Sri Lanka Coastal Retreat

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to Negombo, just eight kilometres away. Situated at the tip of the Negombo lagoon, the beach here offers a pristine setting to unwind. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel. Please note that alcohol will not be served in public areas of hotels and restaurants during religious holidays. Overnight accommodation is in Negombo.

After breakfast, we travel to Dambulla, stopping en route at Ridigama, a small village known as Silver Village. Here, we visit Ridi Vihara, a cave temple nestled beneath a large boulder that shelters wild bee colonies. Continuing to Dambulla, we explore the renowned Dambulla Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the first century BC. This impressive complex comprises five caves adorned with intricate paintings, sculptures, and over 150 Buddha images. The highlight is the striking 14-metre-long reclining Buddha carved entirely from rock. We spend the night in Habarana.

After a hearty breakfast, we climb the fifth-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ascent takes around two to three hours and offers views of the famous frescoes of the Apsaras or cloud maidens, the Mirror Wall, and the enormous lions paws that mark the final climb to the summit. From the top, you can admire sweeping panoramas of the surrounding landscape and the ancient palace ruins. In the evening, we embark on a safari in Minneriya National Park. October is an excellent time to witness the renowned Gathering of wild elephants along the parks banks. The park also supports a rich variety of wildlife, including over 160 bird species, reptiles, fish, and butterflies. We return to Habarana for the night.

After a hearty breakfast, we travel to Trincomalee, known for its vast natural harbourone of the largest in the world. This coastal town boasts pristine beaches and a rich multicultural heritage, with a history that stretches back to the era of Marco Polo. We settle in for the night in Trincomalee.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, take the day to rest and recharge at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Pigeon Island, where you can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs. The tour includes a boat ride offering the chance to see playful spinner dolphins performing acrobatics. With some luck, you might also spot blue whales or humpback whales in the surrounding waters. Overnight in Trincomalee.

After a hearty breakfast, we travel to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. We visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to pay respects and seek the blessing of the Triple Gem. Afterwards, we take a leisurely walk along the shaded paths surrounding Kandy Lake, followed by a visit to the local markets where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the community. In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural show before dining at your hotel in Kandy. Overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast, we visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, originally established as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and later expanded by the British. We then transfer to Nuwara Eliya, stopping en route at a vast tea plantation and factory. Here, you can observe the tea production process, including grading and packaging, before enjoying a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea. Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its stunning scenery and is home to one of South Asias finest 18-hole golf courses. The region plays a significant role in the global tea industry, producing a substantial portion of Sri Lankas tea exports. We overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Bentota, stopping en route to visit the stunning St. Clair and Devon waterfalls, which cascade gracefully amid lush greenery. We then continue to Kitulgala and the Kelani River, where you have the option to experience an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure through the jungle. Afterwards, we proceed to Bentota for check-in at your hotel, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely day to relax and unwind. Alternatively, you may choose to take an optional boat ride along the Madhu River, offering a peaceful way to experience the surrounding natural beauty. Overnight in Bentota.

After breakfast, we transfer to Colombo, Sri Lankas commercial hub. The city has evolved rapidly, blending modern developments with pockets of colonial heritage. You will see landmarks such as the 100-year-old British-built clock tower, Independence Square, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Pettah Bazaar, and the BMICH convention centre. Colombo also offers a vibrant nightlife and excellent shopping opportunities. Overnight in Colombo.

After breakfast, we transfer you from your hotel in Colombo to the airport for your departure. This concludes your journey.