Ultimate Sri Lanka and South India: 28 days Colombo to Chennai

Be welcomed to Sri Lanka before transferring to Negombo, a vibrant coastal town known for its rich fishing heritage and colonial influences. Check into your luxury boutique hotel for the next two nights, Wattura Resort & Spa, with mesmerising views over the water.

Travel to Muthurajawela Wetlands Sanctuary to explore one of Sri Lanka’s important ecological reserves at the southern end of the Negombo Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through mangroves and waterways while observing a variety of bird species, butterflies, reptiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Return to the historic beach town of Negombo to visit the bustling fish market, where you can witness the daily rhythm of local fishermen, explore churches reflecting the town’s strong Catholic heritage and see the Dutch canals built during the colonial era.

This evening, join an in-depth walking tour exclusively designed by a local expert. Visit the remains of the town’s former fort, which saw fierce battles between the Dutch and Portuguese in the 17th century before being converted into a prison by the British in the late 1800s.

Your welcome dinner tonight is set on the beaches of Negombo.

This morning, journey towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, and learn about its captive elephant care and breeding program.

Continue to the sacred city of Anuradhapura, widely acknowledged as Sri Lanka’s first ancient kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a flourishing religious and political capital for over 1,300 years, the city was eventually reclaimed by the jungle. Explore its well-preserved ruins, towering stupas and sacred Bodhi tree while learning about the kings, civilisations and spiritual traditions that shaped this remarkable destination.

Visit the majestic Aukana Buddha Statue, a 12-metre-high rock-carved figure dating back to the 5th century, admired as one of Sri Lanka’s finest examples of Buddhist art.

Afterwards, check in to Uga Ulagalla, a resort hidden amidst acres of greenery and centred around a historic 150-year-old mansion, and relax in your Pool Villa for a two-night stay.

Spend a relaxing day at Uga Ulagalla, enjoying the luxurious property and its serene surroundings. Unwind in the comfort of your villa, take in the beautiful landscapes, and experience the exceptional amenities the resort has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this exquisite retreat.

Later this afternoon, enjoy a scenic excursion to Nachchaduwa, a tranquil lake fringed by natural beauty. Take in the peaceful ambiance before your Scenic Sundowners event with free-flow drinks at sunset, a perfect moment to pause, reflect and capture unforgettable memories.

Check out and drive to the World Heritage-listed historical city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital after the fall of Anuradhapura. Set beside a vast man-made lake, its remaining city walls, temples and dagobas reveal the grandeur of this once-opulent garden city.

After lunch, embark on an exciting safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for its large gatherings of wild elephants. Explore the park’s dry forests and open grasslands while spotting elephants, deer, monkeys and a variety of birdlife for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Check in to Water Garden Sigiriya for the night. Set within a meticulously designed landscape of winding streams and lush greenery, the chic villas feature spacious interiors, private plunge pools and secret gardens, seamlessly blending elegance with nature.

Scenic Freechoice:
This early morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice activity. Climb the famous ‘Lion’s Rock’ at Sigiriya, a UNESCO-listed rock fortress and ancient city dating back to the 5th century and admire its frescoes and panoramic views over the Cultural Triangle. Alternatively, spend a relaxing morning at your hotel.

After check-out, continue to Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rock-cut caves, statues and richly painted Buddhist murals preserved over centuries.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional spice garden to learn about the cultivation and uses of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, and other aromatic herbs in Sri Lankan cuisine. Then travel to the sacred city of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala kings before British rule, now part of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed cultural heartland.

Check in to TheTrees Kandy for two nights, a luxury boutique sanctuary nestled among century-old trees with elevated views over Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Explore this cultural city by tuk tuk visiting the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

At Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, wander through expansive lawns and themed sections showcasing orchids, palms, medicinal plants and towering tropical trees, all in a tranquil riverside setting. Then visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and learn about the history and rituals surrounding this sacred relic.

Scenic Enrich
This evening, enjoy a Scenic Enrich experience with a captivating Kandyan cultural show. Traditional dancers in vibrant costumes perform to rhythmic drumming and ancient melodies. Afterwards, savour dinner at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s cultural encounters.

After the show, enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel, experiencing the flavours and hospitality of this charming venue.

Tea is synonymous with Sri Lanka, and today you journey into its misty highlands. Board a train for a scenic ride through emerald hills and tea estates to Hatton in the Nuwara Eliya District, one of the country’s most celebrated tea-growing regions.

