Welcome to Colombo (by international flight) – Negombo (Approx. 01 hr. drive)

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, as you exit the arrival terminal building, you will be welcomed by India Tours & Travels executive holding a placard in your name to greet you. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to your hotel in Negombo and check-in.

Negombo, a charming coastal town just north of Colombo, offers a relaxed introduction to Sri Lanka. Known for its golden beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant fishing community, the town blends tropical tranquillity with cultural depth.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

Earl’s Regent or similar (3*), Jetwing Sea or similar (4*), Jetwing Blue or similar (5*)

Meals: (No meals included)

Explore Negombo & cooking session with a local family

Spend a relaxing morning at leisure, enjoying the comforts of your hotel or taking a final stroll along the beach. You may choose to unwind by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply soak in the tropical atmosphere before the day’s cultural experience begins. In the afternoon, set out for a visit to a bustling local fish market, where vibrant stalls overflow with the day’s fresh catch—ranging from prawns and crabs to exotic reef fish. Accompanied by your host or guide, explore the lively market scene, learn how to select the freshest seafood, and gain insights into the fishing culture that is deeply woven into the coastal life of Sri Lanka. After the market visit, head to a local home for a warm and personal home-style seafood cooking session with a Sri Lankan family. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh ingredients and authentic spices—perhaps a fragrant fish curry, Ambul Thiyal (sour fish curry), or prawn devilled—while exchanging stories and learning about everyday Sri Lankan life. The experience culminates in a delicious home-cooked dinner, enjoyed in the company of your gracious hosts, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and culinary delight.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

Earl’s Regent or similar (3*), Jetwing Sea or similar (4*), Jetwing Blue or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant & Dinner during cooking lesson)

Travel to Dambulla & visit ancient Dambulla Caves

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey to Dambulla (Approx. 03 to 04 hrs. drive), located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The scenic drive takes you through charming countryside, dotted with rice paddies, coconut groves, and traditional villages. Upon arrival in Dambulla, visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important and best-preserved Buddhist temple complexes in the country. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the temple consists of five ancient caves adorned with over 150 beautifully crafted Buddha statues, along with intricate murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and Sri Lankan history. The climb to the caves is short and manageable, and the summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding plains and Sigiriya Rock in the distance. After your exploration, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Sigiriana Resort or similar (3*), Amaya Lake or similar (4*), Heritance Kandalama or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Excursion to Sigiriya Fortress & enjoy the Hiriwadunna Village tour

After an early breakfast, set out for an unforgettable excursion to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Often referred to as the “Lion Rock,” this ancient royal citadel rises dramatically from the jungle, nearly 200 meters high. Climb the stone stairways to explore the ruins of King Kashyapa’s 5th-century palace, including the beautifully landscaped water gardens, the world-renowned Sigiriya frescoes, and the Mirror Wall. At the summit, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside—an awe-inspiring reward for your climb. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in rural Sri Lankan life with an excursion to the village of Hiriwadunna. Begin with a gentle walk or ox-cart ride through the village and farmlands, followed by a traditional canoe ride across a scenic lake dotted with water lilies. Your experience continues with a hands-on cooking session hosted by a local family, where you’ll learn to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch over an open fire using earthenware pots and local ingredients. Discover the art of balancing spices and using age-old cooking techniques passed down through generations. After enjoying the delicious meal you helped prepare, return to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the rich history and warm hospitality experienced throughout the day.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Sigiriana Resort or similar (3*), Amaya Lake or similar (4*), Heritance Kandalama or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

*Traditional Lunch will be served during the cooking session in Hiriwadunna village visit.

Travel to Kandy via Matale and enjoy the street food walk

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kandy (Approx. 03 to 04 hrs. drive), with a stop at a spice garden in Matale en route. Here, you’ll stroll through lush plantations and learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper, followed by a refreshing herbal drink. Continue to the charming hill city of Kandy and check in to your hotel. In the evening, set off on a delightful street food tour around the scenic Kandy Lake, soaking in the lively atmosphere as you sample a variety of local treats. Enjoy authentic bites such as sweet manioc with coconut, egg hoppers, banana fritters, aluwa, seeni sambol buns, and sip on a cup of warm ginger tea as you mingle with locals and take in the sights. Dinner will be part of the food walk, making this an immersive culinary experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Thilanka Hotel or similar (3*), Amaya Hills or similar (4*), The Golden Crown or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant dinner will be during the food walk)

