Serendib Grand Immersion
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 | Negombo
Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Negombo for a relaxed start, exploring the local fishing community and sharing a welcome dinner.
Day 01 | Accommodation
Day 01 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Earl's Regent Negombo
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Sea Hotel / Jetwing Beach
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Airport meet & greet and private transfer to your hotel. Hotel check-in and leisure time.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Negombo lagoon boat tour, a visit to the historic Dutch Fort.
Day 02 | Negombo to Sigiriya - En Route Exploration
Journey into the Cultural Triangle, preparing for ancient wonders, with a scenic stop en route to discover the island's aromatic spices.
Day 02 | Accommodation
Day 02 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Elephas Resort & Spa
- Optional Hotels: Aliya Resort & Spa / Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Sigiriya. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple. Check into your hotel. Free evening for relaxation.
Day 03 | Sigiriya - Rock Fortress & Village Immersion
Ascend the iconic Sigiriya Rock for breathtaking views and then experience authentic village life with a local guide, including a taste of traditional cuisine.
Day 03 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress with a local guide. Enjoy a traditional Village Safari including a bullock cart ride, canoe ride, and a local cooking demonstration.
- Optional Experiences (at additional cost): Sunrise hike to Pidurangala Rock for alternative views of Sigiriya, night safari for nocturnal wildlife viewing, Hot air ballooning.
Day 04 | Sigiriya - Ancient Cities & Wildlife
Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, delving into ancient Buddhist art, and then embark on an exciting wildlife safari to spot elephants and other animals.
Day 04 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Embark on an evening safari at Minneriya National Park (seasonal, shared jeep) for elephant gathering.
Day 05 | Sigiriya to Kandy - Cultural Heartlands & Show
Travel to Kandy, the spiritual center of Sri Lanka, known for its sacred temple and vibrant cultural traditions, highlighted by an enchanting evening performance
Day 05 | Accommodation
Day 05 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Radisson Hotel Kandy
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy / Earl's Regency Hotel
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Kandy. Visit a local spice garden en route (with guided tour and product sampling). Witness a captivating Kandyan Cultural Dance Show in the evening, with preferred seating.
Day 06 | Kandy - Sacred Relics & Botanical Beauty
Immerse yourself in Kandy rich heritage, from its sacred temple housing a revered relic to lush botanical gardens, with enhanced guided tours offering deeper insights.
Day 06 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic with a local expert. Visit the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya) with a botanical guide.
Day 07 | Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - Journey to Little England
Ascend into the misty mountains of Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, and enjoy leisure time by the lake.
Day 07 | Accommodation
Day 07 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Araliya Red
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing St Andrew's / Oliphant Boutique Villa by Amaya
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Enjoy a scenic drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through tea country. Visit a tea factory and plantation to learn about Ceylon tea production and enjoy a tasting. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Gregory Lake with the option of a boat ride in the evening.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): A scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya (highly recommended, ticket subject to availability).
Day 08 | Nuwara Eliya - Highland Treks & Nature
Embark on a natural adventure to a renowned national park, offering breathtaking landscapes, unique biodiversity, and invigorating trekking opportunities, starting with a packed breakfast.
Day 08 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Embark on an early morning trek to Horton Plains National Park & World's End (a challenging but rewarding hike), including packed breakfast for the early start.
- 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 09 | Nuwara Eliya to Haputale - Panoramic Views & Colonial Charm
Travel to Haputale, offering some of the most breathtaking vistas of the hill country from Lipton’s Seat, and a glimpse into serene colonial history at Adisham Bungalow.
Day 09 | Accommodation
Day 09 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Vantage Hills Haputale
- Optional Hotels: Melheim Resort and Spa / Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Haputale. Visit Lipton’s Seat for stunning panoramic views. Visit the serene Adisham Bungalow.
Day 10 | Haputale to Ella - Scenic Treks & Waterfalls
Enjoy the scenic journey to Ella, with time for iconic hikes to Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge, and admire the refreshing Ravana Falls.
Day 10 | Accommodation
Day 10 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Ravana Range Ella
- Optional Hotels: Hide-Ella Hotel & Resort / EKHO Ella
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private scenic drive to Ella. Explore the cascading Ravana Falls. Enjoy a morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views.
Day 11 | Ella - Peaks & Bridges
A full day at leisure in Ella, offering you the flexibility for optional adventures like ziplining, or simply to relax and soak in the charming atmosphere of this hill station.
Day 11 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge. Free evening for leisure.
- Optional Experiences (at additional cost): Experience the thrilling Flying Ravana Zipline, participate in a local cooking class.
Day 12 | Ella to Yala - Premier Wildlife Encounters
Head south to the wild plains of Yala, known for its diverse wildlife, with a scenic journey setting the stage for exciting safari encounters.
