18 Day Itinerary
DAY 1
COLOMBO - NEGOMBO
Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport and welcomed by a representative of Sri Lanka Escapes.
You will be welcomed by Sri Lanka Escape Representative. Let your adventure and journey begin.
Acclimatize yourself with Sri Lanka as we drive to the coastal town of Negombo a unique picturesque fishing village and transfer to your hotel to relax.
DAY 2
NEGOMBO
This morning after a leisurely breakfast, you will be met by your experienced Chauffeur who will be with you for the duration of the trip. He is a local with exceptional years of experience and knowledge and is very excited to show his beautiful country.
This morning, enjoy a city tour of the coastal town of Negombo is set alongside a picturesque lagoon and canals built by the Dutch colonies. Negombo was a very important port for the trade of cinnamon and was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British empires.
Visit the architecturally designed Christian churches, enjoy an optional boat ride in the Lagoon to see beautiful wildlife, visit local beaches, and enjoy a spectacular Sunset.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Anuradhapura Ancient City
NEGOMBO – ANURADHAPURA
After a leisurly breakfast we leave the coastal town of Negombo is set alongside a picturesque lagoon and canals built by the Dutch colonies. Negombo was a very important port for the trade of cinnamon and has been ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British empires. Drive past the famous seafood markets with the fisherman selling their catch as we venture to Anuradhapura Ancient City.
On route we will stop at a colourful Hindu Temple and Ancient Buddist Temple. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon and relax.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
Anuradhapura Ancient city
ANURADHAPURA – SIGIRIYA
After breakfast Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka has earned fame for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization.
Founded in the fourth century B.C.E., Anuradhapura served as of the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the eleventh century C.E. During that period, the city enjoyed stability constituting one of the most durable centres of political power and urban life in South Asia. Considered sacred to the Buddhist world, monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km2) surround the ancient city. Anuradhapura has significance in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
Optional visit to Ritigala Ancient monastery if time permits. Arrive at your hotel and relax.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Elephants Safari
SIGIRIYA
Today the adventures begin as we visit a local village and enjoy a boat ride via the rice plantation. We make our way by boat as we enjoy gliding gracefully past the beautiful lily pads. We exit the boat and walk a little way to see the local farms and rice fields. Learn the secrets from the locals on how to cook delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry and coconut roti with wood fire. We also have the opportunity to experience how you can hull the rice as it has been done for generations and enjoy a local traditional lunch curry, roti, and fruits.
After lunch, we will join an adventurous Wildlife Elephant Safari to see the wild elephants. This is one of the most exciting safari experiences in Sri Lanka and a highlight. An opportunity to take photos up close and personal photos to share with family and friends.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Village Tour
DAY 6
Fortress of Sigiriya "Lion Rock"
Cooking class with a local
SIGIRIYA
Sri Lanka is home to at least 8 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites. Sigiriya is nominated among travel enthusiasts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient rock fortress with awe-inspiring architecture.
This morning is the option to climb Pidurangala rock, at the top you will enjoy the amazing view of Sigiriya Lion Rock with your group and at the top you have candid photo opportunities. Or for those keen about history, Sigiriya is nominated among travel enthusiasts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient rock fortress with awe inspiring architecture, with an amazing view of Fortress Sigiriya Lion Rock’ built by King Kayapa in the 5th century for all those who are fit. It is a spectacular 200 meters high natural formation of granite some 750 steps up and at the top, preserves the ruins of an ancient fortified palace.
This archaeological site loved by tourists, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and is considered by locals as the "eighth wonder of the world". This palace in the sky was envisioned to be a recreation of the mythological city.
Experience the true Sri Lanka hospitality, learn, experience and enjoy the taste and delights with the secrets of traditional Sri Lanka with a hands-on cooking class in a local Sri Lankan home. Return to your hotel.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we drive to Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilisations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries.
Brimming with archaeological treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces and ruins. Explore the royal palace from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186).
Time to relax and enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage, commonly known as "Abhyanga", is a full-body massage performed using warm, medicinal oils, that aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. The idea is to stimulate specific energy points (marmas) on the body, thereby promoting physical healing, improving circulation, and enhancing mental clarity. Return to your hotel and relax. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 7
Cave Temples of Dambulla
SIGIRIYA – KANDY
After a leisurely breakfast, visit the stunning Cave Temples of Dambulla, built by King Valagamba back in the 1st century BC. Dambulla is named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill. It is worth the climb to see the 5 caves and stunning temples filled with over 150 colorful religious statues and paintings while experiencing the beautiful panoramic views.
The monastic ensemble of Dambulla is an outstanding example of the religious art and expression of Sri Lanka and South and Southeast Asia. Then we can take a stroll through Dambulla Market and discover new fruits and vegetables if time permits.
