Experience the best of Sri Lankan culture on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure
From the the heart of the South Coast to the far North, experience true Sri Lankan culture on the adventure of a lifetime. Revisit the past with an extensive tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anuradhapura. Thereafter, make your way to Jaffna for a sweeping look into its tragic yet breathtaking history, by visiting its finest sites. Following your historical trail, head to Trincomalee to catch some quick RnR by the beach. For more of the finest sights, head to Habarana to tour the famed Sigiriya rock and then make your way to Kandy. After your visit to the historic Temple of the Tooth, head down south for more seaside adventures. Conclude your travels with some retail therapy in commercial capital, Colombo.
Why this trip is exactly what you need
- Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anuradhapura and experience old-world charm with its stunning architecture and art. Maybe even do so on the back of a bicycle!
- Trincomalee is renowned for its pristine beaches. A trip to Marble Beach is sure to reinvigorate your senses and give you the chance to glide through the waves with a soothing sea swim.
- Sigiriya is among Sri Lanka’s finest historical sites. Frequently touted as the eighth world wonder, this palatial fortress has been carved into the likeness of a lion. It also features some of the country’s most stunning murals.
- Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the breathtaking Kandy city, by visiting the Temple of the Tooth and witnessing traditional Sri Lankan dances at the Cultural Dance Show.
- Galle is the perfect respite from the rush of everyday life. Unwind by the beach or at a romantic candle-lit dinner in the historic Galle Fort.
- Enjoy urban landscapes and quality shopping during your city tour of Colombo – the perfect way to end any trip!
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Itinerary
Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka. Allow yourself to be welcomed by one of our representatives, with all the warmth characteristic of the island and its people. While you will kickstart your adventure on the following day, languish in the comforts of the coastal city of Negombo on the day prior to your departure. In its own right, Negombo is a fascinating site for a little exploration. Scattered in this area are sites of historic significance, with colonial attractions such as the Old Dutch Fort, the Hamilton Canal, and religious sites such as the Angurukaramulla Temple, open for some quick sightseeing. The area is also brought to life with a string of lively restaurants, bars, and cafes, which travellers can visit to enjoy either delectable local or intercontinental dishes, whichever you prefer!
Accomodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Muthurajawela wetland tour
- Private bike tour through a traditional fishing village
- Private night bird watching tour
- Deep sea fishing tour
Meals
- Meals will not be provided
Today, you make your way to the historic city of Anuradhapura. Containing its very own UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a historian’s dream that awaits your exploration. Once you reach your destination, take some rest and head out in the evening to Mihintale – the presence where Buddhism first took hold in the island. The mountain peak is a site of reverent pilgrimage and hosts prominent religious monuments, as well as abandoned structures from times long gone. Tap into your spirituality on this journey to the summit and experience the deep religious and historical ties this site possesses for many Sri Lankans. Following your tour, head back to the hotel for some rest before your eye-opening explorations of the city the next day.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trip to Mihintale
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today, tour the ancient city of Anuradhapura – maybe even on the back of a bike! If you’re a cycling enthusiast, we can arrange for cycle tours of the city – an experience you’re sure to carry with you for the rest of time. Make your way past ancient temples, palatial structures, and other remnants of Sri Lanka’s history. Anuradhapura was the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom for many, many centuries, starting from the 4th Century BC and ending in the 11th century AD. Your tour here will truly prove to be an other-worldly trip to the history books of Sri Lanka. Once you’re done with this, if time permits, you can book a safari to either the Kaudulla or the Wilpattu National Park, both of which are located closeby.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sightseeing in Anuradhapura
- Optional cycle tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Following your historical adventures, head to the north for a quiet stay in Jaffna. Once the stronghold of the LTTE, a terrorist group in Sri Lanka, the area has known peace and tranquility in the many years since the end of the war. Once there, rest a little at the hotel and gear up for a thrilling exploration of this famous city. On your tour, you will be taken to famous sites including the Nallur Kovil, The Jaffna Public Library, the museum and the old Jaffna Fort. Once you complete your visit to these sights, make sure you enjoy some transcendental seafood at one of many dedicated eateries in the area. Fortunately, if you’re vegetarian, the town is sure to have plenty of restaurants with local dishes and delicacies catered to your requirements.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to prominent sites in Jaffna
Meals Included
- Breakfast
On your second day in Jaffna, more magnificent sightseeing awaits. Head to the Delft Island for a deeper look into the region, and the home to majestic wild ponies. You will take a ferry to reach the island, and once there, can discover its untold glories; from its ancient Boabab Tree to its growing rock. Thereafter, make your way to other sites including the Keeri Malai Kovil, Freshwater Pond, and the Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple. After your visit there, head to Casuarina Beach. Situated on the Karainagar Island, the beach is pleasant respite from the heat of the city. Once done, head to the northernmost point in the island, Point Pedro. Once there, document this moment with your friends or family, likely to be a memory you will never forget!
