The Island Chapter
Enquire Now
Signature journeys

Six ways to write your chapter.

Private, chauffeur-guided journeys across Sri Lanka, each adjustable to your dates, pace and interests. Every itinerary is a starting point.

The Discovery Chapter 8 daysThe Heritage Chapter 10 daysThe Wild Chapter 14 daysThe Long Chapter 13+ nightsThe Classic Chapter 11 daysThe Coastal Chapter 11 days
How every journey works
Private and guided
The whole trip is driven by a certified chauffeur, so you travel on your own schedule with no other guests.
Air-conditioned vehicle
A fully air-conditioned car or van, chosen according to the number of travellers.
Hand-picked hotels
3 to 4 star hotels, all rated above 8.0 on Booking.com, each hand-picked and visited by our team, with several options ready in every location.
Flexible pacing
Add nights, drop stops or swap a town. The route order stays; the details change to suit you.
Seasons
The south and hill country shine from roughly November to April, the east coast from May to September.
A blue train curving through bright green tea plantations
8 days
Journey 01

The Discovery Chapter

A Short Escape. A Lasting Memory.

Ancient rock temples, royal ruins, the hill capital, tea country, a scenic train ride and Galle Fort with the beach, plus an optional wildlife safari.

Length8 days / 7 nights
Best seasonYear-round
Ideal forFirst-time visitors wanting Sri Lanka’s best-loved highlights.
Route
Negombo · Dambulla · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Galle or Unawatuna
Good to know: For east-coast beaches in summer, the loop is reversed. The plan suits a beach extension in the south or west.
View day-by-day itinerary
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Optional boat ride on the Negombo lagoon.
Negombo
None
2
Morning Optional
Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market.
Drive to the Cultural Triangle (about 3.5 hours, 140 km). Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO), with about 80 caves (5 main cave shrines), 157 Buddha statues and rich murals.
Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana
Breakfast, dinner
3
Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour): the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO).
Afternoon Optional
village safari with bullock cart ride with catamaran crossing and a cooking lesson
an Ayurveda spa
Evening Safari Minneriya/ Kaudulla/ Eco park (Elephants watching)
Same hotel
Breakfast, dinner
4
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock (30 to 45 minutes) for views of Lion Rock, or climb Sigiriya Lion Rock itself. Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 hours) via the large Hindu temple (Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil) in Matale.
Evening Cultural dance show & ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO).
Afternoon Optional
Kandy Lake and market tour
Gem museum visit
Kandy
Breakfast
5
Morning Optional
Walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 3 hours, 75 km) via Ramboda Falls and tea plantations. Tea factory visit with tasting. Explore the colonial hill town known as Little England: Victoria Park & lake.
Afternoon Optional
Visit to moon plains (offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic viewpoint) or Ambewela farm
Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast, dinner
6
Morning Optional
Early morning hike in Horton Plains National Park to World’s End and Baker’s Falls (about 3 hours).
Seated train ride through the hill country from Nanu Oya to Ella (about 3 hours). Relax at a hotel with a nice view.
Ella
Breakfast
7
Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock, and a walk to the Nine Arch Bridge. Drive to Galle/Unawatuna via Rawana Falls. (about 3.5 hours, 190km)
Visit Sea turtle hatchery along the way
Enjoy the beach
Evening Galle fort walk
Galle/Unawatuna
Breakfast
8
Time to say bye to Sri Lanka. Your airport drop off will be arranged according to the flight schedule.
departure
Breakfast
A shrine beneath a great sacred bodhi tree
10 days
Journey 02

The Heritage Chapter

Ancient Wonders. Timeless Stories.

The ancient royal cities, the rock fortress and cave temples, the sacred hill capital and the fortified colonial port of Galle, linked by a scenic hill-country train ride.

