Itinerary
Day 01: Airport – Negombo
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), you will be met by our friendly English-speaking Chauffeur Guide and transferred to a delightful hotel in Negombo. Unwind and relax. Retire for an early night after enjoying a welcoming dinner.
Although very much a tourist centric beach town with a contemporary outlook, Negombo is steeped in its colonial history and heritage. The tell-tale topography of this beach town silently speaks volumes about its colonial past – from the slight remnants of its Dutch Fort, and the colonial missionary churches, to the Dutch Canal used for the ancient cinnamon trade, winding its way up to Colombo and Kalpitiya on the opposite ends.
Night stay at the hotel in Negombo.
Day 02: Negombo
After breakfast, head out to the Negombo lagoon. Set sail with the local fishermen in a colourful outrigger canoe and learn about the life, traditions and livelihood of the hardworking fisherfolk.
Evening – play a game of cricket or beach volleyball with the local youth. Late evenings at the beach are breathtaking – with the distant horizon being set ablaze by the last flares of the setting sun. The sand still feels warm and soft under your feet and the sultry breeze envelopes you in a soothing embrace. After a scrumptious dinner, bring the curtains down on yet another beautiful day, with the promise of new and exciting adventures in store tomorrow.
Day 03: Negombo – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, leave for Nuwara Eliya.
En-route visit the breathtaking Devon Falls, St. Clair Falls and a Tea plantation and factory.
Night stay at a selected hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 04: Nuwara Eliya
Following breakfast, engage in one of the below activities.
Option 1:
Trek to Bomburuella waterfall, rated amongst the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. On your return journey visit the beautiful Hakgala Gardens.
Hakgala is the second largest Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka and is home to over 10,000 varieties of colourful sub tropical flora, including wide expanses of vibrantly hued Orchids and Roses.
Option 2:
Trek to Lovers Leap waterfall making your way through the lush emerald tea plantations. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view.
Afternoon – visit Horton Plains, rich in diverse fauna & flora. It is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Trek to the Bakers Falls and the escarpment of World’s End.
Night stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05: Ella
After breakfast leave for the scenic hill country retreat, Ella. Be mesmerised by the pristine natural beauty and the breathtaking panoramas that present themselves from every quarter.
Trek 5km to arrive at the beautiful Ravana Ella waterfall. In the afternoon visit the 9 Arches Bridge, a colonial masterpiece in railroad structural engineering. Walk in the countryside and mingle with the charming and hospitable locals.
Night stay at a selected hotel in Ella.
Day 06: Ella
Leave for an early morning hike to the summit of the Ella Rock, a sublime sunrise viewing vantage point. Catch a glimpse of the gorgeous sunrise, not to be missed by any traveller to Ella. You are required to be at the top of Ella Rock by 5.30 a.m., just minutes before sunrise, to view this spectacle. Trekking is through the verdant tea plantations and woodland.
Evening – embrace the secluded placidity and pristine natural environment of Ella.
Night stay at the hotel in Ella.
Day 07: Udawalawe
After breakfast leave for the Udawalawe National Park.
The Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see large herds of elephants roaming wild and free. It is also home to many types of monkeys, deer, sloth bears, a myriad of bird species and the elusive leopard.
Night stay at a selected hotel in Udawalawe.
Day 7: Hambantota
After breakfast leave for Hambantota. En-route visit the 300-acre Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens, flanked by the impressive Ruhunu Magampura Sea Port and the Mattala International Airport.
Night stay at a selected hotel in Hambantota.
Day 08: Hikkaduwa
After breakfast leave for the lively and effervescent beach town of Hikkaduwa. En-route visit its star attraction, the Marine National Park.
The Hikkaduwa Marine National Park is home to 170 species of tropical fish, 60 species of coral and many migrating sea turtles. Sea grass and marine algae provides the habitat and character to its seabed.
Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride or take to the waters yourself and engage in a snorkeling or deep reef diving expedition.
Night stay at a selected hotel in Hikkaduwa.
Day 09: Hikkaduwa
Unleash your adventurous spirit; make a deep water diving trip to the abyss of the ocean where you will be able to witness and explore the ancient ship wrecks around Hikkaduwa – The Oil Tanker “Conch”, the 1892 four – mast British ship “Earl of Shaftesbury” and the 1889 British Steam Ship “Norsa” being some of the most popular.
There are close to 200 shipwrecks around the coast of Sri Lanka. These remnants provide many clues and historic facts about these seafaring traders, explorers and invaders who travelled in the vicinity of the island’s coasts – their untold tales merely echoes from the past. Shipwreck diving in Sri Lanka is a fascinating experience, quite unlike any other. A must for the adventurous traveller.
Alternatively, you can engage in some thrilling surfing activity, or take part in a canoe safari.
Day 10: Hikkaduwa – Colombo
After breakfast leave for Sri Lanka’s suave and tourist friendly commercial capital, Colombo. Check in at a chic city hotel, in time for lunch.
Your ever-reliable Chauffeur – Guide will take you on a late afternoon guided city tour, where you will have the opportunity to seize some last-minute shopping bargains and souvenirs.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a trendy restaurant of your city hotel before retiring for the night. You will need your full quota of sleep in the comforts of your hotel, considering the impending long flight back home!
Day 11: Colombo – Airport
Departure transfer to the airport.