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to Delft and other tourist spots in Jaffna
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today, make your way to the coastal haven that is Trincomalee. Once there, visit Marble Beach for some of nature’s finest sunbathing spots, and unwind to the soothing sounds of the sea. If you’re up for more vigorous activity, get your adrenaline pumping with some deep sea exploration of the Indian Ocean. There are numerous companies that offer diving gear and tours, plenty of which you can set-up with ease. You can also get a taste of the lush life, by gathering up some of your fellow travellers for an unforgettable cruise in Trincomalee. Once you’re done with your morning activities, you can explore the historic Trincomalee city, on an optional evening tour of the area. Here, you can expect to see sites such as a historic World War II grave, Fort Fredrick, the famed Dutch Bay, and the Kanniya hot water spring.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Optional city tour of Trincomalee
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Travel comfortably and find yourself in the city of Habarana, the heart of Sri Lanka. Considered an important site within Sri Lanka’s famous cultural triangle, you will spend the next two days of your tour here, exploring its magnificent sights and scenery. The first part of your day will include some rest and relaxation at the hotel, following your trip across the country. In the evening, a hike to the Pidurangala Rock will take place, allowing you to witness stunning vistas of the famous lion rock and its surrounding countryside. Set against the backdrop of the setting sun, the site presents an opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture its unrestrained glory. Or, you might even be taken to the Ritigala Forest Monastery, where you can take a pleasant walk down the paths of history. Watch how nature and the past intertwine delightfully in this site, and be privy to the secrets of ancient Sri Lanka.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trek to Pidurangala/Visit to Ritigala Forest Monastery
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Conquer the heights of Sigiriya and enjoy the sights runaway prince Kashyapa was treated to, while he sought refuge in the rock fortress. Witness stunning murals of the women of his court, gaze upon the once-pristine mirror wall, and tour the breathtaking gardens of this ancient palace. While the climb and exploration of Sigiriya will take a few hours, take the rest of the day to explore Habarana and its surrounding areas. In the evening, you could choose to go on an optional tour of the Minneriya National Park or the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Polonnaruwa. The former is a lush ecological paradise, home to endemic wildlife of Sri Lanka; the perfect spot for nature lovers to appreciate the natural heritage of the island. If you’re more of a history buff, the trip to Polonnaruwa would prove to be more appealing; providing a deep dive into the rich past of the nation.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to Sigiriya
- Optional trip to Minneriya National Park/Polonnaruwa
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today, head to Kandy. While you make your way to this historic city, make a quick stop for some cave exploration. A microcosm of the country’s cultural heritage, the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple is a colorful display of the talent that pre-existed modern man. If you choose, you can also visit the famed Matale Spice Garden – the perfect place for those enthralled with eastern and local cuisine. Stroll through the garden, guided by the pleasant aromas, and purchase as much spice as you like to take back with you. Thereafter, continue on your journey to Kandy. Once there, there’s a number of activities you can undertake to keep yourself occupied. From boat rides across the Kandy Lake or a visit to the trippy Helga’s Folly, a hotel famous for its very psychedelic aura and decor, you’re never short on things to do in this cultural hideaway in the hills.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trip to Dambulla Rock Temple
- Trip to Matale Spice Garden (optional)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Rise and shine! After a hearty breakfast, start your day with an invigorating walk through the lush confines of the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. While you stroll, hand-in-hand, with your loved one, soak in the sights of breathtaking orchids in full-bloom, amongst a variety of other flora. Thereafter, make your way to the historic city of Kandy for a truly immersive cultural experience, followed by an optional city tour. In the evening, visit the famed Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), for a transcendental experience you will never forget. Located within the compound of the Royal Palace of Kandy, the temple is known to host a tooth relic from Lord Buddha himself, drawing thousands of visitors to its hallowed site every year. Once done, witness traditional, Sri Lankan dances replete with fire displays, at the Cultural Dance Show; a feast for the eyes and ears of all those who behold it.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- Visit to the Temple of the Tooth
- Cultural Dance Show
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Now, make your way down south for some of the finest beaches Sri Lanka has to offer. Once you make you arrive in Galle, make sure you have some time to relax in the hotel. After you’ve got yourself some relaxing shut-eye, head to the Galle Fort for a trip to streets straight out of a Hollywood movie. Share a laugh or two and an excellent bottle of wine (or two), with your fellow travellers in one of the many, excellent restaurants located all around the fort. The area is nothing but pleasant to explore on foot, and the soft hues of sunset are sure to douse the fort in soft lighting and a gentle breeze. Enjoy the finer side of life during your stay in Galle!
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
As you wake up, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast before your city tour. After your meal, make your way through this coastal city for quaint sightseeing and some great photography. As you go along, take note of the stunning Dutch architecture of the area, apart from the glistening ocean you’re never too far away from. If you haven’t had the chance to tour the Fort, or would like another opportunity to do so, this is the perfect time. You can even get some shopping done here, browsing through a range of clothes, jewellery, local handicrafts, and so much more. As this is likely to be one of your final few days in the country, ensure you take some time to unwind and relax by the beach – reflecting on the amazing journey you’re about to complete.
Accommodation
- Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tour of Galle
Meals Included
- Breakfast
On your last day in the country, make your way to the city of Colombo. In doing so, take the time to engage in some much needed retail therapy. On your city tour, make your way to its expansive malls and departmental stores, guaranteed to provide you with everything you need and more. If you’re interested in local handicrafts and other takeaways that will remind you of your Sri Lankan adventure, stores such as Laksala and Lakpahana are must-visits. Most stores are located a few minutes from each other, making it easy to navigate and complete all your shopping before boarding your flight back home.
Included Activities
- City tour of Colombo
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
12 breakfasts
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nights)
Included activities
- Trip to Mihintale
- Sightseeing in Anuradhapura
- Optional cycle tour of Anuradhapura
- Visit to prominent sites in Jaffna
- Visit to Delft and other tourist hotspots in Jaffna
- Optional city tour of Trincomalee
- Trek to Pidurangala/Visit to Ritigala Forest Monastery
- Visit to Sigiriya
- Optional Visit to the Minneriya National Park/UNESCO World Heritage Site in Polonnaruwa
- Visit to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple
- Optional visit to the Matale Spice Gardens
- Visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- Optional city tour of Kandy
- Visit to the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa)
- Cultural Dance Show
- Tour of Galle
- City tour of Colombo
Essential trip information
Want a more detailed look into this thrilling tour of Sri Lanka? This section provides you with a more detailed itinerary and travel related information, giving you everything you need to plan the adventure of a lifetime!