Handpicked Sri Lanka

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Negombo is a quiet town on the west coast of Sri Lanka located 10 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Deriving its name from the Negombo lagoon, the modest village is known for its white sandy beaches.

This morning, take part in a local cooking demonstration, introducing some of the flavors of your trip before continuing by road to Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura renowned for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilisation, is now listed a UNESCO world heritage site.  The ancient city of Anuradhapura includes sites such as Ruwanweli Maha Seya, the great stupa of Lanka and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, the sacred fig tree, one of the oldest trees in the world. (B)

Take a tour of ancient Andurapura, including the giant dome of Ruwanweliseya and the 2,000-year-old Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. In the afternoon drive to nearby Sigiriya. (B)

After breakfast at hotel, visit the World Heritage listed Sigiriya fortress and climb the rock.  On your ascent to the top of the rock, you will also come across what is known as the Mirror Wall which features ancient graffiti and inscriptions.  A highlight of the fortress is the colourful 5th-century frescoes painted on the western face of the rock; it is believed that there were initially 500 such frescoes, but only around 22 of them remain today.  Enjoy incredible views of the surrounding jungles and farmlands.



After lunch, drive to Polonnaruwa with its ruined palaces and temples and enjoy a city tour by Bicycle and foot. (B)

Depart for the hill city of Kandy. En route stop in Dambulla to climb the rock temples which house unique frescoes and Buddha images. In the evening attend a cultural show. (B)

This morning take part in a market visit and cooking class and learn some of the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine. After lunch, drive the short distance to Peradeniya and see the magnificent royal botanical gardens. (B)(L)

Depart for Kandy, stopping at a tea estate. Continue on to charming Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of tea country.

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill station famed for its tea production, once governed by English & Scottish planters is still studded with colonial bungalows. With several attractions ranging from waterfalls and tea plantations to gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is very picturesque add to that the colonial-style buildings dotting the area, a golf course and the cool climate you can see how this lush hillside town is known as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka.(B)

Another scenic drive through the hills brings you to beautiful Ella, a quaint hillside village. The rest of the day is at leisure.  Perhaps explore the tea plantations, temple sites and waterfalls.

Ella showcases some fantastic views of the valleys, tea gardens and cafes while offering a pleasant climate throughout the year.  The town is most famous for its iconic nine arches railway bridge which is a fine example of colonial-era construction in Sri Lanka. (B)

This morning take a scenic train ride to Haputale. Continue by road to Udawalawe and take an afternoon safari into the national park, famous for its elephant herds. 



There is plenty of other wildlife to be discovered here as well, including wild boar, Toque Macaque, Spotted Deer and the Golden Striped-backed Palm Civet. The park has nearly 200 species of birds, and pied hornbills are often seen feeding in fruiting trees. (B)

This morning visit the Elephant Transfer Home, where orphaned and injured elephants are rehabilitated. Take a scenic drive to charming Galle, the beautifully preserved town overlooking the Indian Ocean.  Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, Galle's core is the Fort, a walled enclave surrounded on three sides by the ocean.

This historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches and grand mansions. Strolling through the pebbled stone lanes you'll pass stylish cafes, small boutiques and impeccably restored hotels.

The attractions include the Dutch Reformed Church, Old Dutch Hospital, Galle Clock Tower and Galle Lighthouse. The National Maritime Museum, also located at the fort, offers fascinating insights into the country’s maritime history. (B)

Take a walking tour of the Galle Fort with its wonderful fusion of Dutch, Portuguese, Moorish, and British architecture.  Home to imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, museums and grand mansions. 

There is plenty of free time to explore the cobbled streets and cafes at your leisure. (B)

Depart Galle and stop at Lunuganga Estate, the former home of architect Geoffery Bawa.  As one of Asias most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas throughout his lifetime.

On arrival into Colombo, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.   Perhaps explore the Fort district, the historic centre of the city.

Sri Lanka’s Capital Colombo is a port city, with a rich colonial heritage and located on the Western coast is a tapestry of races, religions and cultures. (B)

Transfer to the airport after breakfast. (B)