Length10 days / 9 nights
Best seasonYear-round
Ideal forTravellers drawn to ancient kingdoms, sacred sites and Sri Lankan history.
Route
Negombo · Anuradhapura · Mihintale · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Dambulla · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Kataragama · Galle
Good to know: Guests can be accompanied by a certified national guide at UNESCO World Heritage sites. During the summer, the itinerary is reversed to focus on the east-coast beaches instead of the south coast.
View day-by-day itinerary
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Negombo
None
2
Morning Optional
Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market.
Drive to Anuradhapura (about 4 hours, 170 km), with a stop at the Yapahuwa rock fortress famous for its steep ornamental staircase.
Experience the sunset at Mihintale, the oldest Buddhist site and a major pilgrimage place.
Anuradhapura
Breakfast, dinner
3
Morning Optional
morning ceremony at the sacred Bodhi tree
Tour of the ancient city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO), the political and religious center of Sri Lanka for more than 1,300 years.
Drive to Sigiriya (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon Optional
village safari tour
Pidurangala Rock at sunset
an Ayurveda spa.
Sigiriya
Breakfast, dinner
4
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock (UNESCO), a 200 m monolith with ruins of a rock fortress and the ancient Cloud Maiden paintings, or explore the grounds and museum.
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour) for the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO), on foot or by bicycle.
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
5
Morning Optional
Visit vegetable market
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO).
Drive to Kandy (about 2 hours, 100 km) via the large Hindu temple (Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil) in Matale. Evening stroll around Kandy Lake.
Gem museum visit in the evening
Kandy
Breakfast, or breakfast and dinner
6
A walk in the Udawatta Kele forest sanctuary in the morning.
Afternoon Optional
Market visit
Shopping tour
Evening cultural dance show and ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO).
Same Hotel
Breakfast
7
Morning Optional
walk in Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 3 hours, 75 km) via Ramboda Falls and tea plantations.
Tea factory visit with tasting.
Explore the colonial hill town known as Little England: Victoria Park & lake.
Evening Optional
visit to moon plains (offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic viewpoint) or Ambewela farm
Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast, dinner
8
Drive to Nanu Oya and ride the seated train to Ella (about 3 to 4 hours).
Short stop in Ella, then drive to Kataragama (about 2.5 hours, 150 km) via Rawana Falls and, optionally, the Buduruwagala rock temple with its carved Buddha statues.
Evening ceremony at Kataragama, a shrine sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Veddas.
Tissa or Kataragama
Breakfast, dinner
9
Morning Optional
morning jeep safari in Yala or Lunugamvehera or Bundala National Park.
Drive to Galle (about 3.5 hours, 145 km) on the expressway.
Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Evening jungle beach visit.
Galle Fort
Breakfast
10
Explore the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle at leisure: Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage, ramparts, lighthouse, cafes.
Transfer to the airport, the south or west coast, or a beach extension.
Onward stay or departure
Breakfast
Two guests riding an elephant through a shallow lake, with Sigiriya Rock behind
14 days
Journey 03

The Wild Chapter

A Little Wild. A Lot Unforgettable.

Jungle and mountain hikes, safaris, boat rides, turtle watching, snorkelling and whale watching, finishing on the southern beaches.

Length14 days / 13 nights
Best seasonNovember to April
Ideal forNature lovers seeking safaris, mountain hikes and coastal adventures.
Route
Negombo · Sigiriya · Kandy & the Knuckles Range · Ella · Yala or Udawalawe · Tangalle · Mirissa
Good to know: From 20 December until after Easter, safaris run in Udawalawe because Yala is very crowded; Yala is available on request. The trip can be lengthened or shortened to suit you.
View day-by-day itinerary
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Negombo
None
2
Morning Optional
Early visit to the Negombo fish market
boat ride on the Negombo lagoon.
Drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours, 190 km).
Sigiriya
Breakfast, dinner
3
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock, at sunrise on request.
Village safari by tractor, catamaran and tuk-tuk, with a cooking demonstration and lunch.
Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park
Evening Optional: Ayurveda spa.
Same hotel
Breakfast, dinner
4
Morning Optional
hot-air balloon flight at dawn (November to April only).
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 hours, 100 km), with an optional stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples.
Jungle walk in the Udawatta Kele sanctuary.
Evening Optional
Kandy Lake and market visit.
Kandy
Breakfast
5
Morning excursion to the Knuckles Mountain Range: guided hike of about 3 hours (a 5-hour option is available), a swim at a waterfall and lunch with a Sri Lankan host family.
Evening Optional
cultural dance show and the temple of the tooth relic ceremony.
Same Hotel
Breakfast
6
Drive to Nanu Oya (about 3 hours) via Ramboda Falls and a tea factory with tasting.
Seated train ride through the hill country to Ella (about 3 hours).
Evening city walk in Ella.
Ella
Breakfast
7
Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.
Optional
mega zipline or a pool club.
Afternoon visit to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Same Hotel
Breakfast
8
Drive to Yala or Udawalawe National Park (about 2.5 hours, 90 km) via Rawana Falls.
Afternoon jeep safari.
Near the park (a tented lodge is possible on request)
Breakfast, dinner
9
Morning Optional
early-morning safari
Drive to Tangalle (about 2 hours, 75 km).
Tangalle
Breakfast, dinner
10
Morning canoe or catamaran ride on the Tangalle lagoon.
Evening or night turtle watching at Rekawa Beach.
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
11
Coastal drive to Mirissa (about 2.5 hours, 70 km)
Optional
2-hour snorkeling stop in a sea-turtle area on the way.
Evening city walk in Mirissa or Weligama
Mirissa/Weligama
Breakfast
12
Visit lighthouse, harbor, Secret Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Rock, Turtle Beach.
Optional
Surfing
rice-and-curry cooking class
Ayurveda spa
Same Hotel
Breakfast
13
Whale-watching boat trip, with a tuk-tuk transfer to and from the harbor.
Same Hotel
Breakfast
14
Hotel pick-up about 5.5 hours before your flight and transfer to the airport (about 2.5 hours).
Departure
None
A turquoise reservoir winding between green hills
13+ nights
Journey 04

The Long Chapter

Slow Down. Stay a Little Longer.

