Sri Lanka Uncovered
Itinerary
- Itinerary:Colombo - Negombo - Kalpitiya - Jaffna - Ancient Capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - Gal Oya National Park - Knuckles Range - Colombo
- Duration:15 days / 14 nights (flexible)
- Price:From £ 2,690.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-3 – Amble along Negombo’s canals
Today you’ll arrive in Negombo, a modest beach town on the palm-fringed west coast, not far from Colombo. During your time in Negombo, you’ll stay in an elegant villa with a swimming pool and gardens. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please; why not relax by the pool with a good book or take a stroll along the beach. The following day, you can soak up the sights and sounds of the town with your driver. Explore the fascinating colonial history, wander through the vibrant bazaar and watch the fishermen bring in their morning catch at the market.
Days 3-5 – Dolphins and a mangrove lagoon
Today, you will leave charming Negombo and journey up the West Coast towards Kalpitiya peninsula. You’ll travel by private car with an experienced driver past endless coconut plantations. The journey will take about 3 hours.
Known for its peaceful beaches and wildlife-rich lagoon, Kalpitiya is a nature lover’s paradise. During your time here you’ll head out onto the lagoon by boat, taking in the the lush greenery, surrounding mangroves and colourful birdlife. You’ll be sleeping next to an idyllic beach on Sri Lanka’s western coast, and on day 2 you’ll wake early to head out dolphin-spotting around Dutch Bay.
Days 6-8 – Colours of Jaffna
Next, you’ll travel from Kalpitiya towards Anuradapura, a journey of about 3 hours. Here you’ll spend the night in a cosy hotel and have a little time to wander around the temples. The next day you’ll journey north with your driver to the city of Jaffna. This onward journey should take another 3.5 hours.
Only opened up to tourists in recent years, the northern city of Jaffna is a melting pot of cultures, religions and cuisines. Cycle around the battered ramparts of Jaffna Fort, learn about the traditional way of farming and be welcomed into a local home for lunch. With a distinctive culture all of its own, Jaffna is sure to leave you enchanted.
Days 8-10 – Temples in Buddha’s garden
Next, you’ll travel from Jaffna with your driver by private car to Polonnaruwa. The journey will take around 7 hours including stops.
From crumbling ruins to majestic elephants, this trip will take you on a discovery of Sri Lanka’s fascinating Cultural Triangle. Your journey will begin by climbing Sigiriya’s mighty rock fortress, before you arrive at Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time as you wander, and cycle around the ancient stone city. This ancient capital is also famous for its delightful restaurants, farmers’ markets and numerous food stalls, and you’ll have plenty of time to taste all the local delicacies. You’ll spend 2 nights at a lakeside hotel, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the area.
Days 10-12 – Wild elephants & emerald lakes
Today you will leave the ancient sites behind and travel off the beaten track to one of the lesser known national parks of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya. The drive will take about 3 hours.
Gal Oya is a real treat for the wildlife lovers who want to venture off the beaten path. Set on the shores of the largest lake in Sri Lanka, this undiscovered paradise teeming with wildlife will give you a proper feel of the untouched jungle. Your home for the next couple of days is a charming eco-lodge with a pool to cool down at – check out the views from your very own terrace! During your stay, you will embark on a boat trip across the lake to spot the wildlife that call this park home. If you are extremely lucky you may even see wild elephants swimming between the islands or bathing by the shores.
Days 12-14 – Unwind in misty mountains
Next, your driver will take you right into the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, the Knuckles Range. You will reach your secluded accommodation in 4,5 hours.
It’s time to discover the soul of Sri Lanka’s hill country – the gorgeous Knuckles Range. Your home for the next few days is a beautiful lodge perched on the edge of the hill, with emerald-green tea plantations stretching as far as you can see. During your stay here, you will visit the local community and enjoy a warm traditional welcome from the host family who will invite you into their home and tell you about their life over a cup of freshly brewed tea.
Days 14-15 – Just one more thing…in Colombo!
Next, its time to travel back to Colombo and the journey time today is around 5 hours.
The time has come to explore the colonial capital of Sri Lanka. With its strategic location on the east-west trade route, Colombo has grown into a vibrant capital city with a mix of modern life and colonial buildings from the English, Portuguese and Dutch periods. During this trip, you’ll enjoy a city tour, Sri Lanka style, in one of the colourful tuk-tuks and spend the night in a stylish hotel in Colombo. The city itself probably won’t be the highlight of your holiday, but it’s an interesting and convenient way to end your Sri Lankan adventure if you’re flying early the following day.
It’s time to wave goodbye to the tear-drop island and your driver will take you to the airport in time for your international flight home.
