12 Day itinerary in Sri Lanka, Asia
You will embark on a 12-day journey through beautiful Sri Lanka where you be able to discover the magnificent nature of this country, the warmth of its people, and its rich culture.
By Justyna, Shehara and Vinu
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Hiking
Visit markets
Meet local people
Outdoors & Nature
Start
Night
End
Travel to the more hidden Kanneliya rainforest, reward at the end of the walk is local lunch.
Experience the scenic train journey from Haputale to Nuwara Eliya.
Discover the authentic rural charm of Sri Lankan Village life.
Wander through this UNESCO ancient kingdoms.
Travel to the more hidden Kanneliya rainforest, reward at the end of the walk is local lunch.
Experience the scenic train journey from Haputale to Nuwara Eliya.
Discover the authentic rural charm of Sri Lankan Village life.
Wander through this UNESCO ancient kingdoms.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Accommodation Categories
Airport – Galle (Transfer. approx.: 2 hour drive)
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; our representative will welcome you at the airport and then be escorted you to Galle. Upon arrival at Galle, you will check-in to your hotel, and later during the day engage on a walking tour at the timeless Galle Dutch Fort. EXPERIENCE – Walk at the timeless Galle Dutch Fort Galle, the beautiful colonial town along the southern coast that was once the chief port of Sri Lanka and houses the largest occupied Fort in Asia. It is still well known for hand-made lace which was introduced by the Dutch and the UNESCO world heritage site, the Galle Fort. Galle Fort originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663 spans over 90 acres. Asia's largest colonial-built fort has protected a wealth of interesting architecture, now housing galleries, cafes, and shops, or fulfilling their initial intended purpose as law courts and administrative buildings. Nearby beach towns provide an altogether different taste of life in the south of the country. Witness the sunset from ramparts while sipping a chilled beer (to be paid directly). Welcome dinner: we recommend Sri Lankans fresh lobster curry at The Fort Printers restaurant, the best food in the Fort – The ideal venue for a memorable meal, this hotel restaurant offers a concise menu featuring fresh seafood and organic local produce. It's especially good for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, while traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry is also excellent. Dine in the frangipani-shaded courtyard at the rear or in the imposing dining room (to be paid directly)
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Galle – Kanneliya – Koslanda
Morning breakfast at the hotel and today you will be taken towards Kanneliya Forest. EXPLORE – A visit to Kanneliya Rainforest followed up with a lunch by the stream Discover the Kanneliya forest reserve, a less frequented but nonetheless impressive rainforest to explore with your wildlife tracker host. Kanneliya is just 35km from Galle, so in just 90 minutes you can be out of the fort and into the forest. Your exciting morning walk takes you under thick tropical tree canopies housing monkeys, snakes and chameleons. Multitudes of birds will flutter from branch to branch above, whilst plants and flowers blanket the jungle floor. Stop to savour the sounds of your surrounds and refreshments at a local waterfall! The forest itself envelops nearly 80 villages, one of which is your host’s home and where his talented wife will prepare your lunch to be had in the shallows of a lake. A unique dining experience and an idyllic end to your journey. Then transfer to Koslanda. Check-in to the hotel and chilling out at the amazing infinity pool Dinner Experience: Dinner experience in Jungle Ambalama - The Jungle Ambalama located at the head of our the waterfall provides the perfect spot for a memorable proposal, romantic picnic or simply a quiet place to meditate or practice Yoga. Available to all guests you can also book a private dining experience or a for a special occasion (to be paid directly)
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Koslanda
Relish a scrumptious breakfast and we recommend you to choose one of the activities detailed below. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – Learn to make egg hoppers! Curious how to make one of Sri Lanka’s favourite roadside snacks? The simple, yet delicious and filling hopper is an island-wide staple. Join a cooking class and learn how to impress your friends back at home with a new and exotic breakfast treat. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE - Proceed to the hill country of Ella The beautiful hill country village surrounded by mountains, tea plantations and greenery everywhere you go. Ella is a great place to relax, wind down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The Ella Gap offers a stunning view and on a clear night, you can see the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Visit to Ella Gap which one of the main tourist attraction symbols that makes the area enchanting. Make your way to see one of the islands widest falls Ravana Falls which has been named after the legendary character Ravana (who is said to have been the king of Sri Lanka during then had kidnapped princess Sita, and hidden her behind the waterfall. Another must see that we have planned for you today is the picturesque Nine Arches Bridge or locally known as ‘Ahas Namaye Palama’ meaning nine skies bridge in Sinhala, built during the British Colonial period. This architectural masterpiece is a great spot to take a souvenir photo from your trip. End your tour by engaging on a hike to the top of Little Adam’s Peak. Little Adam’s Peak is named after the sacred Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada–where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved). Do not be mistaken, the original Adam’s Peak is a much more strenuous climb, however ‘Little Adam’s Peak’ displays an amazing panoramic view on top and it is only a 30 minute climb. Return to the hotel.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Koslanda – Haputale – Nanu Oya – Kandy
