12 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered

A warm welcome awaits you at the arrival lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport.  

Please note - most flights arrive into Colombo after midnight. To maximise suitable rest time before the tour starts on Day 2, we suggest departing the day before Day 1.

Check-in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary.

After breakfast, your guide will give you a brief introduction before we make the drive to Mirissa. Before departing, we explore the capital of Colombo. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. The imposing Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history. 

We begin our journey south, stopping on route to visit a turtle hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five are found in the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast. The five species are Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle so you will get to see the large variety of turtles Sri Lanka has to offer. 

On arrival in Mirissa, we check in to our hotel before we set out on a tour of the Galle Fort and its fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of pastand present. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort

Today is a full day to enjoy the coastal beauty of Mirissa. Mirissa’s sandy beaches are palm tree lined with a cool coastal vibe.

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making the drive to Yala National Park. Here, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!

Note: Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September/October under direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1-2 months prior to departure. During this time Udawalawe National Park Or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities.

Today we leave for Bandarawela close to Ella. Enroute we witnesses the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall before checking into our hotel. This afternoon we visit Nine Arch Bridge. The Nine Arches Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.

Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Bandarawela.

Enjoy a leisurely departure from Bandarawela as we make our way to Nuwara Eliya. On arrival we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.

Today we leave for Kandy. The train journey is truly a rare experience and is an adventure itself! Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. 

Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel, allowing you time to explore the town. 

This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with Kandy Market & Bazaar tour. 

Please note that it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuaries in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high. 

After the cave, arrive at your Inspiring Stay - the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles hotel overlooking an iconic rock fortress.

This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! 

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. 

Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a speciality crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields. 

This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). Enjoy a 2nd night in your Inspiring Stay and its surroundings.

Today, depart the beauty of Sigiriya as we make the drive back to Negombo. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to explore the coast and the local activity or simply relax by the pool.

A warm welcome awaits you at the arrival lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport.  

Please note - most flights arrive into Colombo after midnight. To maximise suitable rest time before the tour starts on Day 2, we suggest departing the day before Day 1.

Check-in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary.