DURATION: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Moderate

Discover Sri Lanka

Journey through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient rock fortresses, sacred cave temples, and timeless villages reveal the island’s rich history and spirit. Continue into the central highlands of Kandy, a city framed by hills, lake views, and living traditions. Conclude along the southern coastline in Ahungalla, where golden beaches and ocean horizons invite pure relaxation. Longer stays allow additional time in Ahungalla to unwind at a slower coastal pace and fully enjoy the beachfront setting.

8-night itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Colombo → Dambulla
• Day 2: Dambulla
• Day 3: Dambulla → Kandy
• Day 4: Kandy → Ahungalla
• Day 5: Ahungalla
• Day 6: Ahungalla
• Day 7: Ahungalla
• Day 8: Ahungalla
• Day 9: Departure from Ahungalla

For longer itineraries, extend your stay by 1 to 5 nights at Hotel Riu Sri Lanka 5* in Ahungalla, offering more time to unwind along the coast.

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO → DAMBULLA 

On arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you are welcomed and introduced to your guide for the journey ahead. Travel inland to Dambulla, pausing at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where elephants are seen along the river in a peaceful setting. Continue through green countryside to Sigiriya, arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure, with optional cycling or a tranquil catamaran experience on the reservoir.

Included:

• Private airport transfer from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
• Private transfer to Dambulla with guide
• Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Dinner
• Night at Hidden Secrets or Cinnamon Lodge 5*

Optional:

• Village cycling experience
• Catamaran ride on the reservoir

DAY 2: DAMBULLA 

At sunrise, ascend Sigiriya Lion Rock with your guide, following ancient stairways carved into the rock face. At the summit, the ruins open onto expansive views across forests and villages bathed in morning light. Later, return to ground level for a swing experience facing the iconic rock, offering a memorable perspective of the landscape. The rest of the day is at leisure in Dambulla.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Guided visit to Sigiriya Lion Rock
• Access to Sigiriya Swing with unlimited photos
• Night at Hidden Secrets or Cinnamon Lodge 5*

Optional:

• Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park

After breakfast, explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, where golden light falls across ancient murals and quiet stone-carved sanctuaries. Continue towards Kandy with a stop in Matale at an Ayurvedic village, where spice aromas and traditional practices fill the air. The road then rises into cooler highlands before reaching Kandy in the afternoon. A tuk-tuk ride reveals the city’s layered charm, concluding with sweeping views from the Bahirawakanda Temple at sunset.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
• Visit to Ayurvedic village in Matale
• Tuk-tuk city tour of Kandy
• Visit to Bahirawakanda Temple
• Night at Mountbatten Bungalow or Celestial Hills

DAY 4: KANDY → AHUNGALLA

The morning begins with departure from Kandy, as the journey winds down from misty hills towards Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Passing through changing landscapes and small towns, you arrive in Ahungalla by afternoon, where the ocean breeze marks a new pace of travel. Check into your beachfront hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with time to unwind by the sea or simply embrace the stillness of the coast.

Included:

• Breakfast and dinner
• Private transfer from Kandy to Ahungalla
• Night at Hotel Riu Sri Lanka 5*

Days unfold at a gentle coastal rhythm, where golden light settles over the shoreline, and the ocean remains a constant, soothing presence. Mornings begin at leisure, with time to drift between the pool and the beach, the sound of waves shaping an easy sense of calm. As the days progress, you may simply unwind or explore the surrounding coast at your own pace, with long stretches of unhurried time by the water. Evenings return softly to the hotel, where warm air and sea breezes close each day in quiet comfort.

Included:

• All inclusive
• Nights at Hotel Riu Sri Lanka 5*

DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM AHUNGALLA

A final morning by the ocean offers a quiet farewell, with soft light over the shoreline and time to enjoy breakfast in calm surroundings. You then depart Ahungalla, travelling north through coastal roads and rural scenery towards Colombo. On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), assistance is provided for your departure process. The journey ends as you board your flight, carrying the impressions of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, colours, and coastal stillness.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

For longer itineraries, extend your stay by 1 to 5 nights at Hotel Riu Sri Lanka 5* in Ahungalla, offering more time to unwind along the coast.

At each of your stops, you will be staying in thoughtfully selected hotels.

Your hotels (or similar):

• Dambulla: Hidden Secrets (Deluxe Villa) or Cinnamon Lodge 5* (Superior Room)
• Kandy: Mountbatten Bungalow (Bungalow Room) or Celestial Hills (Mountain View Villa)
• Ahungalla: Hotel Riu Sri Lanka 5* (Partial Sea View Junior Suite)

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

Benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking guide throughout your journey, ensuring seamless navigation, local insight, and a richer cultural experience.

