Authentic Sri Lanka 16 Days 15 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet and assist at Colombo Airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo – Negombo is one of the islands old and biggest fishing ports.

In the afternoon, Village Walk and visit St. Mary’s Church, Fish Market, Dry Fish Market, and Old Dutch Fort (2hrs) – A chance to Experience the typical village lifestyle and get a glimpse of the colonial architecture present even today.

Overnight stay at: Negombo
Travel Time: 30min (approx.) – Bandaranayake International Airport to Negombo
Meal include: –

Day 2

After breakfast, leave for one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world,
Anuradhapura and explore the ruins (2hrs).

The attractions in Anuradhapura:
Sri Maha Bodhiya – The sacred tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and that has stood with pride for more than 2200 years. Ruwanweliseya – A monument built in 140 BC that embodies the culture, heritage, and supremacy of the strongest kingdom in Sri Lankan history.

Overnight stay at: Anuradhapura
Travel Time: 3hrs 15min (approx.) – Negombo to Anuradhapura
Meal include: Breakfast

Day 3

After breakfast, drive through the beautiful causeway extending over the lagoon to Jaffna – the hub of the Hindu culture in Sri Lanka. Jaffna is quite different compared to the rest of Sri Lanka regarding its food, religion, and language. Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu Temple (1hr) – A huge Hindu temple with golden arches and an ornate Gopuram tower. Walk the walls and ramparts of the restored Jaffna Dutch Fort (1hr) – the second largest fort in the country. Afterward, visit Jaffna Local Market, a great way to see local life in action.

In the afternoon, visit Casuarina Beach (2hrs) – A beautiful beach where one can walk a long way into the deep sea. Don’t forget to taste a signature dish that would surely tantalize your taste, authentic Jaffna Crab Curry.

Overnight stay at: Jaffna
Travel Time: 3hrs 40min (approx.) – Anuradhapura to Jaffna
50min (approx.) – Jaffna to Casuarina Beach
Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

After breakfast visit one of the finest natural harbors in the world, Trincomalee. Visit Koneshwaram Hindu Temple (1hr) – Located on a high rock surrounded by an aside. History tells us that the Koneswaram Kovil existed in Sri Lanka when Prince Vijaya of India visited Ceylon in the 6th century BC. Afterward go to the Natural Hot Water Spring, which is believed to have healing properties according to folklore.

Overnight stay at: Trincomalee
Travel Time: 4hrs (approx.) – Jaffna to Trincomalee
Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

In the morning, visit the white sandy coral reef beach, Pigeon Island, which provides an opportunity to enjoy snorkeling.

In the afternoon, Relax at Nilaveli Beach.

Overnight stay at: Trincomalee
Travel Time: 30min (approx.) – Trincomalee to Nilaveli
Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

After breakfast, Sigiriya – one of the best-preserved examples of ancient architecture with colorful frescoes.

In the afternoon, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2hrs) – One of the well – preserved historical fortress.

In the evening, Village Walk (1hr 30min) – A chance to take back unforgettable memories of the culture, and the people you meet and the untouched beauty of the island. Don’t forget to make a quick stop for a refreshing drink of King Coconut – cracked open on the spot for you.

Overnight stay at: Sigiriya
Travel Time: 2hrs (approx.) – Trincomalee to Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast

Day 7

Spend your morning leisurely with the experience of Sri Lankan Ayurveda Full Body Massage (1hr) – The natural way of feeling great.

In the afternoon, visit Namal Uyana and Pink Quarts Mountain (1hr 30min) – The largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain in Asia.

In the evening, visit Historical Dambulla Rock Temple (1hrs) – One of the sacred pilgrimage sites over 22 centuries. The rock towers 160 meters over the surrounding plains and houses five cave temples with some of the most unique and significant historical drawings.

Overnight stay at: Dambulla
Travel Time: 40min (approx.) – Sigiriya to Dambulla
Meal: Breakfast

Day 8

After breakfast, leave for the cultural heart of Sri Lanka Kandy. On the way, visit Spice and Herbal Gardens (1hr 30min) – Learn how the world’s best spices are made in Sri Lanka. During this visit don’t miss out on tasting a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry meal. This is an ideal place for those who want an authentic taste of Lankan rice and curry.

Afterward, explore the center of Buddhism and the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy city, surrounded by greenery and the great Mahaweli River. Visit the lively market places, Upper Lake drive which includes gems, antiques, and handicraft shops, among other fascinating sights.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (1hr 30min) – One of the highly venerated by the Buddhists world over.

In the evening, witness Cultural Dance Show (1hr) – which is the national dance of Sri Lanka that showcases the ancient culture, tradition and rituals of the country.

Overnight stay at: Kandy
Travel Time: 2hrs 10min (approx.) – Dambulla to Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

Day 9

After breakfast, visit Royal Botanical Gardens (1hr 30min) – Which is known as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia.

Afterwards, leave for Nuwara Eliya – The capitol of Ceylon Tea. The town of Nuwara Eliya combines the traditional Sri Lankan culture and colonial history.

On the way, visit Tea Plantation, Tea Plucking and Factory – Witness the age-old traditional tea plucking and enjoy walking in tea plantations. A trip to the highlands of Sri Lanka is never complete without sipping a cup of Ceylon tea.

In the evening, enjoy Boat Ride at Gregory Lake (20min) – The best place to relax yourself feeling the cool pleasant climate of Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at: Nuwara Eliya
Travel Time: 3hrs (approx.) – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Meal: Breakfast

Day 10

Start your day with a fresh cup of Ceylon tea. After breakfast, Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella (4hrs) – One of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka.

Discover the mountain village and stunning scenery on Hiking to Ella Gap (1hr) from the top of both Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak.

Visit Nine Arch Bridge (1hr) – One of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka built in the British Colonial Era. Ella is well known for catering the best local cuisine for tourists.

Overnight stay at: Ella
Meal: Breakfast
Travel Time: 4hrs (approx.) – Nuwara Eliya to Ella by Train

Day 11

After breakfast, descend to the jungles of Yala via multi-religious sacred city Kataragama. Kataragama is one of the 16 places visited by Buddha.

In the afternoon, Jeep Safari at Yala National Park (3hrs) – The spectacular wilderness. With some luck you will be able to witness three of the big five creatures; the elusive leopard, the sloth bear and the Asian elephant.

Overnight stay at: Yala
Travel Time: 3hrs (approx.) – Ella to Yala
Meal: Breakfast

Day 12

After breakfast, leave for Ahangama – One of the most famous seashores on the southern
coast in Sri Lanka. The ideal place for surfing, snorkeling, Jet Ski and other watersports.

Relax and enjoy the sun and sand in Ahangama Beach.

Overnight stay at: Ahangama
Travel Time: 3hrs 20min (approx.) – Yala to Ahangama
Meal: Breakfast

Day 13

Early in the morning, visit for Whale Watching (4 to 5hrs) – Mirissa is the best and most popular coast to sail into the ocean for Whale watching.

In the afternoon, experience Ayurveda Full Body Massage (1hr) – Ayurveda is based on an
indigenous knowledge preserved over thousands of years.

Overnight stay at: Ahangama
Meal: Packed Breakfast
Travel Time: 30min (approx.) – Ahangama to Mirissa
30min (approx.) – Mirissa to Ahangama

Day 14

After breakfast, leave for Bentota Beach – One of the finest beaches on the South West Coast in the island.

On the way, visit Still Fishermen (30min) – A traditional style of fishing practiced over hundreds of years in Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, walk in Gall Dutch Fort (1hr 30min) – A place of history, romance and beauty behind the rampart. Initially built by the Portuguese in the16th century. Galle Fort Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation, built in 1848 during the British colonial period. Find traditional arts and crafts while visiting the elegant Dutch hospital shopping precinct, which has a line of restaurants, boutiques, and bars to relax in. The local fruit, spice and flower markets are located just outside of Galle Fort and are worth a visit to embrace some authentic Sri Lankan culture.

In the afternoon, Relax at the hotel.

Overnight stay at: Bentota
Travel Time: 1hr 20min (approx.) – Ahangama to Bentota
Meal: Breakfast

Day 15

In the afternoon, visit Ancient Kande Viharaya Temple (1hr) – The tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world.

Thereafter, Relax at the Hotel.

Overnight stay at: Bentota
Meal: Breakfast
Travel Time: 15min (approx.) – Bentota to Kande Viharaya Temple

Day 16

In the morning, Leisure.

After lunch, leave for Colombo – The commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

On the way, visit Ambalangoda Mask Factory (1hr) – Most famous place for exploring the
artisans at work on a piece of wood. The carvings and the traditional colors breathe life into them.

In the afternoon, Colombo City Tour (2hrs) – The commercial capital of the country. The
sightseeing includes Galle Face Green Ocean-side Urban Park, the busiest Pettah Market for daily needs, Colonial Buildings (The Old Parliament Building, The Town Hall, The Clock Tower, The iconic Cargils Building, The President’s Palace), Seema Malakaya Temple in Beire Lake, the Independence Memorial Hall, and Hindu Temple.

Afterwards, leave for Colombo Airport for your Departure.

Travel Time: 1hr 40min (approx.) – Bentota to Colombo
50min (approx.) – Colombo to Bandaranayake International Airport
Meal: Breakfast

* The given travel time depends on traffic and the condition of the road.
* The time given in ( ) shows the approximate time spend on the relevant attraction or activity.
* Sightseeing and activities will depend on the weather.