Two Shores

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1
   Arrival in Negombo

   Airport Arrival & Transfer

   • Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, a relaxed coastal town close to the airport and an ideal spot to begin the tour.
   • Check in and take some time to rest after your flight.

   Evening at Leisure

   • The remainder of the evening is free.
   • You may enjoy a stroll along Negombo Beach, watch the fishing boats come in, or simply relax at the hotel before dinner.

   Overnight: Negombo Meals: Dinner

2. Day 2
   Negombo Sightseeing & Leisure

   Morning — Negombo Town

   • After breakfast, take a morning tour of Negombo.
   • The tour can include the bustling Negombo Fish Market, one of the largest in the country, the Dutch Canal that once carried cinnamon to the port, and the old Dutch Fort gateway and St. Mary's Church.
   • Optionally, take a boat ride through the Muthurajawela wetland marsh to see mangroves and birdlife close to the lagoon.

   Afternoon — Leisure

   • The rest of the day is kept free for relaxation.
   • Enjoy the beach, the hotel pool, or a walk along the seafront before continuing north the next day.

   Overnight: Negombo Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

3. Day 3
   Negombo → Jaffna

   Journey North

   • After breakfast, check out and begin the long drive north to Jaffna, the cultural heart of the Tamil-speaking north.
   • The journey passes through the North Central dry zone, with paddy fields, palmyrah palms and small rural towns marking the changing landscape as you head towards the peninsula.

   Arrival in Jaffna

   • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
   • The evening is free for relaxation after a long day on the road.

   Overnight: Jaffna Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

4. Day 4
   Jaffna Cultural & Heritage Sightseeing

   Full-Day Jaffna Exploration

   • After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Jaffna and the surrounding peninsula.
   • The sightseeing programme can include Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Jaffna Public Library, local markets, historic churches, traditional northern villages and cultural landmarks.

   Jaffna Fort

   • Visit the historic Jaffna Fort and learn about the region's colonial and military history.

   Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

   • Visit the impressive Nallur temple complex and experience an important part of Jaffna's cultural heritage.
   • Visitors should follow local religious customs and dress respectfully.

   Local Jaffna Experience

   • Explore the local area and experience the distinctive food, architecture, traditions and lifestyle of northern Sri Lanka.
   • Return to the hotel in the evening.

   Overnight: Jaffna Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

5. Day 5
   Jaffna Islands & Northern Coast Excursion

   Nainativu (Nagadeepa) Island

   • After breakfast, take a short ferry crossing to Nainativu, one of the islands off the Jaffna peninsula.
   • Visit the Nagadeepa Purana Vihara, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and the neighbouring Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, both located within a short walk of each other.
   • (Subject to ferry schedules and sea conditions, a longer excursion to Delft Island — known for its wild ponies, coral-stone walls and Dutch-era ruins — can be arranged instead.)

   Northern Coastal Sites

   • Depending on time and interest, the day can also include a visit to Point Pedro, the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka, the Keerimalai natural springs, and the shell-white sands of Casuarina Beach.
   • Return to Jaffna town in the evening.

   Overnight: Jaffna Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

6. Day 6
   Jaffna → Trincomalee

   Journey to the East Coast

   • After breakfast, check out and travel south-east towards Trincomalee, one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
   • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

   Evening — Koneswaram Temple

   • In the evening, visit the Koneswaram Temple, dramatically perched atop Swami Rock overlooking the Indian Ocean.
   • The site offers one of the best sunset views on the east coast before returning to the hotel.

   Overnight: Trincomalee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

7. Day 7
   Trincomalee Sightseeing & Pigeon Island

   Morning — Pigeon Island National Park

   • After an early breakfast, take a boat out to Pigeon Island National Park, one of Sri Lanka's best snorkelling spots.
   • Explore the shallow coral reefs, home to reef sharks, sea turtles and colourful reef fish (mask and snorkel arrangements available locally).

   Afternoon — Trincomalee Town

   • In the afternoon, visit Fort Frederick, built on the site of an earlier Portuguese fort, and the nearby Marble Beach.
   • Optionally, visit the Kanniya Hot Wells, a set of seven ancient wells with naturally heated water.

   Overnight: Trincomalee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

8. Day 8
   Trincomalee → Arugam Bay

   Journey Down the East Coast

   • After breakfast, check out and travel south along the scenic east coast towards Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka's most famous surf town.
   • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

   Evening at Leisure

   • Spend the evening relaxing on the beach or exploring the laid-back town centre with its beachfront cafes and surf shops.

   Overnight: Arugam Bay Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

9. Day 9
   Arugam Bay Surf & Nature Day

   Morning — Surf & Coastal Points

   • After breakfast, spend the morning at Arugam Bay's famous Main Point, whether taking a surf lesson or simply watching the waves.
   • Visit nearby Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point and Elephant Rock, popular surf breaks and viewpoints along this stretch of coast.

