Sri Lanka Explorer

Itinerary

7 Nights – Sri Lanka
7 Nights – Beach

✈ UK – Sri Lanka (7 Nights): After your flight to Sri Lanka from the UK airport of your choice you will land in Colombo. Starting with a night in the busy sea-side capital, enjoy some of the great local food, visit the busy markets and admire the shady boulevards and restored colonial architecture.

The next day head inland to Habarana where we recommend you stay for 2 nights. From here visit the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places on the island to see wild elephants as well as large aquatic birds. The next day, if you’re feeling particularly active, climb to the summit of Sigiriya rock where you will be rewarded with incredible views over the jungle and ruins of the ancient city below. If you would rather not take the tough climb, you can visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital by car.

Head on to Kandy and stay 2 nights here to make the most of this bustling city. Spices have been grown on this island for hundreds of years and exported all around the world so do visit the exotic Spice Garden and Botanical Gardens. The beautiful Embekka Temple with its wooden carvings is well worth a visit and the city’s most famous attraction is the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is said to house the tooth of Lord Buddha. You can then relax at your hotel or visit more of the city and its many temples.
Driving south through stunning hill country you will then come to Nuwara Eliya, renowned for its tea production this is a wonderful place to stay for a night. Visit a tea factory and follow the tea trails to see the fascinating manufacturing process. You can also visit Horton Plains, Sri Lanka’s highest plateau to admire the incredible views.
Then head back east to Mount Lavinia for your final night where you can relax on the golden coast.

If you have more time, you can add an extra 2 nights to your stay in Sri Lanka and visit the Yala National Park. Here you can go on jungle safaris to spot the indigenous wildlife. Known as ‘leopard country’ Yala has one of the world’s highest density of leopards so you’ll have your best chance of spotting one of the elusive creatures but there are also Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears and salt-water crocodiles to look out for.

🚗 Sri Lanka – Beach (7 Nights): If you have chosen to stay at a beach resort for your second week in Sri Lanka, you will be transferred straight to your resort. With beautiful golden sandy beaches edged with palm trees you are sure to have a wonderful week with attentive and friendly hotel staff. The most famous of the Sri Lankan beaches are in the town of Bentota. Situated between the lagoon of the Bentota river and the Indian Ocean, the aptly named Golden Mile has it all, from relaxing sandy beaches to shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you are looking for something more than just relaxation, the busy town of Negombo is home to one of the more livelier beaches. Here you will find decent restaurants and bars, friendly locals and a great spot for diving and water sports.

✈ Beach -UK: On your last day on the beach you will transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.