Fewer stops, longer stays and hotels chosen for their setting and charm, because you spend more time in them. Two programmes follow the best side of the island for the season.

Length13 nights or more
Best seasonWinter: Dec–Apr · Summer: May–Sep
Ideal forTravellers who prefer fewer stops, longer stays and time to unwind.
Route
Winter: Negombo · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Haputale or Ella · Udawalawe or Yala · Galle. Summer: Negombo or Colombo · Kandy · Dambulla · Polonnaruwa · Passikudah · Sigiriya · Negombo
Good to know: Both programmes are samples and can be reshaped to your wishes, with more nights in the places you love most.
View day-by-day itinerary
Winter programme (December to April)
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes).
Negombo
None
2
Time to settle in.
Morning Optional
Early visit to the Negombo fish market
Boat ride on the Negombo lagoon at sunset.
Same Hotel
Breakfast
3
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 to 3 hours, 110 km), with an optional stop at an elephant conservation project.
Free time at the lake, market and Temple of the Tooth.
Afternoon Optional
Evening cultural dance show and ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO).
Kandy
Breakfast, dinner
4
Free day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities.
Hike in the Knuckles Mountain range (approx. 4-5 hours)
Walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 3-4 hours)
Hike in the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (approx. 2-4 hours)
cultural dance show (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
5
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 2.5 to 3 hours, 75 km) via a tea plantation and factory and Ramboda Falls. Free time in Little England.
Afternoon Optional
visit to moon plains (offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic viewpoint) or Ambewela farm
Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast, dinner
6
Morning Optional
Early morning hike in Horton Plains National Park (about 3 hours)
Seated train to Haputale or Ella (2 to 3 hours).
Haputale or Ella, with a view
Breakfast, dinner
7
Free day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities depending on the location.
Scenic Forest & Nature Walks
Cascading Waterfalls & Natural Pools
Panoramic Mountain Viewpoints
Same Hotel
Breakfast, or breakfast and dinner
8
Drive to Udawalawe or Yala (about 2.5 hours, 90 km), with an optional stop at the Buduruwagala rock temple.
Relax at the hotel
Near the park
Breakfast, dinner
9
Jeep safari in the morning or afternoon.
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
10
Drive to Galle (2 hours, 140 km).
Visit Sea turtle hatchery along the way - optional
Enjoy the beach
Visit Galle fort in the evening during sunset
Galle/Unawatuna
Breakfast
11 onward
Rest and relaxation at the beach hotel for as many nights as you like.
Free Day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities
Batik heritage experience & workshop
Surf lessons
Glass boat rides
Visit jungle beach
River safari
Experience with local fishermen
Fishing tour
Galle fort walk with a guide
Gem museum visit
Snorkelling
Diving
Whale watching
Same Hotel
As you wish
Departure day
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport.
Departure
None
Summer programme (May to September)
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to a hotel in Colombo or Negombo (30 to 45 minutes).
Colombo or Negombo
None
2
Time to settle in.
Sunset boat ride on the Negombo lagoon, or a Colombo city tour.
Same Hotel
Breakfast
3
Seated train ride to Kandy (about 3 hours).
Free time at the lake, market and Temple of the Tooth.
Afternoon Optional
Evening cultural dance show and ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO).
Kandy
Breakfast, dinner
4
Free day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities.
Hike in the Knuckles Mountain range (approx. 4-5 hours)
Walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 3-4 hours)
Hike in the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (approx. 2-4 hours)
cultural dance show (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
5
Drive to Kegalle (about 1.5 hours) with an optional tea factory visit and a visit to an elephant conservation project. Continue to Dambulla (about 2 hours, 130 km).
Dambulla
Breakfast, dinner
6
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO), with about 80 caves (5 main cave shrines), 157 Buddha statues and rich murals.
Evening Optional
Slender loris spotting at dusk
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
7
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour): the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO)
Drive to Passikudah beach (about 2 hours, 140 km).
Beach hotel, Passikudah
Breakfast, dinner
8 to 10 (or as many nights as you like)
Beach holiday at leisure.
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
11
Drive to Sigiriya or Habarana (about 3 hours, 130 km).
Afternoon Optional
Village safari by tractor, catamaran and tuk-tuk, with a cooking demonstration and lunch
Sigiriya or Habarana
Breakfast, dinner
12
Jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, in the morning or afternoon.
Evening Optional
Ayurveda spa
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
13
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock (30 to 45 minutes) for views of Lion Rock, or climb Sigiriya Lion Rock itself.
Drive to Negombo (about 4 hours, 150 km).
Negombo
Breakfast, dinner
14
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport (about 30 minutes).
Departure
None
Green mountain slopes and a winding road in the hill country near Ella
11 days
Journey 05

The Classic Chapter

A Little Bit of Everything. A Lot to Remember.

