16 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered & The Historical North

Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), make your own way to your accommodation, which is situated on the out-skirts of Colombo. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

This morning after breakfast, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting and brief of the day's activities.We will then take some time to explore Colombo, a city with a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls.We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This museum takes visitors through Sri Lankan history, housed in a neo-Baroque building constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877. Exhibits are dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms, with informational display boards providing insights such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.You will arrive at your hotel in Kalutara during the afternoon, with the evening at leisure.Inspiring HighlightsColombo National MuseumSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.Please note that the Colombo National Museum will be closed every Monday for maintenance starting September 1, 2025. As an alternative, Polonnaruwa Museum will be visited instead.Please note that the Tangerine Hotel's main restaurant is closed for renovations from 15th May to late October 2026. Guests will be accommodated in one of the hotel's two other restaurants, with table allocation based on occupancy.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the charming town of Balapitiya, where you'll embark on a scenic boat ride along the Madu River. The river is home to 64 islands, and one notable stop is Cinnamon Island, known locally as “Kurundu Doowa.” During your visit, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the process of cinnamon production, as Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer of pure cinnamon! Next, head to the historic Galle Fort, renowned for its impressive fortifications. This city beautifully blends the past with the present. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Galle Fort showcases the architectural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, making it a captivating place to explore. Afterward, return to your hotel.Inspiring Highlights Madu River Galle Fort Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast we leave for Yala National Park. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, set out on a guided game drive exploring the wildlife and plant life of Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is a place where you may sight the rare leopard. The game drive takes place in the late afternoon, returning around sunset, which is an optimal time for animal viewing. Inspiring Highlights Yala National Park Special Information Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September and October under the direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1 to 2 months prior to departure. During this time Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including the game drive.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave for Haputale. En route we stop in Ella, before continuing to Nine Arch Bridge, also called the Bridge in the Sky. This is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase in tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the greenery of the nearby hillsides. Continue on to your hotel in Haputale, where you will arrive this evening. Inspiring Highlights Nine Arch Bridge Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel in the hilly surrounds of Haputale. This afternoon, transfer to Ella Railway Station to board the scenic train back to Haputale. The journey takes you through tea country, with views of rolling hills, waterfalls and plantations along the way. Return to your hotel this evening. Inspiring Highlights Scenic Train Journey Special Information It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation in advance, as Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based on availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we will conduct the route by road. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, we leave Haputale and head to Nuwara Eliya. The drive takes in tea country views and waterfalls along the way. On arrival, visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, from the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation, through to being processed in the factory to make a cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is a good place to purchase quality tea. Return to your hotel this evening. Inspiring Highlights Tea Plantation Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast we leave for Kandy. The route passes tea country and waterfalls. On arrival in Kandy, enjoy a city tour. Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 to 1815 AD), was originally known as Senkadagala. Kandy was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilisation at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (visit at own expense) and the preserved ruins of the royal palaces. This evening, attend a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance before returning to the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Kandy City Tour Cultural Performance Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high. We'll proceed with a visit to the Spice Garden in Matale before heading to Sigiriya Jungles Resort, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships. Inspiring Highlights Dambulla Cave Spice Garden Minneriya National Park Special Information Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Kaudualla or Eco Park on this day instead, pending elephant locations. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including Jeep Safari.

You will have an early start today to commence the day's sightseeing. Proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 to 498 AD). Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this citadel draws artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. Return to the hotel before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation and enjoy a Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 to 1235 AD). After an insightful day on the road, you will reach your hotel at approximately 7pm. We suggest dinner at your hotel or somewhere nearby to ensure a restful night ahead. Inspiring Highlights Sigiriya Rock Cooking Demonstration Polonnaruwa City Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning after breakfast we will begin our drive to Trincomalee, a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. On the way, we will visit Fort Frederick & Koneswaram Temple. Fort Frederick was built by Portuguese settlers in 1623. It was captured by the Dutch in 1639 and later on by British troops in 1795. Koneswaram Temple is located inside the fort and on top of Swam rock and it is a highly venerated Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. Upon arrival we will check-in and enjoy an evening at leisure to start exploring Trincomalee - one of Sri Lanka's coastal gems. Inspiring Highlights Fort Frederick Koneswaram Temple Trincomalee Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. On your departure from Sigiriya you will say goodbye to your tour leader, and some of your group who will not be continuing onwards to the North with you. You will be met by a new tour leader, or depending on group size, you may change from your tour leader to a local guide. Local guides are frequently native to the area, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

This morning is free for you to sleep in or enjoy your resort's coastal setting & its facilities. Later in the afternoon, follow your local guide on a city tour of Trincomalee. Inspiring Highlights Trincomalee Special Information Alternatively in the morning, you may want to take an optional boat tour to Pigeon Island (can be booked on tour, approximately a 15 minute boat ride), renowned for its peaceful beach and idyllic snorkelling.

Today after breakfast, we will be departing Trincomaleeand transferring to the city of Anuradhapura. Upon arrival we'll check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. The highlight of today will be a visit to the magnificent Anuradhapura ruins. Among the ruins you'll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about. Later on, continue to Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. Locals believe this site of a meeting point between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, who instigated Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Spend the evening at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Anuradhapura ruins Sacred Old Bo Tree Mihintale

After breakfast, we drive 170 km south to our next destination: Negombo. We arrive in the early afternoon and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—take a stroll along the beach or relax by the pool and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka. A late checkout until 8pm is available if required. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Colombo airport to board your flight home.Special InformationDeparture airport transfers are included as part of your package.If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.