HIGHLIGHTS
- Great value accommodation – 3 star + (no dorm rooms)
- Diverse exploring – ancient culture and landmarks, the highlands, superb coast and wildlife!
- Climb the incredible Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Take in the beauty of the land on the Kandy train journey
- Witness the majestic elephant in its natural surrounding
- Chill out at the laid back Unawatuna Beach
- Free time included
- Best of small group travel – in your age group!
- Welcome and farewell dinner highlights
PRE TOUR STAY
Consider arriving a day before the tour starts or staying on after the tour ends. You can relax and refresh after your flight. Also provides a buffer in case of unexpected delays. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
DAY 01
Welcome To This Beautiful Island, Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka’s Bandaranayke International Airport! After you pass customs and collect your luggage, you’ll be met by an Encounter Travel representative. It’s then a short transfer to our beach hotel in Negombo.
This afternoon at 3pm, meet up with your group leader and your travel buddies in the hotel lobby for a trip briefing. Then, there’s a quick zip around Negombo to get a feel for the area, and we head out to one of the top-rated pubs for our welcome dinner. This is the start of the fun of your fun exploring Sri Lanka’s highlights.
Meals: Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Day 1 airport to group hotel transfer
- Group briefing
- Negombo orientation tour
- Welcome group dinner
SPECIAL NOTES:
- If arriving early today, a pre tour hotel stay would be required to guarantee a morning check-in to the hotel.
- The Entrance Fees local payment to be paid direct to your trip leader at the group meeting today.
DAY 02
The Adventures Begin - Negombo / Kurunagela / Dambulla
Enjoy the first of many delicious breakfasts in Sri Lanka, and try some of the Sri Lankan breakfast choices.
Now, get set for the start of the adventures ahead. We head out early for Kurunagala to visit Reedi Viharaya Temple. Here we have the unique chance to participate in offering Alms for the Buddhist Monks – a once in a lifetime experience! In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. Think of it as a symbolic connection to the spiritual realm.
We’ll also visit the village of Ridigama to see the Reedi Vihara Temple, a 2nd-century BCE Theravada Buddhist temple. Then, we continue on the Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle for our next two nights in Dambulla. Arriving to Dambulla, the rest of the afternoon is free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Reedi Viharaya Temple - participating in an offering for the Buddhist Monks
- Visit the Reedi Vihara temple in the village of Ridigama
- Travel to Dambulla, Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle
SPECIAL NOTES:
For temple visits, shoes are removed. Modest dress is necessary for temple visits including covering knees and shoulders.
DAY 03
Dambulla / Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla
Grab your hiking shoes! We take breakfast early so we can start out first thing to reach Sigiriya Rock to make our climb before it’s too hot, plus we’re aiming to miss the crowds.
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT
The 5th century Sigiriya rock complex is an incredible world heritage site. It rises 200 metres from the jungle scrub and is fondly known as the ‘Lion Rock’. It’s here you also visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, reaching the frescoes by a spiral stairway.
After we’ve conquered the climb (anyone reasonably fit and mobile won’t find it a problem) we visit a local village and take a bullock cart ride though the village paths up to the lake, then cross the lake by canoe. You’ll get to take part in a cooking demonstration by the local women from the village and enjoy a locally prepared lunch. It’s then an easy ride back to our vehicle with a tuk tuk ride along the village paths.
From hiking to biking. This afternoon cycle around the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and also a world heritage site. Ruins include the Royal Palace, city buildings, temples and even a swimming pool. There’s also the impressive, and massive four statues of the Buddha carved out of rock.
It’s been an amazing day out – back to our Dambulla hotel to chill out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit and climb 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, a world heritage site.
- A bullock cart village ride though the village paths
- Lake crossing by canoe
- A cooking demonstration by the local village women, and a homemade lunch
- Tuk Tuk village ride
- Visit Polonnaruwa ruins by bicycle
SPECIAL NOTES:
Have a pair of walking shoes/non slip shoes for the climb, and bring a hat.
DAY 04
From The Cultural Centre To The Old Capital - Dambulla / Naula / Matale / Kandy
Dambulla Rock Temple is a must see in Sri Lanka, and today’s our day. Dambulla is a World Heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. It’s one of a kind - a complex of five caves with over 2000 square metres of painted walls and the ceiling is the largest area of painting found in the world. It doesn’t end there - these caves have over 150 images of the Buddha and one mighty colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock spanning 14 metres.
From Dambulla, experience the local way of life as we take a local bus to Naula, then meeting up with our vehicle to continue to Kandy. By now, you’ve worked out that Sri Lankans love their spices – so on the way to Kandy, we’ll see for ourselves where they all come from with a visit to a spice garden.
Tonight, an overnight stay in Sri Lanka’s old capital, Kandy.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit Dambulla Rock temple
- Take a local bus ride
- Visit a spice garden
- Travel to Kandy
SPECIAL NOTES:
There’s stair climbing to reach the caves. To go inside the caves, you must remove your shoes and have your shoulders and legs covered.
DAY 05
A Day For Kandy
We’re on foot – a morning walking tour of Kandy will take us to the local vegetable market and market place. Kandy is tea country, and we visit a working tea plantation and factory – you’ll see your next cup of tea in a whole new light after getting to know the process from the plant to the cup.
Kandy’s a great spot for free time so we’ve set aside some hours today so you can make your own discoveries. If you enjoy beautiful gardens, opt to join your guide for a visit to Peradeniya to walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens; first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king, then expanded by the British.
