Highlights
- Climb to the ancient monoliths of Pidurangala & Sigiriya
- See elephants in the wild at Minneriya National Park
- Cycle through the rural countryside of Habarana
- Discover Kandy's magnificent Temple of the Sacred Tooth
- Tour the historic fortified city of Galle
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo | Negombo |
Day 2 | Transfer to Dambulla via Marawila & Pidurangala Rock | Dambulla |
Day 3 | Rural Cycling Adventure in Habarana, Minneriya National Park Safari | Dambulla |
Day 4 | Transfer to Kandy via Sigiriya, Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth | Kandy |
Day 5 | Tour a Working Tea Plantation, Transfer to Ahangama | Ahangama |
Day 6 | Day Trip to Historic Galle | Ahangama |
Day 7 | Transfer to Colombo & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the Colombo Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in the laid-back beach town of Negombo. Known as "Little Rome" for its strong Catholic influence, Negombo transitioned over the centuries through Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule. Today its sandy beaches, welcoming locals, meandering canals, and colorful streets make it the perfect spot to enjoy your first evening in Sri Lanka.
Day 2: Transfer to Dambulla via Marawila & Pidurangala Rock

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a scenic transfer northeast toward the ancient city of Dambulla. Along the way, you'll stop at the coastal town of Marawila to watch locals make raa or "toddy," Sri Lanka's famous mildly alcoholic drink made from fresh palm trees. Climbers scale the mature trees to cut a point of the blooming flower and collect its syrup, fermenting it into a tasty tipple. Watch the fascinating process, then try a sip of the fresh delicacy yourself.
Day 3: Rural Cycling Adventure in Habarana, Minneriya National Park Safari

Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Set out into the countryside today on a guided cycling tour through rice paddies and back roads. You'll have the chance to interact with local farmers and learn about Sri Lankan rural life before pedaling to a quiet lake, where you can enjoy a scenic boat trip out onto the water. Afterward, cycle around the lake, keeping your eyes open for exotic birds. Break for a cup of tea or a fresh coconut along the journey, then sit down for lunch with a local family inside a mud hut.
After lunch, head to Minneriya National Park to go on a wildlife safari. A dry season feeding ground for Sri Lanka's elephant population, this park is a great place to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. If you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of rare and endangered Sri Lankan sloth bears and Sri Lankan leopards.
As evening falls, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Dambulla to relax after a long day.
Day 4: Transfer to Kandy via Sigiriya, Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth

Day 5: Tour a Working Tea Plantation, Transfer to Ahangama

Day 6: Day Trip to Historic Galle

Today a short day trip up the coast takes you to the fascinating UNESCO-listed city of Galle. Step back in time as you explore its 300-year-old Dutch fortifications, surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. After a tour of the city's historic past, you'll have time to explore its Dutch-colonial buildings, historic mosques, grand mansions, and museums. Wander the streets and discover stylish cafés, shops, and boutique hotels owned by local and ex-pat artists and designers.
The city is also famous for Unawatuna Bay, a lovely cove protected by a reef. If you feel like cooling off, wrap up the afternoon with a dip in the ocean before heading back to Ahangama for the evening.
Day 7: Transfer to Colombo & Depart

After breakfast (and maybe one last morning at the beach), it's time to meet your driver for the transfer back to Colombo Airport and your departing flight. Safe travels!
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