Sri Lanka Encompassed

Upon arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport, our representative will meet you and manage your transfer to your Colombo hotel. Since no sightseeing is scheduled for today, you're free to arrive at your own convenience.

Your tour guide will gather everyone in the hotel lobby at 7:00 PM for a quick welcome meeting before heading out for dinner.

Your journey begins with a guided exploration of Colombo's vibrant streets, after which you will travel north to the coastal town of Negombo. Once you arrive at the seaside, you can watch local fishermen working right on the beach as they sort through their fresh daily catch.

Next, you will step onto a boat to cruise down the historic Dutch canal, offering you an intimate glimpse into the everyday routines of the people living along the water. Finally, you can use your free evening to walk around town and discover the impressive Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture at your own pace.

You will start your morning by traveling to the Dambulla historical town to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Dambulla Cave Temple, whose cluster of rock-cut cave temples, perched on a granite outcrop, have been a place of Buddhist worship for more than 2,000 years.

As the day progresses, you can choose to embark on an afternoon safari through Minneriya National Park to observe wild elephants roaming freely, or you can opt for a quieter evening spent relaxing as the sun dips below the horizon of the tranquil lake.

Early in the morning, visit the famous UNESCO site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, towering nearly 600ft high — The capital of the Sinhalese kingdom in the 5th century, the rock was home to an elaborate royal palace that was accessed through the mouth of a huge carved lion.

Climb the steps to reach the top of the rock and explore the ruins, including its well-preserved frescoes.

The journey to Kandy features a scenic drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range, followed by an educational tour of a spice plantation with Ayurveda students. Lunch is provided at a Craft Shop and Café.

Afterward, you will embark on a guided exploration of Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth, followed by the chance to experience a vibrant, optional Kandyan cultural dance performance in the evening.

You can start your morning in Kandy with complete flexibility, choosing between a relaxing traditional massage at the Ayurvedic Centre. Afterward, a guided walk through a local village offers you a genuine look into everyday rural life in Sri Lanka. This immersive trek brings you close to unique local traditions, including a stop at an active cattle and goat farm.

Following your lunch, you will make the drive to Digana, where you will have dedicated time to unwind and unpack. As evening approaches, your day concludes with an interactive culinary experience where you will learn to prepare authentic, spice-infused Sri Lankan curries while helping cook the evening meal.

You can spend your morning freely discovering the local area at your own pace. Afterward, you will travel into the central highlands toward Nuwara Eliya for an afternoon visit to a traditional tea plantation.

During this guided experience, you will learn exactly how tea is cultivated and discover the deep impact this industry has on the history and culture of the Ceylon region.

You can begin your day with a refreshing morning hike through the misty trails of Horton Plains National Park, or choose a more relaxed pace by exploring the vibrant stalls of the local markets.

Afterward, make your way to the railway station to board the local train, where you will experience one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys as you travel through the mountains toward Ella.

Spend a beautiful day at your own pace exploring everything the charming town of Ella has to offer. You can choose to walk along the historic tracks of the iconic Nine Arch Bridge to watch the trains pass, or embark on a rewarding hike up Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic mountain views.

If you prefer to stay closer to earth, you can admire the massive silhouette of Ella Rock from below, or simply spend your hours relaxing, shopping, and wandering through the vibrant local streets.

After breakfast, head to Yala National Park, the country’s second-biggest national park, located on the island’s southeast coast. En route, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the scenic mountain town of Ella.

On arrival, check in to the hotel for a night, a picturesque beachfront retreat set just outside the park with tumbling sand dunes and the Indian Ocean on the doorstep.

An exciting morning game drive through Yala National Park to observe the active wildlife during the early hours of the day (pre-bookable). — This vast expanse of forest, lagoons, scrubland and coastal plains boasts one of the largest leopard populations in the world; keep your eyes peeled for these elusive creatures, alongside elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and wild boars, plus a vast array of birdlife.

Afterward, you will head south toward the coast, trading the rugged safari plains for the idyllic shores and relaxed vibe of Mirissa Beach.

Travel to the historic coastal fort city of Galle, visiting the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort — the walled city centre, known for its Dutch colonial architecture, cafés, boutiques and galleries lining cobbled streets.

Visit the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, before returning to Mirissa hotel.

Enjoy another day at your beach hotel — relax by the pool, or head to the Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa beach as you make the most of your final day in this captivating country.

You can choose between a relaxing day of unwinding on the soft sand or an active afternoon of learning how to catch the waves with a guided surfing lesson.

We depart Mirissa early this morning and drive the 180 km to Colombo Airport where the tour will end. If booking your own flight, the earliest time it can depart is 12.45pm.

Private transfers from Mirissa are available if you prefer to make your own way at a different time.