Gems of Sri Lanka

Make your own way to Negombo, Sri Lanka to begin your holiday.

Please note:
- You will receive information upon check-in regarding times for touring the following day.
- Hotel information will be confirmed in your travel documents sent 4-6 weeks prior to travel.

Overnight: Regenta Arie Lagoon Hotel, Negombo or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, depart for Dambulla. Check into your hotel, then it’s time to visit the ancient Lion’s Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.

In the heart of Sri Lanka a 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your exploration. Sigiriya is a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning prowess, and a true masterpiece of art and culture. As you step through the colossal 'Lion Paws,' which gaze upon the meticulously designed royal gardens below, be transported back in time to an era of ancient wonders. This rock fortress, encircled by imposing ramparts and moats, is often likened to the mythical 'City of Gods.'

One of the most captivating features of Sigiriya is its stunning frescoes, reminiscent of the Gupta-style paintings found in the famous Ajanta caves of India. These ancient artworks adorn the rock's surface, offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the past. Wander into the museum downstairs for an insight into how the citadel floated above citizens and learn about the advanced ponds and irrigation that pumped water right onto its summit through an ingenious hydraulic system.

Today’s distance is 139 kilometres and drive time is approximately 3 hours.

Please note:
- Make sure to carry a bottle of water and a face towel to keep yourself refreshed in the tropical heat.
- While the frescoes are a sight to behold, refrain from taking pictures, as it is considered a punishable offence in accordance with the rules set by the archaeological department.

Overnight: Stay in Tropical Life Resort, Dambulla or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Dambulla, alternatively, join one or both of the following optional tours,

Optional Activity: Morning Polonnaruwa City Tour
Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - the mediaeval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk among the scattered walls of this World Heritage Site, dotted with stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures. Observing the relic house, Vatadage, which boasts impressive stone carvings with a subtle Hindu influence on the architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa.

Optional Activity: Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
Experience an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park. Spread over 8800 hectares, it's a jungle sanctuary for elephants and home to herds of deer and ample birdlife. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir for the opportunity to see herds of elephants - one by one - roll onto the grass-covered banks to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world (over 300 at a time) – it's an absolute must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.

Please note: If Minneriya National Park is flooded during the rainy season, a visit to Kaudulla or Eco National Parks are alternative options.

Overnight: Stay in Tropical Life Resort, Dambulla or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Dambulla and stop at the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, treasured by many kings since the first century B.C. An icon of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Cave Temple features five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe the exquisite cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. Cst your eyes on the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.

After exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple, travel to the hill city of Kandy to commence a guided city tour on arrival. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy, the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings, crafts an array of culture, history and heritage. A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre. Take the opportunity to explore the latest and world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts and crafts centre, gem museum and lapidary and the colourful fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming, amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

Today's distance is 80 kilometres and drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Overnight: Stay at Hotel Suisse, Kandy or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka’s highest town and the heart of the country’s most beautiful region, the southern hill country, Nuwara Eliya sits beneath the towering Pidurutalagala mountain in a bowl of verdant, tea-covered hills. Although the region was once occupied by the Kandyan kingdom, the town itself is very much a British creation. It was established in the mid-19th century as a retreat by Sir Edward Barnes and touted as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’ for the way this Victorian relic resembles a quaint English country village.

Upon arrival in the afternoon, take a tour of a local tea plantation and learn about the tea production process and rich traditions of the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea. Inhale the heavenly scent and end the tour in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon tea. Afterwards, enjoy some time to explore the plantation at leisure before continuing onwards to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya.

Finish the day at your hotel and after check in, enjoy an evening at leisure.

Today's distance is 80 kilometres and drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Overnight: Stay in Mirage King’s Cottage/Galway Heights, Nuwara Eliya or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, also called Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage, a rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephant calves. The primary purpose of the Elephant Transit Home is to rehabilitate and release isolated baby elephants into the wild. The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation took an essential step in the welfare and protection of orphan elephants in 1995. As a result, Elephant Transit Home was established at the Udawalawe National Park.

There are normally 40-60 orphaned elephants. Watch them being fed from the safety of a viewing platform about 8 metres away at one of the four daily feeding sessions held every three hours from 09:00 to 18:00.

The elephants are never chained and are free to roam around and play as they wish. Human contact is kept to a minimum in order to maximise their chance of survival when they are returned to the wild.

Following Udawalawe, continue to the Galle area on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where you will be met by the tour guide for a city tour of Galle. On the drive, pass many fishing villages and palm-fringed bays. Begin a tour at Galle Fort - the largest intact Dutch fort in Asia, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its location faces the Indian Ocean in the town of Galle, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th-century colonial fortifications in the world.

Following the tour of Galle Fort, continue to Koggala and check into your resort.

Today's distance is 250 kilometres and drive time is approximately 6 hours.

Overnight: Stay at South Lake Resort, Koggala or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the resort, enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight: Stay at South Lake Resort, Koggala or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel from Koggala to Negombo.

Make your own onward travel arrangements from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

Meals included: Breakfast

Make your own way to Negombo, Sri Lanka to begin your holiday.

Please note:
- You will receive information upon check-in regarding times for touring the following day.
- Hotel information will be confirmed in your travel documents sent 4-6 weeks prior to travel.

Overnight: Regenta Arie Lagoon Hotel, Negombo or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, depart for Dambulla. Check into your hotel, then it’s time to visit the ancient Lion’s Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.

In the heart of Sri Lanka a 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your exploration. Sigiriya is a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning prowess and a true masterpiece of art and culture. As you step through the colossal 'Lion Paws,' which gaze upon the meticulously designed royal gardens below, be transported back in time to an era of ancient wonders. This rock fortress, encircled by imposing ramparts and moats, is often likened to the mythical 'City of Gods.'

One of the most captivating features of Sigiriya is its stunning frescoes, reminiscent of the Gupta-style paintings found in the famous Ajanta caves of India. These ancient artworks adorn the rock's surface, offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the past. Wander into the museum downstairs for an insight into how the citadel floated above citizens and learn about the advanced ponds and irrigation that pumped water right onto its summit through an ingenious hydraulic system.

Today’s distance is 139 kilometre and drive time is approximately 3 hours.

Please note:
- Make sure to carry a bottle of water and a face towel to keep yourself refreshed in the tropical heat.
- While the frescoes are a sight to behold, refrain from taking pictures, as it is considered a punishable offence in accordance with the rules set by the archaeological department.

Overnight: Stay in Tropical Life Resort, Dambulla or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Dambulla, alternatively, join one or both of the following optional tours,

Optional Activity: Morning Polonnaruwa City Tour
Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - the mediaeval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk among the scattered walls of this World Heritage Site, dotted with stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures. Observing the relic house, Vatadage, which boasts impressive stone carvings with a subtle Hindu influence on the architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa.

Optional Activity: Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
Experience an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park. Spread over 8800 hectares, it's a jungle sanctuary for elephants and home to herds of deer and ample birdlife. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir for the opportunity to see herds of elephants, one by one, roll onto the grass-covered banks to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world (over 300 at a time) – it's an absolute must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.

Please note: If Minneriya National Park is flooded during the rainy season, a visit to Kaudulla or Eco National Parks are alternative options.

Overnight: Stay in Tropical Life Resort, Dambulla or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Dambulla and stop at the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, treasured by many kings since the first century B.C. An icon of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Cave Temple features five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe the exquisite cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. Cst your eyes on the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.

After exploring the Dambulla Cave Temple, travel to the hill city of Kandy to commence a guided city tour on arrival. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy, the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings, crafts an array of culture, history and heritage. A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre. Take the opportunity to explore the latest and world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts and crafts centre, gem museum and lapidary and the colourful fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming, amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

Today's distance is 80 kilometres and drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Overnight: Stay at Hotel Suisse, Kandy or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka’s highest town and the heart of the country’s most beautiful region, the southern hill country, Nuwara Eliya sits beneath the towering Pidurutalagala mountain in a bowl of verdant, tea-covered hills. Although the region was once occupied by the Kandyan kingdom, the town itself is very much a British creation. It was established in the mid-19th century as a retreat by Sir Edward Barnes and touted as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’ for the way this Victorian relic resembles a quaint English country village.

Upon arrival in the afternoon, take a tour of a local tea plantation and learn about the tea production process and rich traditions of the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea. Inhale the heavenly scent and end the tour in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon tea. Afterwards, enjoy some time to explore the plantation at leisure before continuing onwards to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya.

Finish the day at your hotel and after check in, enjoy an evening at leisure.

Today's distance is 80 kilometres and drive time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Overnight: Stay in Mirage King’s Cottage/Galway Heights, Nuwara Eliya or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, also called Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage, a rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephant calves. The primary purpose of the Elephant Transit Home is to rehabilitate and release isolated baby elephants into the wild. The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation took an essential step in the welfare and protection of orphan elephants in 1995. As a result, Elephant Transit Home was established at the Udawalawe National Park.

There are normally 40-60 orphaned elephants. Watch them being fed from the safety of a viewing platform about 8 metres away at one of the four daily feeding sessions held every three hours from 09:00 to 18:00.

The elephants are never chained and are free to roam around and play as they wish. Human contact is kept to a minimum in order to maximise their chance of survival when they are returned to the wild.

Following Udawalawe, continue to the Galle area on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where you will be met by the tour guide for a city tour of Galle. On the drive, pass many fishing villages and palm-fringed bays. Begin a tour at Galle Fort - the largest intact Dutch fort in Asia, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its location faces the Indian Ocean in the town of Galle, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th-century colonial fortifications in the world.

Following the tour of Galle Fort, continue to Koggala and check into your resort.

Today's distance is 250 kilometres and drive time is approximately 6 hours.

Overnight: Stay at South Lake Resort, Koggala or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the resort, enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight: Stay at South Lake Resort, Koggala or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Depart for Bentota after breakfast and on arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy this beachside resort.

Overnight: Centara Ceysands Resort, Bentota and Spa or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the day at your own leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel from Bentota to Negombo.

Make your own onward travel arrangements from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

Meals included: Breakfast