Sri Lanka in Depth

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1
   Negombo → Yala

   Journey to Yala

   • After breakfast, begin your journey from Negombo towards Yala, travelling south through Sri Lanka's changing landscapes.
   • As you travel, the scenery gradually changes from the western coastal region to the southern countryside, with villages, paddy fields, forests and tropical landscapes along the route.
   • The journey to Yala provides an opportunity to experience the changing character of Sri Lanka as you move towards the country's famous wildlife region.

   Arrival in Yala

   • Upon arrival in the Yala area, check in to your hotel or wildlife lodge.
   • Take some time to relax and settle into your accommodation.

   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

2. Day 2
   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.
   • Wildlife sightings depend entirely on natural animal movement and prevailing conditions.

   Option — Full-Day Safari

   • For guests who want a more extensive wildlife experience, a full-day Yala safari can be arranged instead of the morning safari.
   • A full-day safari allows more time to explore different areas of the park and observe the varied habitats and wildlife.
   • Lunch arrangements can be made according to the safari operator's arrangements.

   Evening

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

   Overnight: Yala Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

3. Day 3
   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.
   • Enjoy the impressive combination of railway heritage, lush vegetation and mountain scenery.
   • If the railway timetable allows, you may have an opportunity to see a train travelling across the bridge.
   • Spend some time taking photographs and enjoying the peaceful surroundings before returning to Ella.

   Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

4. Day 4
   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.
   • Enjoy a relaxed hike through the hill-country landscape and take time to appreciate the scenery from the viewpoints.
   • The morning hike is designed to allow you to enjoy Ella's natural beauty without rushing.

   Afternoon

   • Return to the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.
   • The afternoon is intentionally kept flexible so you can rest before the optional evening hike.

   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.
   • The trail passes through natural surroundings and provides spectacular views across the Ella mountain landscape.
   • After completing the hike, return to the hotel and relax.

   Overnight: Ella Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

5. Day 5
   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.
   • The train journey provides an opportunity to experience one of Sri Lanka's most famous railway routes, passing through tea plantations, tunnels, forests and mountain landscapes.
   • Depending on the selected train service and availability, the chauffeur will arrange the road transfer to meet you at the appropriate station.

   Arrival in Nuwara Eliya

   • Continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel.
   • The evening is free to relax and enjoy the cool mountain climate.

   Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

6. Day 6
   Nuwara Eliya → Kandy → Temple of the Tooth & Cultural Dance

   Morning — Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing

   • After breakfast, explore the charming hill-country town of Nuwara Eliya.
   • Depending on available time, sightseeing can include Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, colonial-era buildings, scenic viewpoints, the town centre and surrounding tea-country landscapes.
   • Enjoy the cool climate and unique atmosphere of this mountain town.

   Nuwara Eliya → Kandy

   • 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.
   • Discover the different stages of tea production, including tea cultivation, picking, withering, rolling, fermentation / oxidation, 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.
   • Enjoy traditional music, costumes and dance representing Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
   • After the performance, return to your hotel.

   Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

7. Day 7
   Kandy City Tour → Peradeniya → Leisure

   Morning — Kandy City Tour

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

   Royal Botanic Gardens — Peradeniya

   • Continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya.
   • Explore the extensive gardens, tropical plant collections, large trees and landscaped areas.
   • 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.
   • You may explore Kandy independently, enjoy the hotel facilities or simply rest.

   Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

8. Day 8
   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 some of the spices and plants that have played an important role in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional practices.
   • Learn about locally grown spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg and other tropical spices and plants.

   Dambulla Cave Temple

   • Continue to Dambulla and visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple.
   • Explore the historic cave complex, Buddha statues and traditional murals.
   • Learn about the religious and cultural importance of this remarkable site.

   Continue to Sigiriya

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

   Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

9. Day 9
   Sigiriya Rock Fortress → Traditional Sri Lankan Life → Minneriya Safari

   Morning — Sigiriya Rock Fortress

   • Start the day early with breakfast before visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
   • Begin the climb while temperatures are cooler.
   • Explore the ancient gardens, water gardens, frescoes, Lion's Paw area and archaeological remains.
   • Continue to the summit and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding forests and countryside.
   • After exploring the fortress, descend and return to the hotel area.

   Traditional Sri Lankan Life Experience

   • In the afternoon, experience traditional Sri Lankan rural life.
   • Depending on the selected experience, activities may include a traditional village walk, a paddy-field experience, local farming activities, a traditional cooking demonstration, preparation of authentic Sri Lankan food, a bullock-cart or village transport experience, and local village interaction.
   • Enjoy an opportunity to understand everyday life and traditions outside Sri Lanka's major tourist centres.

