Compare Essential Sri Lanka by Intrepid Travel vs East Coast Wonders by Pothigai Tours and Travels

Day 1 Negombo

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Negombo. If you arrive early, you might like to stroll the seaside and witness some of the local fishing craft. Maybe explore the beautiful surrounding countryside on a bicycle, which you can rent from your hotel reception. Tonight, maybe head out with your fellow travellers for dinner and get to know each other over a couple of drinks. You’ll spend the night by the beach, near plenty of beach bars and pubs.

Day 2 Dambulla

Head to the fish market in Negombo this morning – this can be quite hectic, but the variety of fish presented by the locals is a great insight into local culture. From here, you’ll make your way to Dambulla – the second-largest centre in the Matale District. A popular activity today is a visit to the stunning Sigiriya – an ancient rock fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the palace ruins that sit on top of a massive 200-m-high rock (leftover lava plug from an extinct volcano) that’s surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. If you decide to take this activity, you’ll want to bring your camera, the photo ops are endless! If you like, your leader can take you for dinner tonight to a local restaurant to taste some delicious local cuisine. 

Day 3 Kandy

This morning, you have the option to visit Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of various temples built into five different caves under an overhanging rock. Explore the paintings, statues and wall murals of this fascinating place and then head to Kandy, making a stop at a local spice garden in Matale along the way. When you arrive in Kandy, enjoy a free afternoon. Maybe take up a cooking class and learn how to make some of the local cuisine you’ve now grown to love!

Day 4 Kandy

If you’re looking to relax this morning, you might want to book an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate those weary muscles. Kandy is home to a picturesque lake, some great old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants, so there’s lots to see and do with your free day today. Once the capital under the last Sri Lankan king, this area managed to resist European control for hundreds of years, long after the coastal areas surrendered. Maybe walk through the town to take in the sights of Kandy, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit the Temple of the Tooth or book a cultural dance performance.

Day 5 Ella

This morning, say goodbye to Kandy and you hop on a train to Ella. This train trip is actually kinda famous, due to the gorgeous views along the way of lush, green scenery and surrounding mountains (so grab a window seat if you can!). It’s a long journey, but you can buy all sorts of yummy treats from the onboard sellers. When you arrive, maybe visit to local tea factory or go for a drink in one of the many bars. Tonight, your leader can help you with the best spots for nightlife – maybe grab a couple of pals and head to a local restaurant nearby that boasts live music and delicious eats.  

Day 6 Ella

Today you’ll venture out on a half-day trek to Ella Gap. Get active and traverse the lush green mountainsides and fresh air. Along the way, stop in at a small village for a delicious spicy curry lunch at a local family home. Get to know your gracious hosts as you eat together and feel refreshed with a steaming pot of Ceylon tea to wash it all down. This is an excellent way of getting to know the area, not to mention the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, learn about their lifestyle in Sri Lanka and ask them for their stories. After the hike, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore on your own.

Day 7 Tissamaharama

Head out of Ella this morning in a private vehicle to Tissamaharama. When you arrive, you'll head out on an exciting 4WD safari through Yala National Park, where you'll come across the area's native wildlife – look out for elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. This is an amazing experience that you'll never forget, so make sure you grab your camera and stay hydrated! Tonight, while you reflect on a super-fun day, why not go out with your travel buddies in search of some appa (hoppers), kottu roti and parippu (lentil curry).

Day 8 Unawatuna

Journey west in a private vehicle this morning to Unawatuna – this fantastic stretch of beach has plenty of local restaurants and bars to relax in. Along the way, stop in Galle and head out on a walking tour with your local leader, maybe grabbing some lunch to refuel. After, arrive at your destination where you’ll have free time to explore Unawatuna and its surroundings at your own pace.

Day 9 Unawatuna

Today is all about the beach! Grab a good book, order a cocktail and don’t forget the bottle of sunscreen – today is for rest, relaxation and reclining on the warm sands of Sri Lanka. If you like, you can even book an optional whale-watching tour or go 'bikesplore' the lesser-known areas of the city on two wheels. Make use of the many beach restaurants and bars that line the shore tonight after an epic sunset.

Day 10 Colombo

Leave Unawatuna behind and make the journey to Galle, where you'll jump on a local train to Colombo. When you arrive in Sri Lanka's capital, head out on a city walk with your leader. On your way, visit local shops and do some sightseeing. After, maybe explore the collection of temples and churches that all live alongside each other – apart from the gorgeous architecture, this is also a great example of how different types of belief systems and places of worship can come together side by side, creating a sense of community and peace. Tonight is free, but your leader will suggest an optional group dinner for your final night together. After, why not head out in search of the perfect spot to toast to a trip well-travelled?

