Sri Lanka in 18 Days – Especially Relaxed!

Welcome to Bandaranaike International Airport! Upon your arrival, you’ll be escorted by our representative at the airport and then transferred to your accommodation in Hikkaduwa to rest after your flight. Hikkaduwa beach lies on the southern coast, about 134 km from Colombo.

Accommodation: CITRUS hotel in Hikkaduwa.

You will begin your tour with a few restful days on the renowned Hikkaduwa beach. There are two lovely beaches to enjoy: Hikkaduwa beach and Narigama beach, located about 1.5 km south of the town. In Hikkaduwa, you may have the opportunity to see giant sea turtles and admire a magnificent coral reef, which is one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka and is protected as a marine sanctuary.

Accommodation: CITRUS hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Galle is the third most important city in Sri Lanka, following Colombo and Kandy. It has a rich history, having been a Portuguese settlement in the 16th century and later a Dutch city in the 18th century. The Galle Fort stands as the best-preserved colonial historical center in the country, showcasing a unique blend of cultures where Buddhists, Muslims, Catholics, and Hindus live together in perfect harmony. After exploring Galle, you will travel to Tissa, with a stop at Weligama to observe the famous stilt fishermen. These fishermen are known for their distinctive and skillful method of fishing while perched on stilts in the water, a fascinating tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Accommodation: TAMARIND LAKE hotel in Tissamaharama.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Yala for an exciting safari adventure. Yala National Park is the most visited wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka and the second largest. It’s a fantastic place to spot a wide variety of animals, including deer, pelicans, wild boars, crocodiles, herons, wild buffalo, kingfishers, elephants, peacocks, and black bears. And if luck is on your side, you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard, one of the park’s most famous residents. It’s truly a thrilling experience for any nature lover!

Accommodation: TAMARIND LAKE hotel in Tissamaharama.

Once you arrive in Ella, you can take a pleasant and easy climb up Little Adam’s Peak. The path winds gently through lush tea fields, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This hike is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this part of the island. After the climb, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or simply soak in the serene environment at your own pace.

Accommodation: BBQ HUB in Ella.

Once you arrive in Ella, you can take a pleasant and easy climb up Little Adam’s Peak. The path winds gently through lush tea fields, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This hike is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this part of the island. After the climb, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or simply soak in the serene environment at your own pace.

Accommodation: BBQ HUB in Ella.

You’ll take the train from Ella station to Nanu Oya in Nuwara Eliya, a scenic journey of over 3 hours winding through tea hills and tall forests. Once you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll tour around Lake Gregory and explore the city to admire buildings with British colonial influence. On the way to Kandy, you’ll pass extensive tea plantations and make a stop at the beautiful Ramboda Waterfalls.

Accommodation: MOUNT BLUE hotel in Kandy.

In the morning, you can visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, also known as the Royal Garden, which dates back to the 14th century. This vast garden is one of the top attractions in Sri Lanka, showcasing everything from ancient trees to unique palm species, Ayurvedic plants, and a stunning collection of orchids. Afterward, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the vibrant city of Kandy at your own pace.

Accommodation: MOUNT BLUE hotel in Kandy.

We will enter the sacred site housing the revered relic of Buddha’s Tooth. Since ancient times, this relic has held immense significance in Sri Lankan culture. Today, we focus on Kandy, the mountain capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned as one of the most sacred places in the Buddhist world. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city, stroll around the lake encircling the Temple of the Tooth, and visit the bustling market.

Accommodation: MOUNT BLUE hotel in Kandy.

Transfer to Matale to discover the secrets of a Spice Garden. During this visit, we will explore the plants and trees from which various spices are derived and learn about their uses in cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. Afterwards, transfer to Dambulla to visit the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple of Dambulla features a large cave with multiple chambers converted into temples. Inside, you’ll find 153 statues of Buddha, statues of Sri Lankan kings, Hindu gods and goddesses, along with murals adorning the ceilings and walls.

Accommodation: SUNGREEN hotel in Habarana.

Embark on a bicycle tour through Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals from the 11th to 13th centuries. Founded in the 10th century AD, Polonnaruwa served as the country’s second capital until the early 13th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city preserves remarkable remains of buildings and temples from that era. Notably, the rock-carved statues of Buddha and King Parakrama stand out for their beauty and grandeur. After the tour, enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration class with lunch included.

Accommodation: SUNGREEN hotel in Habarana.

Begin your day with a transfer to Sigiriya for a morning visit to the majestic Sigiriya Rock. This 360-meter-high, nearly rectangular rock formation crowns the ruins of an ancient palace complex and is hailed as one of the eight wonders of the ancient world. Constructed by King Kassapa in the 5th century AD, the site is steeped in a story of betrayal and revenge. Following your exploration, indulge in a soothing Ayurvedic massage, a time-honored Sri Lankan tradition dating back 4,000 years. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Accommodation: SUNGREEN hotel in Habarana.

According to ancient chronicles, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka through Mihintale in 237 BC. Nestled within this sacred forest lie the ruins of a vast monastery that once accommodated up to 3,000 monks. Remarkably, traces of daily life from that period remain intact, including the dining hall and the clinic, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and communal life of the time.

Accommodation: ALAKAMANDA hotel in Anuradhapura.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals: Anuradhapura. Established in the 4th century BC, it served as the island’s first capital and thrived until the 10th century AD. As one of the largest archaeological sites globally and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura offers a remarkable glimpse into history. Beyond the ancient temples and stupas, we will witness the devotion of Sri Lankans visit and venerate this sacred place. It is common to see smiling locals dressed in white, carrying flowers and other offerings, embodying a deep reverence for their heritage.

Accommodation: ALAKAMANDA hotel in Anuradhapura.

This afternoon, we'll embark on a safari in Wilpattu National Park, the largest park in Sri Lanka by area. Its standout feature is the presence of around 60 "Willus"—natural lakes known by this local name. In this diverse sanctuary, you might spot leopards, elephants, wild buffalo, bears, deer, various herons and ducks, as well as endemic birds like the jungle rooster. Reptiles such as crocodiles, water monitors, and several turtle species also call this park home, making it a truly captivating place to explore.

Accommodation: ALAKAMANDA hotel in Anuradhapura.

You’ll be transferred to Negombo. If there’s time before your airport transfer, you can enjoy a brief visit to the town, exploring the fishing port and the bustling fishermen’s market—famous for its distinctive boats scattered across the bay. Then, at the agreed time,you’ll be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport. Please ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight departure to allow for a smooth check-in and security process. As you bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, may the memories of this remarkable journey stay with you always and we wish you a safe journey!