Highlights
- Visit the Elephant Transit Home and Diyaluma Falls on your way to Ella
- Take a scenic train to Kandy, which passes the famous Nine Arch Bridge
- Hike to Ella Rock and climb 1,200 steps to ascend Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Learn about Dutch influences at the Galle Fort and Negombo Dutch Fort
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Galle, Tour the Japanese Peace Pagoda | Galle |
Day 2 | Guided Tour of Galle, Cycle Through the Southern Countryside | Galle |
Day 3 | Transfer to Yala National Park, Afternoon Jeep Safari | Yala National Park |
Day 4 | Morning Safari in Yala National Park, Cooking Demonstration | Yala National Park |
Day 5 | Transfer to Ella via the Elephant Transit Home & Diyaluma Falls | Ella |
Day 6 | Hike to Ella Rock, Train Ride on the Nine Arch Bridge, Zipline Experience | Ella |
Day 7 | Scenic Train to Kandy, Visit the Giragama Tea Factory | Kandy |
Day 8 | Guided Tour of Historic Kandy, Transfer to Sigiriya | Sigiriya |
Day 9 | Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Tour the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa | Sigiriya |
Day 10 | Transfer to Negombo, Half-Day City Tour | Negombo |
Day 11 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Galle, Tour the Japanese Peace Pagoda
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival in the country's biggest city, Colombo, a private driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Galle, a coastal city on the southwestern tip of the island. After checking in and freshening up, meet your guide for a tour of the Japanese Peace Pagoda perched on a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean just outside of the city. This gleaming white pagoda was built by a small order of Japanese Nichiren Buddhists known as nipponzan myōhōji in 2005 as a gift and a symbol of peace and harmony.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Galle, Cycle Through the Southern Countryside
Start your day with a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and then later fortified by the Dutch. Stroll the cobblestone streets within the fort, passing charming Dutch-era villas, quaint cafés, art galleries, and boutique hotels. Then, climb up to the ancient walls flanked by sturdy ramparts that once defended the fort against invaders. Now, the walls offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the bustling city below. As you walk, you'll come across well-preserved canons and watchtowers, giving you a glimpse of the past.
Day 3: Transfer to Yala National Park, Afternoon Jeep Safari
Say goodbye to Galle this morning as you set off on a two-hour transfer to Yala National Park, the second-largest national park in the country. When you arrive, check in at Flameback Eco Lodge and get ready for an optional afternoon safari. Jump in a Jeep and traverse the vast national park spanning 378 square miles (978 sq km). The cooler afternoon temperatures typically bring increased animal activity, giving you the chance to spot elusive leopards, graceful elephants, and herds of deer.
The park's diverse ecosystems, including savannas, wetlands, and dense forests, are the perfect backdrop for wildlife photography, so keep your cameras ready. Your guide will also point out native flora like cinnamon trees, palmyra palms, and wild nutmeg. After the two-hour safari, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars.
Day 4: Morning Safari in Yala National Park, Cooking Demonstration
Get ready for an early wake-up call to experience the park's wildlife at its most active. Hop in a Jeep and set off, looking for leopards coming back from their nightly hunt, herds of elephants heading to water sources to drink and bathe, and spotted deer grazing on the grass. The chirping birds, such as the colorful peacock and the Sri Lankan jungle fowl, welcome you to the dense forests and open grasslands. As the sun rises higher and it gets hotter, return to the lodge for breakfast and some free time by the infinity pool.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Ella via the Elephant Transit Home & Diyaluma Falls
Leave the national park behind this morning as you transfer to the charming town of Ella, nestled in Sri Lanka's highlands. But, if you want to see more wildlife, opt for a short detour to the Elephant Transit Home, just one hour away. This animal protection organization rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, providing them with the care they need to eventually return to their natural habitat. As you tour the facility, you'll observe the elephants being fed, playing with each other, and learning essential survival skills.
Day 6: Hike to Ella Rock, Train Ride on the Nine Arch Bridge, Zipline Experience
If you're up for an active adventure, start your day with a 3-4-hour round-trip hike to Ella Rock, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Sri Lanka. Follow your guide through lush tea plantations and dense forests, gradually ascending toward the summit. When you arrive, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of rolling hills, distant mountains, and the charming town of Ella below. After the hike or a free morning, embark on a scenic train ride over the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an engineering marvel and one of the island's most picturesque spots along the winding Demodara Railway Loop.
Day 7: Scenic Train to Kandy, Visit the Giragama Tea Factory
Dive deeper into Sri Lanka's highlands as you set off on a 6.5-hour train ride to the city of Kandy in the Central Province. Meander through rolling tea plantations, lush forests, and serene valleys, crossing over charming old bridges, including the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. If you look closely, you may even see tea pickers in their colorful sari or cascading waterfalls in the distance. As you pull into the city, Kandy's picturesque lake and the towering spires of its temples will come into view.
Day 8: Guided Tour of Historic Kandy, Transfer to Sigiriya
Today, you'll discover why Kandy is often called the "cultural capital" of Sri Lanka as you set off on a half-day city tour. Head to the Royal Palace, situated on the edge of Lake Kandy, and admire the ornate exterior with its charming colonial architecture, intricate woodwork, and detailed roofline. Then, step inside to explore the opulent rooms and halls full of historical artifacts, royal regalia, and exhibits that narrate the story of the Kandyan Kingdom and its last rulers.
In the palace grounds, you'll find the audience hall and queen's bath, which further highlight the grandeur of the bygone era. Don't miss the on-site Sri Dalada Maligawa, a revered temple housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. If you want to enter the temple, make sure you wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, and remove your footwear before stepping inside. After the tour, meet your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer to Sigiriya, a charming village that's home to a UNESCO-listed rock fortress of the same name.
Day 9: Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Tour the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Lace up your hiking boots and stretch your legs in preparation for the climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress atop the 656-foot-tall (200 m) Lion Rock. To get to the top, you need to conquer 1,200 steps, but you can hike to the halfway point or take regular breaks to admire the colorful frescoes, water gardens, and iconic Lion's Gate along the way. When you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forests and distant hills, then explore the ruins of King Kasyapa's citadel. Discover the remnants of bathing pools, grand halls, defensive walls, and courtyards before trekking back down the rock.
Day 10: Transfer to Negombo, Half-Day City Tour
Your penultimate day in Sri Lanka takes you on a three-hour transfer to Negombo, a charming beach town known for its pristine golden sands, vibrant fishing community, and colonial architecture. Check in at your hotel and leave your bags behind before joining your guide on a half-day city tour. Start with a walk along the Hamilton Canal, enjoying views of colorful fishing boats and lush mangroves. Continue to the Negombo Dutch Fort, built in 1672. Although much of the original structure has been lost to time, the remaining ruins still convey the fort's history as a key military stronghold.
Day 11: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
After spending 11 days exploring Sri Lanka's rich culture and natural beauty, it's time to head home. If you have a later flight, you could make your own way to Negombo Beach to relax on the sand or return to the Hamilton Canal for a scenic boat ride. This historic waterway is commonly known as the "Dutch Canal" among locals, as it was originally constructed by the Dutch as a transportation route in the 17th century. Glide past lush mangroves, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant local markets, then meet your driver and transfer 45 minutes to the airport in Colombo for your flight home. Safe travels!
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