Highlights:

Arrival in Sri Lanka | Airport or Hotel Pick-Up | Free Time by the Beach

Ayu-bowan! Your Sri Lankan adventure begins in the laid-back beach town of Negombo, conveniently located near Colombo International Airport. Whether you're arriving from afar or transferring from a nearby hotel, your Ayubowan Escapes guide will greet you with a warm smile and assist with your transfer.

Today is a flexible and easy-going day — a chance to recover from your flight and settle into the tropical rhythm of island life. There are no scheduled activities, so you’re free to arrive at any time and enjoy the day your way.

If you arrive early, you may like to:

• Take a gentle walk along the golden beach
• Watch the colorful fishing boats in the lagoon
• Try fresh seafood at a local restaurant
• Rent a bicycle and explore the canals and countryside nearby

Relax by the pool, enjoy the sea breeze, and get ready for 12 incredible days exploring Sri Lanka’s nature, culture, and coastlines.

Overnight Stay: 

Negombo

Accommodation: 

Pledge Scape Hotel – Negombo (or similar)

Meals Included: 

None

Included Experiences: 

None – Free day to relax

Highlights:

Pinnawala Elephant Centre | Cultural Village Experience | Sigiriya Fortress at Sunset

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Your first stop is the Pinnawala Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary for orphaned and injured elephants. You’ll have the chance to watch them feed, bathe, and roam freely near the river.

Next, arrive in Dambulla and immerse yourself in authentic Sri Lankan life with a Cultural Village Tour. Ride a tuk-tuk through rural landscapes, cross a lake in a catamaran, and visit a farmer’s house to enjoy a curry cooking demo and a traditional home-cooked lunch.

In the afternoon, climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore the ancient palace ruins, colorful frescoes, and breathtaking gardens before reaching the summit in time for a magical sunset view.

Overnight Stay: 

Sigiriya

Accommodation: 

Kassapa Lions Rock or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast

Lunch

Diner

Included Experiences: 

Pinnawala Elephant Centre

Village Tour with Lunch

Sigiriya Fortress Visit

Highlights:

Polonnaruwa Ancient City | Cycling Experience | Minneriya/Kaudulla Jeep Safari

Start your morning early if you wish with an optional hike to Pidurangala Rock to catch the sunrise over Sigiriya — a stunning and peaceful moment to begin your day.

After breakfast, set off for Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO-listed ancient capital filled with temples, palaces, and statues. You'll explore this historic site by bicycle, a relaxing and immersive way to discover the ruins and stories of a royal past.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a 4x4 Jeep Safari in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (depending on seasonal elephant movement). With a bit of luck, you’ll see wild elephants bathing, grazing, and even baby elephants playing near the water.

Overnight Stay: 

Sigiriya

Accommodation: 

Kassapa Lions Rock or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Polonnaruwa Ancient City (with cycling)

Minneriya/Kaudulla Jeep Safari

Highlights:

Dambulla Cave Temple | Spice Garden Visit | Temple of the Tooth Relic | Cultural Dance Show

After breakfast, continue your cultural journey toward Kandy, the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka. En route, stop at one of the island’s most impressive UNESCO sites — the Dambulla Cave Temple. Built into a towering rock, this ancient site houses five beautifully decorated caves with more than 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals.

Next, visit a Spice Garden in Matale, where you’ll learn how Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices — like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg — are grown and used in both cooking and traditional healing.

Upon arrival in Kandy, head to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This revered temple houses what is believed to be the left upper canine of Lord Buddha — a deeply respected relic by Buddhists worldwide.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk near Kandy Lake followed by a lively Kandyan Cultural Dance Show. You’ll witness traditional music, dance, and costumes that showcase the artistic heritage of the hill capital.

Overnight Stay: 

Kandy

Accommodation: 

The Topaz Hotel or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Dambulla Cave Temple

Spice Garden Visit

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Cultural Dance Show

Highlights:

Gem Museum Visit | Peradeniya Botanical Gardens | White Water Rafting | Waterfall Rock Slide

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to a local Gem Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s most treasured exports — sapphires and other precious stones — and how they are traditionally cut and polished.

Next, explore the lush and expansive Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, one of the best in Asia. Wander through shaded pathways lined with towering palms, colorful orchids, and over 4,000 species of plants and trees.

After your garden walk, travel to Kitulgala, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Upon arrival, you have the option to experience white water rafting along the scenic Kelani River — a thrilling yet safe activity suitable for beginners and anyone over the age of 10.

For more fun, take a short jungle trek to a nearby natural rock pool and waterfall, where you can enjoy an optional slide down a smooth rock face into refreshing natural waters (all safety gear provided).

Prefer a slower pace? You can skip the activities and simply relax in your forest-view hotel, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight Stay: 

Kitulgala or Kandy

Accommodation: 

Forest Edge or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Gem Museum Visit

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Optional Experiences: 

White Water Rafting, Waterfall Rock Slide

Highlights:

Hill Country Drive | Tea Factory Visit | Colonial Town Walk

After breakfast, leave Kitulgala and travel through misty mountains, waterfalls, and lush green tea estates on your way to Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England" for its colonial architecture and cool climate.

Along the way, stop at a scenic tea plantation and factory, where you can walk through tea fields, meet local tea pluckers, and learn about the traditional tea-making process. Don’t forget to enjoy a warm cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea with a view.