The ancient rock fortress, cave temples, sacred Kandy, a hill-country train ride, an elephant safari and three beach days to finish.

Length11 days / 10 nights
Best seasonNovember to April
Ideal forTravellers wanting culture, hill-country scenery, wildlife and beach time.
Route
Negombo · Sigiriya · Dambulla · Kandy · Ella · Udawalawe · South coast
Good to know: The trip can be lengthened or shortened to suit you, for example with extra beach nights.
View day-by-day itinerary
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Negombo
None
2
Morning Optional
Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market.
Drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours, 190 km).
Sunset climb of Pidurangala Rock.
Sigiriya
Breakfast, dinner
3
Morning Optional
Visit to the Dambulla vegetable market
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO), with about 80 caves (5 main cave shrines), 157 Buddha statues and rich murals.
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 hours, 100 km).
Evening walk in the Udawatta Kele forest sanctuary.
Kandy
Breakfast, dinner
4
Morning Optional
Excursion to the Knuckles Mountain Range: guided hike of about 3 hours (a 5-hour option is available)
Kandy Lake and market tour
Gem museum visit
Evening Cultural dance show & ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
5
Drive to Nanu Oya (about 3 hours) via Ramboda Falls and a tea factory with tasting.
Seated train ride through the hill country to Ella (about 3 hours).
Ella
Breakfast
6
Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.
Optional
mega zipline or a pool club.
Afternoon visit to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Same Hotel
Breakfast
7
Drive to Udawalawe (about 2.5 hours, 90 km) via Rawana Falls and the Buduruwagala rock temple.
Afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.
Udawalawe
Breakfast, dinner
8
Visit the Elephant Transit Home at milk-feeding time (10.30am).
Drive to the south coast (about 3 to 4 hours, 95 km), with an optional snorkelling stop in a sea-turtle area.
Galle/Unawatuna
Breakfast
9 and 10
Beach and relaxation days.
Free Day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities
Batik heritage experience & workshop
Surf lessons
Glass boat rides
Visit jungle beach
River safari
Experience with local fishermen
Fishing tour
Galle fort walk with a guide
Gem museum visit
Snorkelling
Diving
Whale watching
Same Hotel
Breakfast
11
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport (about 2 to 2.5 hours).
Departure
None
Tall coconut palms above a turquoise bay with a sandy beach
11 days
Journey 06

The Coastal Chapter

Where Island Stories Meet the Sea.

The ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle paired with calm, sunrise-facing beaches at Trincomalee and Passikudah.

Length11 days / 10 nights
Best seasonMay to September
Ideal forTravellers exploring ancient cities and the sunny east coast between May and September.
Route
Negombo · Anuradhapura · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Trincomalee (Nilaveli) · Passikudah · Kandy · Negombo
Good to know: The east coast is about 7 to 8 hours by road from the airport. As an alternative to the long drives, a domestic flight from Trincomalee or Passikudah to Colombo takes about 1 hour (March to September, light-aircraft baggage limits apply); never plan it on your departure day, as weather can cancel flights. Arugam Bay can replace or join the other beaches for surfers.
View day-by-day itinerary
Day
Route & highlights
Overnight
Meals
1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Negombo
None
2
Morning Optional
morning ceremony at the sacred Bodhi tree
Tour of the ancient city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO), the political and religious center of Sri Lanka for more than 1,300 years.
Anuradhapura
Breakfast, dinner
3
Drive to Sigiriya (about 1.5 hours).
Village safari by tractor, catamaran and tuk-tuk, with a cooking demonstration and lunch.
Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park
Evening Optional
Ayurveda spa.
Sigiriya
Breakfast, dinner
4
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock (30 to 45 minutes) for views of Lion Rock, or climb Sigiriya Lion Rock itself.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO).
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
5
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour): the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO).
Continue to the east coast at Trincomalee (about 3 hours).
Nilaveli or Trincomalee
Breakfast, dinner
6
Beach day at Nilaveli, a long, quiet, nearly white beach.
Optional
Snorkelling or diving at nearby reefs.
Whale and dolphin watching boat trip.
Nilaveli or Trincomalee
Breakfast, dinner
7
Drive south along the coast to Passikudah (about 3.5 to 4 hours).
Enjoy long, shallow and calm beaches.
Passikudah
Breakfast, dinner
8
Beach day at Passikudah, a long bay with calm water for swimming in season. Water-sports centre for snorkelling, diving and other activities.
Same Hotel
Breakfast, dinner
9
Drive to Kandy (about 5 hours).
Evening Cultural dance show & ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO).
Kandy
Breakfast
10
Morning walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens.
Drive to Negombo (about 3 hours).
Negombo
Breakfast
11
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport (about 30 minutes).
Departure
None

Not sure which to choose?
We’ll shape one for you.

