Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! Affectionately known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a total feast for the senses and we can’t wait to dive in headfirst. Separated from India by the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka boasts a rich history that spans centuries. Historically referred to as ‘Ceylon’, this beautiful tear-drop shaped island was officially named ‘Sri Lanka’ in 1972. Home to a rich blend of traditions and cultures, Sri Lanka has been carved by the diverse religions and ethnic groups that have thrived there for centuries. The best bit? These unique customs shift and change depending on where you are. So no matter where you go, there’s always something fascinating to discover. Our adventure guides us down the path less travelled to some of Sri Lanka’s more off-the-beaten-track locations. Following years of restoration and renewal in the country’s north, the region has emerged as a destination overflowing with unique and authentic cultural experiences unspoilt by mass tourism. We’re in for a real treat! We’ll arrive in Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo this evening, and transfer to our gorgeous hotel nestled by the beaches of Negombo.

Wake up and bask in the coastal-town-vibes of Negombo. Set alongside a picturesque lagoon and home to an impressive network of canals built during the Dutch colonial rule, Negombo was an important strategic outpost for the trade of cinnamon and has been governed at different times by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British empires. We have most of the day at leisure to rest up and refresh from our flight before our sightseeing commences in the early evening.

Special Experience

Cruise through the unique mangroves of the Muthurajawela Wetlands at sunset, before savouring dinner at a lagoon-side restaurant.

Said to be over 7,000 years old and covering over 3,000 hectares, Muthurajawela — also nicknamed the Royal Swamp of Pearls — is a key player in the Western Province ecosystem, and is Sri Lanka’s largest coastal saltwater wetland, rich in mangroves and wildlife. As we glide and navigate through the mangrove islands at sunset, keep an eye out for the various colourful bird, reptile and mammal species that call this wetland home — don’t forget to bring your fully charged camera!

To welcome us to Sri Lanka, we’ll be treated to a delicious dinner of traditional and local dishes, while we enjoy the opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers.

In the late morning, we’ll wave goodbye to coastal Negombo and journey north towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura. One of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and now the capital of the North Province, Anuradhapura is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed city renowned for its remarkable collection of ancient ruins, sacred temples, tranquil pools and towering dagobas. Dating back more than 2,000 years, Anuradhapura was the centre of Sri Lankan civilisation for over a millennium and remains one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country today. Set amongst sprawling archaeological ruins and lush greenery, the city is home to impressive monasteries, intricately carved stone carvings and sophisticated ancient irrigation systems that were considered engineering marvels of their time. It’s also where you’ll find the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to have been grown from a cutting of the very tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to soak up the magic of Anuradhapura or to simply kick back and relax. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Grab your cameras — this afternoon we’re heading out on an unforgettable safari through Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife reserve, Wilpattu National Park! Famous for its distinctive villus (natural lakes) scattered across dense dry forest, this remarkable landscape creates a thriving sanctuary for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive leopards, Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer and crocodiles, all moving through a mosaic of woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Birdlife is equally rich, with kingfishers, eagles and hornbills often spotted along the park’s forest edges and waterways. Its remote location and low visitor numbers also make for a quieter, more immersive safari experience. As we explore, stay alert for the incredible diversity of species that call this park home — from the rare Sri Lankan sloth bear and wild water buffalo to herds of elephants roaming freely across the landscape. And if we’re lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard blending seamlessly into the forest!

