Colombo Trip Overview
Sri Lanka is a tropical Island with ancient fortresses that tell a story of life in Sri Lanka 500 BC. when kings ruled the Island long before the Dutch, Portuguese and British invasions. Sandy palm fringed beaches and sunshine, cool lush green hill country landscapes adorned with tea plantations, scenic train rides, awe-inspiring hikes, colonial cities and trips that uncover parts of Sri Lanka travellers didn’t know existed. Wildlife safaris, camping by a river, trekking and adventure with thrills of white water rafting are some of the highlights of this holiday. Travellers have enjoyed this journey across Sri Lanka for many years.
Additional Info
Duration: 20 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tropical Island with ancient fortresses that tell a story of life in Sri Lanka 500 BC. when kings ruled the Island long before the Dutch, Portuguese and British invasions. Sandy palm fringed beaches and sunshine, cool lush green hill country landscapes adorned with tea plantations, scenic train rides, awe-inspiring hikes, colonial cities and trips that uncover parts of Sri Lanka travellers didn’t know existed. Wildlife safaris, camping by a river, trekking and adventure with thrills of white water rafting are some of the highlights of this holiday. Travellers have enjoyed this journey across Sri Lanka for many years.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Sri Lanka – Pick up from airport and transfer to a hotel in Negombo
Pass By: Negombo, Negombo, Western Province
Negombo – a famous fishing village North of Colombo. You will see a Dutch built Canal leading all the way to Colombo and the famous 17th century Dutch Fort bordering the beach. The canal itself is a hive of activity with all the fishermen traveling up and down in their adorned boats. This quaint town is also famous for its noisy fish market. Many churches in the area reminded us of early conversions to catholicism during Portuguese occupation. East of the town at the Angurukaramulla temple is a 6 metre long reclining statue of the buddha worth seeing. South west of the town you will see the Negombo Lagoon which is surrounded by a densely populated ethnic mix of Sinhalese and Tamils and a coastline brimming with hotels of all categories. The mangrove swamps attract a huge variety of water birds including cormorants, herons, egrets and waders. You can tour the mangroves by hiring a boat (For your safety check for boats that provide life jackets )
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beacons Beach Hotel, Negombo
Day 2: Sigiriya – Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Sigiriya – The 5th century rock fortress is a world heritage listed site, built by King Kashyapa in (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ as it is called, is a citadel of great beauty rising 200 meters from amidst the scrubs. Sigiriya was once a 70-hectare established town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens surround the base of this rock. You will see the world-renowned frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, sheltered along the rock wall which is approachable via a spiral stairway. These frescoes are believed to be painted in earth pigments plastered on the wall. The Lion’s paw stairway entrance to the top of the rock has 1200 steps protected by railings. You will see the ruins of the king’s palace when you reach the summit and the panoramic views are amazing.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kassapa Lion Rock
Day 3: Anuradhapura Ruins
Stop At: Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura, North Central Province
Today you will visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura to explore the ruins.
Anuradhapura is the most visited town of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagabas constructed with small sun-dried bricks, hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagabas are the Ruvanveli which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and is 300 ft in diameter,was build by the great king Dutugamunu who reigned from 137BC to119 BC. the Jetawanarama is 370 ft,was built by King Mahasena of Anuradhapura (273–301) and the Thuparama which enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha, This dagga was built by King Devanapiyatissa, who reigned from 307 BC to 267 BC. Buddhism arrived to this kingdom during his reign. The city’s most renowned relic is the sacred Bo-Tree which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. It was planted 2250 years ago and is one of the oldest historic trees in the world.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kassapa Lion Rock
Day 4: Dambulla Cave Temple & Village Tour
Stop At: Galewela, Galewela, Central Province
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel you will take on an exciting village tour which includes a local canoe ride, a chena farm visit, a cookery demo (you have the option of taking part in the cooking process). Enjoy an authenthic Village lunch.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Next you will visit the Dambulla Cave temple. Dambulla stands as an isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. This rock temple dates back to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses and Hindu deities Vishnu and Ganesh. The buddha’s first sermon and temptation by the demon Mara could be seen illustrated on the walls of the cave. Skeletal remains of pre-historic human burial sites have been discovered by archeologists in this cave dating back 2700 years.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kassapa Lion Rock
Day 5: Polonnaruwa Ruins
Stop At: Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
Today you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.Polonnaruwa – the capital of Sri Lanka dates back from 11th -13th century A.D. The monuments at Pollonaruwa have been well preserved. The circular relic house (Vata-da-ge) Lankathilaka, Thuparama, Royal Palace, Rankoth vihara and Galvihara with the beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues are amazing works of art.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Gal Oya Lodge, Galgamuwa
Day 6: Gal Oya
Stop At: Gal Oya National Park – The Crossing, Inginiyagala, Ampara 32000 Sri Lanka
After an early breakfast, enjoy a boat safari in the Sri Lanka’s largest lake, trek to Monkey mountain and enjoy a bicycle tour in the national park
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Gal Oya Lodge, Galgamuwa
Day 7: Kandy
Stop At: Kandy, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province
Today you will do a city tour of Kandy and visit the sacred temple.Kandy – Sri Lanka’s hill capital. Once a stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is a very beautiful and picturesque town. It is 488 meters above sea level and next to Colombo, is Sri Lanka’s most visited city. The main attraction of this town is without doubt the golden roofed Sacred Temple where the Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, showcasing rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The main attraction of this town is without doubt the golden roofed Sacred Temple where the Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, showcasing rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Suisse Hotel, Kandy
Day 8: Kandy
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
