12-Day Sri Lanka Adventure Tour with Train Ride, Safari and Beaches

AYUBOWAN-! Welcome to the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka, a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient wonders.

• Upon arrival at Colombo (CMB) airport, you will be warmly greeted by our dedicated tour representative. We can also arrange pick-up from any hotel in Colombo or Negombo. Our first destination will be Negombo, where we will embark on a scenic journey to this charming coastal town. For day one, we haven't planned any activities, so you are free to arrive in Sri Lanka at any time, as we offer a 24/7 airport transfer service.
• You will spend the day relaxing on the beach and by the pool of your cosy hotel.

This evening is a perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow group members, and immerse yourself in the laid-back coastal vibe of Negombo.

Overnight stay in a modern hotel in Negombo.

• En route to Dambulla, you'll visit the Pinnawala Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, originally created to protect and care for wild elephants found wandering in and around the forests of Sri Lanka. Take the opportunity to feed them and watch them bathe in the nearby river.
• Upon arrival in Sigiriya, you'll enjoy a wonderful cultural village tour and explore the beautiful countryside. It will be a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique local culture and lifestyle of the Sri Lankan people. The tour begins with a tuk-tuk ride, followed by a catamaran boat journey across the lake, culminating at a farmer's house, where you will take part in a Sri Lankan curry cooking demonstration and savour authentic countryside cuisine. (Village Safari - entrance fee included)
• As the sun dips low, we will climb Pidurangala Rock to witness a stunning sunset (entrance fee included). From the summit, we will marvel at the silhouette of Sigiriya Rock against the colourful sky, creating an unforgettable scene. After the excitement of the climb, we will end our day at the hotel.

• Day 03 starts with an early wake-up call as we lace up our hiking shoes, grab our cameras, and set out to conquer the magnificent Sigiriya Rock (entrance fee NOT included). Jutting proudly from the earth, the ruins of a grand palace stand as reminders of Sri Lanka's rich and storied history. It was built by King Kashyapa for his own protection. You can explore the ancient wall paintings, the Sanskrit-inscribed mirror wall, and the imposing stone lion paws guarding the path to the summit. The panoramic views from the top offer a glimpse into the past as you immerse yourself in the remnants of this ancient civilization.
• Later in the afternoon, you have the option to embark on an additional safari in Minneriya National Park (entrance fee NOT included), where majestic elephants roam freely. Please note that this safari is optional, as we have arranged a safari at Yala National Park. To satisfy our hunger, we'll visit a local family who will treat us to a traditional feast before we unwind and soak up the afternoon sun on a comfortable lounger.
• Afterwards, we will take you for an Ayurvedic massage, where you will experience an authentic Ayurvedic treatment of Sri Lanka to relieve the fatigue from your adventure.

Two nights stay in Sigiriya.

• Today, we say goodbye to Sigiriya and embark on our journey southward toward Kandy.
• Along the way, we'll stop to explore the magnificent Dambulla Caves (entrance fee included), where history and religion come alive through every painted wall and stone Buddha statue, leaving you with an unparalleled sense of spirituality.
• We will also stop at a spice garden to learn about the origins of our favourite spices (entrance fee included).
• You will have the opportunity to experience a one-hour cultural show featuring music and dance performances that are unique to Sri Lanka (entrance fee included).
• After this marvellous experience in Kandy, we will return to the hotel to relax and rejuvenate, preparing ourselves for the next day with a fresh outlook.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

• Enjoy your breakfast with a view of the hills of Kandy before we venture into town to visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, a religious shrine said to house the tooth of Buddha himself (entrance fee included).
• Afterwards, we hop on the bus and explore Sri Lankan gem and hand-carving factories before journeying through the mountainous region of the hill country. Discovering Nuwara Eliya's misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and colonial charm offers a serene and captivating experience. You can admire the hills adorned with small green tea plants, for which Sri Lanka is renowned.
• We make a stop at a functioning tea factory to learn about tea processing methods and how tea eventually reaches your cup at home. During the visit, we'll discover how seven different types of tea are produced from the same plant. (entrance fee included)
• End the day with an afternoon walk at Victoria Park, where you can see local fruits, vegetables, and flowers for sale, and children having a wonderful time riding horses and taking boating trips.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without experiencing life on the train, and the journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is often dubbed the best journey in the world (train tickets included).

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Nanu Oya station, 8 km away, and taking the train on the old British-built railway through the mountains, plantations, and lush forests of the Tea Country. Your chauffeur guide will drop you off at Nuwara Eliya station and pick you up from Ella.
• As the train moves, you will pass through some of the most scenic views of dense forest, long stretches of tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, tunnels carved out of rock, gigantic mountain ranges, and picturesque valleys. Don't forget to try some street food on the train, which is mostly freshly cut pineapple slices or deep-fried vades.
• Before checking in to the hotel, you'll explore the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and ascend Little Adam's Peak (entrance fee included).

Overnight stay in Ella.

• After breakfast, we will continue our journey southward and check into our hotel in Yala. Following lunch, we'll hop into jeeps for an exhilarating safari, scouring the wilderness for herds of elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, hawks, peacocks, mongooses, and, if luck is on our side, leopards (entrance fee NOT included). It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making your day in the national park a tough one to top.
• After exploring the park, we'll return to the hotel or camp, where our hosts will treat us to a BBQ dinner, the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable day. Camp stay is available upon additional request.

Overnight stay in Yala.

• After a late wake-up and breakfast on day 8, we will be driven to Tangalle. This coastal gem, nestled in the southern province of Sri Lanka, boasts pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. Known for its serene ambience and laid-back atmosphere, Tangalle offers a perfect escape for travellers seeking tranquillity and relaxation.
• During your stay, you will have the opportunity to visit attractions such as the stunning Tangalle Lagoon and the historic Mulkirigala Rock Temple, ensuring a memorable coastal retreat. Afterwards, you can unwind and relax at the beach and pool.

Overnight stay in Tangalle.

Today, we rise early and make our way to the stunning golden sand beach - a place where world-class waves crash against the shore, where turtles glide through the water, and where the beer is ice-cold. After a week in the hill country, this is precisely what you need.

• On the next morning, after waking up a little early, we board one of the finest boats in the area for an opportunity to witness the largest animals in the world. Watch in awe as blue whales breach, swim, and dive around you, their immense size leaving you spellbound (entrance fee NOT included).
• In the evening, you will head towards Galle, a city well known for its Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the meeting point of classic Dutch and British architecture and a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere of beauty.

Two nights stay in Mirissa.

• After breakfast at the hotel, experience an amazing boat ride on the Madu River through the mangroves (red water trees). Along the river, you will arrive at a fish farm and, if you are interested, get to try Sri Lankan fish therapy (entrance fee NOT included).
• Thereafter, you'll visit a Turtle Hatchery Centre where baby turtles learn to take their first swim and injured adults are rehabilitated back into the ocean.
• Then you will drive to Colombo and check in to our hotel.
• You'll have some free time to visit the National Museum or the nearby art gallery, or take a tuk-tuk and explore the bustling streets of the Pettah Markets for some final souvenir shopping.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

• It's time to say our final goodbyes to the friends you've made over the course of an incredible 12 days. For same-day departures, we will drop you at the airport. If you need transfers to any other locations, please contact our support team for assistance.