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)

Sightseeing of Negombo and travel to Wilpattu

Start your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Negombo, a vibrant fishing town steeped in history and coastal charm. Begin with a visit to the Negombo Fish Market, where fishermen unload their morning catch and the stalls brim with the sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh seafood — a vivid slice of local life. Stroll along the shores of the Negombo Lagoon, watching colorful catamarans and outrigger canoes sail past, much as they have for centuries. Continue to explore the town’s colonial heritage with a stop at the Dutch Fort and a walk along the Hamilton Canal, once an important trade route during the Dutch era. You’ll also pass by some of the many historic Catholic churches that have earned Negombo the nickname “Little Rome.” Later, set off on a scenic drive to Wilpattu National Park (Approx. 3.5 to 04 hrs. drive), Sri Lanka’s largest protected area and one of its most secluded wildlife havens. En route, enjoy views of rural life and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge near the park entrance and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the pool or simply soaking in the tranquil jungle atmosphere. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at your hotel.

Overnight stay in Wilpattu.

Rajarata Hotel or similar (3*), The Lake Forest Hotel or similar (4* & 5*)

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

Morning & Afternoon Jeep safaris in Wilpattu National Park

Immerse yourself in a full day of wildlife adventures in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and most untouched wilderness reserve. Begin at dawn with your morning jeep safari, when the cool air and soft golden light create the perfect conditions for spotting wildlife. Wilpattu is renowned for its unique network of villus —shimmering natural lakes that attract herds of spotted deer, water buffalo, wild boar, and a spectacular variety of bird species. This is also one of the best places in Asia to spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, often seen prowling along forest paths or resting on rocky outcrops. You may also be lucky enough to encounter the shy sloth bear, a rare sight in the wild. Return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast and some leisure time — perhaps a swim, a short nature walk or simply relaxing with a book while listening to the calls of the jungle. After lunch, set out once again for your afternoon jeep safari, which offers a different mood and rhythm to the park. As the day cools and the sun dips lower, animals become more active, and you might spot elephants grazing near the lakes, painted storks wading in the shallows, or jackals trotting through the scrubland. The park’s landscapes shift beautifully in the late-afternoon light, offering wonderful photographic opportunities. After a day filled with unforgettable encounters and scenic vistas, return to your lodge to freshen up and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the hotel, the sounds of the nocturnal forest providing the perfect natural soundtrack to your evening.

Overnight stay in Wilpattu.

Rajarata Hotel or similar (3*), The Lake Forest Hotel or similar (4* & 5*)

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

Travel to Dambulla and visit Sigiriya Fortress

Depart in the morning for Dambulla (Approx. 02 hrs. drive), traveling through the scenic countryside of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Upon arrival, visit the awe- inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. This 5th-century royal citadel, built atop a massive 200-metre-high rock, is famed for its advanced engineering, water gardens, and exquisite Sigiriya frescoes — delicate paintings of celestial maidens. Climb to the summit via a series of stairways, passing the imposing Lion’s Paw gateway, and be rewarded with panoramic views of lush forests, lakes, and distant hills. After exploring the fortress and learning about its fascinating history, proceed to your hotel in Dambulla for check-in, followed by time at leisure to relax and unwind.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

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

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

Full day excursion to Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park

After breakfast, set off for a guided cycling tour through the awe-inspiring ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s best-preserved archaeological treasures. As you pedal through the expansive ruins, you’ll discover the grandeur of this 12th-century capital—exploring ancient palaces, Buddhist shrines, monasteries, and intricately carved stone statues. Highlights include the Royal Palace complex, the Gal Vihara with its exquisite rock-cut Buddha images, and the impressive Parakrama Samudra, an enormous man-made reservoir that reflects the advanced hydraulic engineering of the era. The leisurely cycling route offers a scenic and immersive way to experience the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. In the afternoon, continue your adventure with an exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world. As you journey through the park’s dry-zone forests, grasslands, and wetlands, keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. If you’re visiting during the dry season (June to September), you may witness the famous “Elephant Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank—a truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Return to your hotel in the evening after a day filled with culture, history, and nature.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

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

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

Travel to Kandy via Matale spice garden

After breakfast, depart for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, with an en-route stop at a spice garden in Matale. Here, takes a guided tour through lush plantations where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and clove. Discover their traditional uses in cooking and Ayurvedic medicine and enjoy a refreshing herbal drink as part of the experience. Continue your drive through scenic hill country landscapes and arrive in Kandy (Approx. 2.5 to 03 hrs. drive)—a charming city nestled amidst misty hills and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Explore the temple complex and witness the traditional rituals that take place throughout the day. In the evening, immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture with a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance. Enjoy a captivating showcase of traditional music, rhythmic drumming, and energetic dances that reflect the island’s rich heritage. Return to your hotel afterward for a relaxing evening in the heart of the hill country.

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)

Full day excursion to Knuckles Conservation Forest

Set out on a full-day adventure to the breathtaking Knuckles Conservation Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mountain range known for its cloud forests, cascading waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide, embark on a guided waterfall hike through lush jungle trails, passing streams, terraced paddy fields, and tiny villages where time seems to stand still. Along the way, keep your eyes open for rare and fascinating wildlife — the purple-faced leaf monkey, an endangered primate found only in Sri Lanka, as well as a variety of endemic lizards that thrive in this unique ecosystem. The trail offers numerous vantage points with sweeping views of the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Knuckles range, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by pristine nature before continuing your exploration. By late afternoon, return to your hotel, carrying with you the serenity and beauty of one of Sri Lanka’s most unspoiled wilderness areas.