Enquire Now
The Island Chapter
Enquire Now
Signature journeys

Six ways to write your chapter.

Private, chauffeur-guided journeys across Sri Lanka, each adjustable to your dates, pace and interests.

The Discovery Chapter 8 daysThe Heritage Chapter 10 daysThe Wild Chapter 14 daysThe Long Chapter 13+ nightsThe Classic Chapter 11 daysThe Coastal Chapter 11 days
How every journey works
Private and guided
The whole trip is driven by a certified chauffeur, so you travel on your own schedule with no other guests.
Air-conditioned vehicle
A fully air-conditioned car or van, chosen according to the number of travellers.
Hand-picked hotels
3 to 4 star hotels, all rated above 8.0 on Booking.com, each hand-picked and visited by our team, with several options ready in every location.
Flexible pacing
Add nights, drop stops or swap a town. The route order stays; the details change to suit you.
Seasons
The south and hill country shine from roughly November to April, the east coast from May to September.
A blue train curving through bright green tea plantations
8 days
Journey 01

The Discovery Chapter

A Short Escape. A Lasting Memory.

Ancient rock temples, royal ruins, the hill capital, tea country, a scenic train ride and Galle Fort with the beach, plus an optional wildlife safari.

8 days / 7 nights · Best: Year-round
For first-time visitors wanting Sri Lanka’s best-loved highlights.
Route
Negombo · Dambulla · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Galle or Unawatuna
View day-by-day itinerary
Good to know: For east-coast beaches in summer, the loop is reversed. The plan suits a beach extension in the south or west.
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Optional boat ride on the Negombo lagoon.
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Morning Optional
Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market.
Drive to the Cultural Triangle (about 3.5 hours, 140 km). Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO), with about 80 caves (5 main cave shrines), 157 Buddha statues and rich murals.
Overnight: Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour): the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO).
Afternoon Optional
village safari with bullock cart ride with catamaran crossing and a cooking lesson
an Ayurveda spa
Evening Safari Minneriya/ Kaudulla/ Eco park (Elephants watching)
Overnight: Same hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock (30 to 45 minutes) for views of Lion Rock, or climb Sigiriya Lion Rock itself. Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 hours) via the large Hindu temple (Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil) in Matale.
Evening Cultural dance show & ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO).
Afternoon Optional
Kandy Lake and market tour
Gem museum visit
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Morning Optional
Walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 3 hours, 75 km) via Ramboda Falls and tea plantations. Tea factory visit with tasting. Explore the colonial hill town known as Little England: Victoria Park & lake.
Afternoon Optional
Visit to moon plains (offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic viewpoint) or Ambewela farm
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6
Morning Optional
Early morning hike in Horton Plains National Park to World’s End and Baker’s Falls (about 3 hours).
Seated train ride through the hill country from Nanu Oya to Ella (about 3 hours). Relax at a hotel with a nice view.
Overnight: Ella · Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock, and a walk to the Nine Arch Bridge. Drive to Galle/Unawatuna via Rawana Falls. (about 3.5 hours, 190km)
Visit Sea turtle hatchery along the way
Enjoy the beach
Evening Galle fort walk
Overnight: Galle/Unawatuna · Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Time to say bye to Sri Lanka. Your airport drop off will be arranged according to the flight schedule.
Overnight: departure · Meals: Breakfast
A shrine beneath a great sacred bodhi tree
10 days
Journey 02

The Heritage Chapter

Ancient Wonders. Timeless Stories.

The ancient royal cities, the rock fortress and cave temples, the sacred hill capital and the fortified colonial port of Galle, linked by a scenic hill-country train ride.

