Discover the Best of Sri Lanka – The Island of Smiles

Highlights: 

Coastal Arrival, Free Time, Welcome Dinner

Ayu-bowan! Your Sri Lankan adventure begins in the peaceful coastal town of Negombo, just a short drive from the international airport.

When you arrive, your Ayubowan Escapes guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. You can arrive at any time today — check in, relax, and recover from your flight.

• If you arrive early, you may like to:
• Take a gentle walk by the beach
• See the colorful fishing boats at the lagoon
• Try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant
• Or rent a bicycle and explore the nearby canals and countryside

In the evening, join your guide and fellow travelers for a special Welcome Dinner — your first taste of Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Accommodation

Pledge Scape Hotel – Negombo (or similar)

Meals Included

Dinner

Included Experiences

Welcome Dinner in Negombo

Start your day early with a visit to the Negombo fish market, one of the busiest in Sri Lanka. Morning is the best time to see the action — with fresh catches like crabs, lobsters, and squid being sold by friendly local vendors. Your guide will walk you through the market and share insights about daily life by the sea.

Afterward, leave Negombo and head inland to Dambulla, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Check in to your hotel and take some time to rest before a memorable afternoon.

In the late afternoon, visit one of Sri Lanka’s most famous sites — the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as Lion Rock. This UNESCO World Heritage Site rises high above the plains and is full of stories, art, and ancient engineering. The climb is a bit of a workout, but the views from the top are truly rewarding. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the royal kingdom that once stood here.

In the evening, return to your hotel for a special Sri Lankan-style BBQ dinner. Enjoy a variety of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious spices. You’ll also watch a short demonstration on how to make traditional coconut and chilli sambol — a simple dish you can try at home!

Accommodation

Jetwing Lake – Dambulla (or similar)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Included Experiences

Guided visit to Negombo Fish Market

Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress tour

BBQ dinner with sambol demo in Dambulla

Travel Notes

Travel time today: approx. 5 hours by private vehicle

Sigiriya Rock visit takes about 3.5 hours total

After breakfast, begin your journey to Anuradhapura, a city filled with history, religion, and ancient wonders. This is the northern point of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, and one of the most important places in the country’s past.

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital, and today you’ll explore its sacred temples and huge stone monuments. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple, where a tree planted over 2,000 years ago still stands — believed to be the oldest tree planted by humans in the world.

Your guide will take you through amazing sites like:

• Ruwanweliseya Stupa – a shining white dome of peace
• Jetawanaramaya Stupa – once the tallest brick building in the world
• Isurumuniya Temple – with beautiful ancient carvings that tell stories from long ago

Walk among old stone ruins and imagine what life was like in these powerful kingdoms of the past. In the evening, return to Dambulla and relax at your hotel.

Accommodation

Jetwing Lake – Dambulla (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Visit to the Sacred Bodhi Tree Temple
• Guided walk through ancient ruins and giant stupas
• Entry to Isurumuniya Temple and historical carvings

Travel Notes

Total travel time today: approx. 3 hours by private vehicle

Highlights: 

Royal Palaces, Rock Temples, Sacred Buddha Statues

Today, after breakfast, continue your journey through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle with a visit to Polonnaruwa, the country’s second ancient capital. This city followed Anuradhapura and became the royal centre in the 10th century under Sinhalese and Chola rule.

Explore the well-preserved temples, palaces, stupas, and carvings that show how grand this kingdom once was. Walk through the Quadrangle complex, where many sacred buildings once stood together, filled with rich history and beautiful stonework.

Visit:

The seven-storey royal palace of King Parakramabahu

The impressive Gal Vihara, a rock temple with four massive Buddha statues carved into granite

The Rankot Vihara, a giant brick stupa

The ancient Lankatilaka Buddha image house, with its tall walls and detailed carvings

The towering 10-metre statue of King Parakramabahu I, standing strong after centuries

In the afternoon, return to Dambulla for your final evening there. You may like to enjoy a quiet drink by the lake and reflect on the incredible stories of Sri Lanka’s ancient past.

Accommodation

Jetwing Lake – Dambulla (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Full guided tour of Polonnaruwa ancient ruins
• Entry to the Quadrangle complex
• Visits to Gal Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Lankatilaka, and King Parakrama’s statue

Travel Notes

Total travel time today: approx. 3 hours by private vehicle

Highlights: 

Ancient Cave Temples, Spice Garden, Arrive in Kandy

After breakfast, take a short drive to one of Sri Lanka’s most magical sites — the Dambulla Cave Temple. This World Heritage Site is made up of five connected caves, filled with more than 150 statues and paintings of the Buddha, some over 2,000 years old. Your guide will explain the temple’s deep spiritual meaning and how it’s been a sacred place of worship for centuries.

Later in the day, begin your scenic drive toward Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. On the way, stop in Matale for a visit to a local spice garden, where you’ll learn how spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cardamom are grown — and how they’ve shaped Sri Lankan food and culture.

Arrive in Kandy by evening. This charming hill city is surrounded by forested mountains and centered around a peaceful lake. You’ll have free time to take a walk, relax at your hotel, or ask your guide where to enjoy a tasty local curry.