Continue to your Scenic Special Stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, a collection of restored planters’ bungalows set amid working tea gardens. Spend two nights here in the high country, where elegant bedrooms, cosy lounges, libraries and dining rooms are designed for slow, indulgent living, framed by sweeping valley and lake views. This afternoon, enjoy high tea overlooking green blankets of tea plantations and the Castlereagh Reservoir.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice excursion. Join the resident tea planter for a visit to a working tea factory and learn about the journey of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup, finishing with a tasting of different grades. Alternatively, enjoy a guided kayak on Castlereagh Lake or take a guided bike ride through the surrounding trails.

The rest of the day is yours to relax. Follow marked walking trails around the estate, play a game of croquet or tennis, or simply unwind before your included afternoon high tea.

Today journey to Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga Estate, the former country home of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, art-filled spaces and tranquil corners that showcase his pioneering vision of tropical modernism.

After lunch in the estate gardens, continue to the Madu River for a relaxing cruise through one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque wetland ecosystems. Glide past mangrove islets, glimpse local village life, observe cinnamon cultivation and traditional fishing practices on this peaceful journey through nature.

Arrive in Balapitiya and check in to Aavya Cove Villas, a boutique retreat overlooking a stunning palm-fringed stretch of coastline.

Head to the colonial and heritage rich World Heritage-listed city of Galle, first settled by the Portuguese in the early 16th century.

En route, stop at a sea turtle hatchery operated by the Wildlife Protection Society of Sri Lanka. Learn about conservation initiatives, observe different turtle species at various stages of life and understand how hatchlings are protected before being released into the ocean.

After lunch in Bentota, arrive in Galle and explore Galle Fort with a local expert. Walk along the ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean, discover boutique shops, cafés and museums, and absorb the unique blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British heritage within this iconic coastal fortress.

Check in for two nights at The Fort Bazaar, a beautifully restored 17th-century merchant’s house in the heart of Galle Fort. This evening, enjoy dinner at Pedlar’s Inn, the former British post office now transformed into a charming café in the old quarter.

Scenic Freechoice:
Enjoy a leisurely morning before choosing your Scenic Freechoice dining experience for lunch. Join a ‘Cooking with Mama’ experience inside Galle Fort, learning to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes in a welcoming, home-style setting. Alternatively, opt for a Cinnamon Influence lunch that includes a guided experience tracing Sri Lanka’s famed cinnamon from plantation to plate, followed by a menu infused with its distinctive flavours.

The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Galle Fort or relax at your hotel. Tonight, dine at The Fort Printers, a former printing house turned characterful boutique restaurant in the heart of the fort.

This morning, travel to Colombo and visit the Natural History Museum, Sri Lanka’s largest museum, showcasing the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Explore ancient artefacts, royal regalia, traditional art and archaeological treasures that trace Sri Lanka’s long and layered past.

Enjoy lunch at Ministry of Crab, one of Asia’s most acclaimed restaurants, before checking in for your Scenic Special Stay at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-era landmark set along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green.

Later, enjoy dinner at the Cricket Club Café, a characterful venue celebrating Sri Lanka’s passion for cricket, filled with memorabilia from legendary players dating back to the 1940s.

Begin your final day in Sri Lanka with a Scenic Enrich guided walk through Colombo led by local expert Mark Forbes. Discover colonial buildings, colourful streets and hidden corners as he shares stories that bring the city’s past and present to life.

After lunch check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kochi, known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Upon arrival transfer and check into the Brunton Boatyard, your beautiful colonial-era home for the next two nights.

Head down to the harbour, where ships from Asia and Europe have docked since the 14th century. Watch local fishermen expertly operate the Chinese fishing nets before discovering the city’s layered colonial history on a tour of Fort Kochi, reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British influences from the 16th to 18th centuries. Visit Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Synagogue.

In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance, a highly evolved classical form of dance, drama and music. Afterwards, enjoy your welcome dinner featuring regional specialties.

After a relaxing morning, travel into the Kerala Backwaters to Kumarakom and check in to Coconut Lagoon, your home for the next two nights. Located on Vembanad Lake, one of India’s largest lakes and a key wetland ecosystem, the resort’s villas are built from the reclaimed timbers of traditional tharavad homes, some over 150 years old.

