Classic Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival in Negombo

Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival in Negombo, located close to Bandaranaike International Airport, you can spend the day exploring at your leisure. Negombo is known for its fishing craft, and you can sample fresh seafood or explore the beautiful countryside by renting a bicycle. In the evening, join an important welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your group and guide for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Negombo to Kandy

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Kandy, a lush city surrounded by rainforests. Upon arrival, enjoy a home-cooked lunch with local cuisine and a refreshing juice welcome drink. Later, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites, housing a relic of the Lord Buddha. If you have extra time, you can visit the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, once the playground of Kandyan royalty. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dance performance set to rhythmic percussion.

Day 3: Scenic Train to Nuwara Eliya

Today, embark on a scenic train journey through the picturesque highlands to Nuwara Eliya. Known for its cool climate and lush tea plantations, this town was a retreat for British colonialists. Visit a local tea factory to learn about the cultivation process and sample some of the famous tea varieties. After the tour, return to Kandy and explore the city further, perhaps trying some delicious local dishes like kottu roti.

Day 4: Kandy to Sigiriya via Dambulla

Leave Kandy behind and transfer to Habarana, just 12 km from Sigiriya. On the way, visit a spice garden and learn about Sri Lanka’s famed spices. Stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Buddha statues and murals. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lion Rock in Sigiriya, a towering ancient fortress with stunning views and rich history.

Day 5: Sigiriya Safari and Local Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to a local home for a delicious home-cooked lunch. Afterward, embark on a jeep safari through Minneriya National Park, where you can spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife roaming the lush landscape.

Day 6: Explore Anuradhapura

Travel to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved ruins. Take a guided bike tour around the city to explore the temples, stupas, and palaces, or opt for a tuk-tuk ride if you prefer. Visit the sacred Bodhi Tree, which is said to have grown from a branch of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Day 7: Colombo City Tour

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Colombo, the vibrant and bustling capital of Sri Lanka. Take in the city’s main sights on a bus tour, including Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Stroll through the lively Pettah Market and shop for locally made handicrafts at the Barefoot Fairtrade Store. If you visit on a Saturday, explore the Good Market, a showcase for responsible businesses and social enterprises.

Day 8: Departure from Colombo

Your Sri Lankan adventure concludes today. After breakfast, you are free to depart at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Colombo, additional accommodation can be arranged.