Pearls of Sri Lanka I
Day 1: Negombo – Moonstone Mine, Turtle Conservation Centre, (Mask museum), relaxation
Accommodation: Galle
Day 2: Mirissa – Ocean trip - whales, dolphins or snorkeling with turtles
Accommodation: Galle
Day 3: Galle to Sinharaja Forest Rreserve
Accommodation: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Day 4: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Accommodation: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Day 5: Udawalawe, Ravana Falls, Ella
Accommodation: Ella
Day 6: Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Caves, Little Adam's Peak
Accommodation: Ella
Day 7: Train journey, Bambarakanda Falls, Nuwara Eliya
Accommodation: Nuwara Eliya
Day 8: Horton Plains, Tea Factory
Accommodation: Kandy
Day 9: Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Garden, Kandy Dance Performance
Accommodation: Kandy
Day 10: Herbal Garden, Dambulla
Accommodation: Sigiriya
Day 11: Sigiriya (Pidurangala Rock), Village Safari, Elephant Safari
Accommodation: Sigiriya
Day 12: Polonnaruwa Ruins, Grilling by the Lake
Accommodation: Polonnaruwa
The program is divided into 12 days, but it can be shortened or changed as needed.
The remaining days of the stay are dedicated to relaxing by the ocean.
For a longer vacation, additional trips can be added – see the list at the end.
Events in brackets can be skipped, day trips can be shortened, and hotel stays can be extended.
Day 1: Turtle centre, Moonstone Mine, Relax on the ocean
- Start your journey at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and head south along Sri Lanka's scenic coastal road.
- Visit a Turtle Conservation Centre and discover the fascinating world of sea turtles.
- Explore a traditional moonstone mine and learn about these beautiful and culturally significant Sri Lankan gemstones.
- If you are interested, you can also visit a Mask Museum and discover the colourful traditions behind Sri Lanka's famous masks.
- In the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk along the ocean, watch the sunset and unwind before settling into your accommodation.
Day 2: Ocean trip - whales, dolphins or snorkeling with turtles
For this day, you can choose between two exciting ocean experiences:
- Whales, dolphins & fishermen – set out on an ocean trip to look for whales and dolphins and discover the traditional way of life of Sri Lankan fishermen.
- Or snorkeling with sea turtles – a fascinating experience in the clear waters, where you can swim among beautiful sea turtles.
- Visit the famous traditional stilt fishermen and see this unique Sri Lankan fishing tradition.
- In the afternoon, slow down and enjoy some relaxing time by the ocean.
- End the day with a comfortable overnight stay in Galle.
Day 3: Galle to
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Spend the morning exploring the historic Galle Dutch Fort, with its charming streets, old colonial buildings, ramparts and views of the ocean.
- After lunch, begin the scenic journey towards Sinharaja Forest Reserve, travelling through the beautiful countryside and changing landscapes.
- Arrive at your accommodation in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest.
Day 4: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Start the day with an exciting guided exploration of Sinharaja Rainforest, one of Sri Lanka's most precious natural treasures, surrounded by ancient trees, rich vegetation and fascinating wildlife.
- Walk through the rainforest with a local guide and discover its incredible biodiversity, listening to the sounds of birds, insects and the forest around you.
- Take a refreshing break and enjoy a swim beneath a beautiful rainforest waterfall, surrounded by lush tropical nature.
- In the afternoon, slow down and enjoy relaxing time in the rainforest, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings.
- In the evening, return to your Sinharaja accommodation, relax and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest.
Day 5: Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Ravana Falls, Ella
- Start the day with a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where you can learn about the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
- Continue your journey towards Ella, enjoying the changing landscapes as you travel through Sri Lanka's beautiful hill country.
- Stop at the spectacular Ravana Falls, surrounded by lush mountains and connected with the legendary stories of King Ravana.
- Arrive in Ella in the evening, when the town comes alive with cosy cafés, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Enjoy a pleasant evening in Ella before settling into your accommodation and getting ready for the next day's adventures.
