Explore Sri Lanka with this tour in 12 or 14 nights: from Negombo to Yala via Kandy, discover the natural and cultural treasures. From the lagoons of Negombo to the Lion Rock of Sigiriya and the tea plantations of Nawara Eliya, each stop offers unique moments. Finish with a safari in Yala. If you choose to stay for 14 nights, you'll end your stay with a beach extension at Beruwala. This trip promises unforgettable memories in one of Asia's most bewitching destinations.

Your 12-night itinerary: 

Day 2 : Dambulla

Day 3 : Dambulla

Day 4 : Dambulla

Day 5 : Dambulla

Day 6 : Kandy

Day 7: Kandy

Day 8 : Nuwara - Eliya

Day 9: Haputale

Day 10: Haputale

Day 11: Tissamaharama

Day 12: Beruwala

Day 13: Departure 

Your 14-night itinerary :

Days 1 to 12: Same programme as above

Day 13 and 14: Beruwala 

Day 15: Departure

• Your adventure begins with your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. After completing immigration formalities, collect your luggage where an airport representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall to welcome you.
• In the arrival hall, you will meet your guide who will accompany you throughout your journey, from day 1 to day 12.
• You will then be driven to your hotel in the private vehicle allocated to you.
• Check into the hotel and relax.

Overnight at the hotel in Waikkal

DAY 2: WAIKKAL (15KM/30-45MIN)

• In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, take a boat trip on the lagoon.
• Boat trip: The Negombo Lagoon is a vast expanse of water dotted with several islands. Brackish-water fish are abundant here, as are crabs and mangrove shrimp. The islands and land adjacent to the lagoon are covered in mangroves and other swamp plants. Various water birds such as herons, cormorants and coots are an added attraction for you. During the boat trip, you will be served a refreshing drink prepared on site.
• After the boat trip on the lagoon, transfer to Dambulla.
• When you arrive in Dambulla, check in to the hotel and relax.

Overnight at the hotel in Dambulla

DAY 3: DAMBULLA 

• After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off to visit the cave temple of Dambulla, also known as the golden temple of Dambulla. The cave temple consists of five caves and a picturesque facade carved into a steep rock face, housing ancient paintings depicting Buddha and his life.
• With the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave temple of Dambulla, the Iron Forest and the Rose Quartz Mountain, Dambulla offers historic adventures and spectacular views in an area declared a cultural triangle by UNESCO.

Overnight at the hotel in Dambulla

DAY 4: DAMBULLA

• After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for the hike up the Lion Rock of Sigiriya. Your guide will accompany you during the ascent.
• The Lion Rock is a large ancient rock and stone fortress and palace ruin in the centre of Sri Lanka's Dambulla, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures.
• The Lion Rock, a popular tourist destination, is also known for its ancient paintings (frescoes) reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves in India. It is one of Sri Lanka's seven World Heritage Sites. It has also been declared the Eighth Wonder of the World by UNESCO.

Please note:

• The hike to the summit takes about 2-3 hours.
• If you want to do the jeep safari in Minneriya (optional for an extra charge), you can inform your guide and pay the extra charge. He will arrange the jeep safari after informing the office. The duration of the safari is approximately 03:00 hours.
  At 14:30 you should be ready at the entrance of the national park. Alternatively, you can return directly to the hotel and relax after lunch.

Jeep safari to Minneriya National Park/ Kaudulla National Park/ Eco Park:

• These National Parks in Habarana are the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are usually present in large numbers.

Important: Despite the good experience of the guides and the amount of wild elephants in the national park, it cannot be guaranteed that wild elephants will be sighted during the safari. A refund is not possible.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Dambulla

DAY 5: DAMBULLA

• After breakfast at the hotel, you can join one of the excursions listed below if you wish. Or you can stay at the hotel and relax.
• Optional excursion (at extra cost) to Anuradhapura - the first capital of Sri Lanka, which according to the first ancient Sinhala chronicle Mahavansa was founded in 5 BC.
• Anuradhapura was a prime example of hydraulic civilisation. The construction of reservoirs, canals and irrigation ditches during this period testifies to an amazing knowledge of trigonometry and the construction of the reservoirs to a deep understanding of hydraulic principles. Unique to Buddhist Sri Lanka are the stupas, which housed relics of the Buddha and served as objects of worship. Anuradhapura is dotted with these stupas and picturesque lakes that exert an irresistible charm on visitors.

Please note: The programme lasts between 1 and 2 hours.

• Another optional excursion (available at an additional cost) is a visit to Polonnaruwa, Galviharaya and Medirigiriya.
• Medirigiriya is a town in the district of Polonnaruwa, in the North-Central Province of Sri Lanka. The height of the city is 61 metres. The archaeological site of Medirigiriya Vatadage is located 1 km from the town centre. The town actually consists of three parts: Dalada Maluwa, the northern monuments and the royal citadel. Most of the ruins are located on Dalada Maluwa, which is also known as the square. The royal citadel houses remains of the royal palace.
  Relax at the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Dambulla

DAY 6: KANDY

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take the transfer to Kandy.
• On the way you will visit the Ayurveda village in Matale. During the early historical times, Sri Lanka, formerly also called Taprobane, was world famous for the quality of its spices.
• Please note: Spices are also sold, but you are NOT obliged to buy them. You can only do so if you wish, and don't feel pressurised to politely decline if you don't want it.
• Kandy is undoubtedly the most picturesque town on the island and the most visited. It is crossed by the Mahaweli River and the beautiful Kandy Lake as its centrepiece. It still retains much of its old charm and traditions, craftsmanship and typical Sri Lankan lifestyle.
• You will then meet your tour guide and continue the rest of the tour. Visit the batik and wood carving centre. Learn about the local handicrafts or finely carved gemstones that you will find in Kandy. Please note: The tour takes approx. 1-2 hours.
• Check into your hotel in Kandy and relax.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kandy

DAY 7: KANDY

• After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to go to the Temple of the Tooth. At 09:30 you can witness the pooja ceremony in the temple.
• The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Dalada Maligawa is a monumental architectural heritage not only of Kandy but of Sri Lanka as a whole. The tooth relic was brought to Kandy by King Wimaladharmasuriya I, who took it from Delgamuwa in Sabaragamuwa.
• Please note: It is recommended to wear modest clothing during your visit to the Temple of the Tooth. You will have the opportunity to purchase flowers for offerings. Appropriate clothing is required for the visit. You may bring your cameras; shoes should be removed at the entrance of the temple.
• After visiting the Temple of the Tooth, you can return to the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Kandy

DAY 8: NUWARA - ELIYA

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Nuwara-Eliya.
• On the way to Nuwara-Eliyab, you will visit a tea plantation and tea factory with tea pickers.
• Tea plantations and tea factories in Sri Lanka are home to the best tea in the world, the world-famous Ceylon tea, which is unsurpassed in terms of quality with its fine, rich flavour and bright golden colour. The visit provides an insight into the true art of growing and producing this popular beverage. Please note: The tea pickers are not available on public holidays.
• Check into the hotel and can organise the rest of the day as you wish.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Nuwara-Eliya

DAY 9: HAPUTALE

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take the train from Nanu Oya to Haputale. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours.
• A train journey in Sri Lanka is a unique experience. The railway line runs through picturesque hills and magically unspoilt landscapes. The train follows the legendary line built in the 19th century. Whichever route you take, you are guaranteed an unforgettable journey. Important: It is possible that the Sri Lankan agency will adjust the day of the train and/or the route. This happens if it is known that a train is overcrowded and/or there will be major delays.
• Please note that the train journey is on a simple regional train, which is less comfortable than you are used to.
• The train journey is confirmed subject to availability and the seat class of the train tickets depends on the availability of seats in classes 1, 2 and 3.
• After the train journey, check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Haputale

DAY 10: HAPUTALE

• Early morning transfer to the Lipton Seat by tuk tuk. You will be given a breakfast to take away.
• Lipton's Seat is a very famous view point in Badulla district and a popular destination near Haputale Sri Lanka. It is a vantage point and at least 7 districts can be seen from here.
  We recommend arriving at the Lipton site before 10:00 am to enjoy the great view.
• After the tour, you can relax in the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Haputale

DAY 11: TISSAMAHARAMA

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Yala.
  Check in at the hotel in Tissamaharama and then get ready for the Jeep Safari in Yala National Park.
• You are required to beBe at the entrance to the national park at 2.30 pm.
• The duration of the safari is about 3 hours.
• After the safari, you will return to the hotel for dinner.

