Sri Lanka Grand Escape

If you feel up to it, rise early for a visit to the Negombo Fish Market. Morning is the best time to visit the

market - your leader will healp you navigate the organised frenzy of vendors displaying delicacies like

crab, lobsters and squid. Say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Wilpattu National Park.

Popular for its Willus (natural Lakes) which are filled with rain water, the park is a natural beauty to

wander. Wilpattu is known as the largest national park in the Island which is also popular for its Leopards

population.The national park is home to many creatures, fauna and flora. Common captures in the

wilderness of Wilpattu include birds as the Painted Stork, Openbill, Jungle Fowl, Pin Tail, Whistling Teal,

Spoonbill and reptiles as Mugger Crocodile, Cobra, Rat Snake and Fauna as Palu, Weera, Milla, Satin

and Mammals as Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer and Spotted Deer. Thereafter, proceed

to Anuradhapura.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

If you feel up to it, rise early for a visit to the Negombo Fish Market. Morning is the best time to visit the

market - your leader will healp you navigate the organised frenzy of vendors displaying delicacies like

crab, lobsters and squid. Say goodbye to Negombo and make the drive to Wilpattu National Park.

Popular for its Willus (natural Lakes) which are filled with rain water, the park is a natural beauty to

wander. Wilpattu is known as the largest national park in the Island which is also popular for its Leopards

population.The national park is home to many creatures, fauna and flora. Common captures in the

wilderness of Wilpattu include birds as the Painted Stork, Openbill, Jungle Fowl, Pin Tail, Whistling Teal,

Spoonbill and reptiles as Mugger Crocodile, Cobra, Rat Snake and Fauna as Palu, Weera, Milla, Satin

and Mammals as Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer and Spotted Deer. Thereafter, proceed

to Anuradhapura.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Your morning is free at your own leisure. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit Anuradhapura for a

sightseeing tour. The ancient capital of Anuradhapura reigned supreme for over a millennium as one of

the greatest monastic cities of the ancient world, Ruled by 113 successive kings and 4 queens,

Anuradhapura was a majestic sprawl of magnificent palaces, ornate pleasure gardens, exquisite

sculptures, and vast Buddhist temples. The three main ‘dagabas’ are amongst the biggest architectural

creations of the ancient world.

Your afternoon will include a visit to the sacred Mihintale Temple. Mihintale is a mountain peak near

Anuradhapura. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk

Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now

a pilgrimage site

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast at the hotel you will proceed to Jaffna. You will then check-in at your hotel. You are free to

spend the day at your own leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Today we have plenty of time to explore more of Jaffna. Visit Nagadipa Temple on Nainativu Island, the

only major Buddhist site in the north of the country (where Buddha himself is said to have visited to settle

a dispute between two local kings) and accessible by local ferry. Just by the jetty is also the Naga

Pooshani Amman Kovil, a colourful Hindu Temple dedicated to Meenakshi. Back in Jaffna, tour the city

including the beautiful library that has been lovingly restored after being detroyed in the war, and the

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, an important local Hindu site.

Dinner will be arranged at local Jaffna cuisine restaurant

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to the Dambulla. Check in to hotel and relax.

Evening explores the Wholesale Market and dodge the trucks and people piled high with every type of

produce imaginable. Boasting an incredible array of fresh food, much of which is subsequently

transported to Colombo for sale, this is the perfect place to get a sense of Sri Lanka's agricultural

diversity.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 5.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Start your morning with a climb to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Often referred to as the Lion Rock Fortress, Sigiriya is an extraordinary masterpiece of ancient engineering, architecture, and art that has captivated visitors for centuries. As you explore the site, you'll discover beautifully designed royal gardens, enormous stone lion paws guarding the entrance, the renowned Mirror Wall, and the remains of an ancient palace perched high above the surrounding landscape.

After exploring Sigiriya, continue to the peaceful village of Hiriwadunna for an authentic rural experience. Travel through the countryside by traditional bullock cart, enjoy a guided nature walk through the village and surrounding scrub forest, and cross a tranquil lake aboard an oruwa, a traditional wooden canoe. You'll also spend time with a local farming family, learn about their daily agricultural life, and enjoy a freshly prepared village lunch made with locally grown vegetables, herbs, and spices cooked in clay pots over a wood-fired stove.

In the afternoon, you have the option to join a sightseeing tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital. Explore the impressive ruins of the royal palace of King Parakramabahu and visit a collection of temples, monuments, and archaeological treasures that showcase the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Important Information: The visit to Sigiriya takes approximately 3.5 hours. From the Lion's Paw entrance, the final ascent involves a steep 30-minute climb along narrow stairways and elevated walkways. Guests who prefer not to climb may remain at the Lion's Paw while the rest of the group continues to the summit. Access to attractions such as the Water Gardens, Boulder Gardens, Frescoes, Mirror Wall, and the summit requires completing the climb within the archaeological site.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5 hours

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, travel to the beautiful hill city of Kandy, with the option to visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along the way. Perched around 100 metres above the surrounding plains, the temple is reached by a series of stone steps leading up the rock. As you make the climb, take time to admire the spectacular panoramic views of the countryside before exploring the temple's remarkable cave shrines and ancient Buddhist murals.

Continue your journey with a stop at a spice garden in Matale, where you'll discover Sri Lanka's world-famous spices and learn about their traditional culinary and Ayurvedic uses. During your visit, enjoy an included relaxing head massage, and browse the garden's selection of locally produced spices and herbal products.

After arriving in Kandy, you have the option to attend a vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, where talented performers showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage through traditional music, colourful costumes, energetic dances, and captivating fire performances.

Approximate Driving Time: 3.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

This morning, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Sri Lanka's most important religious landmarks. The temple houses a revered tooth relic believed to belong to Lord Buddha and has welcomed pilgrims and worshippers for centuries.

You also have the option to visit the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, renowned for its towering trees, colourful orchid collection, tropical plants, and peaceful landscaped gardens. Widely regarded as one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia, it is a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll and to enjoy Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity.

Later, experience the vibrant Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, featuring traditional drumming, graceful dance performances, colourful costumes, and thrilling fire-walking displays that celebrate Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Kandy at your own pace, whether browsing local markets, visiting cafés, or enjoying the city's scenic lakeside atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Scenic Train Journey to Ella via Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, travel towards the picturesque hill town of Ella, stopping along the way to visit a tea plantation and tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous Ceylon tea production. Continue with a short city tour of Nuwara Eliya, often called Little England for its cool climate, colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and charming mountain scenery.

From Nanu Oya Railway Station, board one of Sri Lanka's most famous scenic trains for the unforgettable journey to Ella. This spectacular rail trip winds through lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, waterfalls, and rolling green valleys, making it one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Keep your camera ready for breathtaking views and memorable photos along the route.

Upon arrival in Ella, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the town's relaxed atmosphere, cafés, and surrounding scenery.

Important Note: Train tickets for the Nanu Oya to Ella route are in very high demand, particularly during peak travel seasons (December–April and August). Every effort will be made to secure tickets. If tickets are unavailable, the journey to Ella will be made by private vehicle.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, discover the best of Ella on a guided sightseeing tour through Sri Lanka's breathtaking hill country.

Visit the famous Little Adam's Peak, a relatively easy hike that rewards you with panoramic views of lush tea plantations, rolling mountains, and the surrounding valleys. Continue to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural masterpiece nestled among the forest and tea estates, and one of Sri Lanka's most photographed landmarks.

Next, stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls, the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka, where cascading water flows through a scenic mountain landscape. You'll also visit the spectacular Ella Gap, a natural viewpoint offering sweeping views across the southern plains and distant hills. The nearby Ravana Caves are steeped in local legend and are believed to be linked to the ancient story of King Ravana and Princess Seetha.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, leave the hill country behind and travel to the beautiful southwest coast for your relaxing beach stay in Kalutara.

Arrive in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax on the beach, enjoy the hotel facilities, or watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Approximate Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, travel to the historic coastal city of Galle and explore its famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort.

Discover the fascinating history of the fort as you walk along its ancient ramparts, visit the National Maritime Archaeological Museum, and see the iconic Galle Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka. Stroll through the charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, cafés, and galleries.

On the return journey, stop to see Sri Lanka's famous stilt fishermen, a unique traditional fishing method that has become one of the country's most recognisable coastal sights.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kalutara.

Spend your day relaxing on the golden sandy beach, swimming in the Indian Ocean, enjoying the resort's facilities, or simply unwinding at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

OVERNIGHT (3 STAR OPTION)

OVERNIGHT (4 STAR OPTION)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

Take in your final views of Sri Lanka during the journey to the airport and depart with unforgettable memories of your island adventure.

Approximate Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast