Example Itinerary

Historic Sites and Stunning Hikes: Exploring the Cultural Gems of Sri Lanka

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage
Destinations
Sri Lanka

Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka with this all-encompassing tour of its World Heritage wonders. From the colonial cities of Negombo and Galle with their European infused architecture to the ancient capital of Kandy, discover Sri Lanka’s fascinating history. Explore the country’s many sites of interest including the Lion fortress of Sigiriya and the highland village of Ella with its neverending views of the surrounding tea terraces. From trekking into the biosphere and encountering the wildlife of the jungle to hiking up the soaring Adam’s Peak, you’re sure to fall in love with this stunning little country. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage Wonders: Sri Lanka has no shortage of UNESCO-accredited attractions, including the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the formidable rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the biodiversity of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, to name but a few.
  • Tea Terraces: A trip up to the lush highlands to discover where Ceylon tea made its mark will make travelers appreciate the time and effort that goes into producing the perfect brew.
  • Historic Galle: This colonial port town has Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage dating back to the 16th century, making a visit here a informative lesson in Sri Lankan history.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Negombo

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and escorted to your car for the transfer to the cultural city of Negombo. Centuries of colonial rule have had their effects here and you’ll see influences of the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras. Check in to your comfortable hotel and enjoy your first night in Sri Lanka.

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map

Sigiriya »

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to head to the World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa. Discover the statues and sacred sites of both Buddhism and Hinduism; explore a relic house and marvel at the intricate stone carvings. After a day of many wonders, travel to Sigiriya for the evening. 

Hotel Options
Sigiriya
Sigiriya

Day 3

Map

Sigiriya »

This morning, you’ll head to Sigiriya, the rock fortress of 5th century King Kasyapa. This breathtaking World Heritage Site, surrounded by moats, soars up from rock foundations to formidable ramparts, and houses original frescoes and carvings as well as a fascinating museum. After a leisurely day of exploring the marvels on ‘Lion Rock’, you’ll head back to your hotel to relax for the rest of the day. 

Day 4

Map

Matale

After breakfast, head for Dambulla. Here you’ll discover the vast, first century rock cave temple built by King Walagamba, its walls covered in intricate paintings and home to an enormous carved Buddha. In the afternoon, depart for Matale and explore its exotic spice garden. Rest in Matale this evening, in advance of your hike tomorrow.  

Hotel Options

Day 5

Map

Matale

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a day of adventure. From your altitude at 1200 feet, you’ll be climbing to 1850 feet on a beautiful 10 mile trek. Along the way, encounter indigenous wildlife like deer, monkeys and lizards. At the halfway point, cool off with a refreshing swim in a beautiful waterfall lagoon before heading back to your hotel, checking out the birdlife on the way.

Matale
Matale

Day 6

Map

Kandy »

Today you’re off to discover more of the wonders of ancient Sri Lanka as you head for Kandy. The country’s capital for many centuries, Kandy is set around a picturesque lake. Explore the town with its gem market, bazaar and famous temple housing the sacred tooth relic, before you settle into your hotel. 

Hotel Options

Day 7

Map

Nuwara Eliya »

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set a course for the highlands where, at the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush green tea terraces. Take a tour of the city in the shadow of Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s highest peak, and spend the night at the Grand Hotel.

Hotel Options

Day 8

Map

Bogawantalawa Valley »

After breakfast, head into the countryside towards the towering Adam’s Peak. At dusk you’ll begin your climb, enjoying the cool of the evening. At the halfway point, you’ll find yourself at the picturesque Tea Trails Bungalow where you’ll bed down for the night.

Hotel Options
Bogawantalawa Valley
Bogawantalawa Valley

Day 9

Map

Bogawantalawa Valley »

After breakfast, continue your leisurely hike around Adam’s Peak to the beautiful village of Ella. After a morning spent enjoying nature, reutrn to Tea Trails and spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring or relaxing as you please.

Day 10

Map

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

This morning you’re in for a treat as you make your way to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to visit orphaned baby elephants in their cozy habitat. Here, they are fed and cared for until they are ready to be re-naturalized. Afterward, head into the Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a jungle trek in UNESCO World Heritage beauty. Spend the night amid nature in the Rainforest Eco Lodge Hotel.

Hotel Options

Day 11

Map

Galle »

After breakfast in the jungle, leave the rainforest behind as you make your way down south to the historic city of Galle. Spend the afternoon exploring this port town, with its fascinating past as a crucial trading center, and check into your hotel. 

Hotel Options
Galle
Galle

Day 12

Map

Galle »

Awake at your leisure and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel. Today is yours to spend exploring the walled city of Galle, from its port to its bazaars, restaurants and bars. Soak up the Sri Lankan city life and relax in the comfort of your hotel.

Day 13

Map

Galle »

This morning, head once more into the beautiful scenery surrounding the city to start your day with a picnic breakfast and hike in the Hiyare Rainforest. In the afternoon, head back to the city to explore Galle’s old Dutch fort, and then enjoy your final night in the Amangalla.

Day 14

Map

Departure »

Say your goodbyes to beautiful Sri Lanka, as you’re met at your hotel to be whisked off to the airport for your outward bound flight.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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