Sri Lanka: The Emerald Isle Expedition
20 Nights | 21 Days
Classic
Tour Overview
Embark on a 21-day expansive journey, offering a deep immersion into Sri Lanka's captivating culture, ancient history, diverse natural beauty, and pristine coastlines. This meticulously crafted experience features quality accommodations and a comprehensive array of included experiences for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Route
Day 01 - 02 | Negombo - Coastal Charm
Begin your grand Sri Lankan adventure with a warm welcome to the vibrant coastal town of Negombo, offering the perfect relaxed start to your journey.
Day 01 - 02 | Accommodation
Day 01 - 02 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Earl's Regent Negombo
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Sea Hotel / Jetwing Beach
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 01 Included Experience: Begin your grand Sri Lankan adventure with a warm welcome to the vibrant coastal town of Negombo, offering the perfect relaxed start to your journey.
- Day 02 Included Experience: Early morning visit to Negombo Fish Market. Dutch Canal boat ride and explore the historic Dutch Fort.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 01 - 02): A relaxing boat tour on Negombo Lagoon, Muthurajawela Marsh Boat Safari.
Day 03 | Negombo to Anuradhapura (Day Trip) to Sigiriya - Ancient Capitals
Journey back in time today as you explore the magnificent ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with history, before transferring to the Sigiriya region.
Day 03 | Accommodation
Day 03 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Elephas Resort & Spa
- Optional Hotels: Aliya Resort & Spa / Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Early departure for a guided day trip to the ancient city of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage Site), exploring sacred sites such as the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, and the Abhayagiri Stupa. Return to your hotel near Sigiriya.
Day 04 - 05 | Sigiriya and Dambulla - Rock Fortress & Cave Temples
Immerse yourself in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, uncovering ancient wonders and enjoying authentic village experiences, complemented by thrilling wildlife encounters.
Day 04 - 05 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 04 Included Experience: Enjoy a sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Experience a traditional village tour with a bullock cart ride and a serene canoe ride, including a local lunch (lunch included).
- Day 05 Included Experience: Visit the intricate Dambulla Cave Temple.
- Optional Experiences (at additional cost - Day 04 - 05): Sunrise hike to Pidurangala Rock for alternative views of Sigiriya, evening safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (seasonal, for elephant gathering).
Day 06 | Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (Day Trip) and Trincomalee - Medieval Grandeur & East Coast
Discover the sprawling ruins of Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital full of history and artistry, before heading to the pristine, serene beaches of Trincomalee on the East Coast.
Day 06 | Accommodation
Day 06 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa
- Optional Hotels: Trinco Blu by Cinnamon / Uppuveli Beach by DSK
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Embark on a day trip to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Private transfer to Trincomalee.
Day 07 | Trincomalee - East Coast Serenity
Experience the tranquil beauty of Sri Lanka's East Coast in Trincomalee, a paradise for beach lovers and cultural explorers, offering sacred sites and vibrant marine life.
Day 07 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Visit the sacred Koneswaram Temple and its dramatic viewpoint, Lover’s Leap. Enjoy Pigeon Island snorkeling (included, shared boat, subject to weather). Relax by the beach.
Day 08 - 09 | Trincomalee to Kandy - Waterfalls & Hill Views
Travel to Kandy, the island's enchanting hill capital, renowned for its sacred tooth relic and lush botanical gardens, offering a deep dive into Sri Lanka's spiritual and cultural heart.
Day 08 - 09 | Accommodation
Day 08 - 09 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Radisson Hotel Kandy
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy / Earl's Regency Hotel
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 08 Included Experience: Scenic drive via Matale spice garden (with guided tour & product sampling). Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Day 09 Included Experience: Explore the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Attend a captivating Kandy Cultural Show. Visit a Kandy viewpoint and explore the local markets.
Day 10 - 11 | Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - Tea Country Elegance
Ascend into the breathtaking emerald landscapes of Nuwara Eliya, where colonial charm meets endless tea plantations and misty mountains, offering a refreshing escape.
Day 10 - 11 | Accommodation
Day 10 - 11 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Araliya Red
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing St Andrew's / Oliphant Boutique Villa by Amaya
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 10 Included Experience: Experience a picturesque scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya (ticket included, subject to availability). Private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a tea factory tour and tasting to learn about Ceylon tea production.
- Day 11 Included Experience: Embark on an early morning trek to Horton Plains National Park & World's End (a challenging but rewarding hike). Enjoy a leisurely walk around Gregory Lake with the option of a boat ride in the evening.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Visit the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Gardens, visit the tranquil Seetha Amman Temple, enjoy a high tea experience at a colonial-era hotel.
Day 12 - 13 | Nuwara Eliya to Ella - Highland Paradise
Discover the picturesque beauty of Ella, a charming hill station offering stunning vistas, iconic bridges, and refreshing waterfalls, perfect for scenic exploration and light trekking.
