Sri Lanka Discovery Adventure explores sacred heritage sites, lush hill country, tea estates and national parks, delivering a balanced journey through culture, wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where a VAC Tours & Travels representative welcomes you. Transfer to Negombo to relax after your flight. After lunch, visit the Muthurajawela Wetland, home to over 209 fauna species including endemics and threatened wildlife. The wetland and Negombo Lagoon together form a 6,200 hectare ecosystem ideal for observing coastal biodiversity. Overnight in Negombo.
Drive to Sigiriya, stopping at Dambulla Cave Temple. This cave complex was used as refuge by King Valagamba during his 14-year exile and later transformed into a rock temple in gratitude to Buddhist monks. In the evening, explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by King Kasyapa and surrounded by water gardens, terraces and palace ruins. Overnight in Sigiriya.
After breakfast drive to Minneriya National Park. An hour from Sigiriya, Minneriya is famous for being the best place to observe large numbers of wild Asian elephants. During certain months, nearly 300 elephants gather at the lake in a natural event known as “The Gathering”. Enjoy a private jeep safari before returning to Sigiriya.
Climb Pidurangala Rock in the morning for sweeping 360-degree views and a stunning vantage point of Sigiriya. Continue to Matale and visit a spice garden to learn how spices are grown, harvested and processed. The cooperative model in Matale ensures fair pricing and supports local farming communities. Overnight in Matale.
Explore the Riverston area in the Knuckles Mountain Range, known in Sinhala as “Dumbara” meaning mist-laden mountains. This region is home to waterfalls, forest trails, endemic species and numerous scenic trekking paths. After your nature experience, visit Sembuwatta Lake, a peaceful reservoir bordered by pine forests and tea estates. Return to Matale.
After breakfast drive to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. Visit the bazaar, craft centers, gem museum, Victoria Golf Course and the lively Kandy Market. Explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic, walk around Kandy Lake and enjoy a traditional cultural dance show. Overnight in Kandy.
Travel toward Nuwara Eliya, stopping at Ramboda Waterfalls and the Labookelle Tea Factory. In Nuwara Eliya, explore colonial buildings, Lake Gregory, Victoria Park and panoramic tea landscapes that give this town its “Little England” charm. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Take the scenic train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, known for its mountain views, valleys and waterfalls. In the evening visit Lipton’s Seat and the Dambetenna Tea Factory, where Sir Thomas Lipton once admired his tea estates. Enjoy views of hillside villages and tea fields. Overnight in Ella.
Climb Ella Rock and visit Rawana Cave, linked to legends involving King Ravana and Princess Sita. Later drive to Udawalawa National Park, created in 1972 after the construction of the Udawalawa Dam. The park’s reservoir, wetlands and grasslands host elephants, birds and diverse wildlife. Overnight in Udawalawa.
After breakfast transfer to Hikkaduwa. En route stop to observe traditional stilt fishermen balanced above the waves on wooden poles, a cultural icon of Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.
Drive to Colombo and visit a Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Centre dedicated to protecting endangered marine turtles. Continue to Colombo for a city tour featuring colonial, religious and modern landmarks including the National Museum, Independence Square, old Parliament, Galle Face Green and shopping districts such as Odel, House of Fashion and Majestic City. Overnight in Colombo.
Enjoy breakfast and leave for the airport for your departure. If time permits, do some last-minute shopping before your flight.
