Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit with XploreSriLanka

 This itinerary provides an exciting and comprehensive journey through Sri Lanka, combining cultural heritage, natural beauty, wildlife, and relaxation. Here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary for your 18-day adventure

Day 1: Arrive in Negombo

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Negombo, a coastal town known for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
• Relax at Negombo Beach
  Take a stroll along the beach or relax at your hotel.
• Overnight in Negombo – Breakfast included

Day 2: Drive to Dambulla

• Morning Drive to Dambulla
  After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Dambulla, a town known for its ancient cave temples and proximity to significant cultural sites.
• Check-in and Relax
  Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
• Visit to Dambulla cave temple (optional)
• Overnight in Dambulla 
• Meals –      Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Stay at Dambulla, Visit Polonnaruwa

• Visit Polonnaruwa
  Head out for a visit to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city and UNESCO      World Heritage site. Explore the well-preserved ruins of temples, statues, and the Royal Palace.
• Return to Dambulla for the evening
  After your exploration, return to your hotel to relax.
• Overnight in Dambulla
• Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Dambulla - Sigiriya Rock Climb

• Climb Sigiriya Rock
  After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya, where you’ll climb the famous Lion Rock Fortress. The climb takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from the top, as well as ancient frescoes and the remnants of the royal palace.
• Return to Dambulla for the evening
  Head back to Dambulla for a relaxed evening.
• Overnight in Dambulla
• Meals –  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Dambulla to Nuwara 

Drive to Nuwara Eliya
In the morning, start your scenic drive towards Nuwara Eliya, passing through lush greenery and tea plantations.

• Visit a Spice Garden
  Stop at a spice garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices and their uses.
• Visit Damro Tea Factory
  On your way, visit the Damro Tea Factory, where you can see how Ceylon tea is processed and enjoy a tea tasting session.
• Tea Plucking Experience
  You may also have the chance to try tea plucking if you wish to experience the process firsthand.
• Arrive in Nuwara Eliya
  In the late afternoon, check in to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
• Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
• Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Kandy - Peradeniya Gardens and Kandyan Dancing

• Drive to Kandy
  After breakfast, drive to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
• Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
  Spend the morning at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, famous      for its variety of tropical plants and orchids.
• Kandyan Dance Show
  In the evening, attend a Kandyan cultural dance performance. The traditional dance and drumming are an integral part of Sri Lanka’s heritage.
• Overnight in Kandy
• Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Kandy - Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

• Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  In the morning, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe elephants being fed, bathed, and playing in the river.
• Return to Kandy
  After spending time with the elephants, head back to Kandy for the evening.
• Overnight in Kandy
• Meals – Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Kandy Viewpoint & Temple of the Tooth

• Visit Kandy Viewpoint
  Enjoy a visit to the Kandy Viewpoint, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills.
• Temple of the Tooth
  Later, visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists, which houses a relic of the Buddha.
• Overnight in Kandy

Day 9: Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

• Morning Train Journey
  Take a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, passing through lush tea plantations and misty mountains. This is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
• Arrive in Ella
  Once you arrive in Ella, check into your hotel and relax.
• Overnight in Ella
• Meals –  Breakfast

Day 10: Ella - Nine Arch Bridge and Ayurvedic Massage

• Visit Nine Arch Bridge
  In the morning, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, a stunning colonial-era bridge surrounded by lush green hills.
• Ayurvedic Massage
  Afterward, enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage to soothe your muscles after the train journey. ( you need to pay for the massage you select)
• Explore Ella
  You may also explore Ella’s picturesque surroundings, including Ella Rock or Ravana Falls.
• Overnight in Ella
• Meals – Breakfast

Day 11: Udawalawe National Park Safari

• Morning Safari at Udawalawe
  Drive to Udawalawe National Park for an early morning safari. The park is home to a large population of elephants, along with a variety of  other wildlife.
• Return to Ella
  After the safari, return to Ella to relax for the evening.
• Overnight in Ella
• Meals –  Breakfast 

Day 12: Rathnapura - Gem Mining and Museum

• Drive to Rathnapura
  In the morning, drive to Rathnapura, known for its gem mines.
• Gem Mining Tour
  Visit a gem mine and learn about the mining process and Sri Lanka’s      famous gemstones.
• Visit Gem Museum
  Explore the Gem Museum to see an impressive collection of Sri Lankan gems.
• Overnight in Rathnapura

Day 13: Drive to Mirissa

• Drive to Mirissa
  After breakfast, drive to Mirissa, a coastal town famous for its      beautiful beaches.
• Relax on Mirissa Beach
  Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the beach.
• Overnight in Mirissa
• Meals –  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Mirissa - Whale Watching

• Whale Watching Tour
  Early morning, embark on a whale watching tour from Mirissa, where you may spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
• Rest of the Day at Leisure
  After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
• Overnight in Mirissa
• Meals –  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15: Mirissa - Relax on the Beach (No Driver)

• Day of Leisure
  Today, enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.
• Overnight in Mirissa
• Meals –  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16: Night at Galle Fort

• Galle
  Visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the historic fort with its many shops and restaurants, and its colonial-era architecture and walk along the ramparts with beautiful views of the ocean.
• Overnight in Galle Fort

Day 17: Olu Ella - Yatiyantota Tea & Rubber Plantation

• Visit Yatiyantota Tea & Rubber Plantation
  Drive to Olu Ella and visit a tea and rubber plantation. Learn about the processes of tea and rubber production, and enjoy a walk through the plantations.
• Overnight in Olu Ella

Day 18: Olu Ella - Cinnamon Factory, Waterfalls, and Relaxation

• Visit Cinnamon Factory
  Visit a cinnamon factory to see how this spice is processed and learn about its significance in Sri Lankan culture.
• Visit Waterfalls
  Visit local waterfalls 
• Relax at Olu Ella
  Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the tranquil surroundings of Olu Ella.
• Overnight in Olu Ella

Day 19: Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

This 18-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, rich culture, wildlife, and relaxation. You will have the opportunity to experience some of the best attractions and activities the country has to offer, ensuring an unforgettable holiday!

Note:

1. Entrance fees not included

2. Highly recommend getting a travel insurance

3. Subject to availability of the hotels