After a delicious breakfast proceed to Haputale Railway station and experience a scenic train ride. Meet with your guide at the Nanu Oya railway station and drive towards the royal city of Kandy. EXPERIENCE – A scenic rail journey from Haputale to Nanu Oya The rail route to Nuwara Eliya rises slowly from the subtropical spice and banana trees to pine and eucalyptus forest. From Haputale, the scenery is the most spectacular, passing St Clair and Devon waterfalls on the left-hand side and many tea plantations. After about two hours, you will arrive at Nanu Oya station and from here there is a 15-minute drive to Nuwara Eliya. (train tickets can be purchased on the previous day with the help of your guide, strictly depends on availability and we cannot guarantee any particular class – train’s journey duration is approximately 04 hours) Upon arrival to Nuwara Eliya, explore the chilling atmosphere of “Little England”. EXPLORE – Tour across Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya, also known as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city is considered to be one of the most important locations for tea cultivation and well known for its cool climate being the coolest area in Sri Lanka. Many of the buildings have still preserved features from the colonial period. Many private homes have also maintained their old Englishstyle lawns and gardens. In between the city tour you will be experiencing an interesting visit to a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory. Then transfer to the Royal city of Kandy and explore the great Temple of The Tooth. EXPERIENCE – A visit to the Temple of The Tooth Relic The famous Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is an important pilgrimage site not just for the Buddhists in Sri Lanka but the world over. The temple is known as “Sri Dalada Maligawa” in Sinhalese which implies the English meaning of Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Kandy
Today in the morning you will firstly enjoy a guided hike to the hidden Bambaragala temple and Pettigala Mountain. EXPLORE – The hidden gem, Bambragala temple and Pettigala Rock The trail up to Pettigala rock begins with a stroll through the Bambaragala Buddhist Temple. You will leave with a new-found astonishment and appreciation of the beauty and history of the Bambaragala temple. As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted by resident monks who told us of its long history, stretching back over 2000 years! Feel free to spend some time exploring the cobbled courtyards and appreciating the incredible cave statues and ancient paintings before continuing up the hill to Pettigala. The Pettigala hike begins from the top of the stone steps of the Bambaragala monastery. Although not immediately obvious, there is a well-worn trail that continues into the forest just past the top level of the steps. The track consists of rooty undergrowth and is fairly steep in sections. Once you reach the top you will engage in a meditation session. The scenic and mind blowing views will just make you feel worth of all your sweat. Return to the hotel after excursion and relax by the jacuzzi
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Kandy – Dambulla – Kandalama
After a leisurely breakfast, drive towards the cultural triangle. En-route visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple. EXPLORE – Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. The first 03 caves are better, older, and larger than the other two. Some caves date back to the First Century B.C. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Lord Buddha's first sermon. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE – Climb Pidurangala Rock in the late afternoon for an authentic picnic Rock Hiking in Pidurangala, in native language a stone throw away not more than 2km from Sigiriya, is more of a natural atmosphere. A popular spot for sunrise/sunset and 360-degree views of the valleys and the neighboring Sigiriya Rock. Also housed a monastery for monks. Continue to Kandalama and check-in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Sigiriya – Rock Fortress – Minneriya – Sigiriya
Today, after breakfast take an adventurous hike to the top of Lion’s Rock, Sigiriya. EXPLORE – Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sigiriya is home to the famous "Fortress in the sky", known as a contender for the eighth wonder of the world, ages back to the 5th century. At its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous Palace including a garden complete with a swimming pool. On one of the stairways, the only known ancient artwork of Sinhala secular painting is preserved in the form of frescoes of life-sized damsels in all the delicacy of their original color. EXPERIENCE – A safari ride at Minneriya National Park Minneriya Jeep Safari is one of the most popular activities among travelers who visit Sri Lanka. The safari can be customized to your choice from half-day to full-day both morning and evening hours. Minneriya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the North Central province of Sri Lanka. Nature lovers on Minneriya Jeep Safari often spot a large number of Sri Lankan Elephants gathering around grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season. In addition, there are two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka, Large herbivorous mammals such as Sri Lankan sambar deer and Sri Lankan axis deer, Rare and endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear, the gray slender loris, large water birds such as lesser adjutant, painted stork, and spot-billed pelican, little cormorants, Great white pelican, ruddy turnstone, and grey heron. Return to the hotel and relax.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Sigiriya – Kalkudah
