21 Day Itinerary
DAY 1
COLOMBO/NEGOMBO
Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be welcomed by a representative of Sri Lanka Escapes.
You will be welcomed 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. 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.
Negombo Fishing Village
DAY 2
NEGOMBO – ANURADHAPURA
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 Buddhist Temple. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon and relax.
Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
Anuradhapura Ancient City
DAY 3
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.
Fortress Sigiriya 'Lion Rock'
DAY 4
Sigiriya local village
SIGIRIYA
Today the adventures begin as we visit a local village and enjoy a boat ride via the rice plantation making 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 with a 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 of curry, roti, and fruits.
After lunch, we will join an adventurous Wildlife Safari 4 x 4 jeep 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
Wild elephants on Safari
DAY 5
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.
For those keen on 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 true Sri Lanka hospitality, learn, experience, and enjoy the taste and delights of 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.
Matale Spice Garden
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
DAY 6
SIGIRIYA - POLONNURUWA
This morning after a leisurely breakfast we drive to Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, which 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 civilizations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries. Brimming with archeological treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces, and ruins. Explore the Royal Palace from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186).
After a great day, 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
The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya
DAY 7
SIGIRIYA – KANDY
Visiting 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.
As we drive to Kandy we will stop at Matale and visit the unique Spice garden growing a large variety of spices such as nutmeg, cardamon, ginger, cinnamon, petter and more. Enjoy an informative talk about all the spices by a local qualified educational guide who will explain all the natural remedies and benefits to enhance your health and palate in the kitchen with an opportunity to try and take spices and remedies home to enhance your health and wellness regime. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 9
KANDY
This morning we visit 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 and wonder the streets of Kandy.
Early evening we will attend the Sri Lankan traditional cultural show and watch the beautiful locals dancing in a rainbow of colorful Cultural costumes as they perform their dances in grace and style.
We will then 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 Buddha collected from his funeral pyre, which is now protected within the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth. Return to your hotel. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
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, and cinchona are all unique and important to the country of Sri Lanka. The gardens 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 among the local streets to experience local shopping. Optional visit to the International Buddhist centre or end the day relaxing at your hotel.
Arrive at your hotel and relax – Includes Breakfast/Dinner.
Anuradhapura 1st Ancient City
Dumbulla Cave Temples
DAY 10
KANDY - NUWARA EYLIA
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 fully 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.
The 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
Tuk Tuk is the local transport in Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Polonnaruwa Anciet City
Gem Museum
DAY 8
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Fresh produce markets
Nurwara Eylia to Ella Train
DAY 11
NUWARA EYLIA - 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 Eylia 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 and relax and free time. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Nine Arch Bridge
DAY 12
ELLA
After breakfast, we will walk through a beautiful path to see the Nine Arch Bridge, a connection of two mountains 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 Adams 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 to your hotel to relax and enjoy the picturesque views. Includes Breakfast/Dinner
Little Adams Peak
DAY 13
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
Baby Elephants drinking milk
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 continue on 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.
DAY 15
BELIHULOYA - BEACH RESORT
After breakfast, we depart and drive through the beautiful countryside and magic viewpoints of Southern Sri Lanka.
Optional visit to Udawalawe Baby Elephant Transit Refuge to see baby elephants being bottle-fed and cared for until they grow older and stronger.
Optional visit to Mulgirigala Raja Mah Viharaya Ancient cave temple. Arrive in the afternoon hotel, relax, settle into your room, and enjoy the resort. Includes Breakfast.
Beautiful Beaches
DAY 16
BEACH RESORT
Situated on the South 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 or take a walk along the beach before breakfast.
Relax and have a free day to relax, go to the beach, surf, sit around the pool reading a book, or take a trip to town. Includes Breakfast,
Beautiful Beaches
DAY 17
BEACH RESORT
This morning you can enjoy an early sunrise and take a walk along the beach before breakfast.
A free day to relax, go to the beach.
Or enjoy an optional boat ride on the Kalamatiya lagoon and see some beautiful birdlife while on the cruise. Includes Breakfast.
Coconut Tree HIll
DAY 18
BEACH RESORT
This morning you can enjoy an early morning sunrise, and take a walk along the beach before breakfast.
Enjoy an optional boat ride on the Kalamatiya lagoon and see some beautiful birdlife while on the cruise.
Includes Breakfast.
Bakers Bend
Hapatule Village
Belihuloya
DAY 19
BEACH RESORT - GALLE
We depart after breakfast and en route, we will visit the famous Turtle Hatchery on the beach of Habaraduwa, this is set up to conserve the turtle population.
We continue our trip and see the famous unique Stilt Fishing, which is a traditional style of fishing practised by local fishermen in Sri Lanka, especially on the southern coast. With a perfect balance and an insurmountable amount of patience, fishermen perch themselves on cross-shaped beams and wait for their catch of the day! Arrive at your hotel and relax. Includes Breakfast
Stilt Fishing
DAY 8
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 you will see exotic crops such as nutmeg, tea, rubber, coffee, and cinchona are all unique and important to the country of Sri Lanka. The gardens also include a beautiful orchid house and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world. Visit the Town of Kandy and walk among the local streets to experience local shopping.
Optional visit to the International Buddhist Centre or end the day relaxing at your hotel. Arrive at your hotel and relax – Includes Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 20
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GALLE
Today we will enjoy a day visiting Galle Fort, it is a unique Town designed by the Portuguese and Dutch dating back to 1584. Wander and explore the Galle Fort and then return to your hotel for the afternoon to relax and refresh. Includes Breakfast.
Galle Forte
DAY 21
GALLE – NEGOMBO - COLOMBO- Airport
This morning we depart and make our way to the coastal town of Negombo alongside a picturesque lagoon and 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
Negombo Fishing Village