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Set off on an unforgettable adventure in the Minneriya National Park on a jeep safari to see some of Sri Lanka's exceptional wildlife.

Enjoy a catamaran ride, explore traditional village life and learn about local cultures on an immersive guided tour.

Enhance your stay by opting for early check-in, allowing you to settle in and make the most of every moment from the very start.

Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations, is home to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering above the lush jungle, this ancient city is known for its intricate frescoes, stunning gardens, and panoramic views. 

Must Sees:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A must-visit ancient royal citadel offering panoramic views and ancient frescoes as you climb to the top.
• Pidurangala Rock: A quieter, more accessible rock offering stunning views of Sigiriya Rock.
• Sigiriya Museum: A small but informative museum showcasing the history of the area, with artifacts and details about the rock's construction.

Culinary Culture:

Sigiriya’s food scene blends traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with unique flavors from the surrounding region. Popular dishes include rice and curry, fresh local vegetables, and hearty meat curries. Many hotels and guesthouses offer authentic meals featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, and there are also plenty of options to enjoy Sri Lankan hoppers, roti, and seafood dishes while overlooking the stunning landscapes.

Dive Deeper:

Visit the Habarana Village for a cultural experience, where you can enjoy a traditional village tour, including a boat ride and cycling around the picturesque countryside. You can also explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, just a short drive from Sigiriya, which is home to intricate Buddhist murals and statues that date back over 2,000 years.

Good to Know:

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), and while credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, it's recommended to carry cash for smaller shops and markets. The main languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is commonly spoken in tourist regions. It’s essential to wear appropriate attire when visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress and temples, covering your shoulders and legs out of respect for the cultural sites.

Nestled among misty hills in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a cultural jewel and the former royal capital of the island. Surrounded by lush greenery and centred around a მშვიდ lake, the city exudes a serene yet deeply spiritual atmosphere. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy is renowned for its sacred traditions, colonial heritage and scenic highland setting, making it an essential stop on any journey through Sri Lanka.

Must-sees:

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: One of Buddhism’s most revered sites, believed to house a relic of the Buddha.
• Kandy Lake: A peaceful focal point ideal for scenic walks.
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: Located just outside the city, famed for its vast collection of orchids and tropical flora.
• Udawattakele Forest Reserve: A tranquil nature sanctuary overlooking the city.
• Kandy Viewpoints: Hillside spots offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Culinary culture:

Kandy’s cuisine reflects the rich flavours of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Expect fragrant curries, rice and vegetable dishes, often infused with spices grown in the surrounding region. Local markets and traditional eateries offer authentic meals, while tea, grown in nearby plantations, remains a central part of the culinary experience.

Dive deeper:

Beyond its iconic landmarks, Kandy invites immersion in Sri Lanka’s cultural soul. Witness traditional dance performances, explore local markets or visit tea plantations in the surrounding hills. The city is also the setting for the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, a spectacular procession of dancers, drummers and decorated elephants celebrating sacred traditions.

Good to know:

Kandy is located about 3 hours from Colombo by car or train, with scenic rail journeys through the highlands. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is relatively dry. The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).

Ahungalla is a tranquil coastal village on Sri Lanka’s southwest shore, where golden sands meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and palm groves sway gently in the sea breeze. Life moves at a soft, unhurried pace, shaped by fishing traditions, coastal light, and lush tropical surroundings. The scent of frangipani, salt air, and spice drifts through the landscape, creating an atmosphere that feels deeply restorative and naturally elegant.

Must-sees

• Ahungalla Beach: Walk along long, uncrowded sands where turquoise waves roll in with soothing rhythm.
• Madu River: Glide through mangrove forests and island temples on peaceful boat excursions rich in wildlife.
• Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery: Discover conservation efforts protecting sea turtles along the southern coast.
• Brief Garden: Visit the former home of landscape architect Bevis Bawa, filled with sculpture and tropical planting.
• Bentota River: Explore nearby waterways ideal for boat safaris and quiet nature encounters.

Culinary culture

Ahungalla’s cuisine reflects coastal Sri Lankan flavours, with fresh seafood, coconut curries, fragrant rice dishes, and tropical fruits. Meals are often served in open-air settings, where spices mingle with ocean breezes and sunset views.

Dive deeper

Set out on river safaris, explore nearby villages, or relax beneath swaying palms with the sound of the ocean nearby. Evenings bring warm skies, glowing horizons, and a gentle coastal calm.

Good to know

The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Ahungalla is best explored by tuk-tuk or private transfer, with nearby attractions easily accessible along the coast. The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable sunshine and calm seas.