palm trees, ruins of colonial forts & fishing boats offshore.Wild donkeys roam free, adding to its end of the world wilderness charm. India’s Danushkodi and Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island seem to be separated by a very short stretch of water, with several small islands forming the stepping stones.
Hotel – Fox Resort
Day 5: Jaffna
Located on the northern corner of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is a cultural and historical gem waiting to be discovered. A stronghold of Tamil culture, Jaffna offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. Wander through the lively markets, visit the grand Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and explore the Jaffna Fort, a testament to the colonial past. The city’s culinary scene is a delightful journey with its spicy curries and fresh seafood. Nearby, the serene Casuarina Beach and the remote beauty of Delft Island offer tranquil exploration.
Hotel – Fox Resort
Day 6: Jaffna – Trincomalee
After a relaxed morning, drive to Trincomalee (5hrs)
Hotel – Trinco Blu
Day 7: Trincomalee
Featuring Hindu temples and colonial heritage on a historic natural harbour, Trincomalee is a gateway to the best beaches on the east coast. Blessed with sunny weather throughout the year, white sandy beaches, calm and warm waters, it is ideal for underwater activities and for whale watching. Those interested in military history will appreciate how being one of the largest and safest natural harbours in the world, Trincomalee was a critical operational and logistic naval station for the Allied forces during the Second World War. Trincomalee’s Commonwealth War Cemetery is a poignant reminder of Allied sacrifices made in this region.
Hotel – Trinco Blu
Day 8: Trincomalee – Minneriya – Sigiriya
Drive to Sigiriya with a stop in Minneriya National Park (2.5hrs)
‘The Gathering’ of elephants arguably makes Minneriya the best place in the world to watch elephants during the summer. As Minneriya forms part of a major elephant corridor, visitors throughout the year have opportunity to see elephant herds.
Hotel – Sigiriya Resort
Day 9: Sigiriya – Ritigala
Visit and climb up the World Heritage site of 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.
Do a village tour and observe the rural life in the Cultural Triangle
Visit Ritigala, a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. The Ritigala mountain consists of four peaks which rise steeply from the surrounding plain, making it the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. Taller than Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale, Ritigala is also a nature reserve.
Hotel – Sigiriya Resort
Day 10: Pidurangala – Polonnaruwa – Passikudah
Drive to Passikudah (3hrs) with stops enroute to explore.
For the fleet footed, clambering up a steep path to the top of Pidurangala, a boulder hill is an irresistible challenge. The reward is perhaps one of the finest views in all of Sri Lanka, a glorious vista encompassing Sigiriya rock and the entire central plains.
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 with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Hotel- Amaya Beach
Day 11: Passikudah
Enjoy a relaxed day at your beach resort
Hotel – Amaya Beach
Day 12: Batticaloa Day trip
Batticaloa is a hidden gem on the Sri Lankan east coast. A charming coastal city, it is known for its lagoons, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The Batticaloa Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1628, and the picturesque Kallady Bridge are worth a stroll. Don’t miss the enchanting sound of the “singing fish” in the lagoon, a unique natural phenomenon. The city’s vibrant Tamil culture is evident in its colorful festivals, temples, and delicious cuisine. Battocaloa’s unspoiled beauty offers an authentic and tranquil escape.
Hotel – Amaya Beach
Day 13: Passikudah
Enjoy a relaxed day at your beach resort
Hotel – Amaya Beach
Day 14: Passikudah – Gal Oya National Park
Drive to Gal Oya (3hrs), stopping enroute at Rathugala, a Veddah village
Visit Rathugala, a Veddah village
The Veddah tribe is one of the oldest indigenous groups in Sri Lanka. Mainly residing in the country’s remote forest areas, the Veddahs have their unique way of life, deeply connected to nature. They traditionally practice hunting and gathering, using ancient methods passed down through generations. The Veddah people speak a distinct language and maintain traditional customs, including rituals and ceremonies that honor their ancestors. Despite some modern influences, the Veddahs are protective of their cultural identity and refrain from venturing beyond their forests.
Hotel – Gal Oya Lodge
Day 15: Gal Oya
Avoiding the crowds, Gal Oya gives an opportunity to soak in the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife in lush tranquil surrounds.
Explore Gal Oya by jeep safari in the moring, followed by a boat ride in the lake in the afternoon.
Hotel – Gal Oya Lodge
Day 16: Gal Oya – Ella
After a relaxed morning, drive to Ella (3.5hrs)
Hotel – On Rock Ella
Day 17: Pekoe Trail
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 on-to walking paths with views across the valley to Lipton’s Seat.
Hotel – On Rock Ella
Day 18: 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.
Enjoy a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 hours. The eye-catching views are not to be missed.
Hotel – On Rock Ella
Day 19: Ella – Sinharaja
Drive to Sinharaja (5hrs)
A World Heritage Site, Sinharaja’s primary and secondary forests are shrouded by rain clouds on most days. Home to half of the island’s endemic mammals and butterflies, and the world’s largest mixed species bird flocks, Sinharaja is a mecca for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Enjoy an afternoon walk through the Sinharaja rainforest, looking for birds
Hotel – Blue Magpie Lodge
Day 20: Sinharaja – Ratnapura – Bentota
Drive to Bentota (5hrs), stopping enroute at Ratnapura
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Ratnapura is famed for its rich deposits of precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, and garnets. Visit a gem mine, and the National Gem Museum for an insightful experience.
Hotel – Club Villa
Day 21: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll be driven to the airport (1.5 hr) to end your Sri Lankan holiday
