Sri Lanka Encompassed
14 days, Colombo to Mirissa
Itinerary
Day 1Colombo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Colombo/Negombo
Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo before heading to Negombo. With evening free time, explore the stunning Portuguese and Dutch architecture.
Pettah Bazaar Visit
Visit the Pettah district of Colombo and wind your way through a series of open-air bazaars and markets. The area is home to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, one of the oldest and most visited mosques in Colombo, and also hosts Kayman's Gate, Colombo Town Hall, and the Khan Clock Tower.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Beacon Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Negombo/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.
Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride
Get a closer look at daily life while cruising calmly along the Dutch canal, one of many canals in the city linking estuaries and lagoons together. Watch as Negombo's residents collect coconuts, and keep an eye out for the multitude of bird species in the area.
Private Vehicle
Negombo - Sigiriya
Dambulla Cave Temple Visit
Visit the ancient Dambulla cave temples at one of the most well-preserved temple and cave sites in Sri Lanka. See Buddhist mural paintings that line the walls of the seventh-century caves as well as a collection of hundreds of statues of Buddha in different poses.
Fishing Market Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of a fishing market. There's no better way to learn about the life of the locals than to head to the sea to take in the action. Watch the fishermen bring their boats to shore, clean their nets, dry the fish, and sell to waiting buyers.
Accommodation
IORA Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Sigiriya
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.
Sri Lanka Village Tour
Wander through a typical Sri Lankan village to learn more about its residents and their way of life. Enjoy some local cuisine prepared by locals of the town and get a chance to interact with the community.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit
Be mesmerized by this rock fortress, which captivates every visitor with its well-laid out gardens, caves, monasteries, and palaces adorned with beautiful wall motifs. Start at the water gardens and climb more than 1,200 steps to reach the top. Pass caves with frescoes and boulders to find the ruins of a palace on the flat surface of the old volcanic magma rock. The rock rests 370m (1,213 ft) above sea level with a shear drop on all sides.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Accommodation
IORA Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Sigiriya/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Spice Plantation Tour
Visit the herbal centre of spices for an interactive session with students of Ayurveda. Learn all about the medicinal uses of various herbs used by the people of Sri Lanka in their massages and treatments.
Kandy Orientation Walk
Walk through the city and around Kandy Lake to get a better feel for the place.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Tour
Enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic – a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. Learn about the importance of this site from local guides.
Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café
Stop for a delicious traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by Sthree Craft Shop and Café. This social enterprise offers opportunities for local women and youth living with disabilities, through handicraft and hospitality training.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Kandyan Cultural Dance
5-8USD per personBe swept away by an entertaining performance that will provide insight into the local culture in Kandy.
Accommodation
Oak Ray Heritage Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Kandy/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 are simple and authentic.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Digana Guided Village Walk
Get a crash course in local life with a village walk through Digana. Learn about some of the essential local industries and meet with local families, going about their daily routines. Visit their humble abodes to learn about their way of life before enjoying a traditional herbal drink.
Your Foodie Moment: Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration
Enjoy a cooking demonstration and see how local Sri Lankan delicacies are prepared.
Nature Resort Stay
Explore the small village of Digana, lend a hand with the farm, learn to cook authentic Sri Lankan dishes, and wake up in tranquility surrounded by palm trees. A dolomite mining community, this project supports efforts for alternative income in Digana as well as improved access to food and water.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Royal Botanical Gardens Visit
12USD per personEnjoy a leisurely walk in the colourful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. See 300 varieties of orchids of Sri Lanka as well as a range of other plants.
Ayurvedic Center
Visit an Ayurvedic Center to learn about the history behind Ayurveda and the role it plays in Sri Lankan society. Gain an understanding of Ayurvedic oil massage treatments and its various benefits.
Accommodation
Oruthota Chalets (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Digana/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tea Plantation Visit
The town of Nuwara Eliya produces the finest Orange Pekoe Ceylon tea, and is inhabited mainly by tea planters and plantation workers. Pay a visit to one of the factories to learn all about tea production.
Accommodation
Hotel Jojo's (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Nuwara 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.
Free Time
With so much to see and do, don't waste a minute.
Local Train
Take the scenic route and observe the stunning scenery from the local train.
Free Time
Get to know Ella with some free time this evening.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Horton Plains Trek
60-70USD per personGet close to nature and stunning scenery on this Horton Plains Trek. Hike 9km (6 mi) into the Horton Plains and walk through the clouds to discover a majestic drop that provides amazing views over the plains into the sea.
Accommodation
Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Ella
Enjoy a free day in the charming town of Ella. Opt to tour the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hike to Little Adam's rock, admire views of Ella Rock, or simply relax and wander around town.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to visit Ella's sights, or simply relax in town.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Little Adam's Peak Trek
FreeEnjoy a hike up Little Adam's peak to catch stunning views of the town below.
Demodara Nine Arch Bridge
The iconic Nine Arch Bridge made of stone and cement is a viaduct connecting Ella and Demodara train stations. Don't look down, this 100 year old bridge, also referred to as the "Nine Skies Bridge", can be found almost 3100 feet above sea level. With train service still operating, check the train schedule and be sure to catch a glimpse of the bridge in action!
Accommodation
Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Ella/Yala National Park
Enjoy a free morning. In the afternoon, travel to Yala National Park and enjoy a safari.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Yala National Park Safari
Head out on a safari in Yala National Park. Keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, jackals, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, crocodiles, and more than 200 bird species. Learn about its diverse wildlife and the history of the park.
Free Time
Experience more of hill country with a free morning. Opt to shop or trek to Little Adam' Peak.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Ravana Falls Excursion
Drive to the picturesque Ravana Falls, located just outside the town of Ella. Stop to relax and enjoy the view of this impressive, 25m-high (82 ft) waterfall.
Accommodation
Big Game Camp Yala (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Yala National Park to Mirissa
Enjoy one last morning visiting Yala NP then bid farewell and travel south to idyllic Mirissa Beach.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Yala National Park Safari
60-70USD per personHead out on a safari in Yala National Park. Keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, jackals, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, crocodiles, and more than 200 bird species. Learn about its diverse wildlife and the history of the park.
Accommodation
Randiya Sea View Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Galle
Take a day trip to Galle and tour the colonial city and historic fort before returning to Mirissa.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Galle Fort and City Tour
Visit the Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort first built by the Portuguese, and later occupied by the Dutch. The ramparts are still standing even after being battered by Mother Nature, including the 2004 tsunami. Explore more of the beautiful capital, taking in the Dutch architecture and lively atmosphere. The Dutch Hospital shopping complex is a great place to scoop up some souvenirs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Randiya Sea View Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Mirissa
Enjoy a free day in peaceful Mirissa. Opt to relax on the beach or take a surfing lesson.
Free Time
Kick back and relax on the beach or give surfing a try.
Accommodation
Randiya Sea View Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Mirissa
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.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.