route & tour description

Negombo ,Western Province
Sigiriya,Central Province
Kandy,Central Province
Nuwara Eliya,Central Province
Udawalawe National Park,Uva Province
Weligama,Southern Province

Olivia & Mark were planning a family holiday to Sri Lanka, but were unsure if the kids would enjoy. We promised to plan the ideal vacation. Their trip began in Negombo, where they not only visited the fishing village & also went on a fishing tour. Climbing up the Lions Rock & participating in cultural activities in Kandy, made for a fun learning experience. The tea plantations & boat ride in Nuwara Eliya were breathtaking. The highlight was the wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park. This trip ended with some downtime at Weligama beach.

highlights

  • Visiting the fishing village and going on a fishing excursion in Negombo.
  • Climbing up the majestic Sigiriya Rock for a panoramic view of Sri Lanka's Cultural triangle.
  • Visiting the drum makers village, attending the cultural performance, experiencing the authentic Sinhalese culture in Kandy.
  • Trekking up Hortons Plains or hiking up to some of the best waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya.
  • Witnessing exotic wildlife and bird species at Udawalawe National Park.
  • Surfing or Learning how to surf in the beach town of Weligama.

Ideal for

  • Wildlife
  • Culture & History
  • Relaxation
  • Nature
  • Surfing

Best time

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sept
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
USD 450

Intercity transport will mainly be restricted to local busses, tuk tuks and trains. Intracity transport on the other hand will consist mainly of tuk tuks , local busses, bicycles, scooters (on rent) or walking for short distances. Accomodation will be a blend of hostels and a few backpacker guesthouses or homestays.  No activities will be arranged for, yet we'd be more than happy to share some recommendations. 

USD 600

For intercity transport, we will make arrangements for private busses, taxis or trains. Intracity transport will most likely be a mix of tuk tuks or scooters and taxis for longer distances. Accommodation will be a well picked out blend of budget homestays, BnB's or affordable hotels. Activities like pub crawls or street food tours could also be arranged for.

USD 900

We will make arrangements for all intercity transfers, while intracity travel will include private cars or first class trains. Accommodation will comprise of boutique/ heritage hotels or BnB's for an authentic yet comfortable experience. A number of unique activities will be arranged for, by us, along with guides at certain monument or historic/ cultural sites. 

USD 1800

All intercity transfers will be arranged for, by us, and intracity travel would include private cars  or flights. Accommodation arranged will comprise of boutique/ heritage hotels or luxury resorts with the best of facilities. A number of unique activities will be arranged for, by us, along with guided tours wherever required and available. 

Backpacker

USD 450

Intercity transport will mainly be restricted to local busses, tuk tuks and trains. Intracity transport on the other hand will consist mainly of tuk tuks , local busses, bicycles, scooters (on rent) or walking for short distances. Accomodation will be a blend of hostels and a few backpacker guesthouses or homestays.  No activities will be arranged for, yet we'd be more than happy to share some recommendations. 

Budget

USD 600

For intercity transport, we will make arrangements for private busses, taxis or trains. Intracity transport will most likely be a mix of tuk tuks or scooters and taxis for longer distances. Accommodation will be a well picked out blend of budget homestays, BnB's or affordable hotels. Activities like pub crawls or street food tours could also be arranged for.

Comfort

USD 900

We will make arrangements for all intercity transfers, while intracity travel will include private cars or first class trains. Accommodation will comprise of boutique/ heritage hotels or BnB's for an authentic yet comfortable experience. A number of unique activities will be arranged for, by us, along with guides at certain monument or historic/ cultural sites. 

Luxury

USD 1800

All intercity transfers will be arranged for, by us, and intracity travel would include private cars  or flights. Accommodation arranged will comprise of boutique/ heritage hotels or luxury resorts with the best of facilities. A number of unique activities will be arranged for, by us, along with guided tours wherever required and available. 

day by day itinerary

Day
1-2
Negombo

Given its proximity to the International airport, Negombo makes for a convenient layover. A calm alternative to the crowded, urban city of Colombo. With its local eateries, lagoon tours, beachside resorts & friendly locals, Negombo is the perfect introduction to the island country.

highlights

  • Interesting fisherfolk culture
  • Old Dutch Fort

suggested activities

  • Lagoon Tour
  • Boat ride on the canal
  • City tour
  • Deep sea fishing excursion

how to get around

Bicycle
Tuk Tuk
Taxi
Day
3-4
Sigiriya

The ancient rock fortress of Sri Lanka is a sheer gem. Fascinating & mysterious, the fortress reveals it’s beauty as you go higher. It’s history, architecture & gorgeous view, make the climb worth it. Commence your climb in time for sunrise to escape the crowds. It also makes for an ideal base to take day trips around the cultural triangle.

highlights

  • Minneriya National Park
  • Polonnaruwa

suggested activities

  • day tour to Minneriya National Park
  • Trek to Sigiriya rock
  • Day trip to Polonnaruwa
  • Take a cycle tour
  • Trek to the Pidurangala rock
  • Take a hot air balloon ride

how to get around

Bicycle
Tuk Tuk
Taxi
Walking
Day
5-5
Kandy

Surrounded by emerald hills, there's plenty you can do in Kandy. Your adventures start on your way there, as you can stop to visit the Cave Temple at Dambulla. Once in Kandy, take a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens, tour one of the many spice gardens, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or tour the vast tea estates & tea factories followed by a tea tasting session. For a unique cultural experience, sign up for a cooking class with the locals, spend time roaming around the local marketplace & City Center and unwind with a walk down the picturesque Kandy Lake.

highlights

  • Cave Temple at Dambulla
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Tea estates
  • Spice Gardens

suggested activities

  • Attend the traditional dance show at Kandy Lake Club
  • Touring and tea tasting at tea estates

how to get around

Bicycle
Tuk Tuk
Taxi
Bus
Day
6-7
Nuwara Eliya

Often referred to as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya is like an entirely different world, nestled in the mountains, 1800m above sea level. Quaint colonial buildings, tea plantations, scenic waterfalls & foggy mountains will never want to make you leave. It is also the start point for some great treks like World’s End & Single Tree Hill.

highlights

  • Stunning waterfalls and thriving nature
  • Gregory Lake
  • Tea estates
  • Little World's End

suggested activities

  • Half day trip to Lovers Leap falls
  • Half day trip to Glen falls
  • Water activities at Gregory Falls
  • Go on a tea estate tour
  • Trek to Adam's Peak
  • Trek to Little World's End

how to get around

Walking
Bicycle
Taxi
Tuk Tuk
Day
8-8
Udawalawe National Park

A lesser known sanctuary, spread over an area of appx. 31,000 hectares. Though widely known for its elephant population, you’re also likely to spot leopards, boars, crocodiles & various species of birds. Udawalawe is less busy & more respectful towards the animals as opposed to other popular national parks that have become highly commercialised.

highlights

  • Bustling wildlife
  • Elephant transit home

suggested activities

  • Go on a safari
  • Stroll through the lush natural life

how to get around

Walking
Motor Bike
Day
9-12
Weligama

Weligama is an ironic blend of chaos and calm. Home to several beaches, it is ideal for fishing & whale watching. Lined with shacks that serve delicious food and welcoming locals, it makes for a memorable experience. The turquoise waters are ideal for watersports activities like surfing and diving alongside golden sand beaches to simply relax.

highlights

  • Welligama beach
  • Whale watching

suggested activities

  • Cycle around the rural landscape
  • Try your hand at surfing

how to get around

Tuk Tuk
Bicycle
Motor Bike
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