Classic Sri Lanka with Galle & Kalutara

Day 1 Negombo          
Upon arrival at Colombo airport transfer to your hotel in nearby Negombo.          

Day 2 Negombo to the Cultural Triangle      
Depart Negombo and drive to the Cultural Triangle, your base for the next three nights. If you don’t mind an early start, pay a visit to the fish market in Negombo before you leave where you can see local fisherman selling the catch of the day. Ask your consultant to add this experience.            

Day 3 Polonnaruwa            
Visit the former capital of Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th Centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of its ancient Royal Palace and temples before an afternoon at leisure.      

Day 4 Sigiriya & Minneriya NP        
Start the day at Sigiriya or ‘Lion Rock’, an impressive rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike to the top is fairly strenuous but worthwhile to see rock frescoes, the ruins of the 5th Century palace and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Later drive to Minneriya National Park for a game drive.            

Day 5 Cultural Triangle to Kandy  
Head first to the Dambulla cave temples, a complex of five caves filled with Buddha images and statues, reached by a hike to the top of a sloping rock. Continue to the hill country capital of Kandy, with a stop at a spice garden en route.        

Day 6 Kandy            
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the British Garrison Cemetery then head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens located outside the town for a leisurely stroll. Return to your hotel to unwind and later enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.            

Day 7 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya        
Today travel on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Pass by emerald-hued plantations as you wind your way to Nanu Oya station before transferring by road to your hotel.      

Day 8 Nuwara Eliya            
Enjoy a full day in the heart of the tea producing region. Relax and soak up the surroundings or opt to explore this stunning region by bicycle or on a trek.    

Day 9 Nuwara Eliya        
Depart from Nuwara Eliya for the drive down to Galle where the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.              

Day 10  Galle                          
Spend the morning visiting a tea plantation situated just outside Galle which is famous for its unique white tea. Later take a shared walking tour of Galle Fort with a local resident to see its beautiful colonial buildings and learn about its history.    

Day 11  Galle                            
Today head out to the surrounding countryside and discover the ingredients and techniques of Sri Lankan cuisine. Learn to cook some delicious local dishes which you then enjoy for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 12  Galle to Kalutara                    
Depart from Galle and head to coastal Kalutara where you will check in at your hotel for some rest and relaxation.        

Days 13-19  Galle to Kalutara              
Spend a week on Kalutara’s shores, laxing by the pool or on the beach, dining on delicious meals, or exploring the surrounding area. On your final day, transfer back to Colombo airport for your onward arrangements.