Classic Sri Lanka with Udawalawe & Bentota

Day 1  Fly to Colombo

Day 2  Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Colombo airport, transfer to your hotel in nearby Negombo.

Day 3  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, opt to visit the fish market in Negombo before you leave. Here, you can see local fishermen selling the catch of the day.

Day 4  Polonnaruwa
Journey to the former capital of Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th Centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5  Sigiriya & Minneriya NP
Start the day at the impressive rock fortress of Sigiriya, or ‘Lion Rock’, a 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, head to Minneriya National Park, home to herds of elephants, for a game drive. Flocks of cormorants and painted storks, toque macaque and sambar deer may also be spotted.

Day 6  Cultural Triangle to Kandy
This morning, spend time at 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 an optional stop at a spice garden en route.

Day 7  Kandy
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Walk by the lake, visit the bustling market and the Kandy War Cemetery, then head to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya located outside the town for a leisurely stroll. Later, enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the most sacred temple in the country.

Day 8  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Today, travel on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Pass by emerald-hued tea plantations as you wind your way to Nanu Oya station before transferring by road to your hotel.

Day 9  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 hike.

Days 10-11  Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe NP
Head south to Udawalawe and check into your hotel. The next day, visit the Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned elephants. Afterwards, enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park.

Days 12-14  Udawalawe NP to Bentota
Continue to the coastal town of Bentota, stopping en route at Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a nature walk. Enjoy the rest of your time unwinding by the beach.

Days 15-16  Transfer to Colombo and fly home