Kandy sightseeing and cooking session with the local family

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, celebrated for its stunning collection of over 4,000 species of plants, including majestic palms, orchids, spices, and medicinal herbs. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens and serene avenues that once served as a pleasure retreat for Kandyan royalty. Next, explore a Gem Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich gem industry, famed for sapphires, moonstones, and other precious stones, with the opportunity to witness the gem-cutting and polishing process. Later, head to a local home for an immersive Sri Lankan cooking experience, where you'll join your hosts in preparing a traditional lunch using fresh local ingredients and time-honoured recipes. Enjoy the fruits of your labour over a warm and authentic home-cooked meal. In the afternoon, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic. Marvel at the temple’s intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance as devotees perform daily rituals. Conclude your cultural day with a vibrant traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing drumming, fire dances, and colourful costumes. Return to your hotel in the evening and unwind over a relaxing dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Thilanka Hotel or similar (3*), Amaya Hills or similar (4*), The Golden Crown or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

*Lunch will be during the cooking session with the local family.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the tea plantation tour and a high tea

After breakfast, depart for the picturesque hill station of Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 03 to 04 hrs. drive), often referred to as "Little England" for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and scenic landscapes. En route, travel through lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and terraced tea plantations that define Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Upon arrival, visit a working tea plantation and factory, where you’ll learn about the fascinating journey of Ceylon Tea — from hand-plucked leaves to the final cup. Watch the traditional process of withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying, and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed teas at the end of the tour. Later in the afternoon, make your way to the iconic Grand Hotel and indulge in a classic British-style high tea served in a colonial setting, featuring an assortment of teas, savouries, and pastries. The rest of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the cool mountain air. Conclude the day with dinner at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Mirage Kings or similar (3*), Araliya Green Hills or similar (4*), Araliya Green City or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Travel to Galle & relax

After breakfast, check out and drive south along Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline to the historic city of Galle (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial charm and seaside allure. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure — stroll through the cobbled streets of the Galle Fort, explore quaint boutiques and art galleries, or simply unwind and soak in the laid-back coastal vibe. In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at Church Street Social or similar, a stylish restaurant located within the iconic Galle Fort, offering a blend of local Flavors and international cuisine in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Galle.

Yara Galle Fort or similar (3*), The Merchant or similar (4*), Radisson Blu or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant and dinner will be at local restaurant)

Galle street food walk & rest of the day at leisure

This morning, set out on a guided food walk through Galle Fort, immersing yourself in the rich culinary and cultural tapestry of this historic coastal town. Wander along charming, cobbled streets lined with Dutch-colonial buildings as your guide introduces you to local Flavors and stories. Sample a variety of traditional street snacks, taste exotic tropical fruits, and sip on a warm cup of fresh ginger tea while learning about the region’s storied spice trade history that once connected Europe and Asia. This sensory experience offers a delicious and insightful look into Galle’s multicultural heritage. The rest of the day is at leisure — relax on the golden beaches, take a dip in the ocean, or simply unwind at your hotel and enjoy its amenities and spa offerings on direct payments.

Overnight stay in Galle.

Yara Galle Fort or similar (3*), The Merchant or similar (4*), Radisson Blu or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Travel to Colombo and enjoy the street food walk in Pettah market area

After breakfast, depart from Galle and enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Colombo (Approx. 1.5 to 02 hrs. drive), Sri Lanka’s dynamic commercial capital. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. In the evening, set out on a lively guided street food tour through the bustling streets of Galle Face Green and the vibrant Pettah market area. As the sun sets and the city comes alive, sample a delicious variety of authentic Sri Lankan Street eats — from crispy isso wade (prawn fritters) and sizzling kottu roti, to colourful saravita (sweet coconut-filled betel leaves) and creamy local ice cream. This immersive culinary journey not only delights your palate but also offers an exciting glimpse into Colombo’s everyday life and multicultural food scene.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

Fairway Colombo or similar (3*), Granbell or similar (4*), NH Collection Colombo or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant dinner will be during the food walk)

Last Glimpse of Colombo & a Memorable Farewell Dinner

Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel, soaking in your final hours in Sri Lanka with a relaxed breakfast and time to unwind or pack at your own pace. In the afternoon, set out for a guided sightseeing tour of Colombo, exploring key highlights such as the serene Gangaramaya Temple, the stately Old Parliament Building, and the landmark Independence Square, each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich colonial past and vibrant present. As the sun sets, head to the celebrated Ministry of Crab for a farewell dinner, where you’ll enjoy some of the island’s finest seafood in a historic Dutch Hospital setting. After dinner, you’ll be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your memorable journey through Sri Lanka to a close.

No Accommodation on this day.

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant and dinner at famous local in restaurant)