After a lovely breakfast this morning, we’ll jump aboard a local train that will take us to our next destination, Jaffna! Enjoy the beautifully scenic countryside as we pass through dry plains, lagoons and the narrow “Elephant Pass”, also known as the “Gateway to Jaffna,” which connects the peninsula to the mainland. Arriving in Jaffna in the early afternoon, we’re welcomed to a city that is considered the cultural heart of the Northern Province. Located on Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula, Jaffna has a rich and complex past, shaped by ancient Tamil kingdoms, colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch and British, and more recent civil conflict. Today, Jaffna stands as a resilient city, proudly preserving its unique heritage, traditions and strong sense of identity. This region feels distinctly different from the south, with its strong Tamil heritage, Hindu traditions, and unique flavours that draw inspiration largely from south India. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or further explore this beautiful city at your own pace. We’ll get together in the evening to enjoy a drink or two at our hotel’s panoramic bar, basking in the golden hues of an incredible sunset. Pure bliss! Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

On our agenda today is a full day sightseeing tour around the Jaffna Peninsula. We’ll begin with a visit to the Jaffna Market, a location bursting with colour and life. Here you can find unique souvenirs that are hard to find elsewhere in Sri Lanka — like products created from the Palmyrah tree — and vendors that are displaying fresh produce, dried fish, aromatic spices and other northern delicacies. We will then make our way to Jaffna Fort, a historic star-shaped fortification nestled nearby Jaffna Lagoon. It was built originally by Portuguese colonialists in 1619 during their invasion of the Jaffna Kingdom and was later captured by the Dutch in 1658 and expanded in 1792. It’s strategic coastal position makes it one of the best-preserved forts in Sri Lanka, and today you can wander along the fort’s walls, gateways and moats, and enjoy sweeping city views from its massive ramparts. We’ll also visit Jaffna Public Library, one of the most important cultural landmarks of the Tamil community, and the Jaffna Clock Tower, a historic colonial-era monument. Our lunch today is equal parts delicious and informative. We’ll be joining a local Jaffna family and enjoying traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. While dining with them, we will have the opportunity to better understand northern food, their unique traditions and how daily life operates. After, we’ll make our way to Kayts village on Velanai Island, just off the coast of the Jaffna Peninsula, for a brief insight into island life in the north. Here, we’ll see the Kayts Island Fort, which was once the location where Sri Lankan elephants were exported to India. We continue to the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the most significant Hindu temples in the region. Originally founded in 948 AD, the temple has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, with its current striking structure dating back to 1731. Known for its ornate architecture, golden accents, and vibrant rituals, it remains a powerful centre of devotion in Jaffna. To round off an excellent day, we head to the Rio Ice Cream parlour, a long-standing local institution known for its delicious ice cream creations. Is there a better way to finish a day of sightseeing?

Today we’re in for a cultural treat! Our eyes are set on visiting a small village where we’ll be immersed in a unique northern Sri Lankan experience — watching traditional Palmyrah “toddy tapping” in action. Here we’ll learn how fresh sap, known as toddy — a naturally fermented, mildly alcoholic palm drink — is collected by skilled climbers high in the Palmyrah trees. We will also see how it can be boiled down into “jaggery”, a rich, caramel-like palm sugar. It’ll provide insight into the cultural and economic importance of the Palmyrah palm, a species deeply woven into northern Sri Lanka’s identity. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch inspired by the flavours and traditions we’ve discovered throughout the experience. In the late afternoon, we’ll travel further north to the quaint town of Point Pedro and enjoy a photo stop at Sakkotai Cape, the northern-most point of the island. Expect pure serenity and gorgeous, white-sandy beach shores — don’t forget to bring along your camera! Returning to Jaffna, you’ll have the evening at leisure. Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Buckle up for a full travel day as we journey from Jaffna to Trincomalee, travelling through Sri Lanka’s eastern dry-zone region. Along the way, we pass through remote villages, stretches of farmland, and wide-open landscapes dotted with lagoons and scrub jungle, offering a glimpse into the island’s quieter rural life. It’s a chance to sit back, relax and watch the scenery slowly shift as we make our way toward the eastern coast. We’ll arrive in Trincomalee this afternoon, a beautiful port city on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast. This town boasts a tranquil, laid-back vibe, making for the perfect destination to truly relax. With over 2,500 years of recorded history, Trincomalee, has attracted seafarers, traders and pilgrims from all over the world since ancient times and is considered one of the oldest cities in Asia. In addition to its harbour — often described as the best in the world — it is also famous for its stunning beaches and epic marine activities, such as surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching! Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

