You will be greeted by our Yampu Tours Representative at Colombo Airport and escorted to your vehicle for the transfer to Negombo for an overnight stay (approximately a 15-minute drive).

Negombo: This sunny coastal town is just 20 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, making it the perfect spot to start or end your Sri Lankan adventure. Known as ‘Little Rome,’ Negombo offers a range of attractions including medieval churches, a bustling fish market, fresh seafood, and some of the island's most picturesque beaches. The town's rich history, heavily influenced by Dutch heritage, is visible throughout. Check-in at your hotel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Negombo.
...read less

Early morning visit to the Negombo fish market, locally known as “Lellama” (approximately a 15-minute drive).

Negombo Fish Market: Once a fishing village, Negombo continues to host fishermen selling their catch on the sandy shores. Visitors can observe fish spread out on coconut fiber mats for sun drying, a traditional preservation method in Sri Lanka. This dried, salted fish is then distributed across the island and is a staple in local cuisine.

Afterwards, proceed to the cultural city of Dambulla (approximately a 3.5-hour drive).
Upon arrival in Dambulla, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple: This stunning Royal Rock Temple complex is situated about 160 meters above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. The complex consists of five separate caves containing approximately 150 magnificent Buddha statues and paintings, representing some of Sri Lanka's most significant and evocative religious art. Buddha images were first created here over 2000 years ago, and over the centuries, subsequent kings have added to and embellished the cave art.

Upon completion, proceed to Anuradhapura to check in at the hotel (approximately a 1-hour drive).

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
...read less

In the morning, take a 30-minute drive to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura Ancient City: Known as the 'Garden of Dagobas,' Anuradhapura is located in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Dating back to the 4th century BC, it was the island's first kingdom and played a crucial role in making Buddhism the national religion. The city is dominated by the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya and features numerous temples and ruins. You can explore this historical marvel on foot or by cycling.

Return to the hotel and relax in the afternoon.

In the late afternoon, enjoy visiting a less-explored site.

Nachchaduwa Experience: This unique drive takes you off the beaten path, weaving along earthen tracks through rural countryside dominated by rice paddies. You'll often spot birds, buffalo, and other wildlife, including elephants, especially as you reach the picturesque Nachchaduwa Lake, a vast reservoir surrounded by dense forests and distant hills. This location is perfect for enjoying sundowners before heading back to the hotel.

Afterwards, return to the hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
...read less

Today, you will travel to Polonnaruwa (approximately 2-hour drive).

Polonnaruwa Ancient City: Located in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, Polonnaruwa is the island's second established kingdom. It became the capital in 1056 AD and remained the administrative center until the 14th century when it succumbed to constant Chola invasions from India. Today, numerous vestiges, including places of worship, monuments, and royal relics, are scattered throughout the city.

Next, proceed to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon safari (approximately 30-minute drive).

Safari at Minneriya National Park: Embark on a jeep safari through Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks for an unforgettable elephant encounter. Listen for trumpet calls as herds cross dusty roads, protecting their calves. Witness the protective nature of elephant parents and their interactions with their young. If lucky, observe the herd's dynamic behavior, including trunk gestures resembling a group handshake.

After the safari, return to the hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.
...read less

Start your day by ascending the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (approximately 1 hour drive).

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Rising dramatically from the central plains, this enigmatic rocky outcrop is perhaps Sri Lanka's most striking landmark. Its near-vertical walls lead to a flat-topped summit, home to the ruins of an ancient civilization that is believed to have been the center of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa. Early morning views reveal spellbinding vistas across mist-shrouded forests.

Afterward, proceed to Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings (approximately 2.5 hours drive).

Kandy: Often enveloped in mist, Kandy’s hills encircle a beautiful central lake, giving the city a picturesque appearance even in the rain.

Upon arrival in Kandy, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Temple of the Tooth Relic: This golden-roofed temple houses Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. The tooth itself is not visible, as it is kept within a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six progressively smaller dagoba caskets.

Overnight stay in Kandy.
...read less

Today, embark on a scenic train ride to the charming "Little England," also known as Nuwara Eliya.

Kandy to Nanu Oya Rail Journey: Travel from Kandy, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, to Nanu Oya, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. This journey through the Central Highlands reveals lush tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Nanu Oya is a tranquil town set amidst the stunning hill country landscape.

Nuwara Eliya: Known as the "City of Light," this central province gem is Sri Lanka's premier tea production area, boasting the coolest temperatures in the country, ranging from 10-21 degrees Celsius. Discover the elegance and vintage charm of Sri Lanka's Little England by exploring its tea estates, lakes, picturesque landscapes, and historic buildings.

Reconnect with your chauffeur guide at Nanu Oya railway station, who will escort you to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
...read less

Spend the day at your leisure or choose from a variety of available experiences.

