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Explorateur
Wonders of Sri Lanka
Car hire with driver
Based on 15 nights 16 days
From $4 381
Itinerary
Auto tour with a private driver, featuring stays in carefully selected superior homestays for an authentic and comfortable Sri Lankan journey, blending cultural discovery, nature, and seaside relaxation .
Embark on a 16-day journey through Sri Lanka, a richly layered island where ancient civilizations, lush highlands, and tropical shores unfold in a seamless adventure.
From the cultural heart of Sigiriya and Kandy to the misty tea plantations of the hill country and the wildlife-rich plains of Yala, this itinerary blends history, nature, and everyday local life.
Travel by scenic train through rolling hills, explore sacred temples and vibrant markets, and unwind along the golden beaches of the southern coast—experiencing along the way the warmth, spirituality, and diversity that define Sri Lanka.
Day 1 Arrival in Negombo
After your overnight international flight, you arrive in Colombo where your private driver greets you. A short transfer takes you to Negombo, a relaxed coastal town known for its fishing culture and colonial past.
Day 2 Discover Negombo
A gentle introduction to Sri Lanka.
Negombo Tour: Explore the charming coastal town of Negombo, often called the “Little Rome” for its abundance of historic churches. Your tour will take you through quaint streets, colorful fishing huts, and the bustling fish market right on the beach. Discover the serene lagoon, local shops, and centuries-old Dutch Fort ruins from the 17th century. Immerse yourself in the town’s unique blend of history, culture, and daily life.
Day 3 Polonnaruwa – Ancient Wonders
Journey from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital whose temples, palaces, and monasteries stretch across kilometers of history. En route, pause to admire the magnificent Avukana Buddha, a towering 12-meter-high standing statue carved from a single rock, radiating serenity and craftsmanship. In Polonnaruwa, explore the city’s extraordinary monuments, including the tranquil Parakrama Samudra reservoir, the intricately carved Gal Vihara rock temple, and the delicate artistry of Thivanka Image House. Dive deeper into the region’s history with a visit to the local museum, gaining insight into the grandeur of this medieval kingdom. After a day steeped in history, transfer to Sigiriya and settle into your tranquil villa, surrounded by lush gardens and the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.
Day 4 Sigiriya – Rock Fortress & Dambulla
Discover the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a palace perched atop a massive red monolith overlooking the jungle. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens at the base, with ornamental pools and terraced designs revealing the ancient creativity of its architects. As you climb the fortress, marvel at the famous frescoes and the “Sigiriya Maidens,” along with a labyrinth of terraces, stairways, and ancient ruins. Continue to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a spectacular complex of caves adorned with reclining and standing Buddha statues, as well as centuries-old murals that tell tales of devotion and artistry. Conclude the day by returning to your villa for relaxation, a refreshing swim, and a delightful dinner, letting the stunning scenery and cultural wonders of central Sri Lanka linger in your memory.
Day 5 Kandy
Depart Sigiriya and journey through the scenic central highlands toward Kandy. Stop at Nalanda Gedige, an ancient temple showcasing a unique fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Continue to the Matale Spice Garden, where you can see, smell, and learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Arrive in Kandy and explore the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, famous for over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, palms, medicinal plants, and colorful spice plants. Take a leisurely walk along the Kandy Lake and enjoy the charm of the city’s historic streets. Optional evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, or explore the local markets and shops nearby. Experience a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show featuring drummers, dancers, and fire-walking performers.
Day 6 Kandy – City Exploration and Nature
Begin the day with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Explore more of Kandy’s cultural and historical highlights at your own pace, revisiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic if desired, or discovering local artisan shops and vibrant fruit and vegetable markets. Take a walk through the Udawattekele Forest Reserve, a peaceful sanctuary of tropical flora and fauna right on the edge of the city. Enjoy free time to relax at your hotel, swim in the pool, or simply take in the scenic views of Kandy Lake from your room or the hotel gardens. Optional guided tours can be arranged through the hotel’s excursion desk for additional cultural or nature experiences. End the day with a leisurely dinner at the hotel, savoring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a historic colonial setting.
Day 7 Nuwara Eliya & Scenic Train
Depart for Nuwara Eliya, a charming hill station reminiscent of Britain with its Tudor-style villas, golf courses, billiard halls, rivers, and horse racing tracks. As you ascend to an altitude of 2,000 meters, enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, lush valleys, and vast tea plantations. Be sure to bring a light jacket for the cooler mountain air. Stop at the stunning Ramboda Falls, cascading 109 meters into the valley below, for a memorable photo opportunity. Continue to a Ceylon tea factory to discover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea, witnessing the production process from leaf to cup. Next, take a scenic train journey to Ella, a quaint mountain town situated at 1,041 meters above sea level. The train ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations. Your driver will meet you at the Ella station and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 8 Ella
Spend the day exploring the picturesque town of Ella, surrounded by lush mountains and tea plantations. Your accommodation, Tea Cabins, offers a tranquil retreat with panoramic views, a luxurious garden, and an outdoor pool. Rooms are elegantly appointed with private balconies, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee machines, and en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Start the morning with a hearty breakfast—choose from English/Irish or Asian options—before setting out to explore the region. Activities include walking or cycling to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge of Demodara (3.4 km) and visiting the historic Demodara Railway Station (2.6 km). The hotel also offers bicycle and car rentals for those wishing to further discover Ella’s stunning landscapes and tea estates at their own pace. A charming mountain village.
Day 9 Buduruwagala – Kataragama – Arrival in Tissamaharama
Begin your journey through southern Sri Lanka with a visit to Buduruwagala, an ancient Buddhist temple carved into the rock cliffs centuries ago. Here, the towering 7-meter-high standing Buddha, flanked by intricately sculpted smaller deities, offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the region. The quiet and serene surroundings create the perfect atmosphere for reflection and appreciation of the island’s religious history.
Continue to Kataragama, a sacred town revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Explore the Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Skanda and witness a traditional Puja ceremony, with its rhythmic chants, prayers, and devotional offerings. This is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the depth of local spirituality. Those interested may also visit the nearby Ganesh Temple to further understand the rich tapestry of religious practices in the area.
Arrive in Tissamaharama, a tranquil town nestled amidst lakes and wildlife-rich landscapes. Check in at the Yala Lake View Cabanas, your peaceful retreat near Yodha Lake, and relax as the calm ambiance of the region welcomes you. Spend the evening unwinding, enjoying the scenic lake views, and preparing for the wildlife adventure of the following day.
Day 10 Tissamaharama – Yala National Park and Nature Exploration
Spend the day immersed in the natural beauty and wildlife of southern Sri Lanka. From your tranquil lakeside retreat at Yala Lake View Cabanas, explore the surrounding area at your leisure, taking in the local village life, serene lakes, and the peaceful atmosphere of Tissamaharama. The highlight of the day is a safari in Yala National Park, one of the island’s most renowned wildlife reserves. Journey through dry forests, wetlands, and open plains in search of the park’s incredible wildlife, including Asian elephants, leopards, water buffalo, and a diverse array of bird species. For those who prefer a slower pace, the lodge offers options such as boat trips, guided nature walks, or fishing excursions. Return to the cabanas in the evening and relax, reflecting on the unique blend of culture, spirituality, and wildlife you have experienced over the past two days. The serene surroundings of Yodha Lake provide the perfect setting to unwind, completing this enriching southern Sri Lanka adventure.
Day 11 Yala National Park Safari
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before setting out on an unforgettable adventure into the wilderness of southern Sri Lanka. Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary Yala National Park—one of the island’s largest and most famous wildlife reserves—or the nearby Bundala National Park, depending on your preference. Board a comfortable jeep and venture into the park, guided by experienced naturalists who will lead you through winding dirt tracks, open plains, dense forests, and shimmering lagoons. Here, the diversity of Sri Lanka’s wildlife unfolds before your eyes. Keep your camera ready to capture the island’s “Big Five” in their natural habitat: the majestic Asian elephant, the elusive leopard, the unique sloth bear, and an incredible variety of birds and aquatic life. While whales and blue whales are not typically seen inside the park itself, coastal excursions in the region sometimes allow glimpses of these magnificent marine giants, showcasing the breadth of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. As you traverse the park, marvel at water buffalo grazing in the wetlands, monitor lizards basking in the sun, and colorful tropical birds flitting through the trees. The landscape shifts from dense jungle to open plains dotted with ancient rock formations, creating stunning photo opportunities and unforgettable wildlife encounters. After a full morning or early afternoon of safari exploration, return to your lodge in Tissamaharama for a relaxing afternoon. Reflect on the incredible sights, sounds, and moments of your safari as you unwind by the lake or in your comfortable accommodation.
