Sri Lanka in Depth 11 Nights / 12 Days

Distance: 180 Kms | Travel Time: 3 Hrs

After enjoying breakfast, your tour leader will give a short briefing on the day ahead. Before we journey to the scenic South West Coast, we’ll spend the morning uncovering the highlights of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital.

Once a bustling hub on ancient trade routes, Colombo has been shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences — a rich colonial past that still echoes through its striking architecture. Today, the city is a vibrant mix of historical charm and modern life, blending colonial-era buildings with sleek high-rises and lively markets.

Colombo city tour showcases the vibrant culture, history, and charm of Sri Lanka’s capital. Visiting iconic landmarks like the Gangaramaya Temple, famous for its stunning mix of modern and traditional Buddhist architecture. Explore the peaceful Seema Malaka meditation center on Beira Lake, then head to the historic Independence Memorial Hall and Galle Face Green.

On completing, proceed to Galle. En route, take part in a wonderful boat safari on the Madu River.

The Madu River is located in the south of Sri Lanka near Galle. The water of the river is dotted with small islands, and the banks are all covered with lush mangrove forests that are home to dozens of incredible animal species. Enjoy hundreds of vibrant tropical birds and a few crocodiles if you’re lucky enough. These creatures are pretty rare and don’t like crowds.

Evening is yours, check into the hotel to relax or explore at your own pace.

Distance: 160 Km | Travel Time: 2-3 Hrs

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and explore and walk inside the ramparts of Galle Fort. Visit a Turtle Hatchery and the Stilt Fishermen. Proceed to Yala upon visiting.

This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern, pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Galle fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches, and Southern folks frequenting its streets, bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!

Stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a traditional fishing method where fishermen perch on tall wooden stilts planted in the ocean, using a crossbar to balance. This unique practice, typically seen along the country's southern coast, allows fishermen to catch small fish while enjoying a stunning view of the ocean.

Turtle Hatchery - This vibrant tourist destination, sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation  was later recognized by the Wildlife Protection Society who studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project which operates on a formidable scale today. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole of flipper & shell enthusiasts!

Check into your hotel in Yala and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

Distance: 100 Km | Travel Time: 2-3 Hrs

With a packed breakfast, take part in an exciting wildlife safari at Yala National Park.

Yala National Park - get ready for an unforgettable morning safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuary. Setting off just after sunrise, this is the best time to witness the jungle come to life, with golden light filtering through the trees and animals emerging to start their day.

Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, exotic birds, and if you're lucky, the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. The quiet of the early hours offers a peaceful and rewarding window into the park’s rich biodiversity.

• Meeting Point: Your hotel lobby
• Inclusions: Park entrance, government fees, and safari jeep
• Duration: 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM,

check out and proceed to Ella. En route, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and observe the Ravana Falls.

The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’, is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width, and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase in tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.

Ravana Falls is named after the King Ravana, who, according to traditional folklore, is believed to have ruled Sri Lanka. It is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka and currently ranks as one of the widest waterfalls in the country. It is best visited during the local wet season when the water is said to resemble an Areca flower with withering petals. This is situated at the 12-13thmilepost of Ella Wellawaya road.

Check in to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

Distance: 60 Km | Travel Time: 1 - 2 Hrs

With a packed breakfast, we set off from the Railway Station at 06.15 am, where a scenic train ride awaits. Wind through the misty mountains and emerald tea country of Nuwara Eliya — this is one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the world, with rolling hills, waterfalls, and endless greenery unfolding at every turn.

Upon arrival at Nanu Oya Station, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Check in and at 04.00 PM visit the wonderful Nuwara Eliya.

Misty, steep roads twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light, once governed by English & Scottish planters, is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A walk through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.

Evening is yours, check into the hotel to relax or explore at your own pace.

Distance: 80 Km | Travel Time: 2 -3 Hrs

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Kandy. En route, dive into Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea culture with a visit to a working tea plantation and factory. - In over one hundred and fifty years, the name Ceylon had become synonymous with the world’s finest tea. From the plantation to an international brand, witness the process that put Sri Lanka on the world map. Your guide will help you to pick out the perfect tea factory based on your route, so you can enjoy a slightly more interactive experience.

Check in and at 04.30 pm enjoy a Kandyan Cultural Show and visit to Temple of the Tooth.

Step into an intimate courtyard adorned with vibrant tapestries for a private Kandyan Cultural Show, an exclusive journey into Sri Lanka's rich heritage. As the traditional drum set the stage, graceful dancers in resplendent attire share centuries-old stories through Udarata Natum and Pantheru dances. Masked performers add a touch of mystery, while the rhythmic beats of Geta Beraya and Davul drums resonate in a personalized showcase of cultural richness. This private experience offers an unhurried, captivating night where tradition and artistry converge, leaving you with indelible memories of Sri Lanka's cultural legacy.

