11 Days Beyond Boundaries Experiencing the Best of Sri Lanka

Upon your arrival by flight, you will be greeted at the terminal by a representative holding a paging board with your name. This person will introduce you to your English-speaking chauffeur guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Negombo. After checking in, you'll head to the nearby Mangrove area for a scenic boat ride through the mangrove forests, where you can spot local wildlife and fishermen. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Negombo.

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extensive collection of statues and murals dating back to the first century BCE. Next, enjoy a village tour featuring a bullock cart ride, canoeing on a scenic lake, and a tuk-tuk ride. Experience traditional village life, including local food and traditional equipment. End your day with an overnight stay at the hotel and savor a delicious dinner.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore its stunning architecture, climb to the top for breathtaking views, and admire the beautiful frescoes. Next, travel to Kandy, where you’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site housing Buddha’s tooth relic in a gilded coffin. Explore the temple complex, including its museums and lush gardens, and then enjoy the serene Kandy Lake. In the evening, head to Kandy View Point for panoramic city views before experiencing a vibrant traditional dance performance. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and overnight stay at your Kandy hotel.

Start your day with a delicious hotel breakfast before heading to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, where you can explore lush plant varieties, including giant bamboo and rare orchids, while enjoying stunning mountain views. After a relaxing stroll through the garden, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to witness and interact with orphaned and injured elephants. Then, immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's gem heritage at the Gem Museum, where you can learn about the country's gem-mining industry and watch gem-cutting demonstrations. End your day back at the hotel with a delightful dinner.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's tea country. Visit a local tea factory and estate to see how tea is grown and processed. Sample various teas and shop for some to take home. Next, marvel at the Ramboda Waterfalls, cascading 109 meters from the Piduruthalagala range. Enjoy the stunning views and the lush surroundings, with a chance to sip tea from nearby estates. Continue to Gregory Lake, a serene spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride, with cafes and restaurants around the lake. Conclude your day by relaxing and dining in Nuwara Eliya, soaking in the cool mountain air and natural beauty.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Nanu Oya Railway Station for the renowned Ella train ride, celebrated as one of the most scenic journeys globally. The train winds through verdant hills and tea plantations, providing breathtaking vistas. After the journey, spend the night in Ella, immersed in its natural beauty, and savor a delicious dinner amidst the serene surroundings.

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a day of adventure in Ella, Sri Lanka. Ella Sightseeing offers a range of thrilling activities, including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and waterfall rappelling. You can also explore landmarks such as the historic Nine Arches Bridge, known for its elegant brick and stone design, and Little Adam's Peak, famous for its breathtaking views of the hills, forests, and tea plantations. The ascent to Little Adam's Peak is relatively easy and rewards you with stunning panoramic vistas. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Ella for a relaxing evening and dinner.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Ella and head towards Yala National Park, stopping along the way at Ravana's Falls. This picturesque waterfall, named after the legendary ruler Ravana, cascades about 80 feet into a scenic pool surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for a quick stop or picnic. Continue to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's second-largest reserve, renowned for its rich wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy a thrilling safari through the jungle to observe these animals in their natural habitat. After the safari, return to your Yala hotel to unwind, enjoy the amenities, and savor a delicious dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll explore Galle City, beginning with a visit to Galle Fort. This historic fortress, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later occupied by the Dutch and British, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Surrounded by a thick stone wall, it boasts narrow streets, colonial buildings, museums, cafes, and boutique shops, making it a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts. Our next stop is the Galle Fort Church, also known as the Dutch Reformed Church. Originally constructed by the Portuguese and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1755, this historic church showcases elegant Dutch colonial architecture and remains a site of worship and historical interest. After our sightseeing tour, we'll head to Bentota for the night and enjoy a delightful dinner.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, head to Colombo with a visit to the Madu River, renowned for its mangrove forests and birdlife. Explore Cinnamon Island to learn about cinnamon cultivation and enjoy a tasting. Next, visit a turtle hatchery to see and release baby turtles, contributing to their conservation. In Colombo, embark on a city tour featuring landmarks such as Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and the Old Parliament Building. You’ll also have time for shopping at local markets and malls. End the day with dinner at your hotel and an overnight stay in Colombo.

On the final day, after breakfast, you'll need to head to the airport for your flight to the next destination. Depending on your accommodation's location, an early departure may be necessary to ensure you arrive on time.