This bustling, fishing town on the west coast of Sri Lanka (and close to the Bandaranaika International Airport), had a rather turbulent colonial history involving the Dutch, Portuguese and British due to the cinnamon trade. In fact, the wild cinnamon that grew in the region was described as ‘the very best in the universe as well as the most abundant’. The remnants of this colonial period remain with the strong Catholic Church influence in the town. The Negombo Lagoon and the many canals offer superb birdwatching, the town’s Old Quarter is worth a visit, and the community is friendly and welcoming.
Flight TBA
Arrive Colombo TBA Hrs.
Arrive at Katunayake International Airport (BIA) where the guests will be received by their chauffeur-guide, who will take them to the hotel in Negombo (Approx. 30 minutes)
Check-in at the hotel (standard Check in time 14:00 Hrs).
Later in the day take a tour of the city.
Negombo
This bustling, fishing town on the west coast of Sri Lanka (and close to the Bandaranaika International Airport), had a rather turbulent colonial history involving the Dutch, Portuguese and British due to the cinnamon trade. In fact, the wild cinnamon that grew in the region was described as ‘the very best in the universe as well as the most abundant’. The remnants of this colonial period remain with the strong Catholic Church influence in the town. The Negombo Lagoon and the many canals offer superb birdwatching, the town’s Old Quarter is worth a visit, and the community is friendly and welcoming.
Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya
The small village of Sigiriya is best known for its proximity to the magnificent Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’. The village offers some comfortable accommodations and a variety of restaurants for visitors to enjoy when stopping over to view the famous rock. This ancient rock fortress rises abruptly from the lush landscape and reaches over 200 metres in height. Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Sigiriya / Dambulla (Distance approx. 177 km / Driving Time approx. 4.5 hours)
Evening Climb Sigiriya rock.
Sigiriya
This ancient rock fortress rises abruptly from the lush landscape and reaches over 200 metres in height. Crowning this massive outcrop are the ruins of an ancient civilisation, which are considered to be one of the best -preserved examples of ancient urban planning and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through the lily-dotted moats, lush gardens and cave shrines, through the grand lion-paw entrance, and climb the series of steep staircases passing beautiful murals painted on the sheer rock walls, and enjoy exploring the ruins and soaking up spectacular views of the surrounds.
Day 3: Sigiriya
Morning breakfast at the hotel and visit Polonnaruwa Historical city
Polonnaruwa
The extraordinary ancient city of Polonnaruwa is comprised of two distinct parts: the New Town area, known as Kaduruwela; and the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms. This rich archaeological treasure trove contains countless fascinating ruins all conveniently grouped into one compact and easily accessible tourist site. Don’t miss the Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks where you can spot Sri Lanka’s legendary elephants and an abundance of exotic wildlife; and the Dalada Maluwa which is home to the Tooth Relic and some of the country’s most impressively ornate buildings.
Later in the afternoon drive to Minneriya national park for a Jeep safari.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park was established in 1997 to protect the Minneriya tank as well as the surrounding wildlife. The tank has historical significance as it was constructed by King Mahasen centuries ago. On top of being a feeding ground for the elephants of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee, this park is also vital for migrating birds.
Safari at Minneriya National Park
Spreading over 8800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants. Minneriya is home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks & flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine. Watch carefully as herds of elephants – one by one – roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world – over 300 at a time – which has garnished the park to become a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.
Day 4: Sigiriya
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Dambulla cave temple
Dambulla
It is best-known for its famed 2000-year-old rock cave temple known as ‘Dambulla Cave temple’ and is also called the ‘Golden Temple of Dambulla’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, encompassing numerous caves filled with a collection of religious statues and colourful murals. The surrounding area boasts the most extensive rose quartz mountain range in South Asia. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Ibbankatuwa Ancient Burial Site- a significant archaeological site.
Day 5: Sigiriya – Pasikudah
Pasikudah is a small seaside resort town known for its expansive golden bay which features one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world where you can wade for 50m out to sea. This wonderful coastal setting provides an ideal environment for a range of water sports including, snorkelling around the coral reef which is teeming with exotic marine life. Scuba diving around the wreck of the HMS Hermes, a WW2 British naval ship. Water skiing or whizzing around on a bouncy banana boat ride, or setting out on an exhilarating deep sea fishing adventure. Sailing trips are also available and include sunset cruises, whale watching excursions and overnight charters. Inland activities include adventurous safaris where you can trek through nature reserves where elephants and other wildlife can be spotted.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Passikudah (Approx. 2 ½ hrs drive)
Upon arrival transfer and check in at the hotel. Day at leisure on the beach.
Day 6-9: Pasikudah
These days are at Leisure (Vehicle and the chauffeur guide services are not included on these days)
Day 10: Pasikudah – Kandy
The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies in the midst of the Kandy Plateau, an area of tropical tea plantations. A prominent feature is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of The Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha. Other fascinating places include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where crafts people can be seen at work.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kandy (Driving Time approx. 4.5 hours)
Evening witness the Kandy Cultural Dance show
Day 11: Kandy – Ella
Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate. This popular backpacker-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travellers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens. At the edge of the escarpment you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.
After breakfast visit temple of the tooth relic.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.
Afterwards drive to Nanu Oya (Approx. 3 hours drive) and from there enjoy a scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella (Approx. 3.5 hours train journey)
NB: Please note that train journeys are subject to availability 10 days prior to the date of train ride. Please do not confirm this facility to clients until you receive confirmations from us.
Upon arrival in Ella, transfer and check in at the hotel.
Day 12: Ella
Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate. This popular backpacker-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travellers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens. At the edge of the escarpment you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.
Day 13: Ella – Unawatuna
Located in southern Sri Lanka, just south of the historic town of Galle, and a one hour drive from the capital, Colombo, the coastal town of Unawatuna offers magnificent beaches, unique wildlife and excellent, chic restaurants. Boasting several incredible palm-lined, white sanded beaches, including an enormous rope swing from the palms at the Dalawella and Wijaya Beach, Unawatuna is an idyllic destination for swimming, lazy days of sunbathing, and enthralling photographic opportunities. At the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery, animal lovers can see the delightful endangered species in their natural habitat. A wide range of world-class establishments including hotels, shops and bars make the town a trendy and sociable destination. Make sure to watch the sunset from the heights of the historic Galle Fort wall, an incredible architectural wonder with Dutch, Portuguese and British influences.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Unawatuna (Approx. 3 hours drive)
Upon arrival transfer and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14: Unawatuna – Colombo Depart
After breakfast, you will be provided the departure transfer from Unawatuna hotel to Colombo airport (Driving Time approx. 2 hours) to board flight for onward destination.
