Classic Sri Lanka with Yala & Galle

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, 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 Trailfinders travel consultant to add this experience.                

Day 4  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 spending an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5  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 6  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 7  Kandy            
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the Kandy War 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 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 Yala NP              
Travel south to Yala. En route visit the botanical gardens at Hakgala and pass the Ravana Ella waterfall before stopping at Buduruwagala’s ancient sculptures. Continue to your hotel near Yala. The next day, enjoy an early morning game drive and return to your hotel to unwind before heading out on an afternoon game drive.

Day 12  Yala NP to Galle      
Continue on to the magnificent town of Galle. On arrival enjoy a shared walking tour of the old fort with a local resident. Meander through the streets past some of the best known landmarks, including the lighthouse and old Portuguese harbour.      

Days 13-14  Transfer to Colombo and fly home