- Trip Outline
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Booking
History, beaches, enduring ruins, hospitable locals, mouthwatering cuisine, and renowned tea. Sri Lanka is full of wonderful things.
In addition to having your own space to be yourself and, of course, respect for who you are, you will receive a kind and nonjudgmental guide.
With many extras, you will travel the traditional route while taking in the cultural highlights of this incredible island nation. Whenever feasible, you will stay in hotels for two nights in a row, which will allow you more time to discover some of the lesser-known attractions that are frequently overlooked on the typical whistle-stop tours.
And a lot more.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival - Negombo
Greetings from Sri Lanka!
I'll be at the hotel to welcome you if you arrive at any time today. The beachside town of Negombo, where our arrival hotel is located, is closer to the airport than Colombo. It's funky, right on the beach, and in the middle of the walking area, making it the ideal place to unwind and recover from jet lag.
We're having a welcome dinner with a view of the beach tonight.
Day 2
Anuradhapura
We travel north to Anuradhapura after breakfast. In addition to stopping at interesting locations along the way, the scenery offers interesting snippets of rural life. After lunch, we will check into our hotel in Anuradhapura, swim, and relax in the pool before leaving in the cool early evening to see the sights and see the historic pagodas illuminate as night falls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka's first ancient capital.
Day 3
Dambulla
Located in the center of the cultural triangle, Dambulla serves as our starting point for exploring the surrounding area while staying at the magnificent "Heritage Kandalama" hotel and meeting the amazing architect Geoffrey Bawa for the first time.
Day 4
Dambulla
In order to see Sigiriya (Lion's Rock), we will drive there in the morning. Before the heat of the day arrives, we can choose to climb either Sigiriya or Pidurangla to the summit.
We go to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, Dambulla Cave Temple.
Day 5
Dambulla
We offer a "free" day in Dambulla, where you can either "chill out" at the fantastic hotel and enjoy some downtime and the three gorgeous pools that overlook the lake, or you can spend the day visiting Pollonaruwa, which served as Sri Lanka's second capital following the destruction of Anuradhapura. (On the day, you can decide.)
Day 6
Kandy
We travel south from Dambulla into the highlands and the cultural center of the nation, Kandy, a bustling city encircling a lake and surrounded by hills. Visitors can choose to explore the charming botanical gardens and the Tooth Temple.
-
A visit to the Royal Botanical Garden
-
The Upper Lake Viewpoint in Kandy.
-
Free tours with a guide.
Day 7
Kandy
-
An elephant orphanage in Pinnawala
-
A visit to Ambuluwara Temple
Day 8
Nuwara Eliya
With numerous "view point" stops along the way to the charming town of Nuwara Eliya, we depart Kandy today and travel through the highlands and tea plantations.
On the way, we'll pause at a tea plantation for lunch and a stroll. The drive's scenery is really amazing. Depending on when it runs and the schedule for the day, we might also decide to take the train for this portion of the journey.
You will be transported back in time to Ceylon's British era where we will be staying and dining tonight.
Day 9
Galle
Because Galle has so much to offer, we will stay in modest but charming lodging in the center of the old city, allowing you to walk to the galleries, cafes, and restaurants and watch the sunset from the top of the city wall ramparts.
-
A visit to the Galle Dutch fort.
-
Mirissa's coconut tree hills.
-
Observing dolphins and blue whales - Mirissa
Day 10
Galle
We get to see the local fish market in the morning for the early risers, and we go to "The lighthouse" for an evening cocktail at another G Bawa hotel.
Galle is charming, in my opinion, and we have plenty of time to enjoy it.
Day 11
Bentota
After leaving Galle, we head north to another hotel designed by Bawa. From there, we explore Geoffrey Bawa's country home, "Lunuganga," and his brother Bevin's stunning "Brief" gardens.
Day 12
Bentota
-
A boat ride on the Madu River.
-
A hatchery for sea turtles.
Day 13
Colombo
On our final full day, we take a tour of the capital city of Colombo, stopping for lunch at the former city office of Geoffrey Bawa on Paradise Road. We also have time to do some last-minute shopping before our flights the following day.
The "Old Hospital" neighborhood, where our hotel is located tonight, is a great starting point for exploring the town's historic district.
We will stroll along the waterfront and "Galle face" in the evening, which is always vibrant and alive with local activity. We have a farewell dinner after our tour.
Day 14
Airport Departure
END OF TOUR
There are no reviews yet.