10 days / 9 nights · Best: Year-round
For travellers drawn to ancient kingdoms, sacred sites and Sri Lankan history.
Route
Negombo · Anuradhapura · Mihintale · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Dambulla · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Kataragama · Galle
View day-by-day itinerary
Good to know: Guests can be accompanied by a certified national guide at UNESCO World Heritage sites. During the summer, the itinerary is reversed to focus on the east-coast beaches instead of the south coast.
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Morning Optional
Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market.
Drive to Anuradhapura (about 4 hours, 170 km), with a stop at the Yapahuwa rock fortress famous for its steep ornamental staircase.
Experience the sunset at Mihintale, the oldest Buddhist site and a major pilgrimage place.
Overnight: Anuradhapura · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Morning Optional
morning ceremony at the sacred Bodhi tree
Tour of the ancient city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO), the political and religious center of Sri Lanka for more than 1,300 years.
Drive to Sigiriya (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon Optional
village safari tour
Pidurangala Rock at sunset
an Ayurveda spa.
Overnight: Sigiriya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock (UNESCO), a 200 m monolith with ruins of a rock fortress and the ancient Cloud Maiden paintings, or explore the grounds and museum.
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour) for the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO), on foot or by bicycle.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Morning Optional
Visit vegetable market
Visit Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO).
Drive to Kandy (about 2 hours, 100 km) via the large Hindu temple (Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil) in Matale. Evening stroll around Kandy Lake.
Gem museum visit in the evening
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast, or breakfast and dinner
Day 6
A walk in the Udawatta Kele forest sanctuary in the morning.
Afternoon Optional
Market visit
Shopping tour
Evening cultural dance show and ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO).
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Morning Optional
walk in Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 3 hours, 75 km) via Ramboda Falls and tea plantations.
Tea factory visit with tasting.
Explore the colonial hill town known as Little England: Victoria Park & lake.
Evening Optional
visit to moon plains (offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic viewpoint) or Ambewela farm
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8
Drive to Nanu Oya and ride the seated train to Ella (about 3 to 4 hours).
Short stop in Ella, then drive to Kataragama (about 2.5 hours, 150 km) via Rawana Falls and, optionally, the Buduruwagala rock temple with its carved Buddha statues.
Evening ceremony at Kataragama, a shrine sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Veddas.
Overnight: Tissa or Kataragama · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9
Morning Optional
morning jeep safari in Yala or Lunugamvehera or Bundala National Park.
Drive to Galle (about 3.5 hours, 145 km) on the expressway.
Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Evening jungle beach visit.
Overnight: Galle Fort · Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Explore the UNESCO-listed fort city of Galle at leisure: Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage, ramparts, lighthouse, cafes.
Transfer to the airport, the south or west coast, or a beach extension.
Overnight: Onward stay or departure · Meals: Breakfast
Two guests riding an elephant through a shallow lake, with Sigiriya Rock behind
14 days
Journey 03

The Wild Chapter

A Little Wild. A Lot Unforgettable.

Jungle and mountain hikes, safaris, boat rides, turtle watching, snorkelling and whale watching, finishing on the southern beaches.

14 days / 13 nights · Best: November to April
For nature lovers seeking safaris, mountain hikes and coastal adventures.
Route
Negombo · Sigiriya · Kandy & the Knuckles Range · Ella · Yala or Udawalawe · Tangalle · Mirissa
View day-by-day itinerary
Good to know: From 20 December until after Easter, safaris run in Udawalawe because Yala is very crowded; Yala is available on request. The trip can be lengthened or shortened to suit you.
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Morning Optional
Early visit to the Negombo fish market
boat ride on the Negombo lagoon.
Drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours, 190 km).
Overnight: Sigiriya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock, at sunrise on request.
Village safari by tractor, catamaran and tuk-tuk, with a cooking demonstration and lunch.
Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park
Evening Optional: Ayurveda spa.
Overnight: Same hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Morning Optional
hot-air balloon flight at dawn (November to April only).
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 hours, 100 km), with an optional stop at the Dambulla Cave Temples.
Jungle walk in the Udawatta Kele sanctuary.
Evening Optional
Kandy Lake and market visit.
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Morning excursion to the Knuckles Mountain Range: guided hike of about 3 hours (a 5-hour option is available), a swim at a waterfall and lunch with a Sri Lankan host family.
Evening Optional
cultural dance show and the temple of the tooth relic ceremony.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Drive to Nanu Oya (about 3 hours) via Ramboda Falls and a tea factory with tasting.
Seated train ride through the hill country to Ella (about 3 hours).
Evening city walk in Ella.
Overnight: Ella · Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.
Optional
mega zipline or a pool club.
Afternoon visit to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Drive to Yala or Udawalawe National Park (about 2.5 hours, 90 km) via Rawana Falls.
Afternoon jeep safari.
Overnight: Near the park (a tented lodge is possible on request) · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9
Morning Optional
early-morning safari
Drive to Tangalle (about 2 hours, 75 km).
Overnight: Tangalle · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 10
Morning canoe or catamaran ride on the Tangalle lagoon.
Evening or night turtle watching at Rekawa Beach.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 11
Coastal drive to Mirissa (about 2.5 hours, 70 km)
Optional
2-hour snorkeling stop in a sea-turtle area on the way.
Evening city walk in Mirissa or Weligama
Overnight: Mirissa/Weligama · Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
Visit lighthouse, harbor, Secret Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Rock, Turtle Beach.
Optional
Surfing
rice-and-curry cooking class
Ayurveda spa
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Whale-watching boat trip, with a tuk-tuk transfer to and from the harbor.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Hotel pick-up about 5.5 hours before your flight and transfer to the airport (about 2.5 hours).
Overnight: Departure · Meals: None
A turquoise reservoir winding between green hills
13+ nights
Journey 04

The Long Chapter

Slow Down. Stay a Little Longer.

