Uncover Sri Lanka's Rich Heritage & Scenic Beauty - 11 Days

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.

Complete the short uphill trek to the pagoda and take in panoramic views of the coastline, with its turquoise waters and golden beaches. Then, walk around the pagoda to meditate or simply admire the intricate architecture and buddhist statues. After exploring the pagoda, transfer back to Galle and head to Church Street on your own to peruse the array of Sri Lankan and international restaurants. If you choose a local restaurant, consider a seafood dish, as that's what Galle is famous for. Sri Lankan crab curry is the most popular, but fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is another coastal specialty. 

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.

In the late afternoon, you'll set off on a scenic bicycle ride through the countryside on a seven-mile (12 km) route. Pedal through quaint villages, where traditional Sri Lankan life unfolds before your eyes, with vibrant markets, local artisans, and friendly villagers. Continue past lush rice paddies, coconut groves, and pineapple plantations, keeping an eye out for wildlife like kingfishers flying overhead or buffalo grazing in the fields. If you opt for a slightly longer ride, take a break for a refreshing hambili (king coconut) or end with a nourishing meal at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Yala National Park, Afternoon Jeep Safari

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. 

In the evening, sit back for a cooking demonstration with the lodge's head chef. In this hands-on class, you'll learn to prepare authentic local dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The chef will also teach you the secrets behind traditional recipes and how to identify local spices and herbs. When everything is ready, savor the fruits of your labor with a communal meal al fresco.

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. 

Back in the car, start the three-hour journey to Ella, making another detour to Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the country at 721 feet (220 m), if you're up for a trek. The path to the falls can be moderately challenging as it's uneven and steep, but your efforts will be rewarded when you arrive at the top of the cascade. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the falls plunging down the rugged cliffs, then jump into the natural pool for a refreshing swim. After hiking back to the car, complete the drive to your new hotel in Ella.

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.

As you cross the bridge, take in views of the verdant foliage and distant mountains. Following the one-hour train ride, head to Flying Ravana Adventure Park to conquer one of the longest and highest ziplines in Asia. Complete a safety briefing, put on your equipment, and sail across the 1,500-foot-long (457 m) zipline at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 kph). As you soar above the ground, your adrenaline rush will be complemented by the verdant valleys, tea plantations, and distant waterfalls below. When you're done, transfer back to the hotel to rest after your action-packed day.

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. 

Meet your driver outside the station and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a visit to the Giragama Tea Factory. When you arrive, set off on a private tour through the lush fields and bustling factory to discover the meticulous process that goes into creating each cup of tea. You'll also learn about the intricate techniques and the history of tea cultivation in the region, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication involved. End the tour with a tasting session to sample the different types of Ceylon tea.

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.

Back on the ground, transfer 1.5 hours to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's ancient capital. Once a thriving city from the 11th to the 13th centuries, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of well-preserved remains. Wander past the remnants of palaces, shrines, and statues, like the iconic Gal Vihara, where three colossal Buddha figures are carved into a single granite rock. There are also plenty of ancient temples, like Vatadage, a circular relic house surrounded by a colonnade of stone pillars, and Lankatilaka, with its enormous image house and towering walls.

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.

Discover a selection of centuries-old churches next, such as St. Mary's Church. Admire the striking pink exterior and grand architecture before stepping inside to look up at the ceiling frescoes that depict biblical scenes. Then, venture inland, passing by small fishing villages where you can observe the locals go about their day-to-day lives, collecting the day's catch or shopping at the local markets. You'll also see hidden temples, like Kadirana Temple, known for its colorful and intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 

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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