Day 1: Arrival & Colombo
Arrive in Sri Lanka, at Colombo’s international airport. You’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Colombo Tuk Tuk Tour
Hotel: Jetwing Colombo Seven or similar
Day 2: Colombo – Kapitiya
Drive to Kalpitiya (4hrs) – stop over in Anawilundawa wetland for a walk and some birding
Check into your hotel and relax on the beach
Hotel: Melheim Beach Hotel
Day 3: Kalpitiya – Wilpattu
This morning, embark on a marine mammal and whale watching trip.
Drive to Wilpattu (2hrs)
Hotel: Cloughton Wild or similar
Day 4: Wilpattu – Mannar
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.
Explore Wilpattu on a morning safari.
Drive to Mannar (3hr)
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- Palmyrah House or similar
Day 5: Mannar – Jaffna
Drive to Jaffna (2.5hrs)
Jaffna sightseeing including Jaffna Fort, Point pedro, Keeramalai and dambakolapatuna
Hotel- Fox Jaffna or similar
Day 6: Jaffna – Anuradhapura – Siigriya
Drive south to Sigiriya (5hrs) stopping enroute at Anuradhapura
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.
Check into your hotel in Sigiriya and relax.
Hotel: Kassapa Lion Rock or similar
Day 7: Sigiriya and Dambulla
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.
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 Loris Conservation Project at Jetwing Vil Uyana around dusk – one of Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed wildlife research and conservation programs. It is one of the best places to see the endangered and shy creature on a late evening walk with the wardens.
Hotel: Kassapa Lion Rock or similar
Day 8: Polonnaruwa – Trincomalee
Drive east to Trincomalee.
Enroute, enjoy the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a cycling tour, 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.
Relax in the surrounds of your hotel this afternoon.
Hotel: Pigeon Island Beach Resort
Day 9: Trincomalee – Mataale
This morning, embark on a marine mammal and whale watching trip.
Afterwards, drive to Jim’s Farm, Matale (3hrs)
Experience the best of Ceylon spices as your accommodation, Jim’s Farm Villa is situated in the middle of 50-acre eco-farm. After check-in, you can embark upon a tour of the spice garden and farm, which will be followed by a cooking demonstration using farm ingredients and learning about Sri Lankan spices from the local experts.
Hotel: Jim’s Farm
Day 10: Matale – Kandy
After a leisurely morning exploring the farm, drive south to Kandy (2.5hr).
Visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island.
The Kandy Cultural Show is a must-see evening performance of various traditional forms of dance, music, and acrobatics. The show 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: Suisse Hotel
Day 11: Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s premier long-distance hiking trail that visitors to discover the varying terrain, history, culture, food, and local communities that inhabit the central highlands.
Consisting of 22 stages between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the trail takes visitors through hill towns, tea plantations, remote villages, sanctuaries, viewpoints, forests, and cultural and historical locations.
Tackle a section of the Pekoe Trail near Kandy – your guide will help you select your section based on ability and desire for exercise. Most sections are between 10 and 20km and range from easy to difficult walking.
Hotel: Suisse Hotel
Day 12: 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.
This afternoon, enjoy a cooking lesson/demonstration. Then visit the busy colourful markets of Kandy
Rest of the evening is at leisure
Hotel: Suisse Hotel or similar
Day 13: Kandy – Gal Oya
After breakfast, leave for Gal Oya National Park.
Enjoy an afternoon boat ride at Senanayake Samudraya, the centrepiece of the National Park for a chance to see elephants.
After dark, enjoy a torchlit night walk in the jungle.
Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge
Day 14: Gal Oya – Nuwara Eliya
Hike to the top of Monkey mountain.
The Gal Oya region is steeped in history and culture of the Veddahs (aborigines), the true owners of the island. Visit a Veddah village and meet the tribe whose in-depth knowledge of the forest is unbeatable. The Veddahs live away from modern life but are happy to share their stories and way of life with visitors. The forest too is special, for it is said to have been planted with various medicinal plants and trees by one of Sri Lanka’s ancient Kings.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya
Hotel: Oatland by Jetwing or similar
Day 15: Nuwara Eliya
Explore the picturesque town with its colonial buildings.
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: Oatland by Jetwing or similar
Day 16: Horton Plains
Visit Horton Plains National Park, 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.
