Classic Sri Lanka with Udawalawe & Bentota

Day 1  Fly to Colombo    

Day 2  Negombo          
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Colombo airport transfer to your hotel in nearby Negombo.          

Day 3  Negombo to the Cultural Triangle          
Depart Negombo and drive to the Cultural Triangle, your base for the next three nights. If you don’t mind an early start, pay a visit to the fish market in Negombo before you leave where you can see local fisherman selling the catch of the day. Ask your Trailfinders travel consultant to add this experience.          

Day 4  Polonnaruwa          
Visit the former capital of Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th Centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of its ancient Royal Palace and temples before spending an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5  Sigiriya & Minneriya NP      
Start the day at Sigiriya or ‘Lion Rock’, an impressive rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike to the top is fairly strenuous but worthwhile to see rock frescoes, the ruins of the 5th Century palace and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Later, drive to Minneriya National Park for a game drive.          

Day 6  Cultural Triangle to Kandy
Head first to the Dambulla cave temples, a complex of five caves filled with Buddha images and statues, reached by a hike to the top of a sloping rock. Continue to the hill country capital of Kandy, with a stop at a spice garden en route.        

Day 7  Kandy          
Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the Kandy War Cemetery then head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens located outside the town for a leisurely stroll. Return to your hotel to unwind and later enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.  

Day 8  Kandy to Nuwara Eliya      
Today travel on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Pass by emerald-hued tea plantations as you wind your way to Nanu Oya station before transferring by road to your hotel.  

Day 9  Nuwara Eliya        
Enjoy a full day in the heart of the tea producing region. Relax and soak up the surroundings or opt to explore this stunning region by bicycle or on a hike.  

Days 10-11  Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe NP          
Head south to Udawalawe and check into your hotel. The next day, visit the Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned elephants. Observe feeding time, and afterwards enjoy an afternoon game drive.        

Days 12-14  Udawalawe NP to Bentota          
Continue to the coastal town of Bentota on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, stopping en route at Sinharaja Forest Reserve and embark on a guided rainforest trek.  

Days 15-16  Transfer to Colombo and fly home