   Evening — Minneriya National Park Safari

   • In the late afternoon, proceed for a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park.
   • Explore the park's forests, grasslands and reservoir surroundings by safari jeep.
   • Look for elephants, deer, buffalo, crocodiles and a variety of bird species.
   • Return to the hotel after the safari.

   Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

10. Day 10
    Sigiriya / Habarana — Leisure Day

    Full Day at Leisure

    • Today is intentionally kept free for relaxation.
    • Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel after several days of sightseeing and hiking.
    • Possible optional activities include swimming and hotel relaxation, a spa treatment, cycling through the countryside, a village walk, an optional jeep safari, a local cooking experience, an optional nature activity, or exploring the surrounding area.
    • The day can also simply be spent relaxing at the hotel.

    Overnight: Sigiriya / Habarana Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

11. Day 11
    Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee

    Journey to Polonnaruwa

    • After breakfast, check out and travel towards Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals.

    Polonnaruwa

    • Depending on the schedule, enjoy a visit or selected sightseeing within the ancient city.
    • Polonnaruwa is famous for its ancient ruins, temples, statues and impressive archaeological remains.
    • Explore important areas of the ancient kingdom before continuing towards the eastern coast.

    Polonnaruwa → Trincomalee

    • Continue towards Trincomalee.
    • As you approach the eastern coast, the landscape changes to tropical coastal scenery.
    • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.

    Overnight: Trincomalee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

12. Day 12
    Trincomalee Leisure Day

    Full Day at Leisure

    • Enjoy a relaxed day in Trincomalee.
    • The day is intentionally left open after the previous days of cultural sightseeing and travelling.
    • You may enjoy beach relaxation, swimming, hotel facilities, coastal walks, an optional boat excursion, optional snorkelling or diving, a local seafood experience, or leisure time at the beach.
    • Activities can be selected according to weather, sea conditions and personal preference.

    Overnight: Trincomalee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

13. Day 13
    Trincomalee → Anuradhapura

    Journey to Anuradhapura

    • After breakfast, check out and begin your journey towards Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most important ancient cities.
    • Travel through the dry-zone countryside, passing villages, forests and agricultural areas.

    Arrival in Anuradhapura

    • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
    • Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening or take a short walk around the local area.
    • Prepare for the following day's full-day exploration of the ancient city.

    Overnight: Anuradhapura Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

14. Day 14
    Full-Day Anuradhapura Heritage Tour

    Ancient City of Anuradhapura

    • After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most important ancient capitals.
    • Discover the remains of the ancient kingdom and its extraordinary Buddhist heritage.
    • The sightseeing programme may include Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiri, Thuparamaya, ancient monasteries, ancient reservoirs, moonstones and guardstones, and historic ruins and archaeological sites.
    • Take time to explore the different areas and learn about the history and cultural importance of Anuradhapura.

    Evening

    • Return to your hotel after the full-day sightseeing experience.
    • Relax and prepare for the following day's journey north.

    Overnight: Anuradhapura Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

15. Day 15
    Anuradhapura → Jaffna

    Journey to Northern Sri Lanka

    • After breakfast, check out and begin the journey towards Jaffna, travelling further north.
    • As you travel towards the northern peninsula, you will experience a noticeably different landscape and cultural environment.
    • The journey provides an opportunity to see rural communities, dry-zone landscapes and the distinctive northern scenery.

    Arrival in Jaffna

    • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
    • The evening is free for relaxation.

    Overnight: Jaffna Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

16. Day 16
    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

17. Day 17
    Jaffna Leisure Day

    Full Day at Leisure

    • Enjoy a relaxed day in Jaffna.
    • After an extensive journey through Sri Lanka's cultural and historical regions, this day provides time to slow down and experience Jaffna at your own pace.
    • Optional activities may include a beach visit, local market exploration, a traditional food experience, cycling, a visit to nearby islands, local village exploration, photography, or relaxing at the hotel.
    • All optional activities can be arranged according to weather, time and availability.

    Overnight: Jaffna Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

18. Day 18
    Jaffna → Negombo

    Journey Back to Negombo

    • After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the journey south towards Negombo.
    • The long-distance journey provides a final opportunity to observe Sri Lanka's changing landscapes as you travel from the northern peninsula towards the western coast.

    Arrival in Negombo

    • Upon arrival in Negombo, check in to your hotel or proceed to your selected final drop-off point.
    • Depending on your onward travel arrangements, the tour can conclude in Negombo or connect with an airport transfer.

    End of Tour

    • Your 18-day Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end after travelling through the country's wildlife parks, mountains, ancient kingdoms, cultural centres and northern peninsula.

    Overnight: Negombo Meals: Breakfast