Tropical Essence
13 Nights | 14 Days
Classic
Tour Overview
Embark on a 14-day journey designed for enhanced comfort and deeper immersion, featuring quality accommodations and a comprehensive array of included experiences for a richer Sri Lankan adventure.
Route
Day 01 | Sigiriya - Ancient Beginnings
Begin your Sri Lankan adventure amidst the historical landscapes of the Cultural Triangle, home to ancient wonders and serene nature.
Day 01 | Accommodation
Day 01 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Elephas Resort & Spa
- Optional Hotels: Aliya Resort & Spa / Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Airport pickup and private transfer to your hotel in the Sigiriya region. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple en route to the hotel.
Day 02 | Sigiriya Exploration & Safari - Sky Fortress & Wildlife
Ascend to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an iconic symbol of Sri Lanka's rich history, and embark on a thrilling wildlife safari to witness the island's magnificent elephants.
Day 02 | Highlights
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Traditional village tour with a bullock cart ride, catamaran ride, and a local lunch.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Sunrise hike to Pidurangala Rock for alternative panoramic views of Sigiriya; night safari for nocturnal wildlife spotting.
Day 03 - 04 | Sigiriya to Kandy - Cultural Heartbeat
Immerse yourself in Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital, a city rich in history, spirituality, and vibrant cultural traditions. Explore its sacred sites and lush gardens.
Day 03 - 04 | Accommodation
Day 03 - 04 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Radisson Hotel Kandy
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy / Earl's Regency Hotel
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 03 Included Experience: Private transfer to Kandy. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in the afternoon.
- Day 04 Included Experience: Explore the expansive Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Attend a captivating Kandy Cultural Dance Show.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 03 - 04): A leisurely evening city walk around Kandy Lake; a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum; a traditional Ayurvedic massage; visit a gem museum to learn about Sri Lanka's precious stones.
Day 05 - 06 | Kandy to Ella - Highland Vistas
Discover the picturesque beauty of Ella, a charming hill station famed for its dramatic landscapes, lush tea plantations, and iconic railway bridge, perfect for scenic exploration.
Day 05 - 06 | Accommodation
Day 05 - 06 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Ravana Range Ella
- Optional Hotels: Hide-Ella Hotel & Resort / EKHO Ella
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 05 Included Experience: Private scenic drive to Ella. Visit the cascading Ravana Falls. Take a walk along the famous Nine Arches Bridge (best experienced at sunset).
- Day 06 Included Experience: Enjoy a morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of the Ella Gap. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 05 - 06): Experience the thrilling Flying Ravana Zipline, participate in a more in-depth local cooking class focusing on different Sri Lankan dishes.
Day 07 - 08 | Ella to Yala - Wildlife Safari
Get ready for thrilling wildlife encounters as you venture south to Yala, Sri Lanka's premier leopard spotting destination, alongside a diverse array of other wild animals.
Day 07 - 08 | Accommodation
Day 07 - 08 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Saffron Lake Yala
- Optional Hotels: Jetwing Yala / EKHO Safari
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 07 Included Experience: Private transfer to Yala. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a free evening for leisure or optional experiences.
- Day 08 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 - Day 07 - 08): 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 09 - 10 | Yala to Hiriketiya - Coastal Chill
Unwind on the idyllic crescent-shaped beach of Hiriketiya, a laid-back bay perfect for relaxation and embracing the vibrant surf culture.
Day 09 - 10 | Accommodation
Day 09 - 10 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Belika Beach Club
- Optional Hotels: La Playa Beach Club / Dots Bay House
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (Dinner not included)
- Day 09 Included Experience: Private transfer to Hiriketiya. Leisure time at the beach.
- Day 10 Included Experience: Enjoy surfing lessons with a certified instructor. Visit the impressive Hummanaya Blowhole.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 09 - 10): Stand-up paddleboarding, yoga sessions by the beach, exploring the nearby town of Dikwella.
Day 11 - 12 | Hiriketiya to Bentota - River & Sea 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 11 - 12 | Accommodation
Day 11 - 12 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: EKHO Surf
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala / Occidental Eden Beruwala
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Day 11 Included Experience: Private transfer to Bentota. Enjoy a captivating Madu River Safari with a naturalist, exploring its mangroves and islands.
- Day 12 Included Experience: Visit a Turtle Hatchery with private interaction to learn about conservation efforts. Enjoy water sports in Bentota (choice of 2 activities, e.g., jet ski & banana boat).
- Optional Experience (at additional cost - Day 11 - 12): Diving or snorkeling (seasonal), visit the Lunuganga Estate (Geoffrey Bawa's country home).
Day 13 | Bentota to Colombo - Urban Pulse
Experience the vibrant energy of Sri Lanka's commercial capital, Colombo, with a blend of heritage and modern city life, showcasing its evolving urban landscape.
Day 13 | Accommodation
Day 13 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: Marino Beach Colombo
- Optional Hotels: Cinnamon Lakeside / Cinnamon Grand Colombo
- Meal Plan: Half Board
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Colombo. Visit Galle Face Green. Enjoy a comprehensive City Tour covering Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and other key landmarks. Dedicated time for shopping at One Galle Face (Sri Lanka's largest mall).
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Visit the National Museum, explore Pettah Market.
Day 14 | Colombo And Departure
Bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey, filled with memories of an unforgettable adventure.
Day 14 | Highlights
- Initial Recommended Hotel: No overnight stay; departure on same day.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast Only
- Included Experience: Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for departure.
- Optional Experience (at additional cost): Extended sightseeing in Colombo if flight schedule permits.
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Bandaranaike International Airport).
- 13 nights’ accommodation in our initial recommended hotels.
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner (Starting with Dinner on Day 1 and ending with Breakfast on Day 14, except for Day 9 & 10 nights' dinners in Hiriketiya).
- 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:
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb
- Traditional village tour with a bullock cart ride, catamaran ride, and a local lunch
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy)
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
- Kandy Cultural Dance Show
- Tea plantation & factory tour (Nuwara Eliya)
- Gregory Lake access (Nuwara Eliya)
- Nine Arches Bridge (Ella)
- Little Adam’s Peak hike (Ella)
- Morning Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
- Surfing Lessons (Hiriketiya)
- Hummanaya Blowhole
- Madu River Safari
- Turtle Hatchery Visit (with private interaction)
- Water Sports in Bentota (choice of 2 activities)
- Colombo City Tour (including Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square)
- All government taxes and service charges.