   Afternoon — Lagoon & Ancient Ruins

   • In the afternoon, take an optional boat safari on Pottuvil Lagoon, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, water birds and, at the right time of year, elephants along the shoreline.
   • Visit Muhudu Maha Vihara, a set of ancient temple ruins set right on the beach, before returning to the hotel for a relaxed evening.

   Overnight: Arugam Bay Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

10. Day 10
    Arugam Bay → Yala

    Journey to Yala

    • After breakfast, check out and continue south towards Yala, Sri Lanka's most visited wildlife destination.
    • Upon arrival in the Yala area, check in to your hotel or wildlife lodge.

    Evening at Leisure

    • The remainder of the evening is kept free for relaxation.
    • You may enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the hotel, spend time at the swimming pool or simply rest before the following day's wildlife experience.

    Overnight: Yala Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

11. Day 11
    Yala National Park Safari

    Morning Wildlife Safari

    • Wake up early and prepare for an exciting wildlife experience in Yala National Park.
    • Depart with a safari jeep and enter the park during the morning hours, when wildlife activity can be particularly interesting.
    • Explore the park's different habitats, including forests, grasslands, lagoons and rocky landscapes.
    • Possible sightings include: Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, wild buffalo, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys, peacocks, and eagles and other birds.

    Evening

    • Return to the hotel after the safari and spend the evening at leisure.

    Overnight: Yala Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

12. Day 12
    Kataragama Sacred City & Second Safari

    Morning — Kataragama

    • After breakfast, take a short excursion to Kataragama, one of Sri Lanka's most important multi-religious pilgrimage towns, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the indigenous Vedda community alike.
    • Visit the Kataragama Devalaya, the Kiri Vehera stupa, and the Menik Ganga, the sacred river where pilgrims bathe before entering the temple complex.

    Afternoon — Optional Second Safari

    • In the afternoon, an optional second safari can be arranged, either back in Yala or at nearby Bundala National Park, known for its lagoons and rich birdlife.
    • Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on natural movement and prevailing conditions.

    Overnight: Yala Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

13. Day 13
    Yala → Ella → Nine Arch Bridge

    Scenic Journey to Ella

    • After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic journey from Yala towards Ella.
    • The landscape gradually changes as you leave the southern lowlands and travel into the central highlands.
    • Enjoy views of mountains, forests, valleys, waterfalls and tea-growing areas along the journey.

    Arrival in Ella

    • Upon arrival in Ella, check in to your hotel and take some time to refresh.

    Evening — Nine Arch Bridge

    • In the evening, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of Ella's most iconic attractions.
    • Walk through the surrounding greenery and tea plantations to reach the historic railway bridge.
    • If the railway timetable allows, you may have an opportunity to see a train travelling across the bridge.

    Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

14. Day 14
    Ella Hiking & Mountain Experience

    Morning — Little Adam's Peak

    • After breakfast, begin a morning hiking experience at Little Adam's Peak.
    • The trail provides beautiful views over Ella's surrounding mountains, valleys and tea plantations.

    Afternoon

    • Return to the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.

    Evening — Optional Ella Rock Hike

    • For guests looking for an additional adventure, an optional Ella Rock hike can be arranged.
    • The hike involves more challenging terrain and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
    • After completing the hike, return to the hotel and relax.

    Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

15. Day 15
    Ella Waterfalls & Nature Day

    Morning — Ravana Falls & Rawana Cave

    • After breakfast, visit Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, and the nearby Rawana Ella Cave, linked in local legend to the Ramayana story.
    • Take a walk through a working tea estate and learn how the surrounding hillsides are cultivated.

    Afternoon — Diyaluma Falls

    • In the afternoon, continue to Diyaluma Falls, the country's second-highest waterfall.
    • For active guests, an optional hike to the natural infinity pools above the falls can be arranged, offering spectacular views over the valley below.
    • Guests looking for extra adventure may also arrange an optional zipline experience in the Ella area before returning to the hotel.

    Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

16. Day 16
    Ella → Nuwara Eliya

    Journey Through the Hill Country

    • After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Nuwara Eliya.
    • Travel through the spectacular central highlands, passing tea plantations, mountain valleys, forests and waterfalls.

    Optional Scenic Train Experience

    • Subject to train schedules and ticket availability, the journey can include an optional scenic train experience through Sri Lanka's hill country.
    • Depending on the selected train service and availability, the chauffeur will arrange the road transfer to meet you at the appropriate station.

    Arrival & Sightseeing

    • Continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel.
    • Depending on available time, sightseeing can include Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, colonial-era buildings and the town centre.
    • Enjoy the cool climate and unique atmosphere of this mountain town.

