Sri Lanka Encompassed

From

CAD 2,249

Duration

14 days

Countries

Sri Lanka

Activity

easy

The adventure

For most travellers, Sri Lanka has been off the map for too long. Well, it's back. Discover the vibrant colours, diverse cultures, and swaying palm trees of this tropical jewel. Explore tea plantations and rock fortresses on this 14-day tour, which is designed to please. This tour is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it's about the inspiring people you'll meet along the way.

At a glance

Duration

14 days

Route

Colombo → Mirissa

Countries

Sri Lanka

Activity level

easy

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Sri Lanka

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before…

Scenic view of a coastal city with tall buildings and waves crashing against the shore.

Colombo

Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. Visit the seaside and observe fisherman sorting through their haul ashore. Board a boat to glide along the Dutch canal and get a closer look at the lives of the locals. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.

Day 3Begin the day traveling to the Dambulla province…Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake or go on a safari.

Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake or go on a safari.

Day 4Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the fifth century, this rock fortress boasts well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces with beautiful wall motifs. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of a local village to learn about residents' way of life while getting a chance to try the local cuisine at lunch in a community hut. In the afternoon, opt to go for a tour of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, where you can cycle through the ruins.

Day 5En route to Kandy

En route to Kandy, drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range and visit a spice plantation upon arrival where students of Ayurveda will explain different uses for each herb. Stop for lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth. In the evening, opt to attend a Kandyan Cultural Dance.

Day 6Spend the morning free in Kandy to visit…

Spend the morning free in Kandy to visit the Ayurvedic Centre for massage or wander the Royal Botanical Gardens. Then, enjoy a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. After lunch, drive to Digana for some time to rest. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices while helping out with dinner.

Day 7Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring…

Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring to Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon, explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands. Gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region.

Day 8Spend a free morning hiking in the Horton…Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.

Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.

Day 9Enjoy a free day in the charming town…

Enjoy a free day in the charming town of Ella. Opt to tour the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam's rock, admire views of Ella Rock, or simply relax and wander around town.

Day 10Enjoy a free morning

Enjoy a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.

Day 11Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then…Mirissa