Highlights
- See sloth bears, Sri Lankan elephants, and spotted deer at Wilpattu National Park
- Ascend Sigiriya Rock for expansive views of Sri Lanka's countryside
- Step inside the gold interiors and impressive Buddha statues of Dambulla Cave
- Take a thrilling Jeep safari through the reserve at Yala National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kalpitiya, Explore | Kalpitiya |
| Day 2 | Wilpattu National Park Wildlife Safari | Kalpitiya |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Sigiriya, Hike the Rock Temple of Pidurangala | Sigiriya |
| Day 4 | Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Hiriwadunna Village, Cycling in Rural Habarana | Sigiriya |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Kandy, Dambulla Cave & Kandy's Temple of the Sacred Tooth | Kandy |
| Day 6 | Tour Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Evening High Tea | Kandy |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Belihuloya, Luxury Ahaspokuna Camp Stay | Belihuloya |
| Day 8 | Ahaspokuna Camp Stay: Hiking & Nature Experience | Belihuloya |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Yala National Park, Jeep Safari, Candlelight Dinner | Yala National Park |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Galle, Historic City Tour | Galle |
| Day 11 | Explore Galle's Tranquil Beaches | Galle |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kalpitiya, Explore
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your flight arrives in the city of Colombo, where you'll be met by your driver and transferred to Kalpitiya, a coastal town known for its islands and varied marine life. Located on a peninsula between the lagoon of Puttalam and the Indian Ocean, this group of 14 islands, once a hub for maritime trade and rogue smugglers, is considered an up-and-coming destination. Here, you'll find unspoiled natural beauty alongside the largest coral reef in the country.
Once you've settled in at your hotel, take some time to explore Kalpitiya under your own steam. History buffs might enjoy a visit to the Kalpitiya Dutch Fort, built in the 1600s to store treasures collected by the Dutch and used as a navy base during the Sri Lankan Civil War. There's also the Dutch Church, one of Sri Lanka's oldest protestant churches, with historic tombstones located on the church floor.
If it's beach time you're after, you've come to the right place. Kalpitiya Beach, located at the northern end of town, is a popular spot for watersports and dolphin watching. With soft white sands and sparkling clear waters, it's easily accessed by boat from Kalpitiya Lagoon. Continue south, and you'll find Kudawa Beach, a vast, sandy coastal stretch with shallow, calm waters. And if you're looking to join in with the kite-surfing crowd, carry on farther south for that perfect surf.
Day 2: Wilpattu National Park Wildlife Safari
Meet your private driver and explore nearby Wilpattu National Park, which, at 508 square miles (1,315 sq km), is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. This protected reserve is home to more than 30 mammal species, including sloth bears, Sri Lankan elephants, and spotted deer. Tour the park in a comfortable 4WD Jeep, and visit areas where the animals are most likely to be seen while your guide shares information on their habits and the park's conservation efforts. You might also spot bird species such as pintail, whistling teal spoonbill, white ibis, or even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Day 3: Transfer to Sigiriya, Hike the Rock Temple of Pidurangala
Today's destination is Sigiriya, a small town known for its proximity to Sigiriya Rock, a towering fortress that you'll explore in detail tomorrow. For now, though, you'll meet your driver for the scenic 3.5-hour drive to your hotel. Settle in, and after a refresh and bite to eat, head out to see one of the region's lesser-known sites, the Rock Temple of Pidurangala. While not as well-known as the famed Sigiriya Rock, it's an equally significant part of Sri Lankan history and a fascinating spot without the crowds.
This ancient monastery, which dates back to the third century CE, once housed more than 500 monks. You'll visit the vast reclining Buddha statue and learn more about the temple's history from your guide as you go. Then, make the 30-minute climb to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding valley.
Day 4: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Hiriwadunna Village, Cycling in Rural Habarana
Rise early this morning to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock. Rising 1,144 feet (349 m) above the landscape, Sigiriya, also known as the "Lion Fortress," is a masterpiece that goes back to the bygone era of the Sinhalese Kingdom in the late fifth century. You'll start at the colossal carved lion paws at the main entrance and ascend the 1,200 granite-carved steps. Travel through the heart of the mountain, noting the rock walls adorned with vivid frescoes along the way. At the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Later on, you'll discover more about Sri Lankan life with a guided bike tour through Habarana in the Anuradhapura district. Enjoy a relaxed cycle past rice paddies, forests, and farms, where you can stop to chat with local farmers and learn more about their daily lives. Then, pedal to a quiet lake for a boat trip across the water. The day ends with a final cycle around the lake and a delicious curry lunch prepared by a local family. Tonight, enjoy a candlelight dinner under the stars, sampling traditional dishes and basking in the romantic atmosphere.
Day 5: Transfer to Kandy, Dambulla Cave & Kandy's Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Today, you're off to Sri Lanka's cultural capital. The UNESCO-listed city of Kandy is known for its Royal Palace, which sits on the edge of serene Lake Kandy and houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha within the Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth). Meet your driver for the scenic two-hour drive, stopping to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla Cave Temple along the way.
Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the site holds great cultural significance, with a history that goes back to the second century. Step inside the caves carved into rocky cliffs to see some of the country's most important religious artwork. Take your time exploring the golden interiors, intricately painted frescoes and the astounding collection of 153 Buddha statues placed within the cave walls—some of which are still used by monks for meditation today.
Arrive in Kandy, and once you've checked in, visit the Royal Palace and Temple of the Tooth. Once the official residence of the kingdom's monarchs, the palace was originally constructed in the 14th century and then rebuilt in the 16th century after it was destroyed by Portuguese invaders. An important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, highlights of the complex include the Audience Hall, the Queen and King's Palace, and the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, housing the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Tonight, you'll have the chance to watch a cultural show with traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Day 6: Tour Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Evening High Tea
Spend today at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, filled with more than 4,000 species of trees and plants. At 147 acres (59 ha), this is one of the largest botanical gardens on the island. Cultivated in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the kings of Kandy, the grounds feature varied plant species—some rare and endemic to the island. Stop by the World Spice Garden and Orchid House exhibits, stroll the grounds of the artificial lake, and admire the giant water lilies. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel to enjoy high tea and, sample fine Ceylon teas, and feast on local delicacies.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Transfer to Belihuloya, Luxury Ahaspokuna Camp Stay
Depart Kandy this morning for Belihuloya, a picturesque village located in the Ratnapura District. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel for the 4.5-hour drive, traveling through the central province and past small towns, tea plantations, and dense forests. Arrive at your accommodations at Ahaspokuna, a camp-stay resort with luxury "glamping" tents amid a wilderness living experience.
Settle into your tent suite, a tastefully decorated space with a lovely outdoor daybed, a bush bathtub overlooking the grasslands, and a gorgeous front deck with an attached living room area. Then, spend some time discovering the resort's amenities. You can take a guided trek to nearby Gan Ella Waterfall, where you'll have excellent chances of spotting the colorful local wildlife, or unwind from the long drive with an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, or meditation. This evening, enjoy dinner at the resort and take it easy ahead of tomorrow's adventures.
Day 8: Ahaspokuna Camp Stay: Hiking & Nature Experience
Today, you'll see more of the Belihuloya region and discover rolling landscapes and lush plantation views with a guided bush walk. Depending on your preferences, choose from hikes that range from two to three hours with varying degrees of difficulty. For those seeking a more challenging route, opt for an all-day bushwalk and embark on a six-hour trek that takes you along steep trails, past hidden waterfalls, and through mountain villages and bean fields. And if you're interested in seeing nocturnal animals, consider a night walk to a nearby watering hole, where you'll likely see elephants or even leopards.
Day 9: Transfer to Yala National Park, Jeep Safari, Candlelit Dinner
The fun continues this afternoon as you set out on a 2.5-hour private transfer to Yala National Park. Encompassing 378 square miles (978 sq km), it's the second-largest park in the country and has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1900. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation, then head out on a thrilling Jeep safari through the park.
Spot an array of wildlife ranging from elephants to peacocks and perhaps even leopards while your guide shares details of the lives and habitats of the animals and the local fauna and flora. wildlife sightings while your guides share information on the animals. While you'll stay in the comfort of your Jeep for most of the tour, there are designated places where you'll be able to stop and stretch your legs. Return to your hotel in time for a candlelit garden dinner under the stars, the perfect romantic conclusion to the day.
Day 10: Transfer to Galle, Historic City Tour
The final leg of your travels takes you to Galle, a UNESCO-listed city known for its 300-year-old Dutch fortifications. Check out of your hotel in Yala and meet your driver for the two-hour drive. Then, after hotel check-in, take a tour of the city. Together with your guide, you'll walk the bustling, narrow streets of the fort and see its Dutch architecture, historic mosques, and museums. After the tour, part ways with your guide and explore under your own steam. Relax with a cool drink at one of the city's many cafés or peruse the independent shops and boutiques for souvenirs.
Day 11: Explore Galle's Tranquil Beaches
Make the most of your final day in Sri Lanka with some leisurely beach time. Sheltered by an offshore coral reef, the waters here are warm and tranquil, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports. Visit Unawatuna or Dewata Beach for surfing or relax on the palm-lined Ahungalla Beach. For a low-key option, head to the secluded Wijeya Beach. The protective reef here creates a lagoon, making it ideal for safe swimming. Wijeya is also where you'll find some of Galle's top restaurants and cafés, so be sure to bring your appetite!
If you're keen on more adventure, opt for a whale and dolphin-watching excursion (season dependent) or visit a local turtle hatchery to learn more about Sri Lanka's turtle preservation efforts. You'll also find several ancient temples and historic sites nearby. In the evening, make the most of your last night in Sri Lanka with sundowners at your hotel before heading out to dinner.
Day 12: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
It's time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka! In the morning, you'll meet your driver for the transfer to Colombo airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!
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