    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

17. Day 17
    Horton Plains & World's End Hike

    Early Morning — Horton Plains National Park

    • Depart very early for Horton Plains National Park, timed to reach the famous World's End viewpoint before the mist rolls in.
    • Follow the circular walking trail across the high-altitude plateau, home to sambar deer and a rich variety of montane flora.
    • The trail also passes Baker's Falls, a scenic waterfall roughly halfway around the loop.

    Afternoon — Leisure

    • Return to Nuwara Eliya by early afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
    • Optional activities include boating on Gregory Lake or a walk through the town's colonial-era streets and market.

    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

18. Day 18
    Nuwara Eliya → Kandy → Temple of the Tooth & Cultural Dance

    Journey to Kandy

    • After breakfast, check out and continue towards Kandy, travelling through the beautiful central highlands.
    • Along the way, stop at a traditional Ceylon Tea Factory.

    Tea Factory Visit

    • Learn about Sri Lanka's famous tea industry and the journey from freshly picked tea leaves to the finished product, including cultivation, picking, withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, grading and packing.
    • Enjoy a cup of authentic Ceylon tea before continuing towards Kandy.

    Evening — Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

    • Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa.
    • Explore this important Buddhist and cultural landmark and learn about its connection with Sri Lanka's Kandyan Kingdom.

    Kandyan Cultural Dance

    • In the evening, experience a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance performance, with traditional music, costumes and dance representing Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

    Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

19. Day 19
    Kandy City Tour → Peradeniya → Leisure

    Morning — Kandy City Tour

    • After breakfast, begin a morning tour of Kandy, exploring its unique combination of history, culture and mountain scenery.
    • The city tour may include Kandy Lake, historic streets, local markets and cultural landmarks.

    Royal Botanic Gardens — Peradeniya

    • Continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, and enjoy a peaceful walk through one of Sri Lanka's most famous botanical gardens.

    Afternoon — Leisure

    • Return to your hotel after the sightseeing.
    • The afternoon and evening are kept free for relaxation.

    Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

20. Day 20
    Kandy → Spice Garden → Dambulla → Sigiriya

    Journey to the Cultural Triangle

    • After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin the journey towards Sigiriya.
    • Travel through the central region of Sri Lanka, passing villages, forests and agricultural landscapes.

    Spice Garden Visit

    • Stop at a traditional Spice Garden and discover locally grown spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves and nutmeg, and their role in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional practices.

    Dambulla Cave Temple

    • Continue to Dambulla and visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple.
    • Explore the historic cave complex, Buddha statues and traditional murals.

    Continue to Sigiriya

    • After the temple visit, continue towards Sigiriya.
    • Check in to your hotel and relax.

    Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

21. Day 21
    Sigiriya Rock Fortress → Traditional Sri Lankan Life → Minneriya Safari

    Morning — Sigiriya Rock Fortress

    • Start the day early with breakfast before visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
    • Explore the ancient gardens, water gardens, frescoes, Lion's Paw area and archaeological remains, and continue to the summit for panoramic views across the surrounding forests and countryside.

    Traditional Sri Lankan Life Experience

    • In the afternoon, experience traditional Sri Lankan rural life through a village walk, a paddy-field experience, a bullock-cart ride or a traditional cooking demonstration.

    Evening — Minneriya National Park Safari

    • In the late afternoon, proceed for a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park, exploring its forests, grasslands and reservoir surroundings by safari jeep, and looking for elephants, deer, buffalo, crocodiles and birdlife.

    Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

22. Day 22
    Sigiriya / Habarana — Leisure Day

    Full Day at Leisure

    • Today is intentionally kept free for relaxation.
    • Possible optional activities include swimming and hotel relaxation, a spa treatment, cycling through the countryside, a village walk, an optional jeep safari, or a local cooking experience.
    • The day can also simply be spent relaxing at the hotel.

    Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

23. Day 23
    Polonnaruwa Ancient City Day Trip

    Full-Day Excursion to Polonnaruwa

    • After breakfast, take a full-day excursion to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Explore the ruins of the Royal Palace and Council Chamber, the Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues, the Rankoth Vehera stupa, and the Parakrama Samudra, a vast man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu.
    • An optional cycling tour is a popular way to explore the spread-out archaeological site, which is largely flat and shaded by forest.

    Evening

    • Return to Sigiriya / Habarana in the evening for a relaxed night before continuing back to the coast.

    Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

24. Day 24
    Sigiriya → Negombo

    Journey Back to the West Coast

    • After breakfast, check out and begin the journey back to Negombo, marking the final stage of the tour.
    • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

    Evening at Leisure

    • Spend your final evening relaxing on the beach, enjoying the hotel facilities, or doing some last-minute shopping in Negombo town.

    Overnight: Negombo Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

25. Day 25
    Departure

    Departure

    • After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Sri Lankan journey to a close.

    Overnight: — Meals: Breakfast