15-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 exploration of Negombo, this historical commercial centre surrounded by a fascinating network of canals teeming with rural life. Wake early and catch the action at the Negombo Fish Market.  

In the afternoon, head inland to Dambulla (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

In the morning, take an interesting visit to Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya which boasts 300+ varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees at. This afternoon is at your leisure. You could either rest at your lovely hotel or explore the city with your chauffeur, like walking around Kandy Lake in city centre or go some shopping in the downtown markets. 

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 Dutch Fort (approx. 1 hour by private A/C vehicle), 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.

In the late afternoon, drive to Unawatuna beach (approx. 15 minutes) nearby and unwind at the beach hotel in the next 2 days. You could also stay at a hotel inside Dutch Fort or in Galle city if preferred. Unawatuna is known for one of the most suitable for swimming beaches in the South, as it is protected from waves by a coral reef. 

Overnight: Unawatuna
Meal: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel, and enjoy your free full day relaxation. You could either unwind at the beach, or head to Galle and wander the rampart walls and enjoy the views. In the evening, it is suggested that you try one of the local restaurants for dinner in the fort, is lit up at night and many of the small boutiques stay open into the evening.

Overnight: Unawatuna
Meal: Breakfast

Today you will board on a train at Galle Railway station northwards to Colombo City, the capital of Sri Lanka. The railway from Galle to Colombo follows the coastal route and is scenic and enjoyable. The 3-4 hours' journey offers chances of photos with locals, as well as beautiful views of ocean and some spectacular places the train passes by.

Be picked up by your chauffeur guide at Colombo railway station upon your arrival, and then take a guided city tour to explore Colombo's colonial legacies including the Independence Square, Gangarama Temple of Colombo, mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green and Colombo's National Museum etc. Stop for taking pictures when drive by the former British Administrative Center etc. 

Overnight: Colombo
Meal: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure. In time, you will be escorted to CMB airport (1-hour drive from Colombo city) for your onward flight.

Meal: Breakfast