Day 12 Journey to Mirissa
Leave the wildlife-rich landscapes of Tissamaharama behind and embark on a scenic drive along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. The journey takes you through charming fishing villages, lush palm-fringed shores, and tranquil bays, offering glimpses of local life and coastal culture. Arrive at Mirissa, a tropical paradise known for its golden beaches and turquoise waters. Check in at Villa Atulya, a boutique beachfront villa offering intimate luxury and stunning ocean views. Each room is uniquely decorated with vibrant colors and elegant touches, creating a private and relaxing atmosphere. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach or by the villa’s terrace, letting the sound of the waves and the tropical breeze mark your transition from jungle adventures to seaside tranquility.
Day 13,14,15 Mirissa Beach Stay – Relaxation & Exploration
Wake up to the sound of the ocean and spend your days soaking in the tropical ambiance of Mirissa Beach. Activities include: Beach Relaxation: Lounge on soft golden sands, swim in warm turquoise waters, or enjoy the sun-drenched shores. Local Life & Exploration: Stroll through nearby streets, visit local temples, and experience the charm of small coastal towns. Dining: Savor fresh seafood at beachside restaurants or sip tropical cocktails at lively beach bars. Optional Whale Watching: Between November and April, embark on an eco-friendly sailing excursion to spot majestic blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins, an unforgettable marine adventure. Experience: This stretch of the itinerary focuses on slow living, relaxation, and tropical bliss. Each day is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace, whether it’s reading under a palm tree, exploring local culture, or indulging in fresh seafood with your feet in the sand. Atmosphere: Mirissa offers a perfect blend of seaside luxury, vibrant tropical lifestyle, and serene retreat, making it the ultimate end to your Sri Lankan journey. Drive along the southern coast through fishing villages.
Day 16 Departure
Enjoy your last morning by the ocean before your transfer to Colombo airport for your flight back to Paris.
Homes
Stay in very well located, carefully selected superior homestays or boutique hotels , offering comfort, warm hospitality, and authentic Sri Lankan experiences. Enjoy home-cooked local cuisine and meaningful cultural immersion with your hosts for a truly personal and enriching stay.
Transportation
Private tours with a dedicated driver, providing comfortable and flexible travel throughout your journey. A range of vehicles is available to suit all needs, from classic sedans to 4/4 or spacious minivans for larger groups. All options include an English-speaking driver for 6 hours a day , fuel, insurance, and driver expenses ( tips not included) .
Price
Starting from
$4381
Included
Accommodation
15 nights accommodation in double rooms in charming hotels or lodges
Negombo – Jetwing Beach (2 nights) Sigiriya – Roo Mansala Boutique Villas (2 nights) Kandy – Queen’s Hotel (2 nights) Nuwara Eliya – Hill Club (1 night) Ella – Tea Cabins (1 night) Tissamaharama – Yala Lake View Cabanas (3 nights) Mirissa – Villa Atulya at Ocean Edge (4 nights)
Pension
Ample and delicious breakfasts and dinners prepared by your Cuban host
Full pension buffet style meals at Hotel Cayo Levisa
Transportation
Comfortable car with english-speaking driver for 9 days (Days 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16), fuel included (maximum 8 hours per day) Round-trip airport transfers (Colombo/Negombo & Mirissa/Colombo) All transfers for excursions
Activities
Visits to cities, sites, monuments, parks, and galleries as per itinerary (some entrance fees payable on-site)
Train transfer from Kandy to Ella in first-class air-conditioned carriage
Kandyan dance show
Tuk-tuk tour in Kandy and visit to the local market
Yala National Park jeep safari (entrance included)
Entrance to Sigiriya site
Dinner with a Sri Lankan family
Minneriya National Park jeep safari (entrance payable on-site: €60/person)
Visit to a tea plantation and factory with a guide in Ella
Guided visit of Sigiriya
Tourism card/Visa
ETA visa application assistance
Not Included
Airfares
Option to add flight from your choice of airport to CMB Colombo
Pension
Meals not mentioned in “The package includes”
Travel Insurance
Option to add travel insurance: Cancellation, Multi-risk or repatriation
Gratuity
Tips for the driver (€20 per day)
Request this trip
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