Optional visit to the beautiful silk shop and an opportunity to visit an enchanting wood carving workshop, captivating visitors with its exquisite handcrafted pieces, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of local artisans’ skills passed down for generation to generation and some beautiful handwork and talents.
We continue on and stop at Matale and visit the unique Spice garden growing a large variety of spices. Enjoy an informative talk about all the spices by a local qualified educational guide who explains all the natural remedies and an opportunity to try and take spices and remedies home to enhance your health and wellness regime.
We will visit Nalanda Gedige is an ancient complete stone temple near Matale and its original site is considered the geographical centre of Sri Lanka. The building was constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries.
An Optional visit to Muttuariamman Temple in Matale was built in 1874. This temple is used by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple was originally a small statue under a tree prayed to by the Hindu people but has been developed by the people in Matale. Arrive Kandy and transfer to your hotel.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
DAY 8
Muttuariamman Temple
Spice Garden
Nalada Gedigee
DAY 9
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Perideniya Botanical Gardens
KANDY
This morning we will visit one of the most stunning gardens, The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. In 1821 the park was under British rule and it then became known as the Botanical garden. Here exotic crops such as nutmeg, tea, rubber, coffee, cinchona are all unique and important to the country of Sri Lanka. The garden also includes a beautiful orchid house and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world.
Visit the Town of Kandy and walk along the local street to experience local shopping as we make our way to the Gem Museum to see how the gems are cultivated from beginning to end. Sri Lanka is known as one of the largest gem producers in the world.
Late afternoon, we will attend the Sri Lankan traditional cultural show and watch the beautiful locals dancing in a rainbow of colourful cultural costumes and as they perform their dances in grace and style.
We will take a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It was founded back in the 16th century, it housed one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism – a tooth of Budda collected from his funeral pyre, which is not protected within the gold roofed Temple of the Tooth. Arrive at your hotel and time to relax before dinner. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 10
Majestic train trip
Ambulawa Tower
KANDY - NUWARA ELIYA
Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon is famous for its quality tea. Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s lush tea-growing region, founded by the British explorer Samuel Baker in 1846 continues to give us the experience of the British colonial past with full operational tea plantations; En route we will see local families of generations working in the tea fields of rolling hills, picking the tea leaves manually by hand. We will visit a real-time Tea processing factory to see how the tea is produced as there are many still in full operation today giving you an opportunity to taste the delights of fresh tea and the opportunity to buy to take home for family and friends.
During our adventure today we will visit Ramboda known for its marvelous landscapes, consisting of highlands, ridges, plains, streams, and hilly mountains, and see the scenic Ramboda waterfall. Optional visit to Ambulawa Tower.
Nuwara Elyia town was originally built with Tudor-style houses featuring fireplaces, billiard tables, a golf course, a racetrack, gentlemen’s clubs, and botanical gardens. We will visit the traditional British Gentleman’s Club. The climate here makes it the coolest area in the country of Sri Lanka, so bring a sweater with you.
This afternoon on arrival you will enjoy an optional traditional High Tea in the beautiful Grand Hotel and stroll the beautiful Little English well-manicured grounds and transfer to your hotel and relax.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 11
Nuwara Eliya tea picking
Train Nuwara Eliya to Ella
NUWARA ELIYA - ELLA
Visit the local fresh produce markets and wander through the main shopping street of Nuwara Eylia while enjoying a cultural experience and trying some local snack street food.
Enjoy a spectacular viewpoint of the city and the sweeping views of the Tea Plantations for a photo candid shot opportunity.
This afternoon we board the famous train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella for approximately two hours and thirty minutes enjoying the spectacular rolling hills of plantations and meandering through the Mountains across the famous well-photographed bridges enjoying this spectacular train ride with many photo opportunities. The train ride to Ella powers down through Sri Lanka's southern hill country, crossing the tea plantations before it winds up and disappears into the clouds, weaving in and out of the many mountain tunnels as it finally arrives in Ella.
Allowing you the opportunity to soak in the mystic vibes and cherish the beauty of slow travel. Arrival by train in the afternoon in Ella. Your chauffeur will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the hotel, relax and free time. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 12
Nine Arch Bridge
ELLA
After breakfast, we will walk through a beautiful path to see the Nine Arch Bridge, a connection of two mountains and also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width, and 80-100 feet in height. It is an amazing example of a colonial-era railway in Sri Lanka and this is located in Demodara and happens to be one of the best places to visit in Ella.
Little Adam's peak is an easy walk to reach the viewpoint. Climbing up the Little Adams Peak in Ella is one of the favorite activities of the tourists on their Sri Lankan holiday with majestic views and photo opportunities – it is only a leisurely 2-hour walk. Enjoy the view over the valley.
The whole journey is very pleasing while passing through the local villages and tea plantations. End the day and back to the hotel via a scenic road.