After breakfast leave the hotel to enjoy a village tour at Hiriwadunna. EXPERIENCE – Village tour at Hiriwadunna Ride a bike in a rural village on gravel roads, between paddy fields, Chena cultivations and around hidden lake while enjoying the nature and breathing fresh air, you will discover lots of endemic birds, wild animals during this ride. Don’t forget to visit a rural house and quench your thirst with a cup of tea or herbal drink which will be served by a villager. Also during the cycle tour you will visit a local temple and will be blessed by a Monk for good luck. You will end the ride by tasting an authentic Sri Lankan rice & curry lunch in a Mud hut in the village freshly prepared by a local family. If you are interested you can also join them for a cooking session. After the village tour, drive towards the palm-fringed beach of Pasikudah. EXPERIENCE - Explore beyond the heavens Far away from the bright city lights, the clear skies serve as a perfect window to the wonders above, yours to discover with a guide and professional grade telescope
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Kalkudah
Reveal the day on leisure! Feel free to have a sunbath by the beach OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE- Private BBQ in the Sand Discover the delicate flavours of our unique Sri Lankan dishes and indulge in our Mediterranean cuisine. We use seafood directly sourced from local fishermen, the freshest ingredients and local produce to offer delicious dishes in our intimate restaurant, feet in the sand or in the privacy of your terrace. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE- Cinema Under the Stars Treat your loved ones to our exclusive private beach cinema, and enjoy an intimate movie screening under the open sky with your feet in the sand
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Kalkudah
With so much to offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE- Enjoy a Floral Bath Soothe your body and soul at the Karpaha Sands Spa. An intimate oasis immersed in nature where you can unwind and rejuvenate as our spa therapists work away the strains and stresses of everyday life. Leave yourself in the hands of our expert masseuses and indulge in a relaxing massage, an invigorating body scrub, or a century-old Ayurvedic treatment in one of our two private pavilions– alone or with a partner.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Kalkudah – Polonnaruwa – Negombo
This morning after a leisurely breakfast drive to the palm-fringed beach town of Negombo. On the way to Negombo discover the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the stories behind its fallen ruins. EXPLORE – The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa King Parakramabahu’s reign is considered as the golden age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the King, who was adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted, and each be used toward the development of the land; hence, irrigation systems far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during King Parakramabahu’s reign, systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. Check in to the hotel and relax. Take a stroll along the exciting and entertaining hotel street.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Negombo – Airport
Breakfast at the hotel and you will have ample time to relax. OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE - Sunrise or Sunset boat ride at Negombo waters Early morning cruise–8.00am to 10.00am Cruise in the cool of the morning when the birds are most active and fishing boats are returning from the sea. The shores of the lagoon are buzzing with activity as hundreds of fishing families deliver their catch to the fish markets and wash their nets along the beach. Sunset cruise – 4.30pm to 6.30pm Relax as you experience the rich colours of the sunset at the inlet of the lagoon as the sun goes down in the Indian Ocean. In the twilight we will watch the traditional prawn fishermen setting their nets for the night’s work ahead. We will be back to the dock before it gets too dark. Later in the evening coordinate with your guide and check-out from the beach hotel according to your departure flight details. TIPS: * We recommend you check-out from the hotel early enough to allow you to reach the airport three hours prior to your departure flight. * Please discuss the exact time of departure with your chauffeur, who will be happy to advise you based on your flight timing.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Not Included
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Cycling
Kayaking
Hiking
Rafting
Snorkeling/Diving
Visit markets
Meet local people
Rural home stays
Indigenous culture
Yoga
Meditation
Wellness retreat
Detox
Outdoors & Nature
Classic Sights
Food & Drink
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Travel has always been my passion while when your work and passion coalesce you can create great things. This realization prompted me to transition into the travel industry, so I could share with others the true nature of the island I value so much.
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