Adventure Odyssey

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be met by a VAC Tours & Travels representative and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Relax and unwind after your flight. After lunch, visit Muthurajawela Marsh. The Muthurajawela Wetland is an urban biodiversity hotspot providing refuge to over 209 fauna species, including 17 endemics and 26 nationally threatened species. It is part of an integrated coastal wetland system with Negombo Lagoon, covering about 6,200 hectares. Situated close to Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, the wetland is ideal for witnessing both the beauty and the ecological benefits of a coastal marsh. Overnight in Negombo.

After breakfast, enjoy some beach time in Negombo before transferring to Kalpitiya. Kalpitiya is known for its wide, quiet shores and marine life. Spend the day relaxing by the ocean and overnight in Kalpitiya.

Enjoy breakfast and drive toward Anuradhapura, stopping en route for a safari at Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu, Sri Lanka’s largest national park at approximately 130,000 hectares, is famed for its natural sand-rimmed lakes known as villus. These villus collect rainwater and attract wildlife, especially during dry periods. Wilpattu historically hosted significant leopard populations and also supports sloth bears and barking deer. After your wildlife experience, continue to Anuradhapura for overnight.

After breakfast, explore Anuradhapura, the ancient kingdom and sacred center of early Buddhism. The city has been inhabited for millennia and became a major capital by the 5th century BC. Learn about the arrival of Buddhism during the 3rd century and visit the celebrated Bodhi Tree, ancient dagobas, palaces, monasteries and shrines. Notable landmarks include Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, once among the world’s tallest structures and revered as a sacred site. After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Breakfast at the hotel, then head to Minneriya National Park. Located about an hour from Sigiriya, Minneriya is renowned for its elephant population and the seasonal phenomenon called “The Gathering,” when hundreds of elephants congregate around the park’s water sources. Enter the park at Habarana and take a private jeep safari to observe elephants and other wildlife. Return to Sigiriya for the evening.

Visit Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress and palace, surrounded by formal gardens, ponds and ruins. Built by King Kasyapa, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers iconic views over the surrounding plains. Afterwards drive to Matale and visit Dambulla Cave Temple, an impressive rock temple built after King Valagamba’s return to the throne as a gesture of gratitude to the monks who sheltered him during exile. Continue towards Kandy and overnight there.

Explore the Knuckles Mountain Range, an area of changing terrain that includes grasslands, rugged peaks, streams and waterfalls. The Knuckles conservation area covers 18,512 hectares and offers trekking opportunities from short walks to multi-day hikes for experienced trekkers. After time in the range, visit Sembuwatta Lake for relaxation. This peaceful man-made reservoir sits at about 1,140 meters elevation, bordered by Campbell’s Land forest reserve and tea-covered slopes, creating a misty, tranquil atmosphere. Return to Matale for the night.

Visit a spice garden in Matale to see how spices such as nutmeg, pepper, clove, cinnamon and cardamom are grown and processed. The cooperative farming and processing initiatives in the area support local producers and provide an engaging, fragrant experience for visitors. Afterwards drive to Kandy. In the evening explore Kandy’s lively town center, the bazaar, craft centers and the gem museum. Walk around Kandy Lake and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Optionally attend a cultural dance show before returning to your hotel.

Board the scenic train from Kandy to Ella, a journey through tea plantations, jungle and mountain scenery that is widely considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Arrive in Ella, relax and after lunch hike Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views over the valleys and tea fields. Overnight in Ella.

Head to Lipton’s Seat and Dambetenna Tea Factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage and view vast tea plantations. In the evening visit Ella Rock and Rawana Cave. The cave is associated with local legend and historical stories; the area offers dramatic viewpoints and a sense of discovery. Overnight in Ella.

After breakfast, travel to Horton Plains National Park at about 2,000 meters above sea level. The park features plateaus, forest, waterfalls and misty lakes, and offers short or extended treks. Walk to the dramatic World’s End viewpoint for sweeping views, and then proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route, stop at Ambewela Strawberry Farm for photo opportunities and, in season, strawberry picking. Explore Nuwara Eliya in the evening, often called “Little England” for its colonial charm, including Lake Gregory and Victoria Park. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Drive from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo, with an en route stop at Kitulgala for white-water rafting. This river activity is exhilarating but accessible to those with average fitness levels; it provides a memorable outdoor experience. Continue to Colombo for your final overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast and checkout. Use any remaining time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Colombo before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. The tour concludes with drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport.