With family in Sri Lanka

DAY 01 Airport – Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Your journey begins with your arrival at Colombo International Airport.

Meet and greet, then transfer to Negombo, just a 15-minute drive from the airport (approximately 8 kilometers). Negombo, nicknamed "Little Rome," is a bustling port with a large, predominantly Catholic fishing community. You can admire numerous churches along the shore where fishermen moor their catamarans. Every morning, except Sundays, fishermen sell their catch at auction.

The rest of the day is free to relax. You will spend the night in Negombo.

DAY 02 Negombo - Pinnawala - Dambulla – Habarana

After breakfast, departure for Habarana. On the way, visit Pinnawala and Dambulla - (Approx. 4h20 min / 183 km)

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary established in 1975, initially hosting seven orphaned baby elephants. Today, the orphanage houses hundreds of abandoned or injured elephants, which are nursed back to health with love and affection.

Visit Dambulla and its Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immense carved rock is the most impressive Buddhist cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka, established and in use since the 3rd century BC. Here you can admire the painted walls and ceilings and an incredible collection of Buddha statues, spread across five large caves.

Overnight in Habarana.

Day 03 Habaran - Sigirya - Minneriya – Habarana

After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya and Minneriya - (Approx. 1h / 50km)

Early morning visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress, located 19 kilometers northeast of Dambulla, is one of Sri Lanka's top attractions. Today, Sigiriya is renowned for its Graffiti Wall and its magnificent frescoes of the Damselflies (half-goddess, half-princess creatures).

In the afternoon, safari at Minneriya National Park.

This national park is a true sanctuary for pachyderms where you will have the chance to observe herds of wild elephants feeding. The park is also home to deer, monkeys, and even Sri Lankan bears. The Minneriya reservoir is home to many species of large birds such as storks, pelicans, parrots, and many other bird species.

Overnight in Habarana.

Optional:

• Hot air balloon ride over Dambulla and Sigiriya (available from November to April) – Euro 280 per person

• Sevenagama Village Safari (Traditional Sri Lankan Village Experience) – Euro 15 Per person

Travel by hand tractor through lush fields and coconut plantations. Enjoy a catamaran boat ride on a serene lake, observing local fishing methods. Witness a traditional cooking demonstration and taste an authentic Sri Lankan meal. Experience paddy farming, weaving, engaging with local villagers.

Day 04 Habarana - Matale – Kandy

After breakfast, departure towards Kandy.

On the way, visit the Matale Spice Garden - (Approx. 3h10min / 101km) Visit the Matale Spice Garden, this will be an opportunity to learn or deepen your knowledge about the origin and usefulness of the different spices grown in the country: lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, nutmeg, cloves, saffron and various other spices. You will have the opportunity to buy fresh spices.

Visit the sacred city of Kandy, located in the heart of Sri Lanka, amidst hills home to unique plant species. Visit the Temple of the Tooth. Located within the royal palace complex of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy, this sacred temple houses one of the most revered Buddhist relics: a tooth of Buddha. Kandy was the final capital of Sri Lanka's kings. The temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kandy is also famous for its grand Esala Perahera festival (an elephant and dancer competition), which lasts for more than ten days during the month of Esala (August).

Enjoy a traditional performance in the late evening.

Overnight in Habarana.

DAY 05 Kandy - Kitulgala - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, depart for Kitulgala and Nuwara Eliya - (Approx. 2h31min / 76km)

Outdoor Activity : Rafting on the Kelani River in Kitulgala. Rafting, a popular adventure activity in Sri Lanka, is an ideal sport for young and old alike. Experience an exciting and thrilling activity in Kitulgala in an ideal setting.

Afterwards, visit a tea plantation and taste a cup of the world-famous and consumed Ceylon tea. Transfer to Nuwara Eliya.

Also known as "Little England", this town was once the favorite hill station of the British who attempted to establish Nuwara Eliya as a typical English village in Sri Lanka. It is the center of Sri Lanka's tea production and produces a significant portion of the world's finest tea. A trip to the highlands of Sri Lanka can never be complete without observing or taking part in traditional tea making and sipping a cup of Ceylon tea.

Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 06 Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala

After breakfast, enjoy a short city tour of Nuwara Eliya. Then, depart for Yala. En route, enjoy a train ride to Ella (approximately 3 hours).

This train journey is one of the highlights of your trip to Sri Lanka. It's a unique interlude during which you can enjoy splendid views of the surrounding tea plantations and waterfalls. Upon arrival at the train station, meet your driver and transfer to Yala (approximately 2 hours / 89 km).

Overnight in Yala.

Note on Train Tickets:

Train tickets are subject to strict availability and can only be confirmed 30 days prior to the travel date. If tickets are not available, the transfer will be arranged by vehicle instead. Please note that we have not included the cost of train tickets in your tour price — they are offered on a complimentary basis to enhance your travel experience.

If we are able to secure tickets, they will typically be in 2nd or 3rd class, which allows for a more immersive experience — great for photography and for mingling with friendly locals, which is often a highlight of the journey.

DAY 07 Yala

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day safari at Yala National Park.

Also known as Ruhuna, Yala is a premier national park located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only 141 km² is open to the public. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also includes beaches, jungles, freshwater lakes, rivers, and scrubland. Yala is home to the world's largest population of leopards, although spotting this nocturnal carnivore requires a lot of luck. There are also good populations of elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, wild buffalo, mongooses, jackals, and many other large animals. The park is also home to hundreds of bird species such as the black-headed ibis and the eagle.

Overnight in Yala.

DAY 08 Yala - Galle - Hikkaduwa

After breakfast, departure towards Hikkaduwa.

On the way, visit Galle. It is the 4th largest city in the country, located 115 km south of Colombo and close to Hikkaduwa. The city of Galle is one of the best-preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Galle was a major port in Sri Lanka and still is today. The Dutch Museum, the Groote Kerk (The Great Church), and the National Maritime Museum are some of the famous attractions in Galle. The city is also famous for its delicate lacework and ebony carvings.

Then transfer to Hikkaduwa. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or simply relax.

Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

DAY 09 – 10 Hikkaduwa

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free.

Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

Optional:
• Water activities
• Local Village Safari Experience – Euro 70 per person

Immerse yourself in authentic rural life with this enriching local village safari. Your journey includes a 45-minute nature boat ride, followed by a tuk-tuk safari and a bicycle ride through the village, offering you up-close encounters with daily life and natural beauty. Enjoy a traditional cookery demonstration and savor a delicious homemade lunch. The experience also includes a visit to a local fruit and vegetable market, where you can see (and taste!) the fresh produce that sustains the community.

DAY 11 Hikkaduwa - Balapitiya - Kosgoda - Colombo

After breakfast, depart for Colombo. On the way, visit Balapitiya (Approx. 3h21min / 147 km)

Head to Balapitiya for a boat trip on the Madhu River, lined with mangroves.

Next, depart for Kosgoda to visit the Turtle Hatchery. The eggs left uncovered on the coastal beaches are brought by fishermen from the Kosgoda area, leading to the hatching and release of 100,000 young turtles in the two years since the hatchery opened.

Continue to Colombo for an evening city tour. Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and its economic capital, a city that blends the old and the new. Visit the British-era colonial buildings, the Pettah Bazaar (perfect for a little shopping), and the mosques, churches, and Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Overnight in Colombo.

DAY 12 Colombo – Airport

After breakfast, depart for Bandaranayke International Airport for your return flight - (Approx. 37 min / 32km)