Tonight, we visit the Temple of the Tooth and take in a show of the Kandyan Cultural Dance Performa.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Kandy walking tour
- Tea plantation and factory visit
- Visit Temple of the Tooth
- A cultural dance show
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens; USD10 (or equivalent local currency)
DAY 06
Kandy To Tea Country Train Ride - Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
Today is a special scenic train journey from Kandy’s Peradeniya Railway Station, to reach the high mountain train station of Nanu Oya, where we disembark to travel to our overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is in hill country in central Sri Lanka. It’s the land of tea! You could be forgiven for thinking you are parts of England when you make discoveries of this town.
There’s nothing flash or luxurious about the train, as you join locals for the journey. But it’s the outlook that impresses; waterfalls, stunning views of hills laden with tea plants, and winding the way through the mountains as the climb trains higher and higher. You’ll know it’s getting higher as you feel the change in the temperature, and this is where a jacket or sweater will be needed.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Scenic train journey through the mountains from Kandy
- Travel to Nuwara Eliya
SPECIAL NOTES:
Pack some snacks, drinks, and lunch for the train journey.
DAY 07
From Mountains To An Elephant Safari - Nuwara Eliya / Ella / Udawalawe
We travel by road from Nuwara Eliya to reach Ella, where we start our trek to the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, spanning 91 metres and 24 metres high. It’s an INSTA photo moment – towering from the jungle, with the backdrop of the forest. After a good leg stretch we carry on, travelling to Udawalawe via Wellawaya.
When we arrive to our lodging you can take it easy or opt to visit the Elephant Transit Home. It’s a special temporary home for orphaned elephant calves where they are taken care of until they are independent and able enough to be released back to the wild. The transit home has been recognised as one of best wild animal rehabilitation centres in the world. Situated on the western border of Udawalawe National Park, the elephants have no boundaries in the area and have freedom to roam wherever they want, and wild elephants also visit the transit home.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A trek to Nine Arch Bridge
- Travel to Udawalawe
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
- Visit the Elephant Transit Home; USD25 (or equivalent local currency),
SPECIAL NOTES:
Walking boots / shoes recommended for the trek to Nine Arch Bridge, water and a day pack.
DAY 08
From Safari To The Coast - Udawalawe / Unawatuna
Animals don’t sleep in and morning is the best time to spot them! We jump into our jeeps for our safari of Udawalawe National Park – it’s the most reliable place to see elephants in their wild habitat year round.
There’s some 400-500 elephants living in the park and herds of up to 50 are commonly seen! We’ll also be on safari to seek the other park inhabitants; toque monkeys, grey langur, spotted deer, wild pig, sambar, eagles and more. Leopards live in the park (though you will be lucky to spot one, but it does happen). Will be back to our lodging for breakfast and then we take off for the coast!
Arrive to the hip beach spot of Unawatuna on Sri Lanka’s south coast – home for the next 3 nights. Just a one kilometre stretch, this beach is lined with coconut palms and a white sandy shore. You’ll love this town for its laid back feel, with spots to chill out ‘backpacker style’, for cheap eats and beers.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Jeep safari in Udawalawee National Park
- Travel from National Park to the coast
SPECIAL NOTES:
For safari have soft/natural coloured clothing that blends with nature. Take a light jacket or sweater for the early morning safari. If you have binoculars bring them along.
DAY 09
Chill Time By The Beach - Unawatuna
It’s too easy to spend the entire day at the beach – soak up some rays, surf and hang out. But if you like to mix it up you can join a walking tour around Galle Fort this morning. With a Dutch heritage, Galle Fort has a unique character – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk with your guide around the old Dutch buildings and take some free time to explore, or you may like some time for a bit of shopping.
Tonight, pick a local eatery with your travel buddies, kick back and enjoy the beach lifestyle in Sri Lanka.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
- Walking tour of Galle Dutch Fortress
SPECIAL NOTES:
Want to do a spot of shopping for momentos of Sri Lanka, join the visit to Galle Fort. There’s some good shopping options for souvenirs and gifts.
DAY 10
Sri Lanka’s Beautiful South Coast - Unawatuna
Take a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and have an entire day free to suit yourself, or you may be tempted to head out for a whale watching boat trip (may be dependent on your season of visit)
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A free day to suit yourself
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
- Whale Watching boat trip from Mirissa @ USD 70.00 per person as deemed available by the season.
DAY 11
From Beach To City Bustle - Unawatuna / Balapitiya / Kodgoda / Colombo
After breakfast, we head for Colombo. Along the way we stop for a scenic cruise along the Madhu River. This cruise is the chance to see life along the river; pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves, feel the calm pace of rural life, pass by a 200-year-old temple, and watch the locals cultivating cinnamon. We make a stop at the Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda – a conversation centre protecting sea turtle eggs and treating injured turtles.
Arriving to Colombo there’s a bit of free time – good idea to jump in a tuk tuk and explore. A party tonight – we farewell Sri Lanka with Dinner at Elevate by Jetwing 04 course meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Cruise along Madhu River
- Visit a turtle hatchery at Kosgoda
- Travel to Colombo
- Farewell group dinner
DAY 12
Farewell - Colombo
Wow, you’ve just explored the incredible tear drop island of Sri Lanka! Take a moment to remember all that you packed into these amazing twelve days. Now it’s time to farewell your travel buddies and make your way home (or travel to your next exciting destination).
You can book a transfer to the airport with your guide, or make your own way there.
Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTES:
There is the option to book a departure transfer to the airport with your trip leader.
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.