Safari & Scenic Highlands
Heritage and Coastal Fusion
Duration : 9D 8N
Experience the perfect blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural heritage with our Safari and Scenic Highlands journey. This itinerary offers a balance of thrilling safaris, scenic highland landscapes, historic temples, and relaxing beachside moments. Travellers will explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, wander through colonial towns and lush tea plantations, hike through misty mountains, and encounter Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife. Designed for general travellers seeking comfort, adventure, and cultural insight, this package delivers an unforgettable taste of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and experiences.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Leisure Evening
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your private guide and driver. Transfer to Negombo, a coastal town famous for its lagoon, golden beaches, and colonial heritage. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or strolling along the lagoon, observing local fishermen at work. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your resort and unwind after your journey. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Explore Ancient City of Sigiriya / Evening Village Walk
Travel to Sigiriya, passing through scenic countryside dotted with small villages and paddy fields. Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb to the top to admire frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views. In the evening, take a guided walk through a nearby village to interact with locals, experience traditional lifestyles, and observe rural Sri Lankan life. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 03: Morning Safari at Minneriya National Park / Dambulla Cave Temple Visit
Start the day with an exciting morning safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. Observe elephants grazing, bathing in waterholes, and interacting in their natural habitat. After the safari, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals depicting Buddhist legends. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 04: Drive to Kandy / Temple of the Tooth / Cultural Performance
Travel to the hill city of Kandy, passing scenic landscapes and lush plantations. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites. Observe traditional rituals and explore the temple complex with your guide. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Kandyan dance and music. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 05: Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya / Tea Plantation Visit
Take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, often regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Enjoy views of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and lush tea plantations along the route. Upon arrival, visit a tea estate and factory to learn about tea cultivation and processing, and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 06: Horton Plains National Park Hike / Relaxation
Embark on a morning hike in Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve with unique flora and fauna. Visit World’s End, a dramatic cliff offering breathtaking panoramic views, and Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall along the trail. Return to Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon for leisure, enjoying the cool climate and serene surroundings. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 07: Drive to Ella / Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge
Travel to the charming town of Ella, known for its stunning highland landscapes. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of tea plantations, valleys, and mountains. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a remarkable colonial-era railway viaduct set amidst lush greenery. Take time to explore the town and its laid-back atmosphere. Overnight in Ella.
Day 08: Transfer to Bentota / Beach Leisure
Drive to Bentota on the southern coast, a resort town famed for its beaches and watersports. Spend the day at leisure, relaxing on the sand, swimming in the turquoise waters, or enjoying resort amenities. Optional activities include jet skiing, snorkeling, or exploring the nearby lagoon. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 09: Transfer to Colombo / City Highlights / Airport Transfer
Return to Colombo for a city highlights tour, visiting landmarks, cultural sites, and vibrant markets. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy time for last-minute shopping or a final stroll along the streets of Colombo. Conclude the journey with a transfer to the airport for your departure.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Leisure Evening
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your private guide and driver. Transfer to Negombo, a coastal town famous for its lagoon, golden beaches, and colonial heritage. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or strolling along the lagoon, observing local fishermen at work. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your resort and unwind after your journey. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Explore Ancient City of Sigiriya / Evening Village Walk
Travel to Sigiriya, passing through scenic countryside dotted with small villages and paddy fields. Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb to the top to admire frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views. In the evening, take a guided walk through a nearby village to interact with locals, experience traditional lifestyles, and observe rural Sri Lankan life. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 03: Morning Safari at Minneriya National Park / Dambulla Cave Temple Visit
Start the day with an exciting morning safari at Minneriya National Park, famous for large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. Observe elephants grazing, bathing in waterholes, and interacting in their natural habitat. After the safari, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals depicting Buddhist legends. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 04: Drive to Kandy / Temple of the Tooth / Cultural Performance
Travel to the hill city of Kandy, passing scenic landscapes and lush plantations. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites. Observe traditional rituals and explore the temple complex with your guide. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing Kandyan dance and music. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 05: Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya / Tea Plantation Visit
Take a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, often regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Enjoy views of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and lush tea plantations along the route. Upon arrival, visit a tea estate and factory to learn about tea cultivation and processing, and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 06: Horton Plains National Park Hike / Relaxation
Embark on a morning hike in Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve with unique flora and fauna. Visit World’s End, a dramatic cliff offering breathtaking panoramic views, and Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall along the trail. Return to Nuwara Eliya in the afternoon for leisure, enjoying the cool climate and serene surroundings. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 07: Drive to Ella / Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge
Travel to the charming town of Ella, known for its stunning highland landscapes. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of tea plantations, valleys, and mountains. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a remarkable colonial-era railway viaduct set amidst lush greenery. Take time to explore the town and its laid-back atmosphere. Overnight in Ella.
Day 08: Transfer to Bentota / Beach Leisure
Drive to Bentota on the southern coast, a resort town famed for its beaches and watersports. Spend the day at leisure, relaxing on the sand, swimming in the turquoise waters, or enjoying resort amenities. Optional activities include jet skiing, snorkeling, or exploring the nearby lagoon. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 09: Transfer to Colombo / City Highlights / Airport Transfer
Return to Colombo for a city highlights tour, visiting landmarks, cultural sites, and vibrant markets. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy time for last-minute shopping or a final stroll along the streets of Colombo. Conclude the journey with a transfer to the airport for your departure.
