Essential Sri Lanka Explorer

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive at the airport in Colombo and make your way to our hostel for your check-in at 14:00. You will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a briefing on the trip details at 15:00.

We will then take an included walking tour around the old town of Colombo, which will provide us with a great understanding of the city's history and culture. Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, beautifully blends its rich history with modern urban life.

Colombo - Negombo - Dambulla. We start our morning with an early trip to Negombo to explore the famous fish market, known locally as ‘Lellama’. Located along Negombo beach, this fresh fish market is the perfect place for us to interact with local fishermen and witness the daily fish auction.

Afterwards, we will head to Dambulla, where we will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple complex, one of Sri Lanka’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will discover a series of caves that were transformed into temples almost 2,000 years ago before checking into our hostel for the evening.

Dambulla - Sigiriya. We will start our day at 05:30 with a packed breakfast as we climb the Sigiriya rock fortress to explore Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient palace, carved into the rock, stands as a testament to the master engineers and artists of ancient times, showcasing intricate architecture, a network of ponds and streams at the summit, and stunning rock paintings, including the famous “Sigiriya Damsels.” We will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding lowlands from the top before making our way back down.

You can spend the afternoon visiting cultural attractions in the area at your leisure, or you can join an optional visit to the old city of Polonnaruwa (approximately $55 USD). Later this evening, you can wind down with an included glass of arrack, Sri Lanka’s favourite alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers.

Sigiriya - Knuckles Mountain Range - Kandy. After breakfast, we will travel to the northern part of the Knuckles Mountain Range, a geographical formation renowned for its unique recumbent folds and peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. We will hike along the scenic Manigala Trail, taking in the rich diversity of flora and fauna in this cloud forest before settling down for a packed lunch with spectacular views.

In the late afternoon, around 16:00, we will transfer to Kandy, the hill capital and Sri Lanka’s second-largest city. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant mix of ancient and modern architecture that this city has to offer before visiting a local pub.

We begin our day with a visit to one of the nation’s most iconic sights: the Temple of the Tooth. Once the royal palace of the Sri Lankan king, it is now a temple regarded as the most sacred in the country, as it houses the relic of Lord Buddha's tooth.

You can either spend your afternoon exploring the city further at your own pace or choose to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya (Approximately $30 USD).

Later today around 17:30, we will visit Kandy Lake for sunset - the centrepiece of the city. This provides an unforgettable atmosphere during the golden hour.

Kandy - Kurunegala - Kandy. Today, we will take a day trip to Kurunegala and spend the day at The Sputnik Centre, a vibrant hub known for its engaging activities and workshops. Here, we can enjoy various cultural experiences, including local crafts, cooking classes, and traditional music performances, immersing ourselves in the rich heritage of the region. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with the community and learn more about Sri Lankan culture. We then return to Kandy, and the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Kandy - Kitulgala - Ella. Depart for Kitulgala at 07:30 for an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure through the Kitulgala rainforest. After our rafting experience, we will enjoy a hearty Sri Lankan lunch to refuel.

We will travel to Hatton to board the afternoon train to Ella. It is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world and is definitely a must-do while we are in Sri Lanka. Our scenic journey will take us through tea plantations, forests, and villages in the stunning central hills of this beautiful country.

You can spend the evening exploring Ella at your own pace, with plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants to choose from.

We will start our day with a hike at 07:00 up to Ella Rock for sunrise. Following our hike, we will take a short drive to Ravana Falls. This stunning natural feature is known for its cascading waters and rock pools, which provide the perfect opportunity for an afternoon swim (weather permitting).

For the rest of the afternoon, you can explore Ella at your own pace or choose from a local Sri Lankan cooking class (approximately $20 USD) or a yoga lesson (approximately $25 USD).

Ella - Udawalawe. We will enjoy our second scenic sunrise at 05:00 with a hike to Mini World’s End. This breathtaking viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views with a touch of adrenaline. Its sheer drop of 1,192 metres will give us a better understanding of its name.

After we return to our hostel to freshen up, we will make our way to Udawalawe, home to some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable wildlife. Our first stop will be the Buduruwagala Ancient Temple, renowned for its unique Buddhist art and history. The temple features seven statues carved into the rock, dating back to around the 10th century, with the main statue being a large standing Buddha surrounded by smaller figures such as bodhisattvas and deities. The peaceful, wooded surroundings enhance its spiritual atmosphere.

Finally, we will proceed to our campsite located at the edge of Udawalawe National Park, where we will enjoy a jeep safari through the national park at 15:30. Keep an eye out for wild elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, and a variety of birdlife.

Udawalawe - Handunugoda - Unawatuna. At 10:00 we will head two hours southwest to the Handunugoda Tea Estate, where we will learn about the tea-making process - from field to cup. After that, we will visit the historic tea factory and museum before enjoying a freshly made cup of tea at the end of the tour.

From Handunugoda Tea Estate, we will travel for 30 minutes along the stunning southern coastline to Unawatuna, one of the many world-class beach destinations. We should arrive in for our check in at 14:00. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the sun, sand, sea, and surfing in Unawatuna.

Today, we will have an included surfing lesson, the timing of which depends on the conditions. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Unawatuna.

Later today you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional mask painting lesson (at approximately $38 USD).

Please Note: If the surfing lesson is cancelled due to the conditions, you will be refunded for this activity.

Unawatuna - Galle - Unawatuna. Today at 08:30, we will take a 20-minute ride in a tuk-tuk to Galle for a day of exploring the Galle Fort City, another captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. Galle is the largest and busiest city in southern Sri Lanka. Tucked away in a corner jutting out into the ocean is the old city, protected by a fort where time has surely slowed down. The fort was built in the 1600s by the Portuguese and later extensively fortified by the Dutch.

As we explore, we will discover the well-preserved ramparts, along with a lighthouse, clock tower, houses, churches, and buildings constructed by the Dutch and Portuguese. Many of these buildings now host chic restaurants, private villas, boutiques, and guesthouses, all while maintaining the fort's authenticity. The best way to explore the fort is on foot. We can enjoy a sunset on the ramparts before returning to Unawatuna.

Unawatuna - Colombo. We will transfer for two hours to the capital, Colombo. Along the way, we will stop by a temple to meet a Buddhist priest and take part in a pooja, which is a blessing ritual, before the end of our journey. We can arrange post-tour accommodation for you in Colombo, if you wish.