Day 11 Colombo

Enjoy your last string hoppers and a super-black coffee for breakfast. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stick around to explore more, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1

Destination: Negombo.

Drive: Approximately 15min (10km)

Welcomed by our representative, you will be introduced to your very own chauffeur for the tour, who will transport you to the hotel in Negombo.

The rest of the day will be spent on leisure where you can take a brief city tour or enjoy the great ripples of the Indian Ocean.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Negombo.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Sigiriya.

Drive: Approximately 4 Hours (155 km)

Feasting on a lovely breakfast, we will be leaving to climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya - a 5th Century 'Fortress in the Sky'.

Built by King Kassapa the fortress was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years.

The lion rock (A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) is a citadel of unusual beauty, rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle.

The base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens.

The majestic Lion’s Paw scenically guards the stairway of the palace on the summit.

See the famous frescoes of the 'Heavenly maidens' of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall.

Destination: Polonnaruwa.

Drive: Approximately 2 Hours (67 km)

The day entails a trip to one of the ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, which was the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century.

A well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls (around 5 km. which still remain), graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes.

Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation.

The ‘Gal Vihara’ which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall and rank among the true masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Habarana.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Nilaveli.

Drive: Approximately 3 hours (98 km)

After breakfast leave for Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee, located in the north east coast of the country.

It is well known for its fine sandy beaches and ice blue waters, which in contrast to many of the beaches in the South and West are exceptionally shallow.

This distinctive seascape surrounded by corals provides great snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Nilaveli.

Day 4

Destination: Nilaveli.

Drive: N/A

Spend the afternoon at leisure at the beach tanning under the blissful sun.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Nilaveli.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Minneriya.

Drive: Approximately 4 Hours (108km)

After breakfast leave for Minneriya for a Jeep Safari.

Minneriya National Park is about 8889 hectares in extent and is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka.

It is home to Sri Lanka’s favourites such as spotted deer, Sambar, leopards, Sloth bear and elephants.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Habarana.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Arugambay.

Drive: Approximately 7 Hours (260km)

After breakfast leave for Arugam Bay.

It is located on the East Coast of the country.

The wide sweeping sandy beach is an attraction for swimming all year-round Arugam Bay is a place for water sports fanatics, wildlife enthusiasts and Surfing.

It is listed as one of the top ten surf points in the world.

The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in April and ends in October.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Arugambay.

Day 7

Destination: Arugambay.

Drive: N/A

Day seven is a complete day at leisure by the beach where you may surf, swim and unwind.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Arugam Bay.

Day 8

Destination: Arugambay.

Drive: N/A

The happy moments by the beach continues on to the day eight.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Arugam Bay.

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Kandy.

Drive: Approximately 6 ½ Hours (280 km)

After breakfast leave for Kandy.

En route you will visit a spice garden in Mawanalle.

You will check in at your hotel on arrival and once you are rested, continue on to your tour of Kandy! Kandy, the bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is famous for the Temple of the Tooth which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha, the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centrepiece to the town and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

In the Evening you will visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Thereafter enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre.

The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kandy.

Day 10

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Kandy.

Drive: N/A

After breakfast, commence a sightseeing tour of Kandy.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Kandy.

Day 11

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Pinnawala.

Drive: Approximately 1 ½ Hours (50km)

After breakfast leave for Pinnawala to Visit the Elephant orphanage.

This orphanage was set up by the government to take care of baby elephants lost or abandoned in the wild.

Witness the feeding of the elephants.

Thereafter observe them as they take their daily bath in the river nearby, which offers marvellous photo opportunities.

Bath time is enjoyed by all elephants, young and old alike and it is a good time to closely observe their tightly knit family structure.

Daily feeding times - 9.15 am, 1.15 pm, and 5.00 pm. bathing times – 10.00 am, 2.00 pm, and 4.00 pm.

Destination: Colombo.

Drive: Approximately 2 ½ Hours (88km)

In the afternoon leave for Colombo. After some well-deserved rest you can drive through the commercial city centre known as the “Fort”, which is built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

It is a place where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures.

See the vibrant and energetic markets and bazaars of Pettah, and the National Museum with its fine collection of lovely antiques and art of Sri Lanka.

You could visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil to experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people.

Alternatively you may indulge in some shopping.

Overnight Stay: Hotel in Colombo.

Day 12

Meals: Breakfast

Destination: Airport.

Drive: Approximately 1Hours (35km)

Now that you are at the end of your journey with us, after breakfast your chauffeur will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your departure flight.

We hope your adventure with us was enjoyable and wish you a safe and pleasant flight home!