Colombo Trip Overview
Our expertly curated itineraries engage the body, mind and spirit in meaningful and authentic ways. Offering a unique blend of responsible eco-tourism and affordable wellness journeys, our transformative tours are crafted from a selection of signature local activities centered at the heart of the sacred island.
Sri Lankan culture is rich with vivid colors, multicultural celebrations and artistic imagination. From engaging sightseeing talks with local experts in the Cultural Triangle to an interactive traditional drum and dance lesson, these sessions guide into a better understanding of the cultural wisdom of the local people. The responsible approach to cultural travel comes from engaging directly with the local community. Travel is a form of seeking the unknown, encountering yourself and creating authentic connections with locals. The cultural seeker experience is an enriching encounter with everyday local life as well as ancient customs that have withstood the test of time.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Our expertly curated itineraries engage the body, mind and spirit in meaningful and authentic ways. Offering a unique blend of responsible eco-tourism and affordable wellness journeys, our transformative tours are crafted from a selection of signature local activities centered at the heart of the sacred island.
Sri Lankan culture is rich with vivid colors, multicultural celebrations and artistic imagination. From engaging sightseeing talks with local experts in the Cultural Triangle to an interactive traditional drum and dance lesson, these sessions guide into a better understanding of the cultural wisdom of the local people. The responsible approach to cultural travel comes from engaging directly with the local community. Travel is a form of seeking the unknown, encountering yourself and creating authentic connections with locals. The cultural seeker experience is an enriching encounter with everyday local life as well as ancient customs that have withstood the test of time.
Itinerary
Day 1: Airport – Arrival Transfer to Negombo’s “Little Rome”
Stop At: Negombo, Negombo, Western Province
Arrival to Sri Lanka and 30min airport transfer to nearby coastal town of Negombo, also known as “Little Rome”, for its white glistening churches and charming “riviera” atmosphere.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Negombo Fish Market, Negombo Sri Lanka
Go for an relaxing city tour, visit the local fishermen market, and take in the sunset on the beach. Get a good night’s sleep after a long flight and recover from jetlag.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight with a charming “heritage-inspired” boutique guesthouse, 3-star
Day 2: Negombo – Cultural Oasis in Pidurangala
Stop At: World’s tallest granite Samadhi Buddha statue in Kurunegala, Rideegama, Kurunegala 60000 Sri Lanka
In the morning, take the drive toward the Cultural Triangle. On the way, admire the tropical landscapes, made of rice paddies, swaying coconut palms and mountains in the distance. Make a stop in Kurunegala – you can see the giant Buddha.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
By sunset, reach the Dambulla cave & monastery complex. Here, witness an array of beautifully preserved Buddha statues and fresco painting dating back to the 5th century. Enjoy a meditative visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a jungle oasis with nature surroundings, 3-star
Day 3: Pidurangala – The Hidden Treasures of the Golden Triangle
Stop At: Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Central Province
Today, you climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock. This fortress is known for the picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes and masterful concubines paintings. King Kassyapa built a remarkable castle on top of a giant boulder with magnificently sprawling gardens. Visit this architectural & archeological marvel, a renown UNESCO site.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
In the afternoon, experience the excitement of a jeep safari in Minneriya Park, known for its vast elephant population. This is a natural protected zone and no animal contact is allowed within the national park.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a jungle oasis with nature surroundings, 3-star
Day 4: Pidurangala – Marvels of the Kandyan Kingdom
Stop At: Matale, Matale, Central Province
Set out on a morning drive toward the mountains, with an optional stop at a homegrown spice garden where you can learn about the many spices used in Sri Lankan cuisine. Then, enjoy a cooking class with the host and a savory lunch (not included).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Later, upon reaching Kandy visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a major venerated site in the island. Receive blessings from the Buddha’s relics.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a picturesque mountain abode, 3-star
Day 5: Kandy – the “Mist”erious Teascapes of Nuwara Eliya
Stop At: Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Central Province
Time to visit the verdant regions of tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya. Make a stop and take a tour of a local tea factory to learn about the process of cultivation and weathering of the tea leaf. Take a sip, Ceylon tea is considered one of the best in the world.
Duration: 2 minutes
Stop At: Ella, Ella, Uva Province
Then, take an exciting train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. This is the most picturesque train ride in Asia, so enjoy the endless tea valleys & beautiful waterfalls.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: We recommend to purchase other meals at leisure in Ella town, which has a wide selection of trendy restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight with an enchanting mountain escape, 3-star
Day 6: Endless Vistas of Ella Rock & Little Adam’s Peak
Stop At: Ella Rock, Ella Main Street NECS-Nature Exploration and Conservation Society Sri Lanka, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
In Ella, you must climb the impressive Ella Rock with views for days and enless vistas of the Ella gap. The hike is challenging, but worth the effort and can be done from an easier climb point.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Little Adam’s Peak, Passara Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
At sunset, opt for an easier but just as breathtaking hike of Little Adam’s Peak. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains & valleys as the sun sets over the region.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: We recommend to purchase other meals at leisure in Ella town, which has a wide selection of trendy restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight with an enchanting mountain escape, 3-star
Day 7: Ella – Star-gazing Zone of Yala National Park
Stop At: Yala National Park, Yala National Park
You leave the mountains for the wilder regions of Yala National Park. Arrive in your tented camp and take a walk in the dunes with the camp naturalist to experience a completely different landscape. The nature is all around you so enjoy this exceptional location with star-gazing opportunities.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight with a tented camp inside the national park, 3-star
Day 8: Yala – From Safari to Surf in Weligama
Stop At: Yala National Park Sri Lanka
Early morning, you head out on a jeep to meet a wide variety of endemic species inhabiting Sri Lanka. The leopard is the emblematic feature of this immense national park that deserves a special visit. This is a natural protected zone and no contact with the animals is allowed.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Weligama Beach, Matara Sri Lanka
Then proceed to Weligama, a popular beach destination also loved by surfers and romantic couples. Enjoy a relaxing evening with one of many beachfront restaurants.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: We recommend to purchase other meals at leisure in Weligama, which has a wide selection of trendy restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight with “villa”-type accommodations in walking distance to the beach, 3-star
Day 9: Sun & Surf in Weligama
Stop At: Weligama, Weligama, Matara, Southern Province
Enjoy a full day frolicking on the tropical beaches of Weligama. This is also a prime location to do many sea excursions, which are optional activities.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast: We recommend to purchase other meals at leisure in Weligama, which has a wide selection of trendy restaurants.
Accommodation included: Overnight with “villa”-type accommodations in walking distance to the beach, 3-star
Day 10: Weligama – Road to the Airport via Iconic Galle Fort
Stop At: Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
On your way back to the airport, take a stop and visit the iconic Galle Fort. Here, you can do some last-minute shopping and enjoy the charm of this historic Dutch fort dating back to the colonial era. Then, proceed to the airport in time for your departure flight.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: We recommend to purchase other meals at leisure in Galle fort, which has a wide selection of trendy restaurants.
No accommodation included on this day.