Jeep safari in Yala National Park: 

• Yala, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, is located in the south-east of the island in a dry/semi-arid climate region, which borders the Indian Ocean. In Yala, 44 mammals have been counted and the park has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The majestic Sri Lankan elephant and leopard are the pride of this impressive national park.

Important: Despite the considerable level of experience of the guides, and the number of animals, it cannot be guaranteed that the animals in question will be sighted during the safari. A refund is not possible. 
 

Overnight stay in a hotel in Tissamaharama

DAY 12: BERUWALA

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the beach hotel.
• On the way, you will visit the Dutch Galle Fortress and the town of Galle . This ancient citadel is one of Sri Lanka's must-see sights. Discover how Asia's largest surviving fort was built, walk the ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the fort, harbour and crystal clear waters below. Meet the descendants of the original merchant families. Discover the island's fascinating boutiques and museums with their colonial antiques and restaurants.
• Check into the hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Beruwala

Day 13 & 14: BERUWALA - RETURN HOME

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to your chosen beach hotel or get ready for your return flight (depending on the 12 or 14-night package you have booked).

Please note:

• If you are departing directly after the 12-night tour, the visit to the Dutch Fortress Galle and the city of Galle will only take place if your flight schedule permits.
• If you are departing from Yala directly after the round trip, it is advisable not to book your departure flight too early in the morning, in case of any unexpected delays, pre-departure.

For your comfort, we have selected comfortable and elegant 4* and 5* hotels, as well as charming boutique hotels. Relax and enjoy a restful night's sleep after a busy day.

Your hotels during the tour: 

• Waikkal : Club Hotel Dophin 4* - Superior Room

• Dambulla : Amaya Lake 4* - Deluxe Room 

• Kandy : Simpson's Forest Kandy - Boutique Hotel - Bungalow

• Nuwara Eliya : The Golden Ridge 5* en chambre Deluxe

• Haputale : Grand Beragala - Boutique Hotel - Deluxe Room 

• Yala : Double Tree Hilton 5*- Deluxe Room 

• Beruwala : Cinnamon Bey 5*-  Superior Room

Hotels listed in the programme; if unavailable, accommodation in hotels of a similar category.

Hotel available from 2pm local time. Early check-in is available as an optional extra at the next stage of your booking.

Enjoy the company of an English-speaking guide during your trip. 

Visit Polonnaruwa, Galviharaya and Medirigiriya: Medirigiriya is a town in the Polonnaruwa district in the North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The revered archaeological site of Medirigiriya Vatadage is located a short stroll from the town centre.

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

Discover the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the very first kingdom of Sri Lanka, renowned for exceptionally well-preserved remains of an ancient civilization. This walking tour offers an intimate intro to this city, dotted with iconic monuments, ancient temples and sacred sites.

With 8 Unesco World Heritage Sites to be found on such a small area of land and a 2,000 year old culture, Sri Lanka is as fascinating as it is beautiful. A destination that is often skipped by many a traveller on their trips to India or Asia, Sri Lanka remains one of the Indo-Asian best kept secrets. Visit its ancient sites and marvel over its legendary temples, or see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living tree, Anuradhapura.

Take a tour in one of Sri Lanka’s national parks to encounter elephants, leopards, water buffaloes, and exotic birds, or spend the day relaxing on the dazzlingly white, often untrodden, beaches. Try your hand at a little surfing or retreat up into the Sri Lankan hills to experience a more temperate climate and the lavish greenery of the tea plantations. In addition, you can even trek through the rainforests with an experienced guide or just take in the breathtaking vistas on a spectacular train ride. With fabulously flavoursome food and a vast array of culturally rich experiences to delve into, Sri Lanka promises to be one of your best-loved travel destinations, where the charm of the people will simply enchant you.