Heritage to Highlands and Forests

About This Tour

Day 1 — Kalpitiya: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel up the western coast to Kalpitiya, a tranquil peninsula known for kitesurfing, dolphins, and quiet lagoons, where you settle in for a relaxed first afternoon by Kalpitiya Lagoon, soaking up the ocean breeze as you ease into the journey. Day 2 — Wilpattu: Travel inland for a thrilling jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest and most pristine reserve, spending the day searching its forests and natural lakes for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a wide array of birdlife before retiring to a comfortable lodge for the night. Day 3 — Sigiriya/Dambulla: Drive east to the Cultural Triangle, beginning with an authentic Dambulla village tour complete with a bullock-cart ride and home-cooked meal, then in the afternoon climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its 5th-century frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic summit views. Day 4 — Polonnaruwa: Drive a short distance east to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, spending the day exploring its UNESCO-listed ruins by bicycle, including the royal palace, towering stupas, the magnificent stone Buddhas of Gal Vihara, and the ancient irrigation tanks that once sustained this kingdom. Day 5 — Kandy: Travel south through scenic countryside to Kandy, exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, enjoying a fragrant spice walk, and visiting the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, followed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance in the evening. Day 6 — Nuwara Eliya: Climb into the misty highlands to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's "Little England," where you begin with an early hike across Horton Plains National Park to the dramatic cliff edge of World's End before taking a leisurely afternoon tour of the colonial-era town with its Tudor-style buildings and gardens. Day 7 — Ella: Take the famously scenic train ride to Ella, hike to the top of Little Adam's Peak for sweeping valley views, then enjoy a zipline adventure at Flying Ravana adventure park before a relaxed evening in town. Day 8 — Ella: Spend a second day in Ella exploring tea country with a hike along Pekoe Trail Stage 16 through plantations and forest paths, followed by a guided visit to a working tea factory to learn how Ceylon tea is produced. Day 9 — Yala: Descend toward the dry south, enjoying an exhilarating jeep safari in Yala National Park, famous for its exceptionally high density of leopards along with elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles, and ending the day with a sunset visit to the seaside Kirinda Temple. Day 10 — Tangalle: Continue west along the coast to Tangalle, visiting the dramatic Hummanaya Blowhole, the second largest in the world, then heading to Rekawa Beach after dark for a guided turtle-watching experience to witness endangered sea turtles nesting under the stars. Day 11 — Mirissa: Travel onward to Mirissa, stopping at Weligama Bay to watch surfers and stilt fishermen before visiting Coconut Tree Hill for sweeping ocean views, then enjoying a relaxed swim and fresh seafood dinner on the beach. Day 12 — Galle: Drive a short way up the coast to Galle, wandering the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-listed Dutch fort and enjoying a final swim at nearby Unawatuna Beach before lunch and a transfer up the coast to Bandaranaike International Airport for your homeward flight.

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary