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 hotel in Negombo.
Negombo is an amicable city dotted with many cheerful resort hotels and guesthouses, landmark catholic churches, sultry wetlands, and a smattering of remnants from its colonial past. It is a convenient first stop in the island; the easy-going vibes and accepting tourist friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal place to find your feet upon arrival.
Overnight at the hotel in Negombo.
Day 02: Negombo – Pinnawela – Kandy
After breakfast proceed to Kandy visiting the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, en-route.
Pinnawala has the largest herd of rescued elephant orphans in the world, with about 75 to 100 elephants being cared for at any given time. Spend an engaging morning with the endearing elephant calves as you witness them partaking in meals and enjoying the daily communal bath at the Ma Oya River.
Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to a hotel. Nestling in the cool elevations of the central hills, Kandy is an eclectic city with a rich heritage and history befitting the regal kingdom it once was.
In the evening you will be taken on a guided city tour of Kandy including a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This iconic temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and is considered one of Sri Lanka’s most significant places of worship, by Buddhists. Watch the many religious and cultural rituals being performed while hundreds of devotees and pilgrims flock to the temple to pay homage to the sacred relic of Lord Buddha.
Overnight at the hotel in Kandy.
Day 03: Kandy – Ella
After breakfast take the train from Kandy to Ella. This is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Upon arrival, check in to a hotel in Ella.
Ella is a rural highland destination; famed for its breathtaking landscapes, cool salubrious climate and pristine ecological environment.
Overnight at the hotel in Ella.
Day 04: Ella
After breakfast head out for a day of exploration in Ella.
Visit the Nine Arches Bridge in Demodara, an engineering masterpiece dating back to 1920. Head over to the vicinity of the majestic Ravana Ella Falls. Enjoy the exhilarating and absorbing experience of this fascinating waterfall. Hike Little Adams Peak and arrive at the summit which presents breathtaking views. Test your courage at Zip-Lining between rugged mountains of Ella and mingle with the charming locals when the opportunity presents itself.
Overnight at the hotel in Ella.
Day 05: Ella – Udawalawe
After breakfast proceed to Udawalawe National Park.
Fringed by the majestic highlands on its northern boundary, the Udawalawe National Park is an ideal location to see Asian elephants roaming in the wild. Around 50 different herds of elephants inhabit the park. The best time to observe these majestic pachyderms is from 6am to 10 am and from 4pm to 6pm.
Apart from having a high density of gentle giants, Udawalawe is also home to many types of monkeys, deer, sloth bears, giant flying squirrels, crocodiles, the occasional leopard, and a colourful myriad of birds. The park is predominantly comprised of grasslands, making it one of Sri Lanka’s best national parks for game spotting.
The Elephant Transit Home is situated at the southern edge of the park, which serves as a temporary refuge for young elephants orphaned in the wild. Only calves under the age of five are kept in the orphanage, as they are released back into the wild to fend for themselves thereafter. You can watch the elephant calves being fed, if your visit coincides with mealtimes.
Overnight at a safari camp situated in the vicinity of the national park.
Day 06: Udawalawe – Hambantota
In the morning leave for Hambantota and check in to a resort hotel.
The southern coastal town of Hambantota is home to the international airport in Mattala and the Magampura seaport. Some other popular attractions of this city include the Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens and the Ridiyagama Zoological Gardens. Nearby Tissamaharama is a famous Buddhist historic site. Located close by are, Ussangoda and Miniha Gal Kanda, both famed archaeological sites, the former also being a breeding zone for sea turtles.
Overnight at the hotel in Hambantota.
Day 07: Hambantota – Bundala – Hambantota
After breakfast proceed to Bundala National Park for a safari adventure.
Bundala National Park is another popular attraction in the vicinity of Hambantota. The park is particularly famous for its teeming birdlife; the vibrant pink hued flamingos being most noteworthy.
Overnight at the hotel in Hambantota.
Days 08: Hambantota – Ridiyagama – Colombo
After breakfast, visit the Ridiyagama Safari Park. Thereafter, proceed to Colombo.
Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest urban hub, features a cosmopolitan culture, modern values, and contemporary Sri Lankan life. It is an amicable, accepting and easy-going metropolis, you are bound to enjoy.
Overnight at a chic city hotel in Colombo.
Day 09: Colombo – Airport
Departure transfer to the airport.
Detailed/tailored itinerary and pricing provided on request.