Once in Nuwara Eliya, take a relaxed walk through the charming town. Highlights include:

The Grand Hotel and colonial-era Post Office

Peaceful paths in Victoria Park

A stroll through the colorful fruit and vegetable market

Take the evening to unwind in your villa and enjoy the cool hill-country air.

Overnight Stay: 

Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: 

Lynden Grove Villa or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Tea Factory Visit

Nuwara Eliya Town Walk

Highlights:

Train Journey through Hill Country | Nine Arch Bridge | Ravana Falls | Mini Adam's Peak

After breakfast, prepare for one of the most iconic experiences in Sri Lanka — a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. This journey takes you through misty mountains, rolling tea plantations, and lush green valleys. It's often ranked among the most beautiful train rides in the world.

Once in Ella, take time to soak in the laid-back charm of this hillside village. You'll begin your explorations with a visit to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel hidden among the trees where you might catch a train passing overhead.

Next, stop by the cascading Ravana Falls, where you can take photos and enjoy the refreshing breeze.

Later in the afternoon, go for a relaxed hike to Mini Adam’s Peak — a gentle climb with panoramic views over Ella Gap and the surrounding landscape, best enjoyed around sunset.

Overnight Stay: 

Ella

Accommodation: 

Ella Flower Garden Resort or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Train Ride Nanu Oya to Ella

Nine Arch Bridge

Mini Adam’s Peak Hike

Highlights:

Ravana Falls | Scenic Drive | 4x4 Safari in Yala National Park

Begin your day early with an optional sunrise hike to Ella Rock, offering one of the most dramatic panoramic views in the hill country. After returning and enjoying breakfast, make a quick stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls before heading south to the wild landscapes of Yala.

In the afternoon, prepare for an exciting 4x4 Jeep Safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve. The park is home to elephants, crocodiles, deer, sloth bears, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. With diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and open grasslands, every safari here is full of surprises.

Watch the sun dip over the horizon as animals come out to drink, graze, or hunt — a perfect end to your first day in the wild.

Overnight Stay: 

Yala or Tissamaharama

Accommodation: 

Chaarya Resort & Spa or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Ravana Falls Visit

Yala National Park Jeep Safari

Optional Experiences: 

Sunrise Hike to Ella Rock

Highlights:

Scenic Coastal Drive | Hummanaya Blowhole | Free Time at the Beach

After breakfast, head south along the coastline toward Sri Lanka’s stunning beach zone, passing coconut palms, villages, and scenic ocean views. Along the way, stop at Hummanaya Blowhole, the second-largest natural blowhole in the world. Watch as sea water shoots into the sky from a rock crevice — a thrilling natural show!

Arrive at your selected beach destination — Mirissa, Dickwella, or Ahangama — and settle into your beachfront resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the sand, sun, and sea.

You may like to:

Lounge under the shade of palm trees

Take a refreshing swim

Try a cool drink at a beachfront bar

Or enjoy a peaceful nap with the sound of the waves in the background

Optional water activities such as jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and paddle boarding are available nearby and can be arranged on request.

Overnight Stay: 

Ahangama or Dickwella

Accommodation: 

22 Weligambay or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast 

Included Experiences: 

Hummanaya Blowhole Visit

Optional Experiences: 

Jet Skiing, Snorkeling, Surfing, Diving

Highlights:

Free Time by the Ocean | Sunset Walk | Seaside Dining

Start your day early with an optional whale watching tour, setting out into the Indian Ocean in search of the world’s largest marine mammals — blue whales. Dolphins, sea turtles, and flying fish are often spotted too. (Best season: November to April)

After the tour, return to your beachfront hotel and spend the rest of the day exactly as you like:

• Relax on the golden sands of Mirissa or Dickwella
• Take a dip in the turquoise waters
• Rent a board and try surfing
• Or simply enjoy a good book under the palm trees

In the evening, walk along the beach and take in the stunning sunset. Then head to a local seafood restaurant, where you might try freshly grilled prawns or Sri Lankan-style crab curry.

Overnight Stay: 

Mirissa or Dickwella

Accommodation: 

22 Weligambay or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

None

Optional Experiences: 

Whale Watching, Surfing, Snorkeling, Seafood Dinner

Highlights:

Stilt Fishermen in Matara | Galle Fort | Madu River Safari | Turtle Hatchery Visit

After breakfast, travel along the southern coastline toward the historic city of Galle, a captivating blend of European architecture and tropical beauty. On the way, stop to see the traditional stilt fishermen in Matara — an iconic Sri Lankan image and a fantastic photo opportunity.

Once in Galle, take a walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, where cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and colonial-era buildings await. Visit the Galle Lighthouse, perched at the southeastern edge of the fort, and enjoy the views across the Indian Ocean.

Next, head to Balapitiya for a peaceful boat safari on the Madu River. Cruise through tangled mangroves, pass small islands, and stop at a fish therapy farm, where you can experience the gentle nibbling sensation of fish spa therapy.

Conclude your day with a visit to a Turtle Hatchery, where baby turtles are protected and cared for before being released into the sea. You’ll also learn about the conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles along the Sri Lankan coast.

Overnight Stay: 

Bentota or Beruwala

Accommodation: 

The Palms Beruwala or similar

Meals Included: 

Breakfast and Diner 

Included Experiences: 

Galle Fort Walking Tour

Madu River Safari

Turtle Hatchery Visit

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. The Ayubowan Way

Meals Included

Breakfast