The Temple of the Tooth, the palace complex, and the holy city of Kandy are associated with the history of the dissemination of one of the most important religions of humanity, Buddhism. The Temple of Kandy is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha and the testimony of a cult which continues to be practiced today.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

After breakfast, proceed to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens and visit Ambuluwawa Tower.

The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka and the finest of its kind in Asia. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the central highlands, the Gardens lie at an elevation of 460 meters above sea level, tightly bounded on three sides by the loop of the River Mahaweli (Great Sandy River), Sri Lanka’s largest river.

The Ambuluwawa Tower is a unique and impressive tower located in the city of Gampola. The seven levels of the tower represent different aspects of Sri Lankan culture and history, including a garden, a children's play area, a library, a meditation center, a viewing platform, a restaurant, and a Buddhist temple. The tower is 48 meters tall and is built on seven levels, each with its own unique feature. One of the most unique features of the tower is the spiral staircase that leads to the top, which is adorned with colorful murals depicting the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

After visiting, return to Kandy and explore the city and visit the Gem Museum.

Gem Museum - A visit to a gem factory in Kandy is a must-see experience for any traveler interested in gems and jewelry. Kandy is known for producing some of the world's most beautiful and high-quality gemstones. Visitors to the gem factory are treated to a guided tour that takes them through the process of gemstone mining, cutting, polishing, and jewelry-making. The knowledgeable guides provide a wealth of information about the history of gemstone mining in Sri Lanka and the various types of gemstones found in the country. In the factory, visitors can watch skilled artisans at work as they create intricate jewelry pieces using precious and semi-precious stones. This visit is an educational and fascinating experience for anyone interested in the beauty and history of gemstones.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

Distance: 100 Km | Travel Time: 2 - 3Hrs

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Sigiriya. En route, visit Matale Spice Garden and Dambulla Cave Temple.

Sri Lankan Spice Garden - An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island, extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden, into which you will be most welcome, and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea!

On completion, proceed to Dambulla and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple - The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160 m over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area filled with ancient statues and paintings related to and depicting Lord Buddha and his life. The climb from the base is not difficult and can be done at a leisurely pace.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.

Distance: 60 Km | Travel Time: 1 – 2 Hrs

Visit a typical Sri Lankan village at 1130 Hrs and enjoy a cookery demonstration with traditional authentic Sri Lankan lunch. - Hiriwadunna is all about Sri Lankan village life. In other words, it is a tale garnished with chirps of birds, fishermen carrying their nets and rods praying for a fine catch, as well as an occasional crocodile basking on the shore of the lake. Do not have doubts about ample birdlife and butterflies as blessing visitors with the ‘soft winged’ is a part of the Hiriwadunna schedule. Enjoy a bullock cart ride and a catamaran ride through the rural environment, followed by an authentic traditional lunch with freshly picked vegetables and flavourful ingredients.

On completing, proceed to Polonnaruwa.

Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I. It remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals, and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures while observing the relic house “Watadage” which boasts beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa.

Return to your hotel in Sigiriya and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

Distance: 80 Km | Travel Time: 1 – 2 Hrs

After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura. Visit the Ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura and Mihintale Temple.

Proceed to Anuradhapura and visit the Ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura - The first capital of Sri Lanka from the 04th Century B.C. to the end of the 10th Century A.D. Anuradhapura consists of more than a dozen archeological sites. The most significant sites are the 3 largest man-made stupas in Sri Lanka, which are the second largest man-made structures in the world after the pyramids of Egypt. Then, Sri Maha Bodhi, a Sacred Bo Tree which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained Enlightenment.

Mihintale, the “Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. It is believed to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk “Mahinda”, son of Asoka, Emperor of India, and King Devanampiyatissa, which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The climb to Mihintale is not strenuous – it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through a magnificent, wide, ancient stone stairway.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

Distance: 150 Km | Travel Time: 3 – 4 Hrs

Rise early at 05.30 am with a packed breakfast and proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress for an unforgettable Sunrise. Sigiriya Rock Fortress - The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and a World Heritage Site, Sigiriya not only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also claims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats, the Lion Rock resembles the mythological 'City of Gods' coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India.

Return to the hotel and check out. Proceed to Negombo. Upon arrival, check in and at 04.00 pm visit Negombo city.

Negombo is a coastal city located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) north of Colombo, the capital city. It's a major city in the Western Province and a popular destination for both local and international travelers. One of our key stops will be the Negombo Fish Market — A Thriving Fishing Culture. Negombo made its start as a fishing community, and fishermen today continue to hawk their wares on the city’s sandy shores. Starting from as early as 4 AM, fishing boats begin to make their way to the beach laden with that morning’s catch. Shrimps, crabs, and lobsters are hunted at the famous Negombo Lagoon, while fresh fish is hauled in from the waves of the Indian Ocean.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.

Distance: 10 Km | Travel Time: 0.5 Hrs

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before a comfortable drive to the airport with Ddot Travels — your perfect send-off filled with unforgettable memories. Safe travels until we meet again!