Sri Lanka · Tailor-made itinerary

Complete Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA – FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Period
Year-round
Stops
19 stops
Guide
English- or Italian-speaking (limited availability)

01 — Itinerary

16 days, day by day

D1

Arrival in Negombo

Arrival in Negombo

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to the hotel (about 40 minutes drive).

Follow the tour of the city of Negombo, starting from the historic Dutch Fort, a relic of the colonial era, and continuing along the lively streets of the markets, between fresh seafood and tropical fruit. We will explore the Church of Santa Maria and immerse ourselves in the serene atmosphere of the Negombo Lagoon, where traditional fishing boats punctuate calm waters. Overnight in Negombo.

D2

Negombo · Jaffna

Negombo · Jaffna

The day is dedicated to the transfer from Negombo to Jaffna, which will take about 7 hours drive. Upon arrival at Jaffna we will check-in in the hotel and the rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation.

D3

Jaffna

Jaffna

After breakfast in the hotel tour of the city of Jaffna, during which we will visit the Fort and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. The Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is an architectural marvel in dravid style, decorated with vibrant colors and decorated sculptures, and represents one of the most important places of Tamil spirituality.

The Fort of Jaffna, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later fortified by Dutch and English, is a historical stronghold that bears witness to the colonial and strategic past of the region. Its walls, bastions and moats today host museums, art galleries and cultural events.

D4

Jaffna · Trincomalee

The day is dedicated to the transfer from Jaffna to Trincomalee, which will take about 4 and a half hours. Upon arrival at Trincomalee we will check-in in the hotel and the rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation.

D5

Trincomalee

Trincomalee

After breakfast at the hotel, tour of the city of Trincomalee. We will start from the majestic Koneswaram Temple, perched on the top of Swami Rock, and the cliff of Lovers' Leap. We will then visit Fort Frederick, a colonial fortress built by Portuguese in the 17th century and expanded by Dutch and English.

We will walk in the lively local markets, where Tamil and Sinhalese cultures merge, and we will discover street food, crafts and daily life of Sri Lanka. A stop at Marble Beach or Uppuveli Beach will offer a quiet escape, with clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.

D6

Trincomalee · Minneriya National Park · Dambulla · Sigiriya

Trincomalee · Minneriya National Park · Dambulla · Sigiriya

After breakfast transfer to Sigiriya, which will take about 2 hours. In the afternoon we will head to the Temple Cave of Dambulla, UNESCO heritage: a maze of five caves adorned with intricate murals and over 150 statues of Buddha, testimony of the ancient art and spiritual devotion of Sri Lanka.

In the evening we will make a safari in the National Park of Minneriya, renowned for its elephant population and the famous Raduno. We will cross several landscapes by sighting elephants, leopards, deer and numerous species of birds. Overnight at Sigiriya.

D7

Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa

We make a breakfast early and start at 7 o'clock the climb to the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, before the sun becomes too hot. The fortress, UNESCO heritage, preserves steep steps adorned with frescoes, water gardens and the remains of the palace of King Kasyapa, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes.

Following the transfer to Polonnaruwa (about 75 minutes), another UNESCO site that shows the size of an ancient reign of the 11th century. We will pass through the ruins of the Royal Palace, Parakrama Samudra and Gal Vihara, with its imposing stone sculptures. At the end we return to the hotel, where we will ash and overnight.

D8

Sigiriya · Matale · Millennium Elephant Foundation · Kandy

Sigiriya · Matale · Millennium Elephant Foundation · Kandy

In the morning we begin the transfer to Kandy, which will take about 4 and a half hours. Along the way we can stop at the Garden of Spices of Matale, where expert guides will illustrate the methods of cultivation and the properties of spices, a fundamental element of the kitchen and culture of Sri Lanka.

We will stop at the Millennium Elephant Foundation, a sanctuary dedicated to the well-being of Asian elephants, where visitors can participate in ethical and educational interactions. The day will end with a cultural dance show typical of the country, between drums, rituals and secular folklore. Overnight at Kandy.

D9

Kandy · Temple of the Tooth · Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Kandy · Temple of the Tooth · Peradeniya Botanical Garden

In the morning tour of the city of Kandy and visit the Temple of the Dente, a sacred Buddhist site that houses the venerable relics of the Buddha tooth. Rich in history and spirituality, the temple is a UNESCO heritage and offers a deep cultural experience.

We will visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, a green paradise of over 147 acres with rare orchids, imposing palms, exotic spices, theme gardens and the serene bamboo avenue. Upon arrival at the hotel. Overnight at Kandy.

D10

Kandy · Nuwara Eliya

Kandy · Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast in hotel transfer to Nuwara Eliya, which will take about 2 and a half hours. Optionally, with additional cost and subject to availability, take the train route from Kandy to Nanu Oya, crossing mountains wrapped in fog, tea plantations and waterfalls.

We will visit a typical cultivation and tea factory, where we will attend the production process of Ceylon tea, from the collection of leaves to drying, with tasting of freshly prepared tea. Overnight at Nuwara Eliya.

D11

Nuwara Eliya · Horton Plains · Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya · Horton Plains · Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast drive (about 75 minutes) to Horton Plains National Park. We will trek through foggy grasslands, green forests and rough terrain. The highlight, World's End, offers spectacular views of the edge of the cliff, while the Baker's Falls create a serene symphony of water. During the course we can meet endemic species such as loris and langur from the purple face. Return to Nuwara Eliya, dinner and overnight.

D12

Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala

Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala

The day is dedicated to the transfer to Yala, which will take about 4 and a half hours. After about 2 hours we will reach Ella, where we will visit Ella Rock, at 1,0141 meters, reachable through a scenic trekking that offers views of valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations.

Afterwards we will visit the Ravana waterfalls, which are immersed for over 80 meters in a pool below and are wrapped in the legends of Ramayana. Overnight at Yala.

D13

Yala · Weligama · Dondra Head · Galle

Yala · Weligama · Dondra Head · Galle

The morning is the best time for a safari in the Yala National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and the population of leopards, as well as for elephants, sloth bears and numerous species of birds.

After transfer to Galle. Along the way, we can observe fishing on trams in Weligama, an ancient tradition of coastal communities. We will then reach the Dondra Head Lighthouse, the highest in Sri Lanka, located at the southernmost point of the country. Overnight in Galle.

D14

OF

OF

After breakfast we will visit the charming town of Galle, renowned for its rich history, diverse culture and beautiful architecture. We will start from the Fort of Galle, a UNESCO heritage site, with its colonial buildings and impressive bastions.

We will walk through the cobbled streets flanked by boutiques, art galleries and cafes. We will visit the Dutch Reformed Church and the historic lighthouse, immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the city. Overnight in Galle.

D15

Galle · Kosgoda · Madu River · Bentota

Galle · Kosgoda · Madu River · Bentota

In the morning we will visit the incubator of Kosgoda turtles, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of marine turtles, where we will discover their life cycle and efforts to protect these animals.

We will follow a safari on the water of the river Madu, navigating through serpentine canals and dense mangrove forests. Along the way we will discover villages, traditional fishermen, hidden temples, spice gardens and cinnamon plantations. Upon arrival in Bentota, check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.

D16

Departure

Free day until transfer to the airport for departure flight (about 2 hours, with only driver).

02 — The stops in pictures

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