Day 12 | Accommodation
Day 12 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Saffron Lake Yala
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Yala / EKHO Safari
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Yala. Free evening for relaxation.
Day 13 | Yala - Wildlife Safari Extravaganza
Experience the thrill of a full day safari in Yala National Park, known for its high concentration of leopards, with a dedicated naturalist guiding your wildlife spotting adventure.
Day 13 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Embark on an exciting full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park, seeking out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife.
- Optional Experience (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 14 | Yala to Hiriketiya - Coastal Bliss & Southern Charm
Journey to the serene Hiriketiya beach, a hidden gem and a haven for relaxation and surfing, with a stop at the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka en route.
Day 14 | Accommodation
Day 14 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Belika Beach Club
- Optional Hotels: La Playa Beach Club / Dots Bay House
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Hiriketiya. Visit Dondra Head Lighthouse en route, marking the southernmost point of the island. Relax on the beautiful Hiriketiya beach.
Day 15 | Hiriketiya - Surf & Relaxation
Spend the day embracing the laid-back surf culture of Hiriketiya, choosing to ride the waves or simply unwind and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful bay.
Day 15 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
- Included Experience: Enjoy a surfing session with a certified instructor OR opt for extended Beach Relaxation/Yoga (choose one activity).
Day 16 | Hiriketiya to Bentota - River Safari & Coastal Fun
Move to the popular resort town of Bentota, famed for its aquatic adventures, including a captivating river safari through mangrove forests.
Day 16 | Accommodation
Day 16 | 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 a serene Madu River Safari with bird watching opportunities.
Day 17 | Bentota - Turtle Conservation & Water Sports
Contribute to important sea turtle conservation efforts at a local hatchery and then indulge in thrilling water sports on the Bentota River or ocean.
Day 17 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery with a guided tour. Enjoy Water Sports at Bentota (choice of 2 activities included, e.g., jet ski, banana boat ride).
Day 18 | Bentota - Leisure Day
A full day to relax by the beach, enjoy the hotel amenities, or explore Bentota at your leisure, with plenty of optional activities to enhance your coastal retreat.
Day 18 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Free day for leisure, beach activities, or optional excursions.
Day 19 | Bentota to Colombo - Capital City Sights & Shopping
Transfer to the bustling capital, Colombo, for an introduction to its vibrant character, showcasing its blend of colonial heritage and modern life, with time for shopping.
Day 19 | Accommodation
Day 19 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Marino Beach Colombo
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Lakeside / Cinnamon Grand Colombo
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Colombo. Enjoy a Colombo City Tour including Galle Face Green and the historic Old Dutch Hospital precinct. Leisure time for shopping.
Day 20 | Colombo - Cultural & Urban Exploration
A full day at leisure in Ella, offering you the flexibility for optional adventures like ziplining, or simply to relax and soak in the charming atmosphere of this hill station.
Day 20 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Visit the iconic Gangaramaya Temple. Explore the vibrant Pettah Market and enjoy dinner at a local food street.
Day 21 | Colombo and Departure
Your memorable Sri Lankan adventure concludes with a comfortable transfer to the airport, leaving you with cherished memories of the Emerald Isle.
Day 20 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
- Included Experience: Private airport drop-off 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).
- Entrance tickets & charges for all included experiences mentioned in the itinerary:
- Local Fishing Village visit (Negombo)
- Local spice garden visit (en route to Sigiriya)
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (with local guide)
- Traditional Village Safari (including bullock cart, canoe ride, and local cooking demonstration)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City
- Evening safari at Minneriya National Park (seasonal, shared jeep)
- Kandyan Cultural Dance Show (with preferred seating)
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy, with local expert)
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya (with botanical guide)
- Tea Factory Tour with tasting (Nuwara Eliya)
- Gregory Lake leisure walk with boating (Nuwara Eliya)
- Horton Plains National Park & World's End trekking (Nuwara Eliya, with packed breakfast)
- Lipton’s Seat (Haputale)
- Adisham Bungalow (Haputale)
- Ravana Falls (Ella)
- Little Adam’s Peak hike (Ella)
- Nine Arches Bridge (Ella)
- Full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park
- Dondra Head Lighthouse
- Surfing session OR Beach Relaxation/Yoga (choice of one, Hiriketiya)
- Madu River Safari with bird watching (Bentota)
- Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (with guided tour)
- Water Sports at Bentota (choice of 2 activities)
- Colombo City Tour (including Galle Face Green and Old Dutch Hospital precinct)
- Gangaramaya Temple (Colombo)
- Pettah Market and local food street dinner (Colombo)
- All government taxes and service charges.