Accommodation

Amaya Hills – Kandy (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Guided visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple
• Entry and tour of a Matale spice garden

Travel Notes

Total travel time today: approx. 2.5 hours by private vehicle

Highlights: 

Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Tooth, Cultural Show, Local Cooking Experience

Begin your day with a peaceful walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, guided by a local botanist. Discover rare orchids, giant palm trees, and birds like the Layard’s Parakeet and Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot. Your guide will help you spot native plants and share stories about Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Next, explore a gem museum and lapidary workshop, where you’ll see how precious stones are mined and crafted into beautiful jewelry — a tradition Sri Lanka is known for.

Then, take part in a local home cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using fresh ingredients and local spices. After the demo, enjoy a warm and delicious homemade lunch with your hosts.

In the afternoon, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. The temple holds a relic of the Buddha’s tooth. If you arrive in time, you may witness the evening pooja ceremony — with drumming, incense, and offerings.

Finish the day with a colorful cultural dance show at the Kandy Lake Club, where you’ll enjoy music, traditional drumming, and ancient Kandyan dance performances.

Accommodation

Amaya Hills – Kandy (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Included Experiences

• Guided visit to Royal Botanical Gardens
• Visit to gem museum and lapidary workshop
• Home cooking demonstration and lunch with a local family
• Visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic (with pooja ceremony if timing allows)
• Cultural performance at Kandy Lake Club

Highlights: 

Train Journey, Hill Country Views, Grand Hotel & High Tea

This morning, leave Kandy and enjoy one of the most beautiful train rides in the world — from Kandy to Nanu Oya. Pass through rolling green hills, tea estates, misty valleys, and small local villages. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable way to enter Sri Lanka’s tea country.

From Nanu Oya, drive a short distance to Nuwara Eliya, a cool and charming town sitting at 1,800 meters above sea level. Once loved by the British, the town still has a colonial feel, with old buildings, rose gardens, and English-style cottages. You’ll have some free time to walk around and enjoy the fresh air.

Check in at your Feature Stay – the iconic Grand Hotel, a heritage building first opened in 1891. This former British governor’s mansion is now a luxury hotel, surrounded by tea fields and gardens. The rooms are classically styled with all modern comforts, and the hotel is focused on eco-friendly practices like reducing plastic and working toward zero waste.

In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional high tea experience at the hotel, served with a delicious variety of tea, sweets, and finger foods.

Spend the rest of your evening exploring the peaceful hotel gardens or relaxing with dinner at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.

Accommodation

The Grand Hotel – Nuwara Eliya (Feature Stay)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

Scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya

High tea at the Grand Hotel (Feature Stay)

Travel Notes

Train journey time: approx. 3.5 hours

If train tickets are not available,  continue by private vehicle

Please note: 

Rooms at the Grand Hotel do not have air-conditioning, as the cool mountain air makes it unnecessary.

Highlights: 

Hilltop Hike or National Park, Tea Factory Visit, Lunch at Historic Golf Club

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic morning in the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya. You can choose between two wonderful hikes:

A light 40-minute hike to Single Tree Hill, a peaceful viewpoint with wide views of tea fields and forested hills — perfect for a relaxed morning walk.

OR

An early morning drive to Horton Plains National Park, followed by a 3-hour hike through cloud forests and open grasslands to the famous World’s End viewpoint (this option requires a 5:30 AM start and is more active).

After your hike, visit a local tea factory where you'll learn how Ceylon tea is made — from leaf to cup. See traditional machines still in use, and enjoy a fresh tea tasting to experience the flavors of the region.

Later, sit down for lunch at the elegant Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of the oldest in Asia, surrounded by scenic views and colonial charm.

The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to relax at your hotel or explore town at your own pace.

Accommodation

The Grand Hotel – Nuwara Eliya (Feature Stay)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

Included Experiences

• Choice of Single Tree Hill hike or Horton Plains (optional early start)
• Guided visit to tea estate and factory with tea tasting

Highlights: 

Scenic Ella Gap Viewpoint, 4WD Safari, Wildlife Spotting

After breakfast, leave the cool hill country and begin your journey toward Kataragama, a sacred town in Sri Lanka’s south. Along the way, stop in the beautiful highland village of Ella, known for its relaxed vibe and lush green hills. Visit the famous Ella Gap, a dramatic mountain pass offering stunning views over the southern plains — on a clear day, you can see all the way to the coastline.

In the late afternoon, arrive at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve. Hop into a 4WD jeep and head into the park for an exciting evening safari. Your expert guide will help spot wildlife that hides in the trees, water, and tall grass — including elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, and buffalo. If you’re lucky, you may even see a leopard, as Yala is one of the best places in the world to spot this elusive big cat.

After your safari, return to your lodge near the park’s quiet back entrance, away from the crowds. Enjoy a peaceful dinner at your resort and relax under the stars.

Accommodation

Chaarya Resort & Spa – Yala (or similar)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Included Experiences

Scenic stop at Ella Gap viewpoint

4WD wildlife safari in Yala National Park (or Bundala during seasonal closure)

Travel Notes

Total travel time today: approx. 4.5–5 hours by private vehicle

Important: 

From September to mid-October, Yala National Park is closed for conservation. During this time, your safari will take place in Bundala National Park, known for its elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, wild boar, and rare birds.

