The Grand Heritage & Highlands Journey
The Grand Heritage & Highlands Journey
Duration: 13N 14D
Embark on a fourteen-day journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural, natural, and coastal wonders. This itinerary blends heritage sites, misty highlands, wildlife safaris, and coastal adventures, offering a complete and immersive experience of the island. Each day is carefully designed to balance exploration, relaxation, and meaningful encounters with local culture.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Overnight in Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and meet your private driver for a short transfer to Negombo, approximately 20–30 minutes. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beaches or exploring the Negombo Lagoon and local fish markets. Enjoy a calm evening settling into your hotel, preparing for the adventures ahead. Overnight stay is arranged in Negombo at a comfortable beachfront or lagoon-side hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Evening Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress / Overnight in Sigiriya
After breakfast, embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Sigiriya, passing through lush countryside and small villages. Arrive in the late afternoon and climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring its frescoes, water gardens, and summit views. The climb is timed to allow for cooler temperatures and a stunning sunset from the top. Overnight stay is arranged in Sigiriya, providing proximity to the cultural site.
Day 03: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Exploration / Overnight in Sigiriya
Drive approximately one hour to Polonnaruwa for a guided tour of the ancient city, including the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara rock temple, and Parakrama Samudra. Learn about the city’s urban planning, architectural achievements, and historical significance. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring nearby villages. Overnight stay remains in Sigiriya.
Day 04: Dambulla Cave Temple / Drive to Kandy / Evening Cultural Show / Overnight in Kandy
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple in the morning to explore its five caves adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues and murals. Afterward, drive approximately three hours to Kandy, passing scenic highlands and rural landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performance showcasing local artistry. Overnight stay is arranged in Kandy, offering comfort and easy access to cultural sites.
Day 05: Temple of the Tooth / Peradeniya Gardens / Overnight in Kandy
Begin the day with a guided visit to the Temple of the Tooth, observing rituals and learning about its spiritual significance. Later, explore Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its orchids, giant palms, and medicinal plants. Spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring Kandy’s markets and colonial architecture. Overnight stay remains in Kandy.
Day 06: Scenic Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya / Leisure in Town / Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Board a scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing misty mountains, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Upon arrival, explore the town’s colonial-era architecture, Gregory Lake, and local markets. Evening is at leisure to enjoy the highland atmosphere or optional spa treatments. Overnight stay is arranged in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 07: Horton Plains National Park / World’s End Hike / Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Depart early for Horton Plains National Park and embark on a guided hike to World’s End, a cliff offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains. Explore misty grasslands, cloud forests, and Baker’s Falls, observing endemic birds and wildlife. Return to Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon for leisure or optional tea plantation walks. Overnight stay remains in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 08: Drive to Ella / Visit Ravana Falls & Nine Arches Bridge / Overnight in Ella
Drive approximately two hours to Ella, stopping at Ravana Falls to enjoy the cascading waters and scenic surroundings. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era railway bridge set among lush greenery. Evening is free for exploring the town or enjoying local cafés. Overnight stay is arranged in Ella.
Day 09: Little Adam’s Peak Hike / Village Immersion / Overnight in Ella
Begin the morning with a hike up Little Adam’s Peak, taking in panoramic views of Ella’s valleys, tea estates, and surrounding mountains. Spend the afternoon on a village immersion experience, visiting local farms and interacting with residents to learn about rural life. Evening at leisure allows relaxation or exploration of the town. Overnight stay remains in Ella.
Day 10: Drive to Udawalawe / Evening Safari / Overnight in Udawalawe
After breakfast, drive approximately four hours to Udawalawe National Park, passing scenic landscapes along the way. Embark on an evening safari to spot elephants, water buffalo, deer, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Overnight stay is arranged near Udawalawe for easy access to morning and evening safaris.
Day 11: Morning Safari / Drive to Galle / Explore Galle Fort / Overnight in Galle
Start the day with a morning safari in Udawalawe to maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy the park in soft morning light. Afterward, drive approximately four hours to Galle on the southern coast. Explore Galle Fort, walking along cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, lighthouses, and artisan shops. Overnight stay is arranged in Galle or a nearby coastal hotel.
Day 12: Leisure on Southern Beaches / Overnight in Mirissa
Transfer to Mirissa, a picturesque beach town, and spend the day relaxing on golden sands. Optional activities include swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery. Evening at leisure allows for dining at beachfront restaurants or watching the sunset. Overnight stay is arranged in Mirissa.
Day 13: Whale Watching Experience / Overnight in Mirissa
Embark on a guided whale and dolphin watching excursion, observing blue whales, sperm whales, and playful dolphins in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy marine education from expert guides and photography opportunities of the animals and coastal landscapes. Evening is at leisure to relax or enjoy local seafood specialties. Overnight stay remains in Mirissa.
Day 14: Drive to Colombo / City Exploration / Airport Transfer
After breakfast, drive approximately three to four hours to Colombo. Explore city highlights including Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, and Pettah Market with a professional guide. Finally, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight, concluding a journey filled with heritage, nature, and coastal adventures.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 13 nights with daily breakfast as specified in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned transport with a driver throughout the journey
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa Ancient City, Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Horton Plains National Park, Ravana Falls, Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Udawalawe National Park, Galle Fort
- Guided evening cultural show in Kandy
- Train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (standard class or as specified)
- Evening and morning safaris in Udawalawe National Park
- Whale and dolphin watching tour in Mirissa
- Village immersion experiences in Ella and Sigiriya
Exclusions
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, laundry, or phone calls
- Optional activities not listed under inclusions (e.g., spa treatments, snorkeling, swimming, or other water sports)
- Domestic flights, visa fees, or travel insurance
- Any additional services or excursions not mentioned under inclusions