Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, Dambulla & Udawalawe Safari

Today, we fly to Colombo, Sri Lanka, ready to begin our adventure..

We've arrived! We meet our local guide at Colombo Airport and transfer to our hotel. Later, we head out to explore Sri Lanka's lively capital and get our first taste of the country. 

Dinner is included this evening.

This morning, we leave Colombo behind and make our way to Dambulla, watching the scenery change as we travel into Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.

• Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, home to ancient caves filled with colourful Buddhist paintings and statues
• Next, we head to Hiriwadunna Village for a glimpse of everyday rural life, passing small homes, local shops and green fields 
• We'll also enjoy a traditional bullock cart ride and catamaran trip. 

Our transfer from Colombo to Dambulla takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Ready for a challenge? Today, we explore two of Sri Lanka's most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

• We start our morning at Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of the country's most famous landmarks, climbing approximately 1,200 steps to the summit.
• Take your time as we make our way up, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside waiting at the top.
• Next, we head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to enjoy a gentle 10km guided cycle tour past ancient ruins, temples and monuments.

Today, we leave Dambulla behind and make our way to Kandy, watching the scenery change as we travel towards Sri Lanka's beautiful central highlands.

• Along the way, we stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about the herbs and spices used in Sri Lankan cooking.
• Next, we get a taste of local life with a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.
• Later, we hop into a tuk-tuk to explore some of Kandy's highlights.
• We also visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites.

Our transfer from Dambulla to Kandy takes approximately 2 hours.
 

Get ready for a change of pace today! We leave Kandy and make our way towards Nuwara Eliya, travelling deeper into Sri Lanka's green hill country.

• At Kitulgala, we take to the Kelani River for a white-water rafting experience, tackling four rapids along the way.
• Afterwards, we continue to Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of Sri Lanka's famous tea country.
• Visit a tea plantation and factory to discover how Sri Lankan tea is produced.
• Enjoy a well-earned cup of tea with local tea pluckers.

Our journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
 

Strap on your boots, let's do this! This morning, we travel by jeep to the entrance of Horton Plains National Park, where our highland adventure begins. After we head back and enjoy the rest of our time at leisure.

• Set around 2,100–2,300 metres above sea level, Horton Plains offers a completely different side of Sri Lanka, with fresh mountain air and wide-open scenery.
• Our 16km hike takes us through cloud forest and open grasslands, with plenty of changing scenery along the way.
• Keep an eye out for sambar deer and other wildlife as we explore this remarkable landscape.
   

All aboard! This morning, we transfer to Nanu Oya railway station for one of the world's most scenic train journeys towards Ella.

• Sit back and enjoy the approximately 3-hour journey through Sri Lanka's hill country, passing tea-covered slopes, green valleys and mountain scenery.
• From Ella, we continue by coach towards Udawalawe National Park.
• We head out on a jeep safari through the park's open landscapes, keeping an eye out for elephants, deer, birds and other wildlife.

Dinner is included this evening.

Please note: Depending on our arrival time, the Udawalawe safari may take place the following day.
 

2026

Today, we leave Udawalawe behind and make our way towards Sri Lanka's beautiful south coast. Along the way, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, first built by the Portuguese in 1588. Here, we'll explore its historic ramparts, cobbled streets and boutique shops, with views across the ocean. Afterwards, we continue to the coastal town of Beruwala, where it's time to settle into our hotel and relax.

2027

We say goodbye to Udawalawe this morning and make our way towards Sri Lanka's south coast. Along the way, we stop in Galle for a guided tour of its historic UNESCO-listed fort, followed by some free time to explore at our own pace. Afterwards, we continue to Kalutara, where the evening is ours to relax and enjoy the laid-back coastal setting.

The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

Today, we're getting hands-on with Sri Lankan food! We'll join our hotel chef for a visit to a local market before returning to the hotel to prepare some traditional dishes.

• Explore a local market with our hotel chef and pick up fresh ingredients for our cooking class.
• Back at the hotel, learn how to prepare some traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
• Sit down and enjoy the lunch we've helped to cook.
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and enjoying some time by the coast.

Beruwala 2026

Enjoy your two days at leisure, soak up the beach life, explore, shop or just relax.

Kalutara 2027

After all our adventures, it's time to slow things down with two full days at leisure in Kalutara.

• Spend some time by the beach or simply relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
• Explore the local markets and browse the shops.
• Discover more of the area, including Kalutara Chaitya and Richmond Castle.

Our guide will be happy to suggest places to visit, but how we spend these two days is entirely up to us.
 

2026 & 2027 Optional Snorkelling Excursion

Take the plunge and explore the waters off Beruwala or Bentota on this half-day snorkelling excursion. With an experienced snorkelling guide leading the way, it's a great opportunity to discover the underwater world and try something a little different during your beach break.

Return hotel transfers and all snorkelling equipment are included.

Please note: The snorkelling location will be confirmed locally.

Beruwala 2026

It's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka! We transfer from Beruwala to Colombo International Airport for our flight home, taking plenty of great memories with us.

The transfer takes approximately 2 hours.

Kalutara 2027

After an adventure filled with incredible scenery, new experiences and plenty of stories to tell, it's time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. We transfer from Kalutara to Colombo Airport for our flight home.

The transfer takes approximately 2 hours.