Itinerary
Day 01: Airport – Negombo
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), you will be met by our courteous English-speaking Chauffeur Guide and transferred to a sea front hotel in Negombo.
Negombo is a vibrant coastal city that caters to varied interests. It is a busy and friendly city that can be explored on foot or vehicle. A tuk-tuk ride can be a novel adventure for many, as they whizz past the towns quirky and colourful shopping precincts and somewhat anarchic markets, in these characteristically loud and glaringly colourful motorised – rickshaws. Negombo is conveniently located close to the International Airport and consists of a stash of good hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets. Most hotels open up to the beach and BBQ nights, dinners and parties on the beach are quite common.
Overnight at the hotel in Negombo.
Day 02: Negombo – Kalpitiya – Wilpattu
Kalpitiya is Sri Lanka’s ‘Dolphin and Whale Watching Paradise’. The warm water currents of the Indian Ocean bring in shoals of fish during November to February each year. Along with the fish come the dolphins, accompanied by many migratory whales. Thousands of gregarious dolphins vie for your attention, as they compete to outswim the moving boats. The placid marine giants swim close by, oblivious to the commotion created by the energetic dolphins. This entertaining encounter with the endearing cetaceans is a must in the travel itineraries of all marine animal lovers.
Thereafter, leave for Wilpattu, one of the oldest National Parks in the Sri Lanka. Explore the park with local experts who are a wealth of knowledge themselves. Learn about the flora and fauna and the conservation efforts, whilst keeping an eye out for the elusive critters inhabiting the park.
Wilpattu National Park can be visited all year round. It is relatively secluded and provides the opportunity for undisturbed exploration. You will have the opportunity of walking through the beautiful jungle trails with diverse geographical features ranging from grassy plains and wetlands to natural sand rimmed water basins. Encounters with the Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Giant Sri Lankan Squirrels, Toque Monkeys, Wild Boar, Eurasian Otters, Long-Armed Seth-Tailed Bats and Asian Wild Buffaloes are common as you wander through the fascinating wilderness of Wilpattu.
Overnight at a safari camp located outside the national park.
Day 03: Wilpattu – Anuradhapura
After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura, an ancient capital city of Sri Lanka. It is one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The grand city of Anuradhapura is steeped in history, culture, and heritage. The ruins and monuments scattered throughout this iconic city make it one of South Asia’s most spectacular sites. Ancient dagobas of colossal proportions, monuments embellished with intricate stone carvings, stupendous stone sculptures, pleasure gardens, stone baths, ponds and an impressive irrigation system complete with expansive reservoirs and a labyrinth of canals, make sightseeing in Anuradhapura an awe inspiring and unparalleled experience.
Overnight at a hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 04: Anuradhapura – Dambulla
After breakfast visit the sacred sites of Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura.
Thereafter proceed to Dambulla which is a quiet village in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, dependent on its agrarian economy. Visit the iconic 3rd Century Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla, a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight at a hotel in Dambulla.
Day 05: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
After breakfast leave for Sigiriya.
Sigiriya, a ‘UNESCO World Heritage site,’ is located in the district of Matale, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was a long established Buddhist monastic site until the 5th Century CE when King Kashyapa I (477 – 495 CE) chose the intriguing location to build his ‘citadel-in-the-sky,’ sprawled atop a majestic rusty-red gneiss rock that solemnly rises 200m above the surrounding dry zone terrain. Many consider this awe-inspiring site, the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’
Thereafter proceed to Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a popular stop in the itineraries of most travelers who are intrigued by the historic and cultural heritage of this ancient regal capital. At its height, Polonnaruwa was a prosperous and magnificent city of colossal proportions, with splendid palaces, tranquil Buddhist temples, colorful Hindu shrines, intricate works of art including carvings and sculptures and expansive reservoirs and irrigation systems.
Overnight at a hotel in Polonnaruwa.
Day 06: Polonnaruwa – Trincomalee
After breakfast leave for Trincomalee. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Trincomalee is a captivating port city, situated on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is most famed for its natural harbour, which is one of the world’s largest deep-water anchorages. Trincomalee has a vibrant topography dotted with a breathtaking bay-beach, underwater landscapes, a centrepiece colonial era fort, colourful temples, enticing beachfront resort hotels and brightly hued buildings lining its narrow streets.
Overnight at a selected hotel in Trincomalee.
Day 07: Trincomalee – Pigeon Islands – Trincomalee
After breakfast, head out for an excursion to the Pigeon Islands National Park.
Pigeon Island Marine National Park is located 01 km off the shore of picturesque Nilaveli. This park is famous for its blue rock pigeons, surrounding coral reef and vibrant marine life. 300 varieties of fish and 100 varieties of coral are found here. You will also encounter large numbers of sea turtles during your diving and snorkeling expeditions.
Overnight at a hotel in Trincomalee
Days 08 & 09: Trincomalee
Spend the day lounging at the idyllic Nilaveli beach with its endless white sand and inviting turquoise sea. An alluring beach destination for those secluded and blissfully tranquil sun-sea-sand experiences.
Overnight at hotel in Trincomalee
Day 10: Trincomalee – Colombo
After breakfast leave for Colombo.
Cosmopolitan Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital. It is a city that offers much choice and variety, ranging from extravagant star class hotels to moderate budget accommodation and an array of food choices. Shopping offers a wide choice from glitzy upmarket department stores and chic boutique outlets selling plush brands, to compelling street markets that sell colourful batiks to chintz and everything in between.
After relaxing at your trendy city hotel you will be taken on a leisurely paced city tour. Don’t forget to grab some last minute shopping bargains along the way.
Overnight at a luxury hotel in Colombo.
Day 11: Colombo – Airport
Departure transfer to the airport.
Detailed/tailored itinerary and pricing provided on request.