Day 12 - 13 | Accommodation
Day 12 - 13 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Ravana Range Ella
- Optional Hotels: Hide-Ella Hotel & Resort / EKHO Ella
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 12 Included Experience: Private drive to Ella with stops at Ravana Falls and scenic viewpoints. Walk along the iconic Nine Arches Bridge (best experienced at sunset).
- Day 13 Included Experience: Enjoy a morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views. Free evening for leisure.
- Optional Experiences (at additional cost): Experience the thrilling Flying Ravana Zip-line.
Day 14 - 15 | Ella to Yala - Premier Wildlife Encounters
Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you journey to Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, and an incredible array of wildlife, with extended game drives.
Day 14 - 15 | Accommodation
Day 14 - 15 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Saffron Lake Yala
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Yala / EKHO Safari
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 14 Included Experience: Private transfer to Yala. Check into your hotel. Free evening for leisure or optional experiences.
- Day 15 Included Experience: Embark on an exciting full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park, seeking out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife.
- Optional Experiences (at additional cost): An evening nature walk around your accommodation, local village Tuk-Tuk rides for cultural immersion, visit the ancient Kirinda Temple, or explore the sacred Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya.
Day 16 - 17 | Yala to Hiriketiya - Galle Fort & Sunset Charm
Relax and rejuvenate on the stunning, tranquil shores of Hiriketiya, a true gem of the southern coast, perfect for unwinding, swimming, and embracing the laid-back surf culture.
Day 16 - 17 | Accommodation
Day 16 - 17 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Belika Beach Club
- Optional Hotels: La Playa Beach Club / Dots Bay House
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
- Day 16 Included Experience: Private drive to Hiriketiya. Settle in and enjoy leisurely beach time.
- Day 17 Included Experience: Enjoy further beach relaxation. Visit Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock.
- Optional Experiences (at additional cost): Enjoy a surfing lesson with a certified instructor.
Day 18 | Hiriketiya to Mirissa - Surfer's Paradise & Marine Wonders
Enjoy the vibrant beach atmosphere of Mirissa, perfect for catching a wave or simply unwinding by the ocean, with the option for incredible marine life encounters (seasonal).
Day 18 | Accommodation
Day 18 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Paradise Beach Club
- Optional Hotels: Triple O Six / Vis Ta Vie -Thema Collection
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Mirissa. Enjoy beach time with optional surfing classes or a relaxing yoga session.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Embark on a seasonal whale watching tour (Nov–Apr), enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage.
Day 19 | Mirissa to Bentota - Coastal Adventures
Discover Bentota, a serene coastal town offering a perfect blend of sun, sand, and exciting river and water sports, providing deeper insights into coastal ecosystems.
Day 19 | Accommodation
Day 19 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: EKHO Surf
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala / Occidental Eden Beruwala
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Bentota. Enjoy beach relaxation with opportunities for water sports.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Take a scenic Madu River Safari, visit the renowned Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa.
Day 20 - 21 | Bentota to Colombo and Departure
Conclude your extensive Sri Lankan journey with a scenic coastal drive back to the bustling capital, Colombo, offering a final glimpse of urban life before your onward departure.
Day 20 - 21 | Accommodation
Day 20 - 21 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Marino Beach Colombo
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Lakeside / Cinnamon Grand Colombo
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 20 Included Experience: Scenic coastal drive back to Colombo. Check in to your hotel.
- Day 21 Included Experience: Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for your departure.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 20 - 21): A comprehensive Colombo city tour (including Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green), or last-minute shopping at popular malls like One Galle Face (if time permits based on your flight schedule).
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Bandaranaike International Airport).
- 20 nights’ accommodation in our initial recommended hotels (twin/double sharing basis).
- Daily Half Board meal plan (Breakfast & Dinner, starting with Dinner on Day 1 and ending with Breakfast on Day 21).
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking Driver (Chauffeur Guide or National Guides can be arranged upon request at an additional cost).
- Train ticket for the scenic Kandy to Nanu Oya journey (subject to availability).
- Entrance tickets & charges for all included experiences mentioned in the itinerary:
- Negombo Fish Market visit
- Dutch Canal boat ride (Negombo)
- Dutch Fort exploration (Negombo)
- Anuradhapura ancient city (guided tour)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (sunrise climb)
- Traditional village tour (including bullock cart, canoe ride, and local lunch)
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Polonnaruwa ancient city
- Koneswaram Temple and Lover’s Leap (Trincomalee)
- Pigeon Island snorkeling (Trincomalee, shared boat, subject to weather)
- Matale spice garden visit (with guided tour & product sampling)
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy)
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
- Kandy Cultural Show
- Tea factory tour and tasting (Nuwara Eliya)
- Gregory Lake boating (Nuwara Eliya)
- Horton Plains National Park & World's End trekking (with packed breakfast)
- Ravana Falls
- Nine Arches Bridge (Ella)
- Little Adam’s Peak hike (Ella)
- Full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park
- Coconut Tree Hill (Hiriketiya)
- Parrot Rock (Hiriketiya)
- Colombo City sightseeing (Galle Face Green, Old Dutch Hospital, Independence Square)
- All government taxes and service charges.
