Pure Sri Lanka

DAY 1 NEGOMBO

Negombo

Our Sri Lankan adventure begins this aernoon in Negombo. Meet up with your Trip Manager and your team for a full brief of the travels about to unfold, before heading out for the first taste of some local delicacies in this beachside town.

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DAY 2 NEGOMBO TO SIGIRIYA

Negombo

This morning, we’ll leave the coast behind and journey inland to Sigiriya - Sri Lanka’s legendary rock fortress town in the heart of the Matale District.

Sigiriya

Home to palace ruins set on a giant ancient lava rock, and surrounded by ancient relics of gardens and reservoirs, Sigiriya is a hotspot of historical significance here in Sri Lanka. We'll begin our explorations with a guided visit to Hiriwadunna village. We'll sit down for an authentic Sri Lankan lunch here at the village, surrounded by greenery and wildlife. Aer waving goodbye to Hiriwadunna, we'll head to our hotel.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Included Experiences

Hiriwadunna Local Village Visit

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DAY 3 SIGIRIYA

Sigiriya

We couldn't visit Sigiriya without exploring the incredible Sigiriya Rock Fortress that's been dominating the skyline ever since we've arrived, and morning is the best time to visit. Aer our included breakfast we'll take a trip to the fortress to check out the UNESCO-listed 'Lion's Rock', with it's 5th-century buildings, painted rock frescoes and massive pair of lion paws at the entrance. We're back on the road, this time to visit the nearby town of Dambulla where you'll have the chance to find your own lunch. Here we'll find another World Heritage Site, the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka complete with five inner sanctuaries, 150 gilded Buddha statues, and Buddhist murals. We'll then head back to our hotel where we'll join together for an included dinner tonight. 

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Guided Tour: Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

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DAY 4 SIGIRIYA TO KANDY

Sigiriya

Feel like a morning adventure? You'll have the opportunity to explore the Pidurangala Rock –a rite of passage for Sigiriya first-timers – on a sunrise trek. Otherwise, catch some extra sleep and save your energy for later. Awed by our time brushing with the ancient world in Sigiriya, it's time to move on to the vibrant cultural scene in Kandy.

Kandy

This aernoon, you're free to do what you want-but we've got a hunch that the street food here might catch your eye! This evening we're gathering to watch history and mythology explode into colour & rhythm at a traditional Kandyan Folkdance show. 

Meals

Breakfast

Included Experiences

Watch a Kandyan Dance Show

Visit Temple of the Tooth

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Pidurangala Rock Sunrise - Start the morning with an epic trek. An early rise and challenging climb will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise from this rock-top viewpoint, with panoramic vistas over Sigiriya in the distance. Simply magical. Please note: A mid to high level of fitness/mobility is required to do this excursion.

Eat your way through Kandy - Join us for a walking tour of Kandy, where you’ll dive into the city’s street food scene—think juicy fruits, spicy snacks, local sweets, drinks and desserts (basically all the good stuff). Along the way, we’ll explore local markets too, giving you a taste of everyday life in Sri Lanka and a chance to soak up the culture between bites.

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DAY 5 KANDY TO ELLA

Kandy

Today we head further into the hill country on the train, passing lush green hills and waterfalls enroute to Nuwara Eliya. This small town with colonial-era buildings is found in the heart of Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea industry. We'll stop to visit a tea plantation to find out how different teas are grown, plucked and packaged before continuing on to our next destination of Ella.

Ella

We've arrived at Ella where new adventures await!

Meals

Breakfast

Included Experiences

Kandy to Nanuoya by Train

Hit up a Tea Plantation

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DAY 6 ELLA

Ella

The day is yours to explore the beautiful countryside and laid-back backpacker hub of Ella, nestled among green cloud forests and tea plantations. Spend the day in Ella doing the local walks that show off the incredibly insta-worthy views down through the Ella Gap, including the cascading waterfalls this small town is famous for. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet one of the locals: the leaf-eating Langur monkey.

Meals

Breakfast

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DAY 7 ELLA TO UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK

Ella

Our journey continues south, as we head down from the hill country into the southern plains where a rich abundance of wildlife awaits us.

Udawalawe National Park

Our first stop is at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild. In this unmissable experience that's sure to pull a few heartstrings, we'll get to watch the babies at feeding time, while you try to restrain yourself from adopting one then and there. But tear yourself away, because next, we'll jump aboard our Safari Jeep to explore the park's wildlife and then we're heading to our Special Stay accommodation for the night. Glamping alongside the Walawe riverbed in full Safari style, surrounded by the vibrant flora and fauna of the Sri Lankan jungle.

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Experiences

Visit the Elephant Transit Home MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience

Take an Aernoon Safari

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DAY 8 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK TO AHANGAMA VIA GALLE

Udawalawe National Park

Wave goodbye to the wild side. Today we're swapping the safari vibes for the seaside.

Galle

This afternoon, we’ll make a stop in the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle (a must-see for its fascinating blend of European and South Asian architecture). You’ll have time to wander the cobbled streets, shop for local treasures, and grab some lunch before we continue on.

Ahangama

Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is all about golden beaches, tangled mangroves, and colonial port towns shaped by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English. You’ve got a free evening to unwind at your beachside stay or take a dip in the ocean. Later, you can opt to join a Sri Lankan cooking class and dinner experience in Unawatuna. What beer way to end the day than mastering a curry or two?

Meals

Breakfast

Included Experiences

Admire Fort City: Galle

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - You've had plenty of time to taste test Sri Lankan cuisine, & now it's time to learn how these dishes are prepared. A local expert will explain the importance of traditional spices, & will use them to create the homemade curry you'll be feasting on for dinner. Offer to lend a hand throughout the demonstration, or sit back & chat with your crew about what delicious dish you're going to cook first when you get home.

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DAY 9 AHANGAMA

Ahangama

Today is yours to unwind on the tropical palm-studded beaches with clear turquoise waters, or opt in for a surf lesson at nearby Weligama Bay.

Meals

Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Weligama Surf School - Whether you're a beginner or an expert, how can you pass up a chance to surf on the beaches of Sri Lanka? Weligama Beach, which translates to ‘sandy village' is the perfect spot to catch a wave. The instructors at the local surf school will teach you the basics, show you which waves to ride & hopefully get you up on your feet, literally!

Go scuba diving in Unawatuna - Wanna discover hidden gems underwater? Here's your chance to go scuba diving in the cool blue ocean. Best part? You have the option to choose between an intro class or a certified one (all levels welcome!)

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DAY 10 AHANGAMA

Ahangama

Still obsessed with those beaches? Good news. You’ve got the whole day to enjoy them. Chill by the ocean, pop over to Mirissa, or sip something cool at a beachfront café. Your day, your vibe.

Meals

Breakfast

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DAY 11 AHANGAMA TO COLOMBO

Ahangama

Your journey ends by the sea. You're welcome to stick around for more sunsets or catch the ride back to Colombo.

Colombo

And just like that, it's time to say goodbye to your new travel crew but the memories (and probably the tan) are here to stay. 

Meals

Breakfast