Fewer stops, longer stays and hotels chosen for their setting and charm, because you spend more time in them. Two programmes follow the best side of the island for the season.

13 nights or more · Best: Winter: Dec–Apr · Summer: May–Sep
For travellers who prefer fewer stops, longer stays and time to unwind.
Route
Winter: Negombo · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Haputale or Ella · Udawalawe or Yala · Galle. Summer: Negombo or Colombo · Kandy · Dambulla · Polonnaruwa · Passikudah · Sigiriya · Negombo
View day-by-day itinerary
Good to know: Both programmes are samples and can be reshaped to your wishes, with more nights in the places you love most.
Winter programme (December to April)
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes).
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Time to settle in.
Morning Optional
Early visit to the Negombo fish market
Boat ride on the Negombo lagoon at sunset.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 to 3 hours, 110 km), with an optional stop at an elephant conservation project.
Free time at the lake, market and Temple of the Tooth.
Afternoon Optional
Evening cultural dance show and ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO).
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Free day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities.
Hike in the Knuckles Mountain range (approx. 4-5 hours)
Walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 3-4 hours)
Hike in the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (approx. 2-4 hours)
cultural dance show (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Drive to Nuwara Eliya (about 2.5 to 3 hours, 75 km) via a tea plantation and factory and Ramboda Falls. Free time in Little England.
Afternoon Optional
visit to moon plains (offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic viewpoint) or Ambewela farm
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6
Morning Optional
Early morning hike in Horton Plains National Park (about 3 hours)
Seated train to Haputale or Ella (2 to 3 hours).
Overnight: Haputale or Ella, with a view · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Free day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities depending on the location.
Scenic Forest & Nature Walks
Cascading Waterfalls & Natural Pools
Panoramic Mountain Viewpoints
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, or breakfast and dinner
Day 8
Drive to Udawalawe or Yala (about 2.5 hours, 90 km), with an optional stop at the Buduruwagala rock temple.
Relax at the hotel
Overnight: Near the park · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9
Jeep safari in the morning or afternoon.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 10
Drive to Galle (2 hours, 140 km).
Visit Sea turtle hatchery along the way - optional
Enjoy the beach
Visit Galle fort in the evening during sunset
Overnight: Galle/Unawatuna · Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 onward
Rest and relaxation at the beach hotel for as many nights as you like.
Free Day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities
Batik heritage experience & workshop
Surf lessons
Glass boat rides
Visit jungle beach
River safari
Experience with local fishermen
Fishing tour
Galle fort walk with a guide
Gem museum visit
Snorkelling
Diving
Whale watching
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: As you wish
Day Departure day
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport.
Overnight: Departure · Meals: None
Summer programme (May to September)
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to a hotel in Colombo or Negombo (30 to 45 minutes).
Overnight: Colombo or Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Time to settle in.
Sunset boat ride on the Negombo lagoon, or a Colombo city tour.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Seated train ride to Kandy (about 3 hours).
Free time at the lake, market and Temple of the Tooth.
Afternoon Optional
Evening cultural dance show and ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO).
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Free day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities.
Hike in the Knuckles Mountain range (approx. 4-5 hours)
Walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 3-4 hours)
Hike in the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary (approx. 2-4 hours)
cultural dance show (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Drive to Kegalle (about 1.5 hours) with an optional tea factory visit and a visit to an elephant conservation project. Continue to Dambulla (about 2 hours, 130 km).
Overnight: Dambulla · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO), with about 80 caves (5 main cave shrines), 157 Buddha statues and rich murals.
Evening Optional
Slender loris spotting at dusk
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour): the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO)
Drive to Passikudah beach (about 2 hours, 140 km).
Overnight: Beach hotel, Passikudah · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 to 10 (or as many nights as you like)
Beach holiday at leisure.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 11
Drive to Sigiriya or Habarana (about 3 hours, 130 km).
Afternoon Optional
Village safari by tractor, catamaran and tuk-tuk, with a cooking demonstration and lunch
Overnight: Sigiriya or Habarana · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 12
Jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park, in the morning or afternoon.
Evening Optional
Ayurveda spa
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 13
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock (30 to 45 minutes) for views of Lion Rock, or climb Sigiriya Lion Rock itself.
Drive to Negombo (about 4 hours, 150 km).
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 14
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport (about 30 minutes).
Overnight: Departure · Meals: None
Green mountain slopes and a winding road in the hill country near Ella
11 days
Journey 05

The Classic Chapter

A Little Bit of Everything. A Lot to Remember.

