12-Day Vivid Ceylon Tour with Whale Watching (Nov-Apr)

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! On arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you're met by your private chauffeur-guide and driven to your hotel in Negombo, a seaside town which is only 20 minutes away from the airport. Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Negombo

In the morning, start your own exploration of Negombo, this historical commercial center surrounded by a fascinating network of canals teeming with rural life. If you are interested in, wake early and experience some optional activities, such as a visit to Negombo Fish Market, or take a boat trip of the aquatic life on Muthurajawela Marsh.

In the afternoon, head inland to Sigiriya (about 5 hours' drive), home to vibrantly decorated cave temples and a great base to explore the wide array of natural wonders and historic sites in this fascinating area. 

Overnight: Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, start your Sigiriya trip with a visit to the 5th-century legendary sky citadel of "Lion Rock", - the landmark of this country; although a steep climb is requested, the story behind the monument and the panoramic view of Dambulla seen on the top are definitely worth the effort.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration in the rural village of Hiriwadunna. Travel into the lush Sri Lankan countryside by a jeep or a tuk-tuk. At dusk, take a boat ride and sail to the other side of a lake, enjoying the fantastic sunset view. 

Overnight: Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast

Today, get started with the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, home to many magnificent Buddha images and rock painting dating back to 2nd century BC. Head for Ceylon's old capital of Kandy, en route stop for an interesting visit to learn a wide range of spices at one of spice garden, whose 15-minute complimentary Ayurveda Massage is recommended.

After arriving in Kandy (approx. 3.5 hrs by road), appreciate a vivid and traditional Cultural Dance (Kandyan Dance) before walking to the nearby Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine, the Puja Ritual held in the temple with all the fanfare, drums, trumpets and brightly colored Monks definitely shows you how special and spiritually important the temple means to Sri Lanka.

Overnight: Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, set off for Nuwara Eliya by train (subjected to availability), a picturesque journey packed with beautiful mountains, waterfalls and tea plantations. The train takes about 4 hours. Upon your arrival at Nanu Oya Railway Sation, your chauffeur guide will pick you up and escort you to your Nuwara Eliya hotel, rest of the day is at your leisure after check-in. 

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meal: Breakfast

Wake up in the early morning and head to Horton Plains National Park, where you take a 3-4 hours easy trek and see sambar deers, waterfall, diverse flora & fauna, and the stunning views over World's End.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the world's best Ceylon Tea is produced. After learning about the process of manufacturing tea, get hands-on experience of tea picking, and don't forget to sip a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meal: Breakfast

Check out after breakfast and head for Yala (approx. 3 hours by road), en route enjoys the beautiful scenery of Ella. Upon arrival at Yala, check into the hotel and have a rest before your afternoon jeep safari at Yala National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife including elephants, leopards, wild buffalo, sambardeer, musk deer, black bears, macaques, jackals and a numerous variety of birds. The park is renowned as the best park in the world to observe and shoot pictures of leopards.

Note: Yala National Park keeps closed during September, if so, we will use alternatives (e.g. Bundala National Park).

Overnight: Yala
Meal: Breakfast

This morning, you will take a second jeep safari in Yala National Park. Afternoon is left for relaxation. If possible, don't forget to taste the sea food at one of local restaurants here, which is so popular among locals and travelers.

Overnight: Yala
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and head for Mirissa (approx. 3 hrs by road). Located in the Southern tip of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is the very place to sit back and spoil yourself in some of the best beaches and most stunning sunrise & sunset in the island.

Overnight: Mirissa
Meal: Breakfast

Take morning boat (starts at 6:30 am) into the ocean to watch whales.

Overnight: Mirissa
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, set off for Galle (approx. 1 hour by private A/C vehicle), which is regarded as one of the best-preserved fortresses in Sri Lanka. En route, you might see the iconic stilt fishermen at the beach.

Upon arrival in Galle, a colonial port fortified by Portuguese first then Dutch, spend your time at the Galle Dutch Fort, regarded as one of the best-preserved fortresses in Sri Lanka.

After that, drive to Colombo city (approx. 2.5 hours), the last stop of your journey.

Overnight: Colombo
Meal: Breakfast

Be ready for a guided city tour to explore Colombo's colonial legacies including Independence Square, Gangarama Temple of Colombo, a mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green and Colombo's National Museum, etc. Stop for taking pictures when a drive by the former British Administrative Center, etc. 

After that, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your home-bound flight. Say goodbye to Sri Lanka but your unforgettable memories. 

Meal: Breakfast