Day 6: Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Caves, Little Adam's Peak
- Start the day with a visit to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, one of Ella's most beautiful landmarks, surrounded by lush green hills and tea plantations.
- Next, choose between Ella Rock, offering a rewarding hike and spectacular mountain views, or the mysterious Ravana Caves, connected with the ancient legends of King Ravana.
- Continue to Little Adam's Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and watch the sunset over the mountains.
- In the evening, enjoy Ella by night, with the option to visit the famous Ella Chilli Restaurant and experience the lively atmosphere of the town.
- End the day with a relaxing evening at your Ella accommodation.
Day 7: Train journey, Bambarakanda Falls, Nuwara Eliya
Begin the day with a scenic train journey across the famous Nine Arches Bridge, surrounded by the beautiful green hills of Ella.
Continue towards Bambarakanda Falls, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, where you can enjoy the impressive scenery and, if conditions are suitable, take a refreshing swim beneath the waterfall.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and explore the charming town, including a visit to the historic Old English Post Office, a reminder of the city's colonial heritage.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed and fun game of carrom, a traditional Sri Lankan board game, and spend time together in a friendly atmosphere.
End the day with an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 8: Horton Plains, Tea Factory, Kandy night
- Start the day with an early visit to Horton Plains National Park, where you can enjoy a scenic walk through the highland landscape and discover its unique natural beauty.
- Visit a traditional tea factory and learn how Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea is produced, from the freshly picked leaves to the finished tea.
- Continue your journey to Kandy, travelling through the beautiful mountain scenery and tea-growing landscapes.
- In the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake and experience the atmosphere of this historic city after sunset.
- End the day with an overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 9: Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Garden, Kandy Dance Performance
- Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites and a place filled with history and spiritual atmosphere.
- Continue to the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, where you can wander among tropical plants, magnificent trees and colourful flowers.
- In the afternoon, discover the vibrant traditions of Sri Lanka through a traditional Kandy dance performance, featuring music, costumes and energetic movements.
- Enjoy a relaxed evening in Kandy, taking in the atmosphere of this historic hill capital.
- End the day with an overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 10: Herbal Garden, Dambulla, night in Sigiriya
- Begin the day with a visit to an Ayurveda Herbal Garden, where you can discover traditional Sri Lankan herbs, plants and their uses in Ayurveda.
- You can also choose to visit a Sri Lankan Batik workshop and see how colourful traditional batik fabrics are created.
- Continue with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient Buddhist statues, paintings and cave shrines.
- Journey to Sigiriya and settle into your accommodation.
- In the evening, you may enjoy a relaxing walk by the lake with a beautiful view of Sigiriya Rock, depending on your preference and time.
Day 11: Sigiriya, Village Safari, Elephant Safari
- Start the day with a climb to Sigiriya Rock or choose Pidurangala Rock for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and Sigiriya.
- Discover the authentic side of Sri Lanka during a village safari, travelling through the countryside and experiencing traditional village life.
- Continue with an unforgettable elephant safari, where you can observe elephants in their natural surroundings and enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka's wilderness.
- If you wish, you can finish the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, a wonderful way to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Return to your Sigiriya accommodation and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Day 12: Polonnaruwa Ruins, Grilling by the Lake
- Begin the day by exploring the magnificent ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, discovering temples, royal palaces, statues and monuments from Sri Lanka's medieval capital.
- After the historical tour, you can choose from several optional experiences: enjoy tube riding along the canal and discover local life, take a boat trip on the lake for bird watching, or watch the fascinating fruit bats as they become active around sunset.
- In the evening, you can choose a special loris-watching experience, observing these fascinating nocturnal animals in their natural surroundings.
- Finish the day with a relaxed grilling dinner by the lake, surrounded by nature and the peaceful atmosphere of Polonnaruwa.
- End the day with an overnight stay in Polonnaruwa.
Relax on Pasikuda Beach with the possibility of diving, boat trips and water sports, grilling fish on the beach
- On the way to the beach, the opportunity to meet children at school
Another activity for a longer vacation: