Tea hills and temples: a classic trip to Sri Lanka

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Negombo
• 3 nights Sigiriya 
• 2 nights Kandy
• 2 nights Ella 
• 2 nights Yala National Park 
• 3 nights Thalpe
• 2 nights Galle 

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. You’ll fly overnight, landing into Colombo Airport the following day.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive Sri Lanka

After landing in Colombo you’ll be met by your driver and taken to the beach town of Negombo (the airport is actually closer to Negombo than to the capital city of Colombo.) Get your first glimpse of the ocean and relax with a drink before retiring for the night.

Included: Private car with a driver to trip duration, hotel

Day 3: Travel to Sigiriya 

Day 4: Sigirya & Minneriya National Park

This morning, you’ll travel to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky”. The ‘Lion rock’ of Sigirya is a citadel of immense beauty rising out of the jungle. At the base of the rock you’ll find a moat and extensive water gardens before climbing the steep stairs to the top, for unparalleled views over the surrounding forests. The majestic lion’s paw guards the stairway to the palace on the summit next to the frescoes of maidens that have survived in a sheltered area of the rock.

In the afternoon, you will head to Minneriya National Park where you will get to take a jeep safari looking for wildlife including deer, sambar, leopards, sloth bear and the famous elephants that gather in large herds. 

Day 5: Polonnaruwa 

Day 5: Travel to Kandy

After breakfast, head off to your first port of call, Dambulla, only half an hour away. Explore the famous Golden Rock Cave Temple - a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery is the largest and best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. Make sure you check out the 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha.

Next stop is Kandy, one of the most important cultural cities in Sri Lanka and home to the ‘Temple of the Tooth’ which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha.

On arrival you'll have time to check into your hotel and take a rest before visiting the Temple of the Tooth this evening. 

Day 6: Kandy 

Spend the day exploring Kandy city, starting at the Kandy Lake, the attractive centrepiece of the town. Explore the famous shopping streets, visit the market and even the historic railway station. 

In afternoon, you'll visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden which is renowned for its rare collection of tropical and exotic plant species. Bordered by the Mahaweli River on three sides of the gardens, you can spend the day strolling along the avenues amongst the towering palms and marvel at centuries-old ficus trees. Admire the Orchid House, gaze up at the ebony and mahogany trees before heading back to your hotel to relax as the sun sets. 

Day 7: Train to Ella 

This morning, you'll hop on the train from Kandy to Ella, experiencing the iconic journey across the heart of the tea plantation region. Ella is a pretty town surrounded by rolling hills and temples. Gentle hikes are available (try Little Adam’s Peak if you have time) and there are plenty of Ayurvedic treatments on offer to warrant a relaxing massage after a day of exploring.

Day 8: Ella

Spend the day exploring Ella at your leisure. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, feel the spray from Ravana Falls and explore the green tea plantations. Hike the gentle trail to the summit of Little Adam’s peak for endless views of lush countryside, wander through the local tea fields or simply enjoy your peaceful hotel, high in the tea hills of Ella, with spectacular views over the valley. 

Day 9: Ella to Yala National Park

After breakfast, you’ll be driven south towards Yala National Park. During the journey, you’ll descend from the mountains to the coast, passing chilli fields and pepper plantations where kingfishers and bee-eaters flit through the warm air. You’ll arrive in Yala in the early afternoon and check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: 

Day 10: Yala National Park 

Today you'll head off on an early morning and an afternoon safari accompanied by a professional tracker. Yala National Park is home to many animals including elephants, buffalos, sloth bears, mongeese and crocodiles. There is also a high concentration of leopards although you may need a bit of luck to spot these nocturnal creatures!