Trip Overview
This itinerary covers Sri Lanka’s highlights: Negombo, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, an elephant safari, Trincomalee and Nilaveli and Pigeon Island, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, the famous Nanu Oya to Ella train ride, Yala, and the South Coast with Galle, Koggala, and Unawatuna.
Daily Itinerary
1
Airport → Negombo Fish Market & Traditional Boats → Negombo
Transfer: 15 min
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and welcome by your driver. Short transfer to your hotel in Negombo.
The rest of the day is for rest. If you wish, visit Negombo’s fish market and its traditional boats—an authentic local
atmosphere with colorful stalls by the sea.
Accommodation: Hotel in Negombo
2
Negombo → Kurunegala → Dambulla Golden Temple → Traditional Dances → Sigiriya
Transfer: 3 h 10 min
First stop in Kurunegala to stroll by the lake and enjoy a refreshment—just as local families do.
Continue to the Dambulla Golden Temple, a living site where you may see worshippers making offerings.
Transfer to Sigiriya and enjoy a traditional dance performance in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
3
Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Safari (Minneriya/Kaudulla/Eco Park) → Sigiriya
Transfer: 1 h 15 min
Explore Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins—statues, ponds, palace remains—often surrounded by playful macaques.
In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in a nearby park known for large herds of elephants.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
4
Sigiriya → Sigiriya Rock → Rural Village → Optional Ayurveda Massage → Sigiriya
Transfer: 10 min
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy panoramic views. Later, experience rural life with a tuk tuk ride,
a canoe crossing, and an ox cart ride, plus insights into local cooking traditions. Optional: relax with an
Ayurvedic massage session.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
5
Sigiriya → Trincomalee → Koneswaram Temple → East Coast Beach (Trincomalee/Nilaveli)
Transfer: 2 h 20 min
Travel to the East Coast for calm beaches and clear water. Stop at the Koneswaram Hindu temple in Trincomalee,
then enjoy free time on the beach in Trincomalee or Nilaveli.
Accommodation: Hotel in Trincomalee / Nilaveli
6
Trincomalee / Nilaveli Beach → Pigeon Island National Park
Transfer: 30 min
Boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkeling—spot colorful fish and, with luck, turtles and other marine life.
Afternoon free for beach time.
Accommodation: Hotel in Trincomalee / Nilaveli
7
Nilaveli → Udawattakele Forest Reserve → Kandy
Transfer: 4 h 30 min
Arrive in Kandy and enjoy a nature walk in Udawattakele Forest Reserve, known for its dense tropical greenery and tall trees.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy
8
Kandy → Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens → Kandy
Transfer: 10 min
Visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens—an extensive collection of tropical plants, giant trees, unusual palms,
Ayurvedic plants, and the famous orchid collection.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy
9
Kandy → Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage → Kandy City & Local Market
Transfer: 1 h 15 min
Early visit to Pinnawala to see elephants and, if timing allows, their river bath. Return to Kandy for a relaxed city walk and,
if you want, a visit to the local market for fruit, vegetables, spices, and textiles.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy
10
Kandy → Ramboda Waterfalls → Tea Factory → Nuwara Eliya Market
Transfer: 2 h 40 min
Drive into tea country with a stop at Ramboda Falls and a visit to a tea factory to learn how Ceylon tea is made.
In Nuwara Eliya, explore the local market for fresh produce and mountain town culture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
11
Nuwara Eliya → Horton Plains National Park
Transfer: 50 min
Explore Horton Plains National Park with a circular trail (~9 km). Highlights include World’s End viewpoint and Baker Falls,
plus chances to spot wildlife like Sambar deer.
Accommodation: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
12
Nuwara Eliya → Train (Nanu Oya to Ella) → Ella Excursion → Yala
Train + transfer: (by schedule) + 3 h
Enjoy the iconic train ride through tea hills to Ella (subject to availability). If timing allows, hike Little Adam’s Peak for
panoramic views, then transfer toward the Yala area.
Accommodation: Hotel in the Yala area
13
Yala → Boat Ride on Tissa Lake → Yala National Park Safari
Transfer: 20 min
Start with a calm boat safari on Tissa Lake—great for birdlife and lotus views. Later, enjoy a jeep safari in Yala National Park,
famous for leopards and also home to elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, and more.
Accommodation: Hotel in the Yala area
14
Yala → Turtle Hatchery → Stilt Fishermen (Weligama) → Unawatuna
Transfer: 3 h 30 min
Visit a turtle hatchery to learn about conservation and releases. Stop at Weligama to see stilt fishermen, then continue to Unawatuna
for beach time and relaxation.
Accommodation: Hotel in Unawatuna
15
Unawatuna → Galle Fort → Koggala Lake Boat Trip (Temple Island + Cinnamon Farm) → Unawatuna
Transfer: 30 min
Explore Galle Fort’s colonial streets, cafés, and sea walls. Later, take a peaceful boat ride on Koggala Lake and visit an island temple,
plus a cinnamon production farm.
Accommodation: Hotel in Unawatuna
16
Unawatuna → Airport
Transfer: 2 h
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. Please arrive 3 hours before departure.
Accommodation: Departure day
Ceylon Family
$2420
Per person (group of 4 people).
$2,490 per person (group of 2).
Superior & boutique hotels on bed & breakfast.
$2,490 per person (group of 2).
Superior & boutique hotels on bed & breakfast.
- 16 days / 15 nights family itinerary
- Cultural Triangle highlights + Sigiriya area
- East Coast beach stay + Pigeon Island
- Hill Country + Horton Plains + scenic train
- Yala safari + South Coast experiences