Highlights:

Wildlife Safari, Birdwatching, Dinner at the Resort

Wake up early and get ready for another exciting 4WD safari through the wild landscapes of Yala National Park. This is Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park, and every drive offers something new. Today is a great chance to spot birds and rare wildlife that you may have missed on your first safari.

Yala is home to more than 215 bird species, including the colorful Sri Lanka wood pigeon, the elegant painted stork, and the bright crimson-fronted barbet. You’ll likely see peacocks dancing and calling, along with elephants, crocodiles, deer, and more.

If Yala National Park is closed (seasonally from September to mid-October), your safari will take place in Bundala National Park — a peaceful sanctuary known for its birdlife, elephants, wild boar, and crocodiles.

After the safari, return to your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful dinner at your resort, surrounded by nature.

Accommodation

Chaarya Resort & Spa – Yala (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Included Experiences

Morning wildlife safari in Yala National Park

(or Bundala National Park during seasonal closure)

Travel Notes

Important: From September to mid-October, Yala is closed for conservation. Your safari will take place in Bundala National Park during this period.

Highlights: 

Temple Visit (Optional), Traditional Lace Weaving, Galle Fort Walking Tour

Start your morning with an optional visit to the sacred Kataragama Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo, a guardian deity loved by both Buddhists and Hindus. It’s a peaceful and spiritual place, with colorful shrines and offerings.

Later, leave the inland jungles behind and travel to the southern coast, arriving in the charming colonial town of Galle. With its beautiful seaside location and historical streets, Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved destinations. Check in at your hotel and take a moment to relax.

In the afternoon, head to a nearby village for a special cultural experience. Visit a local home to see the traditional art of Beeralu lace weaving, a skill passed down through generations. You’ll see how this beautiful lace is made by hand, and you can even try your hand at weaving with help from the artisans. If you like, you’ll also have the chance to support the local women by purchasing their handmade products.

Later, return to Galle and join your guide for a walking tour of Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved Dutch-era streets, filled with old churches, mosques, museums, boutiques, and cafés. Hear stories from Galle’s rich past and soak up the sea breeze as you wander the narrow lanes of this historic town.

Accommodation

Le Grand – Galle (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Experiences

• Visit to Kataragama Temple in the morning (Optinal)
• Beeralu lace weaving activity in a local village home
• Walking tour of Galle Fort with your guide

Travel Notes

Total travel time today: approx. 2.5 hours by private vehicle

Highlights: 

Optional Activities, Local Market Visit

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Galle with time to explore or unwind at your own pace.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can choose to:

• Visit a nearby cinnamon plantation to learn how this iconic spice is made
• Go birdwatching at the peaceful Hiyare Rainforest Reservoir

Head toward Mirissa for some scenic experiences:

• Take photos at the famous Coconut Tree Hill
• Visit Parrot Island, known for its vibrant birdlife
• Relax at Secret Beach, a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset

Your guide will be happy to help you arrange any of these optional experiences based on your interests and timing.

In the evening, join your guide for a visit to a local farmers’ market, where you’ll discover the colorful produce and spices that shape Sri Lankan cooking.

Accommodation

Le Grand – Galle (or similar)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Included Experiences

Guided visit to a local farmers’ market in Galle

Optional visits: Cinnamon plantation, Hiyare Rainforest, Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Island, or Secret Beach (sunset)

Highlights: City Tour, Northern Sri Lankan Lunch, Cultural Landmarks

Say goodbye to the southern coast and journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s lively and colourful capital. This vibrant city blends old colonial charm with modern life, offering a final taste of the country’s energy and culture.

Upon arrival, head to a charming courtyard restaurant set inside a restored family home from Jaffna. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious northern-style Sri Lankan lunch, with bold flavours and regional specialties you may not have tried before.

In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through Colombo with your local leader. You’ll visit the busy Pettah Market, where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and spices — the perfect place to experience the everyday rhythm of local life.

You’ll also stop at the striking Red Mosque, known for its red-and-white candy-striped walls and tall minarets visible across the city skyline. Continue your walk to see examples of Dutch and British architecture, reminders of Colombo’s colonial past.

In the evening, you may like to join your guide and fellow guests for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your Sri Lankan journey.

Accommodation

The Kingsbury Hotel – Colombo (or similar)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Included Experiences

• Northern Sri Lankan lunch in a restored Jaffna-style home
• Guided city walking tour of Colombo
• Visit to Pettah Market and the Red Mosque
• Dutch and British heritage buildings

Travel Notes

Total travel time today: approx. 2.5 hours by private vehicle

Highlights: 

Departure Day

After breakfast, your Sri Lankan journey comes to an end.

If you’d like to spend more time in Colombo or need help arranging extra nights at the hotel, feel free to speak with us in advance — we’ll be happy to assist with additional accommodation or transfers.

We hope you leave with beautiful memories, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the people and places of Sri Lanka.

Ayubowan – until we meet again. 🌿

Meals Included

Breakfast