Legends, Hills and Leopard trails

About This Tour

Day 1 — Kalpitiya Highlights: Kalpitiya Lagoon Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel up the western coast to Kalpitiya, a tranquil peninsula known for kitesurfing, dolphins, and quiet lagoons, then settle in for a relaxed first afternoon by Kalpitiya Lagoon, soaking up the ocean breeze as you ease into the journey; Day 2 — Wilpattu Highlights: Wilpattu national park travel inland for a thrilling jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest 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 near the park; Day 3 — Sigiriya/Dambulla Highlights: Dambulla village tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress drive east to the Cultural Triangle and begin with an authentic Dambulla village tour, sampling rural life and a home-cooked Sri Lankan meal, then in the afternoon climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic summit views; Day 4 — Polonnaruwa Highlights: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa drive a short distance east to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa and spend the day exploring its UNESCO-listed ruins by bicycle, including the royal palace, towering stupas, the magnificent stone Buddhas of Gal Vihara, and ancient irrigation tanks that once powered the kingdom; Day 5 — Kandy Highlights: Kandy Spice Walk travel south through tea-clad hills to Kandy and enjoy a fragrant spice garden walk en route, learning about cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper, then in the evening stroll around Kandy Lake and take in a traditional Kandyan dance performance; Day 6 — Nuwara Eliya Highlights: City tour climb into the misty highlands to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England,” and take a leisurely city tour through its colonial-era buildings, Gregory Lake, and gardens before enjoying a classic high tea at a historic hotel; Day 7 — Ella Highlights: Little Adams peak take the scenic train ride to Ella, one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys, then hike to the top of Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping hill-country views before settling in for the night; Day 8 — Ella Highlights: Pekoe trail (Stage 16), Tea factory visit spend a second day in Ella exploring tea country, hiking Pekoe Trail Stage 16 through plantations and forest paths, then visiting a working tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is produced; Day 9 — Yala Highlights: Yala National Park, Kirinda temple descend to the southern dry zone for a jeep safari in Yala National Park, famous for its dense leopard population along with elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles, then end the day with a sunset visit to Kirinda Temple above the Indian Ocean; Day 10 — Tangalle Highlights: Rekawa turtle watching, Hummanaya Blow hole travel along the coast to Tangalle, visit the Hummanaya Blowhole, the second largest in the world, then head to Rekawa Beach after dark for a guided turtle-watching experience with nesting sea turtles; Day 11 — Mirissa Highlights: Weligama Bay, Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa continue to Mirissa, stop at Weligama Bay to watch surfers and stilt fishermen, then visit Coconut Tree Hill for sweeping ocean views and spend the rest of the day on the beach; Day 12 — Galle Highlights: Unawatuna, Galle Fort drive to Galle and wander the UNESCO-listed Dutch fort with its cobbled lanes, boutiques, and cafés, enjoy a swim at Unawatuna Beach, and spend the evening watching sunset from the ramparts; Day 13 — Colombo Highlights: Colombo city tour finish in Colombo with a guided city tour of Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the Old Parliament before transferring to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary