Classic Sri Lanka with Elephants, Rainforest & Beach

Day 1  Negombo                  
Upon arrival at Colombo airport transfer to your hotel in nearby Negombo.                  

Day 2  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 consultant to add this experience.          

Day 3  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 an afternoon at leisure.

Day 4  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 5  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 an optional stop at a spice garden en route.            

Day 6  Kandy            
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the British Garrison 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 7  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya      
Today travel on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Pass by emerald-hued plantations as you wind your way to Nanu Oya station before transferring by road to your hotel        

Day 8  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 trek.  

Day 9 Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe NP      
Head south to Udawalawe National Park and visit the Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned elephants. Afterwards embark on an afternoon game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, langur monkeys and more.

Day 10 Udawalawe NP to Sinharaja Forest Reserve                  
Continue to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve with its plethora of exotic plants and wildlife including the purple-faced leaf monkey. After lunch take a guided rainforest trek to discover the nature in this lush area.  

Day 11 Sinharaja Forest Reserve to Bentota          
Depart for your beach hotel in Bentota.      

Days 12-13 Bentota                  
Enjoy a couple of days to relax at your resort on Bentota’s famous golden stretch of sand.

Day 14 Bentota to Colombo    
Drive north to Colombo airport.