Scenic Highlands & Coastal Adventures
Scenic Highlands & Coastal Adventures
Duration : 13D 12N
Experience the best of Sri Lanka’s misty highlands and sun-kissed coastlines with this thoughtfully curated journey. Designed for travellers who appreciate both natural beauty and cultural experiences, this itinerary combines scenic train rides, tea plantations, breathtaking viewpoints, historic towns, and coastal adventures. From whale watching and river safaris to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites and colonial forts, each day is crafted to balance exploration, leisure, and immersive encounters with Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and heritage.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Leisure Evening
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your private guide and driver. Transfer to your beachfront resort in Negombo and spend the evening unwinding after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Negombo Lagoon or relax by the beach and take in the sunset. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02: Drive to Kandy / Temple of the Tooth / Cultural Performance
Travel to the hill city of Kandy, passing lush landscapes and scenic highland views. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites, and witness daily rituals. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural performance showcasing music and dance. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 03: Royal Botanic Gardens Kandy / Local Market Visit
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, famous for its collection of orchids, palms, and other exotic plants. Afterward, visit a local Kandy market to experience vibrant colors, spices, handicrafts, and the daily life of locals. Take time to stroll through streets lined with shops and cafés. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 04: Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya / Tea Plantation Visit
Take the scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, often described as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Marvel at rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and endless tea plantations. Upon arrival, visit a tea estate and factory to learn about cultivation, processing, and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05: Horton Plains National Park Hike / World’s End Viewpoint
Embark on a morning hike through Horton Plains National Park, exploring cloud forests, endemic flora, and fauna. Visit the dramatic World’s End cliff, offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains below, and Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall along the trail. Return to Nuwara Eliya for leisure in the afternoon. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 06: Drive to Haputale / Visit Lipton’s Seat / Explore Scenic Highlands
Travel to Haputale, a serene town surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations. Visit Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint once favored by Sir Thomas Lipton, to enjoy sweeping vistas of tea estates and valleys. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic highlands, observing local life and the beauty of rolling green landscapes. Overnight in Haputale.
Day 07: Bawa-inspired Architecture Tour / Visit Adisham Monastery
Discover Bawa-inspired architecture in Haputale and the surrounding areas, learning about the legendary architect’s influence on modern Sri Lankan design. Visit Adisham Monastery, a Benedictine monastery set amidst lush greenery, and explore its colonial architecture, gardens, and serene ambience. Overnight in Haputale.
Day 08: Drive to Mirissa via Ella / Scenic Viewpoints and Attractions in Ella
Travel to Mirissa, stopping in Ella to visit famous viewpoints, including Ella Gap, Nine Arches Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and rolling tea plantations, taking photographs and soaking in the natural beauty. Continue to Mirissa for beachside leisure. Overnight in Mirissa.
Day 09: Early Morning Whale Watching in Mirissa / Drive to Galle / Explore Galle Fort
Start the day with an early morning whale-watching excursion in Mirissa, spotting dolphins and blue whales in their natural habitat. Afterward, travel to Galle and explore the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort, walking along ramparts, cobbled streets, and colonial buildings. Enjoy time at boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. Overnight in Galle.
Day 10: Madu River Safari / Transfer to Bentota / Beach Relaxation
Embark on a scenic Madu River safari, exploring mangroves, small islands, and local fishing communities. Spot birds and wildlife along the riverbanks while learning about local ecology and livelihoods. Transfer to Bentota for beach relaxation at your coastal resort. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 11: Water Sports / Optional Dolphin Watching
Spend a full day enjoying water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. Optionally, embark on a dolphin-watching excursion along the Bentota coast. Relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and resort amenities. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 12: Leisure / Relaxation at Coastal Resort
Enjoy a full day of leisure at your resort. Unwind on the beach, indulge in spa treatments, or take a short excursion to explore nearby attractions. Reflect on your journey through Sri Lanka’s highlands and coastlines. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 13: Transfer to Colombo / Optional Visit to Bawa-inspired Building or Gallery / Airport Transfer
Return to Colombo for a final city visit. Optionally explore a Bawa-inspired building or gallery to appreciate architectural heritage and art. Conclude your journey with a transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure, carrying memories of highland vistas, coastal beauty, and cultural discoveries.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Leisure Evening
Arrive at Colombo International Airport and meet your private guide and driver. Transfer to your beachfront resort in Negombo and spend the evening unwinding after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Negombo Lagoon or relax by the beach and take in the sunset. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02: Drive to Kandy / Temple of the Tooth / Cultural Performance
Travel to the hill city of Kandy, passing lush landscapes and scenic highland views. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites, and witness daily rituals. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural performance showcasing music and dance. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 03: Royal Botanic Gardens Kandy / Local Market Visit
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, famous for its collection of orchids, palms, and other exotic plants. Afterward, visit a local Kandy market to experience vibrant colors, spices, handicrafts, and the daily life of locals. Take time to stroll through streets lined with shops and cafés. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 04: Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya / Tea Plantation Visit
Take the scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, often described as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Marvel at rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and endless tea plantations. Upon arrival, visit a tea estate and factory to learn about cultivation, processing, and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05: Horton Plains National Park Hike / World’s End Viewpoint
Embark on a morning hike through Horton Plains National Park, exploring cloud forests, endemic flora, and fauna. Visit the dramatic World’s End cliff, offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains below, and Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall along the trail. Return to Nuwara Eliya for leisure in the afternoon. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 06: Drive to Haputale / Visit Lipton’s Seat / Explore Scenic Highlands
Travel to Haputale, a serene town surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations. Visit Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint once favored by Sir Thomas Lipton, to enjoy sweeping vistas of tea estates and valleys. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic highlands, observing local life and the beauty of rolling green landscapes. Overnight in Haputale.
Day 07: Bawa-inspired Architecture Tour / Visit Adisham Monastery
Discover Bawa-inspired architecture in Haputale and the surrounding areas, learning about the legendary architect’s influence on modern Sri Lankan design. Visit Adisham Monastery, a Benedictine monastery set amidst lush greenery, and explore its colonial architecture, gardens, and serene ambience. Overnight in Haputale.
Day 08: Drive to Mirissa via Ella / Scenic Viewpoints and Attractions in Ella
Travel to Mirissa, stopping in Ella to visit famous viewpoints, including Ella Gap, Nine Arches Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and rolling tea plantations, taking photographs and soaking in the natural beauty. Continue to Mirissa for beachside leisure. Overnight in Mirissa.
Day 09: Early Morning Whale Watching in Mirissa / Drive to Galle / Explore Galle Fort
Start the day with an early morning whale-watching excursion in Mirissa, spotting dolphins and blue whales in their natural habitat. Afterward, travel to Galle and explore the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort, walking along ramparts, cobbled streets, and colonial buildings. Enjoy time at boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. Overnight in Galle.
Day 10: Madu River Safari / Transfer to Bentota / Beach Relaxation
Embark on a scenic Madu River safari, exploring mangroves, small islands, and local fishing communities. Spot birds and wildlife along the riverbanks while learning about local ecology and livelihoods. Transfer to Bentota for beach relaxation at your coastal resort. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 11: Water Sports / Optional Dolphin Watching
Spend a full day enjoying water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. Optionally, embark on a dolphin-watching excursion along the Bentota coast. Relax and enjoy the pristine beaches and resort amenities. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 12: Leisure / Relaxation at Coastal Resort
Enjoy a full day of leisure at your resort. Unwind on the beach, indulge in spa treatments, or take a short excursion to explore nearby attractions. Reflect on your journey through Sri Lanka’s highlands and coastlines. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 13: Transfer to Colombo / Optional Visit to Bawa-inspired Building or Gallery / Airport Transfer
Return to Colombo for a final city visit. Optionally explore a Bawa-inspired building or gallery to appreciate architectural heritage and art. Conclude your journey with a transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure, carrying memories of highland vistas, coastal beauty, and cultural discoveries.