The ancient rock fortress, cave temples, sacred Kandy, a hill-country train ride, an elephant safari and three beach days to finish.

11 days / 10 nights · Best: November to April
For travellers wanting culture, hill-country scenery, wildlife and beach time.
Route
Negombo · Sigiriya · Dambulla · Kandy · Ella · Udawalawe · South coast
View day-by-day itinerary
Good to know: The trip can be lengthened or shortened to suit you, for example with extra beach nights.
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Morning Optional
Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market.
Drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours, 190 km).
Sunset climb of Pidurangala Rock.
Overnight: Sigiriya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Morning Optional
Visit to the Dambulla vegetable market
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO), with about 80 caves (5 main cave shrines), 157 Buddha statues and rich murals.
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5 hours, 100 km).
Evening walk in the Udawatta Kele forest sanctuary.
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Morning Optional
Excursion to the Knuckles Mountain Range: guided hike of about 3 hours (a 5-hour option is available)
Kandy Lake and market tour
Gem museum visit
Evening Cultural dance show & ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Drive to Nanu Oya (about 3 hours) via Ramboda Falls and a tea factory with tasting.
Seated train ride through the hill country to Ella (about 3 hours).
Overnight: Ella · Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.
Optional
mega zipline or a pool club.
Afternoon visit to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Drive to Udawalawe (about 2.5 hours, 90 km) via Rawana Falls and the Buduruwagala rock temple.
Afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.
Overnight: Udawalawe · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8
Visit the Elephant Transit Home at milk-feeding time (10.30am).
Drive to the south coast (about 3 to 4 hours, 95 km), with an optional snorkelling stop in a sea-turtle area.
Overnight: Galle/Unawatuna · Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 and 10
Beach and relaxation days.
Free Day: Guests are invited to tailor their itinerary at leisure by choosing from the collection of signature activities
Batik heritage experience & workshop
Surf lessons
Glass boat rides
Visit jungle beach
River safari
Experience with local fishermen
Fishing tour
Galle fort walk with a guide
Gem museum visit
Snorkelling
Diving
Whale watching
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport (about 2 to 2.5 hours).
Overnight: Departure · Meals: None
Tall coconut palms above a turquoise bay with a sandy beach
11 days
Journey 06

The Coastal Chapter

Where Island Stories Meet the Sea.

The ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle paired with calm, sunrise-facing beaches at Trincomalee and Passikudah.

11 days / 10 nights · Best: May to September
For travellers exploring ancient cities and the sunny east coast between May and September.
Route
Negombo · Anuradhapura · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Trincomalee (Nilaveli) · Passikudah · Kandy · Negombo
View day-by-day itinerary
Good to know: The east coast is about 7 to 8 hours by road from the airport. As an alternative to the long drives, a domestic flight from Trincomalee or Passikudah to Colombo takes about 1 hour (March to September, light-aircraft baggage limits apply); never plan it on your departure day, as weather can cancel flights. Arugam Bay can replace or join the other beaches for surfers.
Day 1
Airport pick-up and transfer to Negombo (about 30 minutes). Time to settle in.
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: None
Day 2
Morning Optional
morning ceremony at the sacred Bodhi tree
Tour of the ancient city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO), the political and religious center of Sri Lanka for more than 1,300 years.
Overnight: Anuradhapura · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
Drive to Sigiriya (about 1.5 hours).
Village safari by tractor, catamaran and tuk-tuk, with a cooking demonstration and lunch.
Afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park
Evening Optional
Ayurveda spa.
Overnight: Sigiriya · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Morning climb of Pidurangala Rock (30 to 45 minutes) for views of Lion Rock, or climb Sigiriya Lion Rock itself.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples (UNESCO).
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1 hour): the medieval royal city and Gal Vihara (UNESCO).
Continue to the east coast at Trincomalee (about 3 hours).
Overnight: Nilaveli or Trincomalee · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6
Beach day at Nilaveli, a long, quiet, nearly white beach.
Optional
Snorkelling or diving at nearby reefs.
Whale and dolphin watching boat trip.
Overnight: Nilaveli or Trincomalee · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Drive south along the coast to Passikudah (about 3.5 to 4 hours).
Enjoy long, shallow and calm beaches.
Overnight: Passikudah · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8
Beach day at Passikudah, a long bay with calm water for swimming in season. Water-sports centre for snorkelling, diving and other activities.
Overnight: Same Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9
Drive to Kandy (about 5 hours).
Evening Cultural dance show & ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO).
Overnight: Kandy · Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Morning walk in the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens.
Drive to Negombo (about 3 hours).
Overnight: Negombo · Meals: Breakfast
Day 11
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport (about 30 minutes).
Overnight: Departure · Meals: None

Not sure which to choose? We’ll shape one for you.

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