Hotel: Oatland by Jetwing or similar
Day 17: Nuwara Eliya – Ella
This morning, 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. 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.
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 or similar
Day 18: Ella – Wellaweya
After a relaxed morning, drive to Wellaweya (1hr) and check into your hotel
Explore the Wellawaya village, where you’ll meet the friendly and welcoming locals going about their daily lives. An excellent opportunity to engage in local cultures and soak in the unique ambiance of local life. Another highlight of your visit will be a home cooked meal full of customary Sri Lankan flavours, followed by hot tea and sweets.
Hotel: Jetwing Kaduruketha or similar
Day 19: Wellawaya
Explore the Ellewala waterfall on a cycling tour in the morning, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
Hotel: Jetwing Kaduruketha or similar
Day 20: Wellawaya
Enjoy the resort and its surrounds on a day of leisure
Hotel: Jetwing Kaduruketha or similar
Day 21: Buduruwagala – Uda Walawe
Visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. The complex consists of seven statues dating back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.
Drive onwards to Uda Walave National Park, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon safari looking for herds of elephants and other animals.
Hotel: Centuria Wilds
Day 22: Uda Walawe – Yala
Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH) – they care for orphaned elephant calves until they are independent and capable enough to be released back into the wild. Supported by the Born Free Foundation (www.bornfree.org.uk), ETH releases elephants back into the wild after rehabilitation, many into the Uda Walawe National Park. There are normally between 40 to 60 orphaned elephants and visitors can watch them being fed, from the safety of a viewing platform about 8m away, at one of the four daily feeding sessions, held every three hours from 9am until 6pm.
Drive onwards to Yala National Park, and relax in your hotel for the rest of the evening.
Hotel: Tamarind Tree or similar
Day 23: Yala
Explore 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.
A full day safari is the best way to explore Yala’s rich wildlife and birds. A packed lunch is taken on the safari, and all vehicles congregate at the lunch point by the beach to enjoy lunch within the jungle, avoiding lost time driving out and back in.
Hotel: Tamarind Tree or similar
Day 24: Yala – Mirissa
After a relaxed morning enjoying your resort, drive to Mirissa (2hrs)
Stop enroute for a kayaking session
Relax by the beach for the rest of the day.
Hotel: Beach & Bliss or similar
Day 25: Mirissa
An early morning start to embark on your Mirissa whale watching trip, which lasts around 3 to 4 hours depending on sightings and sea conditions. The chances of sighting Blue Whales are high in Mirissa, with both resident and migratory whales crossing from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea enjoying the warm waters off the south coast around Mirissa. Blue whales are seen relatively close to shore. Then your naturalist skipper will take you further out to sea look for Sperm Whales. Dolphins are also spotted frequently in large shoals in these waters. (Whale watching season is from November to April only)
Relax by the beach for the rest of the day
Hotel: Beach & Bliss or similar
Day 26: Mirissa – Handungoda – Galle
After a relaxed morning, drive westwards towards Galle (1hr)
Stop at the Handungoda Tea Estate – a low altitude tea plantation famed for ‘Virgin white teas’ – so pure they are never touched by the human hand. The only tea estate closest to the ocean, the Handungoda Estate takes you through tea fields and enlightens one on the noble heritage of white tea, the art of plucking and a tour of the antiquated factory. Halfway through the tour enjoy a refreshing cup of tea with cake.
Check into your hotel in Galle and relax for the rest of the evening
Hotel: Jetwing Heritage Villa or similar
Day 27: Galle
Visit the historic city of Galle on cycling tour, 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.
After the cycle tour, explore the town independently, visiting small museums, browsing shops for souvenirs, or enjoying the sea breeze by the lighthouse in the evening.
Hotel: Jetwing Heritage Villa or similar
Day 28: Galle – Bentota
This morning, depart northwards to Bentota.
Visit the Lunuganga Estate and Brief Gardens, associated with Sri Lanka’s best known architect, Geoffrey Bawa and his brother.
If interested, and time permitting, briefly visit the Victor Hasselblad Turtle Conservation Centre to learn about the threats to turtles. You can observe the small hatchlings and rescued injured turtles in the tanks at the centre.
Enjoy the last evening of the trip on the beach.
Hotel: Rock side Beach hotel
Day 29: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll be driven to the airport to end your Sri Lankan holiday.
