Sri Lanka Highlights - Sigiriya, Yala, Scenic Train & Beach

Let’s start our Sri Lanka holiday! Fly to Colombo, we are on our way.

We have arrived in Colombo! On arrival we meet our guide and transfer by coach to the coastal town of Negombo, approximately 55km north of Colombo .

Let’s settle in and soak up the local atmosphere.

Dinner is included for the 14 nights of our stay in Sri Lanka. Meals are typically simple and inspired with some local Sri Lankan flavours.

This morning is an early start (approximately 6.30am), we deapart our hotel by coach to one of the nearby fishing villages and experience a glimpse of everyday life along Sri Lanka’s coast. The town of Negombo, was once an important centre for the cinnamon trade, and now one of the island’s most active fishing communities. We explore the bustling fish market before the heat of the day rises, which is one of the best times to see local fishermen bringing in and selling their fresh catch. The market can be a little strong in smell at times, however this is all part of the authentic experience, and offers a fascinating insight into daily life here.

After, we return to our hotel for breakfast. Next, we check out and continue our journey inland to Habarana. The drive takes approximately four hours and covers around 150 kilometres. Along the way we sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Sri Lanka’s lush tropical countryside. Our Sri Lankan adventure is truly underway.

On arrival in Habarana in the afternoon, we check in to our hotel before setting off on a unique village safari. This experience offers an introduction to rural Sri Lankan traditions and daily life here. Surrounded by tranquil countryside, we travel by traditional bullock cart past green paddy fields, small village shops and mud thatched houses which reflects the simple beauty of rural village life. After we return to our hotel for a well-deserved rest and recharge for tomorrow's adventure.

Let's get our zen on and start the day in a positive way, there may be the opportunity for you to join in on a yoga session this morning (subject to availability).

We set off by coach to one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, located approximately 30 minutes from Habarana. On our visit we explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa I. Fondly known as ‘Lion’s Rock’, this spectacular fortress rises dramatically from the surrounding plains and was once an ancient rock palace, encircled by the remains of royal gardens.

The climb up to the summit involves more than 1,200 steps along a narrow staircase, which requires a moderate level of fitness. Along the way there are several platforms where we can pause, catch our breath and take in the beauty, with views stretching across the surrounding countryside. During our visit we will also see the elegant Water Gardens, colourful frescoes painted high on the rock face and fascinating ancient graffiti, all part of what makes Sigiriya one of Sri Lanka’s greatest historical treasures.

After our elevated climb we descend the rock and return to our coach for the journey back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

The afternoon is free to relax after a busy morning visiting one of Sri Lankan's most photographed sites. Soak up the lushness of the countryside. Relax and make the most of your afternoon at leisure. A perfect time to enjoy that novel you have been wanting to read. Take a walk around the hotel grounds and explore your surroundings.

This morning we depart Habarana and travel by coach to the historic city of Kandy. Set among forested hills and centred around a peaceful lake, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most attractive and culturally rich cities.

En route we visit the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive cultural highlights. Built by King Valagamba of Anuradhapura in the 1st century BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in the country. The site features five caves filled with statues of Gautama Buddha and striking Buddhist murals, covering more than 2,000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings.

After our visit we continue through scenic countryside to Kandy. The journey covers around 96 kilometres and takes approximately three hours.

On arrival in Kandy we continue to explore the city’s rich history and culture with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important centres of the Buddhist faith. This 16th century temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka from ancient India in the 4th century.

After our visit we transfer to our hotel in Kandy, where we will spend the next two nights. The evening is at leisure to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Today we set off by coach to visit the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, located just outside Kandy. Considered one of the finest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, the grounds feature an impressive collection of exotic plants including coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber and cinchona. As we stroll through the landscaped gardens we discover highlights such as the arboretum, the Orchid House and, if we are lucky, a colony of large flying foxes resting in the treetops.

We then continue our exploration of Kandy with a fun and authentic tuk tuk ride through the city. During this two hour journey we pass local highlights including the British Garrison Cemetery, the residential area of Aniwatta, the lively Kandy Central Market and the scenic Kandy Lake, before finishing with wonderful views from the Kandy View Point.

After our sightseeing we return to the hotel, where we can relax and reflect on a memorable day discovering this charming hill city.

All aboard. This morning we travel to Kandy Railway Station to board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail journeys. Our train winds through sub tropical forests, lush tea plantations and dramatic mountain landscapes as we make our way towards Nuwara Eliya.

Along the route we pass small villages, local shops and everyday scenes of life in the Sri Lankan highlands, offering a wonderful glimpse into the country’s hill country. The journey takes between two and three and a half hours, depending on the route and availability.

Please note that due to operational reasons, we may use an alternative scenic train route on a different day.

On arrival in Nuwara Eliya we continue by coach to visit a local tea plantation and tea factory. Tea production, once known as Ceylon tea, plays an important role in Sri Lanka’s economy, with the country recognised as one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters.

During our visit we have the opportunity to meet local tea pluckers and learn about their daily lives. We see their living quarters and enjoy a cup of traditional Ceylon tea at their home, offering a genuine insight into life in Sri Lanka’s beautiful tea country. During our time in the area we may also enjoy views of Pidurutalagala as our backdrop, the highest mountain in the country.

In the evening we check in to our hotel in Nuwara Eliya, where we can settle in and enjoy our new surroundings.

This morning, we depart Nuwara Eliya and make our way towards Yala National Park. Enroute we stop at Ella Waterfalls and admire the natural dramatic beauty. Today's journey will take approximately five hours (185km).

On arrival we board our jeep for an exciting safari in Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, covering around 979 square kilometres. This vast wilderness is home to elephants, leopards, bears, water buffalo, crocodiles and a wide variety of birdlife.

Yala’s dramatic landscapes and dense vegetation mean wildlife sightings often require patience and a keen eye, adding to the thrill of the experience. The park is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world and has featured in Discovery and National Geographic documentaries focused on leopard research and conservation.

After our safari adventure we continue to our hotel, where we will stay for the next two nights.

Please note: Pending our arrival time, we may change this safari drive to the following day.

This morning we return to Yala National Park for another exciting safari in one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves. With its dense jungle, open grasslands and lagoons, the park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep watch for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, as well as Asian elephant, sloth bear, wild boar and many other species. The thrill lies in the adventure and the chance to spot these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

After our safari we return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings after the excitement of our wildlife experience.

After breakfast we depart Yala National Park and travel along Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coast towards Beruwala. En route we visit the historic Galle Fort, one of the country’s most impressive colonial landmarks.

Originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards, the fort is one of the best preserved European built fortresses in South Asia. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its charming streets, ramparts and historic buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past and vibrant culture.

After our visit we continue by coach to Beruwala, where we check in to our hotel by the coast. We will spend the next six nights here, enjoying time to relax and unwind.

We have the next five days to fully enjoy the stunning coastal surroundings, soak up the ocean air and unwind by the beach at a leisurely pace.

Take long walks along the golden sands, explore the nearby town and browse vibrant local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs, or visit a charming fishing harbour to watch colourful boats bring in the day’s catch. Simply relax with a good book while listening to the waves. With so much time, you can savour the rhythm of coastal life, making the most of every relaxing moment by the sea.
 

We say farewell to Sri Lanka and all the highlights we visited as we make our way back to Colombo airport by coach. The drive will take approximately two hours 90km.

We check in for our flight home after a memorable journey through Sri Lanka.