After breakfast you will visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical gardens .Royal Botanical Garden – considered Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden, with 147 acres and over 4000 species of plants, Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a well-known attraction in Sri Lanka. The lush garden estate, also referred to as the Royal Botanical Garden is famed for its collection of 300 species of orchids.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: No. 72 Sangraja Mawatha Kandyan Cultural Centre, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
This evening you will attend a cultural dance performance which culminates in a fire walking display.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Suisse Hotel, Kandy
Day 9: Kithulgala/Kandy
Stop At: Adventure LK white water rafting kitulgala, Hatton road madamodara, Kitulgala 71720, Sri Lanka
White water rafting
Today you will get your adrenalin pumping while experiencing white water rafting in the Kelaniya river at Kithulgala. The rapids range from grade 2 – 4. There are 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids covering a range of 5km lasting around 90 minutes. Safety is the number one priority and safety gear will be provided along with a comprehensive safety briefing given by an instructor on site before you take on the challenge. This activity is for everyone above the age of 10.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pedro Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Visit the Pedro Tea factory for a guided demonstration of tea processing, drying and production of tea. Taste the best cup of tea.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Galway Heights, Nuwara Eliya
Day 10: Horton Plains Nuwara Eliya
Stop At: Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Trek to Horton Plains. Leave early at 6 am with packed breakfast.The big attraction of Horton Plains is the summit famously known as “World’s End”. On a clear day you can get a panoramic view of the landscape below as far as the eye can see. A great place for photography. The trail to world’s end is about 9.5 km. A leisurely walk on this rugged land will take you around 3 hours. The view from the summit can sometimes be obscured by heavy mist. If you are patient enough you can get a great photography view in between the clouds. The trail to Baker’s falls is steep but worth it.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Galway Heights, Nuwara Eliya
Day 11: Ella
Stop At: Ella, Ella, Uva Province
Today you will take the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella. The walk to the nice arch bridge, Ravana water falls and climb little adams peak for great views of the rollings hills.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Sri Lanka
Once you get off the scenic train ride at Ella railway station walk to the nice arch bridge to view the approaching train coming out o the tunnel.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Little Adam’s Peak, Passara Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Hike to little Adams Peak to get beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The views are astounding.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Oak Ray Hotel,Ella
Day 12: Ella free day
Stop At: Ravana Ella Falls, Ella-Wellawaya Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Today is your leisure day. You may visit the Ravana falls. There are many hiking trails at Ella. You can choose to do it yourself.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Oak Ray Hotel, Ella
Day 13: Tissamaharama
Stop At: Buduruwagala Temple, Wellawaya Town, Wellawaya 91200 Sri Lanka
On the way to your hotel in Tissa you can visit the historic Buduruwagala temple at Wellawaya.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kithala Resort, Tissamaharama
Day 14: Tissamaharama
Stop At: Kumana National Park, Panama-Kumbukkana Road, Hambantota, Tangalle 32508 Sri Lanka
Today you will embark on a wildlife safari at the Kumana sanctuary. You will spot many varieties of birds, besides elephants and leopard.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Kithala Resort, Tissamaharama
Day 15: Udawalawe
Stop At: Visit Udawalawe National Park, No. 04 Ekamuthugama, Thanamalwila Road, Udawalawe National Park 70250 Sri Lanka
Embark on a wildlife safari at the Udawalawe National Park where wild elephants roam freely. This is a very relaxed safari which you will enjoy.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Athgiriya River Camping
Day 16: Hikkaduwa
Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
On the way to Hikkaduwa you will visit the historic town of Galle.Galle Dutch Fort. Built in 1663, the fort still retains the atmosphere and charm of Dutch days. Many Old Dutch buildings are still intact inside the fort. The best way to see the fort is to walk around until it is time to watch the sunset. The Dutch Museum, which is housed in a restored Dutch mansion of the time, contains paintings, prints, documents, furniture and ceramics from the Dutch colonial era. Dutch Reformed Church built by a Dutch Army officer in 1754 is a must-see building.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Citrus Hikaduwa
Day 17: Hikkaduwa Free Day
Stop At: Hikkaduwa Beach, 7585995399 Sweetcash //Customer //Care// Number 7585995399 //sweetcash //customer //care// Number, Hikkaduwa 80240 Sri Lanka
Relax and enjoy your free time at the Hikkaduwa Beach
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Citrus Hotel Hikkaduwa
Day 18: Colombo
Stop At: Colombo City Centre, 137 Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo 00200 Sri Lanka
Today you will do a city tour of Colombo before settling in to your hotel.
Colombo – Originally a small seaport. Colombo became prominent after the arrival of the Portuguese in the fifteenth century, followed by the Dutch in the 16th century and then developed into a major city by the British in the late 18th century. Today, Colombo is a busy metropolitan city surrounded by High rise buildings, grand hotels, shopping arcades cafes, a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine and busy night life for those seeking fun.
The old Fort district, the Pettah market, the Wolfendale church built in 1749, The Kelaniya Historic Buddhist temple, the Gangaramaya temple, the old parliament house, the Galle face green, the museum, the Dutch Hospital. All of them reflect a treasure trove of grand old colonial architecture blending gracefully with modern building spread.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Fairway Hotel, Colombo
Day 19: Negombo
Stop At: Negombo Fish Market, Negombo Sri Lanka
On your way to your hotel you will visit the Negombo fish market.Negombo – a famous fishing village North of Colombo. You will see a Dutch built Canal leading all the way to Colombo and the famous 17th century Dutch Fort bordering the beach. The canal itself is a hive of activity with all the fishermen traveling up and down in their adorned boats. This quaint town is also famous for its noisy fish market.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beacon Beach Hotel, Negombo
Day 20: Departure Airport
Stop At: Katunayake, Katunayake, Negombo, Western Province
We hope you have an enjoyable experience in Sri Lanka. Have a pleasant flight back home. Ayubowan!
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
