ONCE IN A LIFETIME SRI LANKA
A 21 Day Tour
NEGOMBO – WILPATTU – CULTURAL TRIANGLE – KUCHCHAVELI – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – YALA – MIRISSA – COLOMBO
This epic three week tour of Sri Lanka allows you plenty of days in which to fully immerse yourself in the island’s most culturally important and scenically stunning destinations. Take in all the iconic sites like Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth in a well-paced itinerary that allows for as much activity as it does rest and relaxation. Your journey takes off in the lush forests of Wilpattu before heading into the dry plains of the cultural triangle, with its ancient Buddhist capitals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From here it’s eastward to the take in the brilliant shades of azure seas only to be found on the island’s east coast. Contrast this with the emerald-green tea fields up in the cooler climes of the island’s hill country with its breathtaking scenery of misty mountains and waterfalls. Down on the island’s south enjoy close encounters with Sri Lanka’s wildlife at Yala National Park, where leopards, elephants and sloth bear roam, treat yourself to perfectly lazy days on the south coast and a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site Galle Fort, before ending your stay in Colombo, the island’s sleepy yet increasingly cosmopolitan city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Safari Game drives in three stunning national parks
- A visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Turquoise beaches of the east coast
- Explore cave temples and the Temple of the Tooth in the Cultural Triangle and Kandy
- Relaxation in the cool and hilly tea country
- Guided Walking tours with locals in Galle Fort and capital city of Colombo
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
| Day | Activity | Location | Accommodation |
| Day 1 | Upon arrival into Colombo you will be met and transferred the short distance to your hotel, The Wallawwa. | Negombo | The Wallawa |
| Day 2 | This morning travel north to Wilpattu National Park which is famed for its healthy population of leopards, sloth bar and herds of Asian Elephants,as well as a rich bird life. Stay 2 nights at Leopard Trails Wilpattu. | Wilpattu | Leopard Trails |
| Day 3 | Enjoy an early morning and afternoon jeep safari into the heart of Wilpattu National Park. | Wilpattu | Leopard Trails |
| Day 4 | Early morning game ride into Wilpattu, and following breakfast checkout and drive towards Anuradhapura to visit the ancient Buddhist capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to your hotel. | Sigiriya | Sigiriya Water Garden |
| Day 5 | This morning set off to visit Sigiriya Rock Fort, a 5th-century legendary sky citadel of “Lion Rock” – arguably the most impressive site in Sri Lanka. An early morning start is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds.
In the afternoon, visit a small, rural village. Explore the countryside by bullock cart travelling slowly along paddy fields and farmland. At dusk, take a boat ride and sail to the other side of a lake, enjoying the fantastic sunset view, and looking out for birds, butterflies, as well as the villagers fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Return to your hotel for overnight stay. |
Sigiriya | Sigiriya Water Garden |
| Day 6 | Morning at leisure. Afternoon take a safari to Minneriya National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s most populous number of wild elephants. | Sigiriya | Sigiriya Water Garden |
| Day 7 | After breakfast check out and travel to the east coast beach resort of Kuchchaveli and check into your hotel. Rest day at leisure. | Kuchchaveli | Jungle Beach |
| Day 8 | Full day at leisure. | Kuchchaveli | Jungle Beach |
| Day 9 | Transfer by road to Kandy and check into your hotel. Evening at leisure. | Kandy | Clove Villa |
| Day 10 | This morning visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya which boasts 300+ varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Visit with a local expert botanist and great host.
In the evening visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic – Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, and witness the puja held in the temple with all the fanfare, drums, trumpets and brightly coloured monks. Return to your hotel in the evening for overnight stay. |
Kandy | Clove Villa |
| Day 11 | This morning board the train to Nuwara Eliya – passing through miles of green tea fields, this is a great way to see the beautiful hill country landscape and meet locals. Check into your hotel, a beautifully converted old tea estate bungalow. | Nuwara Eliya | Goatfell |
| Day 12 | Day at leisure to explore the surrounding countryside. | Nuwara Eliya | Goatfell |
| Day 13 | This morning check out and transfer by road to Yala National Park. | Yala | Wild Coast Tented Lodge |
| Day 14 | Morning and evening game drives | Yala | Wild Coast Tented Lodge |
| Day 15 | Leisurely morning then transfer to Mirissa | Mirissa | Sri Sharavi |
| Day 16 | Today visit Galle where you will be escorted by a local who will share his stories of this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site,and living fort. | Mirissa | Sri Sharavi |
| Day 17 | At leisure | Mirissa | Sri Sharavi |
| Day 18 | At leisure | Mirissa | Sri Sharavi |
| Day 19 | Transfer to Colombo. | Colombo | Maniumpathy |
| Day 20 | This morning enjoy a guided tour of Colombo, exploring the rich and diverse cultural history that the city holds. This evening we can make a reservation for you at one of the city’s best restaurants. | Colombo | Maniumpathy |
| Day 21 | Transfer to the airport for your return flight |