Sri Lanka World Heritage Tour (Nov to April)

Day 1 - Arrival and check-in to a beach resort

Arrival at Colombo International Airport and transfer to a beach resort in nearby Negombo. Time at leisure before a late afternoon briefing and your first opportunity to sample the fantastic Sri Lankan cuisine with a local-style, welcome evening meal.

Overnight: Negombo Transport: Taxi, Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Negombo and Colombo day tour

Early morning visit to Negombo’s bustling fish market before a short drive to Colombo and a tour of some of the sights of the capital including the excellent National Museum, a look at some of the city’s colonial architecture and a walk through the bustling and fascinating Pettah street market.

Overnight: Negombo Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 3 - North to Wilpattu National Park

Departing Negombo, we’ll head north to Wilpattu National Park – Sri Lanka’s largest, yet one of its least visited national parks. The park is renowned for its leopard population and sees far fewer visitors than the much better-known Yala. Barbeque dinner and, availability permitting, overnight glamping in a comfortable, tented camp.

During busy periods we may change to an eco-style nature lodge.

Overnight: Safari Camp Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 4 - Jeep safari and on to Anuradhapura

Early morning, wildlife spotting, jeep safari in Wilpattu. Late morning return and departure east to the ancient UNESCO-listed site of Anuradhapura and nearby Mihintale, a highly revered pilgrimage site considered to be the founding place of Sri Lankan Buddhism. In addition to an array of historic temples, the hill provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon we’ll continue to Sigiriya – our base for exploring the famous Cultural Triangle. .

Overnight: Sigiriya Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 5 - Cultural Triangle; Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

Dawn ascent of the iconic and dramatic rock fortress of Sigiriya, constructed atop a sheer-sided rock outcrop. We’ll take in the amazing Maidens of the Clouds on our way up the summit for some equally incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Some time to relax by the resort pool before taking a rowing boat across a lake for a home-cooked lunch as guests of a local Sinhalese family. Another World Heritage Site is on the afternoon’s menu with a tour of the temples of the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa.

Overnight: Sigiriya Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 6 - Dambulla Cave Temples and south to Kandy

Departure south for Kandy with stops en route to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dambulla – whose fabulous cave temples date to the 1st century BCE – as well Matale for a tour of one of the area’s famous spice gardens. Late afternoon arrival in Kandy and a stroll around the lake with sunset at the well-placed Arthur’s Seat viewpoint. In the evening, we’ll continue our tour of Sri Lankan food with dinner at a local-style Tamil restaurant.

Overnight: Kandy Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 7 - Kandy tour

Morning ceremony at the highly prestigious Temple of the Tooth, followed by a tour of the colourful local market and lunch at one of the town’s Muslim restaurants. Our afternoon tour continues with the fabulous Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and a tour of a nearby tea factory. In the evening, an optional traditional dance display can be arranged.

Overnight: Kandy Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 8 - The Central Highlands and tea country

Departure by local train on a picturesque ride through the hills from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. We’ll check in to our hotel with some time at leisure to explore the town, before taking traditional high tea at the Grand Hotel.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Transport: Minibus, Train, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 9 - Horton Plains and World's End

An early start for a drive to the Horton Plains National Park and a hike to the famous, and aptly named, World’s End where the plains drop abruptly 1,000 metres to lush forests below. We’ll also have the chance to discover the region’s beautiful flora and fauna and take in the scenic Baker’s Falls before continuing in the afternoon to Ella for a tuk-tuk ride to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.

Overnight: Bandarawela Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 10 - On to the coast and the fishing port of Tangalle

Time to head south with a stop at the famous Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe – an elephant orphanage and rehabilitation centre – before continuing to the picturesque coastal town and fishing port of Tangalle. Afternoon at leisure and accommodation at a small, boutique-style, beachside resort

Overnight: Tangalle Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - At leisure in Tangalle

Day at leisure in Tangalle. Check out the quaint town with its bustling fishing port while optional activities include a bird and wildlife spotting boat tour through the protected mangroves of nearby Kalametiya Sanctuary.

Overnight: Tangalle Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 12 - Follow the coast to Galle

Leisurely departure for a drive west along the scenic coastline to historic Galle, where we’ll stay in a low-key but comfortable, beachside resort at nearby Unawatuna.

Overnight: Galle Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 13 - Explore the World Heritage town

Morning at leisure in Unawatuna with an afternoon tour of UNESCO-listed Galle – a spectacularly sited walled town jutting into the Indian Ocean on a rocky peninsula. Discover the narrow lanes and quaint cafes of the old Moorish Quarter with a sunset hike along the ramparts of the Old Dutch Fort before it’s time for a farewell dinner in an old town café. (*Weather permitting, an optional, morning whale-watching tour at nearby Mirissa can be arranged.)

Overnight: Galle Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 14 - Transfer to Colombo International Airport or extend your beach stay

Free morning in Unawatuna and departure at your leisure for Colombo international airport.

Transport: Taxi,  Meals: B,