Compare Sri Lanka Encompassed by G Adventures vs Cultural Highlights Tour by Direct Traveller

Day 1 Colombo

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 Colombo/Negombo

Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.

Day 3 Negombo/Sigiriya

Begin the day visiting the seaside and observe fisherman sorting through their haul ashore. Board a boat to glide along the Dutch canal and get a closer look at the lives of the locals. Travel to the Dambulla province and visit the cave temple before watching the sun set over the lake.

Travel through the countryside to Sigiriya in Dambulla, the central province of Sri Lanka. Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. In the evening, try to catch a beautiful sunset over the Kandalamma Lake.

Day 4 Sigiriya

Guided tour of the rock fortress of Sigiriya — a World Heritage site. Meet locals and share a meal in a nearby village.

Enjoy a walking tour of a local village to learn about residents' way of life while getting a chance to try the local cuisine at a lunch prepared by the families of the community. Later, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built in the fifth century, this rock fortress boasts well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces with beautiful wall motifs. In the afternoon, opt to go for a tour of Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, where you can cycle through the ruins.

Day 5 Sigiriya/Kandy

Drive through the Knuckles Mountain Range and visit a spice plantation en route to Kandy. Stop for lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. Take a guided visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth.

En route to Kandy, stop at the herbal centre of spices. Students of Ayurveda will explain different uses for each herb. Arrive to Kandy in the afternoon. Go for a stroll around Kandy Lake and visit the famed Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy an included lunch at G Adventures supported-Sthree Craft Shop and Cafe. In the evening, opt to attend a Kandyan Cultural Dance.

Day 6 Kandy/Digana

Enjoy a free morning in Kandy then travel to Digana. Arrive at the nature resort for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a jewellery maker who handcrafts delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn to make Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.

Accommodations at a nature resort homestay are simple and authentic. Rooming will be in twin and triple-share rooms.

Day 7 Digana/Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a free morning of exploration before transferring to Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon, explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands. Gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region.

The town, also known as 'Little England', offers a lot of options for visitors. Explore the nature trails, visit the plantations, or go golfing or horseback riding.

Day 8 Nuwara Eliya/Ella

Spend a free morning hiking in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve or strolling local markets. Later, hop on the local train and take the scenic route to Ella.

Use free time to explore the area. Opt to stay close to the city, wandering local markets or head further afield. There's a 9km (6 mi) trek in the Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Wander around Victoria Lake and take in the views.

Day 9 Ella

Enjoy a free day in the charming town of Ella. Opt to tour the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, admire views of Ella Rock, or simply relax and wander around town.

Day 10 Ella/Yala National Park

Opt to hike Little Adam's Peak with a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.

Day 11 Yala National Park to Mirissa

Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then bid farewell and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach.

Day 12 Galle

Take a day trip to Galle and tour the colonial city and historic fort before returning to Mirissa.

Day 13 Mirissa

Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa. Opt to relax on the beach or take a surfing lesson.

Day 14 Mirissa

Depart at any time.

The Colombo airport can be reached by private taxi or bus. Your CEO can help you arrange a transfer. Please note that it will take about 2.5 hours to get to Colombo from Mirissa.

Day 1:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya

You will be met and assisted on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, by Direct Traveller representative and introduced to your English speaking chauffeur guide.Transfer from Airport to Sigiriya (approx. 4 hours) Overnight Stay at Hotel Sigiriya

(Two nights stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya

Climb Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's most popular historic site, Sigiriya is the 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa. This 200 meters citadel was home to his palace on top of the rock and derives its name as it appears to resemble the outline of a lion from distance. King Kasyapa built his palace and decorated its walls with colorful frescoes which can even be seen today. These frescoes, along with India¿s Ajantha cave frescoes are world renowned for lasting through the ages and their awe-inspiring beauty. When you climb along the side of the rock, about halfway up, you will encounter a gateway that although in ruins, resembles a gigantic lions paw. Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and remains as one of the best examples of ancient urban planning in Sri Lanka. Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (approx. 1 hour & 15 minutes) Polonnaruwa became capital of Sir Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura. It was declared a capital by King Vijayabahu the 1st who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070. Today, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a World Heritage Site. The golden age of this glorious city was under the reign of King Parakramabahu the 1st who oversaw the construction of one of the greatest irrigation systems the country has seen, the Parakrama  Samudhraya, which covers an area of 6,000 acres. The ruins of the Royal Palace and various buildings and structures can be seen even today. Other highlight of this city is the Gal Viharaya which has 3 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the former Temple of Tooth Relic, Shivan Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha and Kiri Viharaya.Transfer from Polonnaruwa to SigiriyaOvernight Stay at Hotel Sigiriya

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya

Overnight Hotel Suisse.

(One night stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)

A transfer from Sigiriya to Matale (approx. 1 hour & 30 minutes) Matale, known for its welcoming climate is world famous for its spice gardens.Here one may experience the intricate processes that result in Sri Lanka producing some of the best spices in the world. What is more, a cookery demonstration too will be held allowing visitors to learn to prepare traditional curries using local spices. Transfer from Matale to Kandy (approx. 1 hour & 30 minutes) Explore the city of Kandy which was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name 'Kandy' conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town, the bazaar, an arts & crafts centre and a gem museum / lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Suisse.

(One night stay in a Standard room on bed breakfast basis)

Day 4:

This day you will proceed to the airport or to your beach stay resort.