Ultimate Sri Lanka & The Historical North

Day 1 - Home  Colombo

Hotel - The Kingsbury Hotel - Colombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by your transfer and driven to your accommodation in Colombo.

Check-in: 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.

Day 2 - Colombo  Galle

Hotel - Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning after breakfast, we'll head south towards Galle, with a brief Colombo sightseeing tour on the way. Colombo offers a blend of modern western and Sri Lankan elements, we'll drive past some of the commercial capital's sites including Old Parliament, President’s House, Galle Face Green, ViharamahaDevi Park, and Independence Square.

There will be time for you to disembark the coach and visit the uniquely stunning Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (entry not included). 

We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.

Then, in Balapitiya, we take a boat trip on the Madu River to visit 64 scattered islands, including Cinnamon Island, where we learn about cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon.

Inspiring Highlights 

• Colombo National Museum
• Madu River
• Cinnamon Island

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Day 3 - Galle

Hotel - Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today after breakfast, 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 past and present. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.

Return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure, where lunch and dinner will be at the hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Galle Fort

Day 4 - Galle  Yala National Park

Hotel - Jetwing Yala

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning after breakfast, we leave for Yala National Park. 

On arrival, 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!

Enjoy dinner at the hotel in the evening.

Special Information 

Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Day 5 - Yala National Park  Nuwara Eliya

Hotel - The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning will be an early start, where you’ll enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home.

After, we leave Yala and make a stop in Ella to witness the beautiful sceneries from Ella Gap and the picturesque waterfalls. We continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows.

On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort to all who seek the charms of this famed hill country landmark. The incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, an enduring icon in this tranquil town perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside in tea country. Oozing colonial charm, the hotel began life in the early 19th century as the stately holiday home of the fifth Governor of Ceylon. It’s since evolved over the centuries to retain a romantic, old-world ambience alongside modern comforts. In an enviable location, there are elegant, well-appointed rooms, magnificent gardens and an array of hotel amenities and activities including music therapy, yoga and more. The Grand Hotel is also renowned for its traditional afternoon tea, a quintessential British tradition which you’ll experience on this tour. 

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

• Yala National Park
  
   
• Ella Gap
• Nuwara Eliya & The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya

Hotel - The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you will have a leisurely morning.

In the afternoon you will visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.

This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at the Grand Hotel.

Dinner this evening will be enjoyed at your hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Grand Tea Lounge
• Tea Plantation

Day 7 - Nuwara Eliya  Kandy

Hotel - Earl’s Regency - Kandy

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after an early breakfast, depart for Kandy on a famous train journey, said to be one of the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with local people.

Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.

Enjoy some free time upon arrival in Kandy during the afternoon, before a dinner at a local restaurant with the rest of your group.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Kandy Train Journey 

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Day 8 - Kandy

Hotel - Earl’s Regency - Kandy

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, explore the beautiful city of Kandy with an included Tuk Tuk and Bazaar tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Relax in the afternoon with a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake.

In the evening, enjoy a spectacular Sri Lankan Cultural Performance, followed by a visit to the revered Temple of Tooth, home to a sacred relic of the Buddha and its guardian elephants.

This evening have dinner with your group, and enjoy some relaxation time.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Kandy Lake
• Temple of the Tooth

Day 9 - Kandy  Minneriya National Park  Sigiriya

Hotel

SigiriyaJungles

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today after a early breakfast, depart for Sigiriya.

Enroute, enjoy a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants.

Continue to Sigiriya for check-in around lunch time.

This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes, followed by dinner at your hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Minneriya National Park

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. 

Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, based on the elephant locations.

Day 10 - Sigiriya  Sigiriya Rock Fortress  Polonnaruwa  Sigiriya

Hotel

SigiriyaJungles

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning will be an early start, where  we'll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion's Rock) - an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477-498 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a global attraction due to its unique architecture.

For lunch, participate in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration where you'll learn to prepare Sri Lankan rice and curry (5-6 curries). Savour your meal while overlooking the beautiful gardens.

In the afternoon, we'll take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital city of Sri Lanka (1017-1235 AD). Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 after the fall of Anuradhapura.

In the evening enjoy a cocktail and dinner at your hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Polonnaruwa

Day 11 - Sigiriya  Dambulla  Sigiriya

Hotel – Sigiriya Jungles

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning at your leisure, then in the afternoon, explore the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It's truly a masterpiece worth experiencing.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Golden Temple of Dambulla

Day 12 - Sigiriya  Trincomalee

Hotel - Nilaveli Beach Hotel

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast we will begin our drive to Trincomalee, a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka.

On the way, we will visit Fort Frederick & Koneswaram Temple. Fort Frederick was built by Portuguese settlers in 1623. It was captured by the Dutch in 1639 and later on by British troops in 1795. Koneswaram Temple is located inside the fort and on top of Swam rock and it is a highly venerated Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva.

Upon arrival we will check-in and enjoy an evening at leisure to start exploring Trincomalee - one of Sri Lanka's coastal gems.

Inspiring Highlights

• Fort Frederick
• Koneswaram Temple
• Trincomalee

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Day 13 - Trincomalee

Hotel - Nilaveli Beach Hotel

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning is free for you to sleep in or enjoy your resort's coastal setting & its facilities.

Later in the afternoon, follow your local guide on a city tour of Trincomalee.

Inspiring Highlights

• Trincomalee

Day 14 - Trincomalee  Jaffna

Hotel - Thinnai Hotel - Jaffna

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we continue driving north to the Tamil city of Jaffna. This northern, coastal city was inaccessible for years due to the civil war. 

You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax.

Special Information 
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. 

Day 15 - Jaffna

Hotel - Thinnai Hotel - Jaffna

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we begin our half-day Jaffna city tour with our guide. We’ll experience daily life as we explore this emerging city.

We’ll tour the beautiful Jaffna Public Library which was lovingly restored after being destroyed during the civil war. We will also see the Hindu Temple of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most important temples in Jaffna.

Finish off today's sightseeing like a local enjoying a scoop of ice cream at Jaffna Rio Ice Cream.

After your city tour, you will have the afternoon and evening at your leisure to relax or explore further.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Jaffna Public Library
• Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Day 16 - Jaffna  Anuradhapura

Hotel - Rajarata Hotel - Anuradhapura

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Today after breakfast, we will be departing Jaffna and transferring to the city of Anuradhapura.

Upon arrival we'll check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Day 17 - Anuradhapura

Hotel - Rajarata Hotel - Anuradhapura

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. The highlight of today will be a visit to the magnificent Anuradhapura ruins. Among the ruins you’ll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura’s great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.

Later on, continue to Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. Locals believe this site of a meeting point between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, who instigated Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Spend the evening at your leisure. 

Inspiring Highlights

•  Anuradhapura ruins
• Sacred Old Bo Tree
• Mihintale

Day 18 - Anuradhapura  Negombo  Home

Hotel - Goldi Sands Hotel - Negombo

Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

After breakfast, we drive 170 km south to our final destination: Negombo.

We arrive early in the afternoon, check in to your hotel to make the most of your final hours in Sri Lanka by strolling along the beach or sitting by the pool. You will have access to your room until 8pm this evening.

At the relevant time, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), in time for your departure flight.

Day 19 -  Home

Arrive home today.