17 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered & The Historical North

Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), make your own way to your accommodation, which is situated on the out-skirts of Colombo. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

After breakfast, your leader will provide a brief introduction. Before we depart to the South West Coast, we will take some time to explore the capital of Colombo. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues. You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, where you will have the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Colombo National Museum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the charming town of Balapitiya, where you'll embark on a scenic boat ride along the Madu River. The river is home to 64 islands, and one notable stop is Cinnamon Island, known locally as “Kurundu Doowa.” During your visit, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the process of cinnamon production, as Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon! Next, head to the historic Galle Fort, renowned for its impressive fortifications. This city beautifully blends the past with the present. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Galle Fort showcases the architectural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, making it a captivating place to explore. Afterward, return to your hotel.Inspiring Highlights Madu River Galle Fort Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Yala National Park. Check in and relax at your hotel. Spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard! The game drive will take place in the late afternoon, returning around sunset, as this is an optimal time for animal viewing. Inspiring Highlights Yala National Park Special Information Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September/October under the direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1-2 months prior to departure. During this time Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours, not including Game Drives.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave for Haputale. En route, we witness the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall. This afternoon we will drive to Nine Arch Bridge - also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides. Check-in a your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Rawana Waterfall Nine Arch Bridge Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Haputale. In the afternoon, if time permits, the coach will depart for an afternoon at leisure in Ella, returning in time for dinner in Haputale. Inspiring Highlights Ella Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After an early breakfast, we leave our hotel in Haputale and head to the train station in Bandarawela. From there, we journey by train through the scenic region of Nuwara Eliya, arriving at Nanuoya Station. On arrival we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea. Enjoy an evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Nuwara Eliya Train Journey Tea Plantation Special InformationAs a result of Cyclone Ditwah, certain rail routes are temporarily out of service. If a scheduled train journey cannot operate, we will provide private road transport to ensure your tour continues smoothly. Whenever feasible, and where services are running, we'll still incorporate rail segments into your itinerary. It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we'll conduct the route by road. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today after breakfast we leave for Kandy. Enjoy breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls. On arrival in Kandy, enjoy a city tour. Kandy,the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (visit at own expense) and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces. This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with Kandy Market & Bazaar tour, before checking in to the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Kandy Market & Bazaar Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high. We'll proceed with a visit to the Spice Garden in Matale before heading to Sigiriya Jungles Resort, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships. Inspiring Highlights Dambulla Cave Spice Garden Minneriya National Park Special Information Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Kaudualla or Eco Park on this day instead, pending elephant locations. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including Jeep Safari.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a specialty crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). Enjoy the evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Sigiriya Rock Polonnaruwa City Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

This morning after breakfast we will begin our drive to Trincomalee, a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. On the way, we will visit Fort Frederick & Koneswaram Temple. Fort Frederick was built by Portuguese settlers in 1623. It was captured by the Dutch in 1639 and later on by British troops in 1795. Koneswaram Temple is located inside the fort and on top of Swam rock and it is a highly venerated Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. Upon arrival we will check-in and enjoy an evening at leisure to start exploring Trincomalee - one of Sri Lanka's coastal gems. Inspiring Highlights Fort Frederick Koneswaram Temple Trincomalee Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. On your departure from Sigiriya you will say goodbye to your tour leader, and some of your group who will not be continuing onwards to the North with you. You will be met by a new tour leader, or depending on group size, you may change from your tour leader to a local guide. Local guides are frequently native to the area, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

This morning is free for you to sleep in or enjoy your resort's coastal setting & its facilities. Later in the afternoon, follow your local guide on a city tour of Trincomalee. Inspiring Highlights Trincomalee Special Information Alternatively in the morning, you may want to take an optional boat tour to Pigeon Island (can be booked on tour, approximately a 15 minute boat ride), renowned for its peaceful beach and idyllic snorkelling.

Today after breakfast we continue driving north to the Tamil city of Jaffna. This northern, coastal city was inaccessible for years due to the civil war. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today we begin our half-day Jaffna city tour with our guide. We'll experience daily life as we explore this emerging city. We'll tour the beautiful Jaffna Public Library which was lovingly restored after being destroyed during the civil war. We will also see the Hindu Temple of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important temples in Jaffna. Finish off today's sightseeing like a local enjoying a scoop of ice cream at Jaffna Rio Ice Cream. After your city tour, you will have the afternoon and evening at your leisure to relax or explore further. Inspiring Highlights Jaffna Public Library Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Today after breakfast, we will be departing Jaffna and transferring to the city of Anuradhapura. Upon arrival we'll check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. The highlight of today will be a visit to the magnificent Anuradhapura ruins. Among the ruins you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about. Later on, continue to Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. Locals believe this site of a meeting point between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, who instigated Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Spend the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Anuradhapura ruins Sacred Old Bo Tree Mihintale

After breakfast, we drive 170 km south to our final destination: Negombo. We arrive early in the afternoon, check in to your hotel to make the most of your final hours in Sri Lanka by strolling along the beach or sitting by the pool. Late check-out has been arranged for you to have access to your room until 8pm. At the appropriate time, make your own way to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in time for your departure flight. Note: Since you will arrive in Negombo in the early afternoon, please book flights after 4:00pm. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.