Sri Lanka
The Best of Sri Lanka
Hailed as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” and the “Teardrop of India”, this island nation packs an oversized punch with its wonderful mixture of energetic urban life, long stretches of sleepy, white-sanded beaches, ancient temples and ruins, dramatic scenery and so much more. This 10 day/9 night itinerary is the perfect first timer’s trip to the island and has the right blend of history, culture, must-see sights, and wildlife.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Colombo
Arrive in Colombo. Upon arrival, you will be met by our colleague who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
Meals: None
Meals: None
Day 2 & 3: Sigiriya
You will drive to Sigiriya (approximately 3.5 hours, excluding stops).
In the afternoon, you will visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire visit takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the speed at which you climb. Note: Should you wish to skip the climb or want to climb partially, you will have the flexibility to do so and you can get yourselves photographed with the fortress as a backdrop!
The next day, you will visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops). Your visit will start with the King’s Palace and Baths. You will then visit 3 different ‘tooth relic’ temples before proceeding to the stupas. The visit will end on the far western side of the complex where you will see one of the most astonishing rock carvings of Buddha, in Sri Lanka.
You will also be taken for a “game drive” at Minneriya National Park. Your game drive will be in a private jeep, along with a naturalist.
Meals: B
In the afternoon, you will visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire visit takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the speed at which you climb. Note: Should you wish to skip the climb or want to climb partially, you will have the flexibility to do so and you can get yourselves photographed with the fortress as a backdrop!
The next day, you will visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops). Your visit will start with the King’s Palace and Baths. You will then visit 3 different ‘tooth relic’ temples before proceeding to the stupas. The visit will end on the far western side of the complex where you will see one of the most astonishing rock carvings of Buddha, in Sri Lanka.
You will also be taken for a “game drive” at Minneriya National Park. Your game drive will be in a private jeep, along with a naturalist.
Meals: B
Day 4: Kandy
You will drive to Kandy (approximately 3 hours, excluding stops).
On the way, you will visit the magical cave temples of Dambulla (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Protected within the caves are hundreds of statues of Buddha, many carved out of the rock itself. Note: The climb from the base is not strenuous and can be done at a leisurely pace. There are approximately 200 steps and it takes about 30 minutes. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes before accessing the inner chambers.
You will then take a walking tour of a picturesque farm that offers stunning views of the Aluvihare Mountains. You will also participate in a hands-on cooking session, followed by lunch.
During your stay in Kandy, you will visit one of the most sacred places of Sri Lanka – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.
Meals: B
On the way, you will visit the magical cave temples of Dambulla (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Protected within the caves are hundreds of statues of Buddha, many carved out of the rock itself. Note: The climb from the base is not strenuous and can be done at a leisurely pace. There are approximately 200 steps and it takes about 30 minutes. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders and remove your shoes before accessing the inner chambers.
You will then take a walking tour of a picturesque farm that offers stunning views of the Aluvihare Mountains. You will also participate in a hands-on cooking session, followed by lunch.
During your stay in Kandy, you will visit one of the most sacred places of Sri Lanka – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.
Meals: B
Day 5 & 6: Hatton
You will drive to the Kandy Railway Station in time to board your train to Hatton. Note: Train seats are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed well in advance. In the unlikely event, we do not get seats; you will be driven to Hatton via a scenic route.
Your chauffeur-guide will drop you at Kandy Station, ensure you are on the train and drive to Hatton with your baggage. He will meet you on arrival at Hatton railway station and drive you to your resort.
During your stay, you will be taken on a guided tea plantation and factory visit with a resident planter, during which you will learn about the story of Ceylonese Tea.
You will also take a guided kayaking expedition on Castlereagh Lake. Note: This kayaking expedition is subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
Meals: B, L, D
Your chauffeur-guide will drop you at Kandy Station, ensure you are on the train and drive to Hatton with your baggage. He will meet you on arrival at Hatton railway station and drive you to your resort.
During your stay, you will be taken on a guided tea plantation and factory visit with a resident planter, during which you will learn about the story of Ceylonese Tea.
You will also take a guided kayaking expedition on Castlereagh Lake. Note: This kayaking expedition is subject to the prevailing weather conditions.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 & 8: Galle
You will be driven to Castlereagh Reservoir in time to check-in for your flight to Koggala Airport. On arrival, you will be met by your chauffeur-guide who will drive you to Galle (approximately 50 minutes, excluding stops).
During your stay, you will visit Galle Fort with a local expert (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the best-preserved colonial sea fortresses in Asia.
You will also visit a local family home for a culinary experience. Your host is a charming 4th generation fort resident who is passionate about cooking and is well-known in Galle for her impressive food. Once you’ve finished cooking, you will sit down with the family to enjoy the food you’ve helped make.
You may also like to participate in the following activities at an additional charge:
During your stay, you will visit Galle Fort with a local expert (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the best-preserved colonial sea fortresses in Asia.
You will also visit a local family home for a culinary experience. Your host is a charming 4th generation fort resident who is passionate about cooking and is well-known in Galle for her impressive food. Once you’ve finished cooking, you will sit down with the family to enjoy the food you’ve helped make.
You may also like to participate in the following activities at an additional charge:
- Whale watching expedition
- Visit a Cinnamon Plantation on bicycles
- Visit a traditional Southern Village
- Visit a local fish market
- Watch ‘fisherman on stilts’
Day 9: Galle – Colombo
You will drive to Colombo (approximately 2.5 hours, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will visit one of the houses of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa which is an essay in architectural brilliance. You will then visit Saskia Fernando Art Gallery which showcases the island’s unique contemporary art scene.
Thereafter, you will leave for an experiential walk of Colombo City with the local historian and photography buff or with a core member from his team, who will take you through the glory days of Colombo Fort. The walk will focus on photography, architecture and history.
Meals: B
On arrival, you will visit one of the houses of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa which is an essay in architectural brilliance. You will then visit Saskia Fernando Art Gallery which showcases the island’s unique contemporary art scene.
Thereafter, you will leave for an experiential walk of Colombo City with the local historian and photography buff or with a core member from his team, who will take you through the glory days of Colombo Fort. The walk will focus on photography, architecture and history.
Meals: B
Day 10: Depart Colombo
Today, you will be met by our colleague in the lobby of your hotel, and he will escort you to the airport in time to check-in for your homeward flight (details to be advised).
Meals: B
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
