Elephants, Beaches and Emerald Fields
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 – Fishing boats in Negombo
The modest beach town of Negombo on Sri Lanka’s palm-fringed west coast is just 20 minutes from Colombo International Airport. It’s the perfect spot to begin your Sri Lanka holiday in a relaxed way. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to take a stroll and explore your surroundings. The following day, you’ll get to know Negombo and the local fishing community on a boat trip on the lagoon.
Day 3 – Head into the cultural triangle
Now you’ve settled into the pace of life it’s time to head inland towards Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’. After a few hours drive you’ll see Sigiriya Rock rising dramatically from the green landscape. This is where the palace of King Kasyapa once stood. It’s a steep climb to the top of the rock but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. Then continue onto your hotel near Polonnaruwa.
Did you know...the best way to see Sigiriya is actually from the top of nearby Pidurangala Rock. From here you get a panoramic view of Sigiriya rising from the jungle. The hike isn’t easy – as you get closer to the summit you need to scramble over a few rocks – but it’s shorter and there are fewer visitors climbing Pidurangala. Let your travel specialist know if this is your preference. You can also decide on the day.
Day 4 – Cycle through the ancient kingdom & spot wildlife in Minneriya National Park
This morning you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa by bike. The town was once the capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and there are many interesting relics leftover from this period. After you’ve pedalled your way through the ancient ruins, it’s time for lunch in a small authentic restaurant.
To avoid you becoming templed out, in the afternoon, you’ll head into nearby Minneriya National Park on a jeep safari. The park is home to large herds of wild elephants, which are easy to spot and observe, due to the wide, open landscape. Between the drier months of June and September in particular, hundreds of elephants can be seen gathering around the park’s lakes in search of water.
Day 5 – Ella’s emerald valleys
After breakfast depart Polonnaruwa and travel through lush countryside to Sri Lanka’s hill country. Your destination is the popular, small town of Ella, known for its breathtaking mountain views and endless rolling hills. It’s a beautiful place for nature lovers and hikers. If you’d like to experience a train journey, the section between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is one of the most picturesque in the country. We can incorporate the train into today’s journey – just ask your Travel Specialist.
Day 6 – Explore on foot
This morning you’ll wake up to the endless mountain views that surround you. We’ve left your time in Ella free for you to explore independently, but there are many walking trails in the area and we’d recommend lacing up your walking boots and heading out on foot to explore. You could take a gentle trek to Little Adam’s Peak, passing through tea plantations and small villages. Or for something more challenging it’s a four hour hike to Ella Rock.
Optional experiences in Ella
If you’re up for an adventure, we can also arrange an exhilarating ziplining experience. You’ll start at mini Adam’s Peak and fly over tea estates and lush greenery overlooking the famous Ella Gap. The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre, slides at 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.
Or if you’d prefer to explore on two wheels we can book a mountain bike experience. With your guide leading the way, you’ll cycle through breathtaking (and sometimes slightly challenging) landscapes, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and lookout points with panoramic views. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Ella’s highlights, such as the famous Nine Arches Bridge and a tea factory. After an active day, you can treat the family to a refreshing juice in the village.
If either of these sound like fun, ask your Travel Specialist to include them in your travel plan.
Days 7-9 – Beach time in Arugam Bay
It’s time to head to the east coast for some R&R time on the beach. Your destination for the next few days is the small village of Arugam Bay, with its sun-kissed beaches and seriously good surf. For those looking to hit the waves, we’ve included a 90-minute surf lesson in your stay and all levels of capability are catered for. If this sounds a little too active, relax in a hammock under the palm trees or beside the pool.
Day 10 – Wildlife encounters in Udawalawe National Park
Next, you’ll drive towards Udawalawe National Park stopping off en route at the Elephant Transit Home where injured and orphaned elephant calves are cared for. You’ll visit around feeding time and watch as the young elephants wait patiently at the gate and jostle for position for the first sip of milk.
Udawalawe is home to hundreds of Asian elephants so you’re (almost) guaranteed a sighting as the herds roam across the flat grasslands. Besides elephant the park is home to sambar deer, monkeys, water buffalo and various species of bird. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera at hand as you take a jeep safari through the park. After an exciting afternoon, you’ll leave the park and drive the short distance to a comfortable hotel with a pool where you’ll be spending the night.
Day 11 – Colonial Galle
After breakfast, depart Udawalawe and head to the southern coastal city of Galle. This beautifully preserved colonial town is known for its Dutch, Portuguese and British heritage. You will stay in a charming colonial-style hotel right in the heart of the old quarter, with cafes and restaurants on your doorstep. The rest of your day is free to explore independently. It’s a compact town so you can easily visit the highlights of the city on foot. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Fort, talk a walk over the city walls and stop at the lighthouse.
Day 12 – Cooking class
Today you’ll enjoy a two-hour Sri Lankan cooking class in the heart of Galle Fort. Under the watchful eye of a local chef you will learn to make several traditional dishes. At the end of the class you’ll sit down with your fellow amateur chefs and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Choose from an 11am start for lunch or a 4pm start for dinner and come with an appetite!
If cooking’s not your thing we can swap the cooking class for a unique walking tour of Galle. Your charismatic guide is something of a local legend and will share stories about Galle’s heritage and traditions as you walk. If there’s anything in particular you would like him to focus on, just ask, as he can personalise the tour for your interests. Let your Travel Specialist know if you’d like to include this in your Travel Plan.
Day 13 – Depart from Colombo
Have a final potter around Galle before your driver collects you for the drive to Colombo airport. It’s an easy 2 hour journey along the Southern Express Way and we’ll time the transfer to coincide with your international flight back to the UK. We haven’t included any time in Colombo but if you’d like to spend a night or two exploring Sri Lanka’s capital city, just ask your Travel Specialist to include it in your travel plan.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Elephants, Beaches & Emerald Fields - In Style
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative accommodation options available. Our In Style options are more comfortable, they may offer something unique or extra special – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