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)

Travel to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the tea plantation tour

After breakfast, set off on a beautiful drive to Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 03 to 3.5 hrs. drive), a charming hill town nestled at an altitude of 1,868 meters. Known for its temperate climate, colonial architecture, and rolling tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately called “Little England” for its old-world ambiance and cool weather. As you wind through the central highlands, enjoy stunning views of lush valleys, gushing waterfalls, and endless stretches of tea-carpeted hillsides—an ever-changing landscape that makes the journey just as memorable as the destination. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Soak in the refreshing mountain air and admire the town’s scenic beauty, with its English-style gardens, red-brick bungalows, and serene lakes. In the afternoon, head out for an insightful visit to one of the region’s historic tea plantations and factories. Here, you’ll walk through manicured tea estates, meet local tea pluckers dressed in traditional attire, and witness the age-old process of Ceylon tea production—right from plucking and withering to rolling, fermenting, and drying. A guided factory tour will give you a deeper understanding of how Sri Lanka became one of the world’s leading tea exporters. End your visit with a tasting session, where you can savour different varieties of freshly brewed tea while enjoying sweeping views of the mist-draped hills. Return to your hotel in the evening and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps enjoying a walk around Gregory Lake or unwinding in the cozy ambiance of your hotel.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

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

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

Travel to Yala National Park visiting Ella en route

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive to Yala, home to Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. En route, make a stop in Ella, a picturesque hill town known for its lush landscapes and colonial charm. Your first visit is to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge; a remarkable example of British-era railway construction set amidst dense forest and tea plantations. Take a short walk along the railway tracks to admire this architectural marvel, and if timing permits, you may even witness a train passing over the bridge—an unforgettable sight framed by emerald-green surroundings. Continue to the nearby Ravana Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, cascading dramatically over a rocky cliff. According to legend, the falls are named after King Ravana from the Indian epic Ramayana, who is believed to have hidden Princess Sita in the nearby caves. Take a few moments to enjoy the view and cool mist before resuming your journey. Afterward, proceed through the changing landscape of rolling hills and dry lowlands as you make your way toward Yala (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive). Arrive by late afternoon and check in to your hotel or safari lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Sri Lanka’s wild south.

Overnight stay in Yala.

Kithala Resort or similar (3*), Thaulle Resort or similar (4*), Jetwing Yala or similar (5*)

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

Travel to Yala National Park visiting Ella en route

Start the day with an early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of the best places in the world to spot leopards in their natural habitat. As the sun rises and the park awakens, traverse a mix of open plains, dense forest, and shimmering lagoons in search of its diverse wildlife — including elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, crocodiles, and a rich variety of bird species. The cool morning hours provide the best chance to observe predators on the move and capture the park’s beauty in the soft golden light. After the safari, enjoy breakfast and then set out on a scenic drive to Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants and open grassland landscapes. In the late afternoon, embark on your second jeep safari, exploring the park’s vast savannah-like terrain dotted with reservoirs and rivers. This is prime time to spot elephants at close range, as well as water buffalo, sambar deer, peacocks, and birds of prey circling above. The experience offers a contrast to Yala, with wide-open views and abundant photographic opportunities. As the day’s adventures conclude, return to your hotel and savour a sumptuous dinner and an overnight.

Overnight stay in Yala.

Kithala Resort or similar (3*), Thaulle Resort or similar (4*), Jetwing Yala or similar (5*)

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

Travel to Mirissa and relax

Travel to the laid-back coastal town of Mirissa (Approx. 02 to 03 hrs. drive), a tropical paradise famed for its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. Upon arrival, check in to your beachfront hotel and take the rest of the day to relax at leisure. You may choose to unwind by the pool, stroll along the shoreline, or simply soak up the sun with the rhythmic sound of the waves as your backdrop. For those who wish, Mirissa also offers charming beach cafés and bars where you can enjoy refreshing drinks while watching the sunset paint the horizon in shades of orange and pink.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

22 Weligama or similar (3*), W15 Weligama or similar (4*), Weligama Bay Resort or similar (5*)

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

Enjoy the whale watching tour and rest of the day at leisure

Embark on an early morning whale watching tour (operational from November to April only), setting out into the deep waters off the southern coast, one of the world’s best locations to spot the majestic blue whale, the largest animal on earth. Keep your eyes peeled for sperm whales, playful spinner dolphins, and the occasional sea turtle gliding through the waves. As the sun rises over the Indian Ocean, the crisp sea breeze and panoramic views add to this unforgettable marine adventure. After returning to shore, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then spend the rest of the day at leisure — whether that means lounging on the pristine sands of Mirissa Beach, swimming in the turquoise waters, indulging in fresh seafood at a local café, or simply relaxing and enjoying the hotel’s amenities.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

22 Weligama or similar (3*), W15 Weligama or similar (4*), Weligama Bay Resort or similar (5*)

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

Departure transfer Colombo International Airport

After breakfast, check out (standard check-out time is 1200 hrs. - noon) from your hotel and bid farewell to the golden shores of Bentota. You will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (Approx. 1.5 to 02 hrs. drive) in time for your onward flight.

No Accommodation on this day.

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