Optional: Luxury houseboat
Alternatively, choose to spend your first night in Kumarakom on board a houseboat, a converted traditional rice barge known as a Kettuvallam. Cruise through the lakes and backwaters past small villages and paddy fields, witnessing daily life along the waterways. This option is included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose from your Scenic Freechoice excursions. Visit Philip Kutty’s Farm for a Keralan cooking class and lunch, or unwind with a traditional Ayurveda massage before lunch at the resort. Guests who overnighted on a Kettuvallam will check in to Coconut Lagoon today.

Spend the afternoon at leisure before enjoying an evening sunset cruise on the backwaters from your hotel in Kumarakom.

Ascend into the highlands to Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, a reserve known for its elephant population and rich biodiversity.

In the afternoon, take a 90 minute boat cruise on Lake Periyar, a stunning 26 square kilometre reservoir created in 1895. Your overnight stay is at Spice Village, a resort modelled on the dwellings of the native Mannan tribe of this region.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice excursion. Join an early morning guided jungle walk in the reserve or take a jeep tour through the surrounding countryside, passing spice farms and plantations, for panoramic views over Tamil Nadu.

For today’s lunch, visit a small family-owned spice plantation to see how spices grow before enjoying a home-cooked meal prepared by the family. Later, cross into Tamil Nadu, the ‘State of Temples’, and drive to Madurai, known as the ‘Athens of the East’. Tonight, relax at The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai.

Rise early for a walk through the heritage section of town to witness the early morning rituals. Later, wander through the local flower and vegetable market and the weaver’s market.

Visit one of South India’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Sri Meenakshi Temple, dating from the 1500s. Dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, its nine towering gopurams and twelve temple towers dominate the skyline.

This evening, return by tuk tuk to the temple to witness the rituals and celebrations of the evening puja ceremony.

Drive to the village of Karaikudi in the Chettinad region, where the Chettiar merchant community once amassed great fortunes as bankers and traders.

Experience a bullock cart ride through the narrow streets, exploring the faded elegance of colonial-era bungalows and merchant mansions, and stop for a weaving demonstration en route. Stay at Visalam for two nights, a beautifully restored Art Deco mansion that reflects Chettinad’s architectural heritage.

Witness Kolam making, the creation of intricate designs using coloured rice flour, before visiting a pottery village to see colourful Athangudi tiles crafted by hand. This afternoon, enjoy a heritage walk and visit Chettinad Palace.

Scenic Enrich
As part of your Scenic Enrich experience, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration showcasing Chettinad’s unique cuisine, followed by a private Bharatanatyam classical dance performance. Afterwards, feast on a typical Chettinad wedding dinner menu.

Journey through the “rice bowl” of Tamil Nadu to Trichy, the former capital of the Madurai Nayaks. On arrival, choose your Scenic Freechoice excursion.

Scenic Freechoice:
Climb the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular 7th-century complex perched atop an 83-metre rocky outcrop with panoramic city views, or visit the island temples of Srirangam, revered pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavite Hindus.

Check in to Courtyard by Marriott for the night.

Drive to Tanjore to discover the 11th-century Brihadishvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece and one of the Great Living Chola Temples.

Continue to the pretty seaside town of Puducherry, the former capital of French India, and check in to Palais de Mahe, a romantic boutique hotel that pays tribute to the town’s French legacy.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice excursion. Start early with a visit to Nalavadu Coastal Fishing Village for an immersive coastal walk into the daily life of a fishing community, or visit Auroville, an experimental township where residents from around the world live in a spirit of human unity. Alternatively, join a Creole Kitchen experience to learn age-old Creole recipes passed down through generations in a local home.

Later this afternoon, discover how the local Tamil population has blended French and Indian influences during a heritage walking tour. Stroll past charming Tamil and colonial fusion architecture and visit the Aurobindo Ashram.

Travel north to Chennai, stopping at Mamallapuram to explore the World Heritage-listed Shore Temples. On arrival in Chennai, check in to The Leela Palace for a two-night Special Stay.

Scenic Freechoice Dining:
Tonight, choose your Scenic Freechoice dining experience at your hotel: enjoy international cuisine at Spectra, sample Chinese dishes at China XO or savour Indian specialities at Jamavar.

Scenic Freechoice:
This morning, choose your Scenic Freechoice excursion. Walk through Georgetown to discover its markets and colonial laneways, or explore the 8th-century Hindu temples in Kanchipuram, one of South India’s oldest temple towns.

Later, learn about the history of the Basilica of San Thome, said to be the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle. This evening, reminisce about your journey over a farewell dinner.

Transfer to Chennai Airport and depart South India, taking with you wonderful memories of its temples, backwaters and coastal towns.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.