Return this afternoon return to your hotel to relax and enjoy the picturesque views. Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
DAY 7
DAY 8
Little Adams Peak
DAY 13
Picturesque views
DAY 14
BELIHULOYA
Belihuloya is a village in the Ratnapura District, of Sri Lanka south-east of Colombo. This hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country.
Belihuloya is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems and is adorned with several unique and unforgettable nearby attractions, making it a hotspot for those who take a keen interest in nature and adventure.
One of the primary nearby attractions when visiting this charming little town is the Bambarakanda Waterfall, the tallest one in Sri Lanka with a height of 263m. Your visit to Belihuloya gives you plenty of options in terms of attractions. For the adventurer, nature lover, or curious tourist in you, Belihuloya has something for everyone.
We start early in the morning and visit a scenic waterfall and then proceed to see village life around Belihuloya. Walk through rice fields and beautiful nature and meet the locals. End the day with a nice swim in a natural pool. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
ELLA - BELIHULOYA
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to beautiful Belihuloya.
We will visit Haputale, a small town on the southern edge of the Sri Lankan hill country. On a clear day you can see the coastline from the mountain ridge, but on other days thick mist clings onto the deep green mountains, tea fields, we stop at local traditional Markets and feel the real life of Sri Lankan going about their day giving you a surreal experience of being surrounded by clouds. Explore the stunning surroundings of Haputale.
Continue on to Bakers Bend and enjoy a short hike to see the magnificent viewpoints making a few stops on the way and including the beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Baker’s Bend is situated in upper side of the Non Pareil Estate bordering famous wildlife reserve Horton plains. Wonderful view of low lands towards Indian Ocean , including the Samanala Wewa Reservoir is possible on a clear day from this view point, which is more than 1700m( 5000 feet) above sea level.
This picturesque bend is surrounded by some beautiful mountains of the World's End Mountain Range.
Arrive at your hotel late afternoon and relax.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Bakers Bend
Hapatule Village
DAY 12
ELLA – UDAWALAWE - BEACH RESORT
After breakfast we will start our journey to Udawalawe and en-route will visit some beautiful viewpoints until we reach Udawalawe – The Baby Elephant orphanage refuge is a refuge where we will see baby elephants being bottle-fed and cared for until they grow stronger. This Orphanage is a baby Elephant refuge home where they gather strength and are then released into protected sanctuaries. Many are orphaned or sick and this is a home to help them secure their strength and keep the population thriving. It is such a unique touching experience as we watch the more mature baby elephants shuffle the younger baby elephants into order.
We continue our travel to the beautiful south coast of beaches and white sand. Arrive in the afternoon at your tropical beach Resort hotel, with time to This morning you can enjoy an early morning sunrise yoga class with the serenity of the views and stillness of the mountains, confirm at time of booking. Relax, settle into your room and enjoy the resort. Take a swim in the pool, walk the beautiful grounds lined with picturesque coconut trees and lush vegetation or wander to the private beach.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Waterfalls
DAY 15
BELIHULOYA - BEACH
After breakfast, we depart and drive through the beautiful countryside and magical viewpoints of Southern Sri Lanka.
We continue our journey down to the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, facing the Indian Ocean as we pass the fishing towns to the South.
We continue to Galle Fort, a unique town designed by the Portuguese and Dutch that dates back to 1584. Wander and explore the Galle Fort.
We will visit the famous Turtle Hatchery, set up to conserve the turtle population.
Say farewell to your driver and enjoy free time at your beach hotel. Enjoy a relaxing time on the beach to wind down and revive. Arrive at your hotel and relax.
Includes Breakfast.
Turtle Hatchery
Galle Fort
DAY 16
BEACH
Situated on the south east coast of Sri Lanka facing out to the Indian Ocean is the beach and fishing resort towns. This morning you can enjoy an early sunrise and then take a swim to refresh or walk along the beach before breakfast.
Free day to relax, go to the beach, surf, read or take a trip to local town via local tuk tuk. Includes Breakfast.
DAY 17
Beautiful Beaches
BEACH
This morning, you can enjoy an early morning sunrise and then take a swim to refresh in the pool or take a walk along the beach before breakfast.
Free day to refresh, take a walk along the beach, and relax for the day and unwind.
Includes Breakfast.
DAY 18
Colombo
BEACH – NEGOMBO AIRPORT
After a leisurely breakfast, we travel to Colombo for a City tour.
Optional visit to Lotus Tower, the highest tower in South Asia
We continue to the coastal fishing town of Negombo alongside a picturesque lagoon and the impressive infrastructure of canals built by the Dutch colonial times. Negombo was an important outpost for the trade of cinnamon in colonial times.
Arrive at your transit hotel, relax & dinner before transferring to the airport for your flight homeward bound.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Farewell to beautiful Sri Lanka