The morning is at leisure to relax or explore more of Trincomalee at your own pace. You may wish to opt for one of two optional excursions today if you’re feeling a little adventurous — choose between a whale and dolphin watching cruise or snorkelling around Pigeon Island. If you’re exploring at your own pace, you may like to visit the Maritime and Naval History Museum, a fascinating museum downtown that dives into Sri Lanka’s naval history all the way back to Marco Polo’s time. In the early afternoon, we’ll meet up as a group and embark on a sightseeing tour around Trincomalee. We begin by visiting the Commonwealth War Cemetery, a beautifully maintained cemetery dedicated to the allied soldiers of World War II, before heading to Kanniya Hot Springs, a cluster of natural geothermal wells that hold deep historical significance. Various inscriptions reveal that the hot springs were a part of a larger pond complex used by Buddhist Monks who were living in the area during the Anuradhapura period. Next, we’ll uncover the Natural Harbour of Trincomalee, one of the largest deep-water harbours in the world. It’s renowned for its strategic location and immense size, and it serves as a critical hub for Sri Lanka’s shipping and logistics. After we’ll explore the vibrant Koneswaram Temple, a revered Hindu site perched high on Swami Rock with sweeping views over the Indian Ocean. We’ll then discover the nearby Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch and British. Our last stop is to Uppuveli Beach, where we’ll take some beautiful photos of the white sandy beach, before returning to our accommodation for an evening at leisure.

Optional Excursion

Whale and dolphin watching cruise – Set sail from Trincomalee and cruise into the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean, renowned for seasonal sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and playful pods of dolphins. Keep watch as these magnificent marine giants surface, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience. 4 hours – from US $95pp.

Optional Excursion

Pigeon Island tour (snorkelling) – Take a boat ride to Pigeon Island National Park, a protected marine sanctuary just off the coast. Dip into crystal-clear waters to snorkel above vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and, if you’re lucky, spot reef sharks and sea turtles in their natural habitat. 4 hours – from US $90pp.

Wake up and enjoy the morning at leisure, before we depart for our next destination, Dambulla! Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s renowned “Cultural Triangle”, Dambulla is an important junction town that connects Colombo to Trincomalee and Anuradhapura to Kandy. While the town itself is relatively quaint, it’s the base to a wealth of experiences found in the area.

Special Experience

Discover Sam Popham’s Arboretum, Sri Lanka’s only dry-zone sanctuary, on a guided night walk to spot elusive slender loris and other rare species.

This evening we’ll visit Sam Popham’s Arboretum in Dambulla for a fascinating nocturnal loris-watching experience. Established by Englishman Sam Popham in 1963, the arboretum originally spanned just 7.5 acres. Now managed by the Institute of Fundamental Studies, it has grown to cover an impressive 34.5 acres. As Sri Lanka’s only dry-zone arboretum, this unique conservation space is home to a rich collection of native flora, with over 350 species, as well as an impressive variety of fauna — more than 150 species of mammals, birds and insects have been recorded here.

Here, a local guide will share insights into the sanctuary’s history before leading us along nature trails to quietly observe the elusive gray slender loris — a rare nocturnal primate known for its large eyes and slow, delicate movements — in its natural habitat. We will hopefully spot other rare species on our adventure, such as nightjars, pangolin, civet and fishing cat.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking in hot and humid conditions.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

This morning we say goodbye to Dambulla and make our way to Matale. On the way, we’ll stop to discover Nalanda Gedige, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved stone temple. Dating back to around 700 to 1000 AD, this ancient and mysterious edifice combines various stylistic elements from Buddhist, Hindu, Sinhalese and Tamil cultures. Continuing on, we’ll visit the Spice Ceylon Museum in Matale, an immersive experience that celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich spice heritage. Here, we will explore the curated exhibits to learn about the island’s historic spice trade, traditional cultivation methods, and the role spices have played in shaping Sri Lankan cuisine, culture, and global connections over centuries. After free time for lunch, our journey continues to Kandy. A truly charming town set around an artificial lake, Kandy is nestled amidst rolling hills covered by forests and tea plantations. It’s known for housing the most important Buddhist temple in the country, the former capital of Ceylon and the last seat of the Sinhalese Kingdom is Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Kandy’s beautiful city has a distinctive style due to the impressive colonial architecture that still survives today! This afternoon, we’ll head to the Gem Museum to learn about gemstones. Sri Lanka is a global leader in high-quality coloured gemstone production, particularly renowned for varieties of Sapphires. Today we will learn about the mining, cutting and polishing process before seeing the beautiful gemstones in their final form. To finish off the day, we’re treated to a mesmerising cultural show and traditional dance performance. We’ll witness the fascinating Kandyan dance, a vibrant art form unique to Sri Lanka that involves elements of fire dancing, drumming and acrobatics. The performance has deep cultural ties, traditionally being performed only during royal ceremonies, festivals and religious events. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Our day begins with a visit to a local tea factory, where we will step into the world of Ceylon tea production. Learn how the tea leaves are carefully plucked, withered, rolled and graded using traditional methods that have shaped Sri Lanka’s vast tea industry for decades. Discover the journey from leaf to cup before finishing your visit with a freshly brewed tasting of aromatic Ceylon tea, enjoyed right where it’s made amidst the surrounding plantations. Next we’ll set off on a tour of Kandy by tuk tuk, the most authentic way to experience the city’s lively energy and charm. We’ll wind through bustling streets, colourful markets and local neighbourhoods as we take in the sights and sounds of everyday life. We will also stop at Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint for sweeping panoramas over Kandy Lake and the surrounding hills, offering a perfect snapshot of this scenic city.

Special Experience

Enjoy an authentic taste of local life with a hands-on cooking experience in a traditional Kandy village, then savour the creations for lunch.

Heading to a local village just outside of Kandy, we’ll dive into traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a fun and informative cooking class. Beginning with a warm welcome of tea and a local sweet treat, before visiting a nearby market to pick up fresh, seasonal ingredients. Then head to a rural home where we’ll learn to prepare classic Sri Lankan dishes using traditional techniques, all before savouring our delicious meal together for lunch.

Returning to Kandy, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today we board a local train, departing Kandy and heading to Kadugannawa to visit the National Railway Museum, home to an impressive collection of historic engines, locomotives, railcars, trolleys and carriages spanning over 150 years of Sri Lanka’s railway heritage. Explore the restored exhibits and learn how the railway helped shape travel and trade across the island. Our journey continues on to Colombo, where the afternoon is yours to relax or explore at leisure — perhaps enjoy a final stroll through the city or some last-minute shopping. Later this afternoon, enjoy a private guided visit to No. 11 – Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence, the former home of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect, who is dubbed the godfather of “Tropical Modernism”. Set within a series of beautifully designed townhouses, the space reflects Bawa’s signature style of open courtyards, natural light and seamless indoor–outdoor living. After we will head to the iconic Gallery Café, once Bawa’s own office, for a memorable farewell dinner. Set in a stunning open-air courtyard surrounded by contemporary art, it’s the perfect setting to reflect on your journey through Sri Lanka! Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today marks the completion of our adventure across amazing Sri Lanka. We’ll enjoy the day at leisure to explore Colombo further or simply relax and enjoy our hotel amenities. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Optional Excursion

Visit the Bunnik Tours office – Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Bunnik Tour’s Colombo office to see how our tours are created and meet the Sri Lankan team. Be taken on a tour of the building before enjoying a local homemade meal with the staff over lunch. 2.5 hours – complimentary