Optional Experiences:

• Tea Factory Tour: Goatfell is surrounded by vast tea plantations that have produced some of Sri Lanka's finest upcountry teas for nearly a century. Take a guided tour of a historic local factory, featuring century-old machinery, and learn about the withering, rolling, and sorting techniques. The tour concludes with a tea-tasting session and an opportunity to purchase tea. Enhance your tour with a local guide for an additional fee.

• Horton Plains National Park: Located in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, Horton Plains National Park features wild montane grasslands, cloud forests, waterfalls, and misty lakes. The park’s plateau, reminiscent of the African savannah, ends dramatically at 'World's End,' an 880m cliff. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes in the shadows of Kirigalpotta and Thotupola Kanda, Sri Lanka's second and third-highest peaks.

• Authentic Sri Lankan Cooking Experience: Join the Goatfell Chef for a hands-on Rice and Curry cooking demonstration. Learn about the use of spices and traditional clay pot cooking methods. Choose from fish, chicken, or seafood curry, accompanied by dhal and seasonal vegetable curries. Prepare authentic rice accompaniments, participate in tasting sessions, and enjoy a lunch featuring your culinary creations along with a Sri Lankan dessert.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
...read less

Today, you'll travel to Yala, with an approximate drive time of 5 hours.

Yala: Yala is renowned for housing the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park offers a rich tapestry of lush greenery and diverse wildlife, interspersed with ruins from ancient civilizations. This combination provides a unique experience that blends human history with nature. Embark on a scenic safari to observe the area's endemic wildlife and explore the remnants of ancient civilizations. The wild side of Sri Lanka awaits.

Upon arriving in Yala, check in at the resort and relax.

Overnight stay in Yala
...read less

Embark on an early morning or afternoon safari at Yala National Park.

Yala National Park Safari: Yala National Park, the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka, awaits your exploration. The park comprises five blocks, with two open to the public, along with adjacent areas like Ruhuna National Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park, also known as 'Yala East'. Situated in the southeastern region, spanning Southern Province and Uva Province, it covers 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi) and is approximately 300 kilometers (190 mi) away from Colombo. Yala was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and became one of Sri Lanka's first national parks, alongside Wilpattu, in 1938. Known for its diverse wildlife, it plays a crucial role in the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and various aquatic bird species.
After the safari, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy its amenities and services.

Overnight stay in Yala
...read less

Today's journey will take you to the sunny shores of Weligama on the south coast (Approximate drive time: 3 hours).

Weligama: Weligama, a charming coastal town in Sri Lanka, translates to 'sandy village', reflecting its expansive golden beaches. Over the years, Weligama has evolved from a quaint fishing village into a bustling tourist hotspot, now renowned as a premier surfing destination.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and soak in the captivating vistas and myriad experiences.

Stay overnight in Weligama.

Begin your day with an early morning excursion to encounter the majestic marine life in the waters of Mirissa.

Whale Watching at Mirissa: Venture into the serene waters of Mirissa on a tranquil cruise to witness the awe-inspiring creatures beneath the shimmering ocean surface. Mirissa offers an excellent opportunity for observing whales and dolphins from November to April, as the ocean transforms into a playground for various whale and dolphin species. Common sightings include sperm whales, killer whales, Bryde's whales, and short-finned whales, while playful pods of bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins are often seen around the boats. Keep an eye out for the magnificent blue whale, the largest animal on Earth! This experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts who delight in exploring the open sea. The best time to start your adventure is at dawn, with most boats departing by 6 am. Upon request, aerial whale watching can also be arranged.

Return to your hotel and unwind for the remainder of the day.

Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the resort (we recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance) or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings while savoring delicious culinary delights.

Overnight stay in Weligama.
...read less

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at the resort before heading out to explore the UNESCO-listed heritage city of Galle, just a 45-minute drive away.

Galle, originally constructed by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch and British, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander along the ancient ramparts of Galle Fort and discover its historic monuments. The town itself exudes an old-world charm, resembling a European village with its cobblestoned streets lined with cafes, bistros, and boutique shops. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through this picturesque gem.

In the afternoon, embark on a cycling excursion through the paddy fields.

The cycling trail takes you on a gentle loop starting from and returning to Wijaya Beach. Passing through the Eluvila Bird Sanctuary and scenic paddy fields via local paths and quiet roads, this ride offers a glimpse of rural life. You'll have a refreshing stop halfway through for king coconuts in a private jungle garden.

After your explorations, return to the hotel and unwind by the beach.

Overnight stay in Weligama. ...read less

Head towards Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka, approximately a 3-hour drive away.

Colombo, the bustling commercial capital of Sri Lanka, boasts a rich history and a plethora of attractions, from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, lush parks, and significant national monuments. The city is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, making it incredibly diverse within the island
Upon arrival in Colombo, check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour aboard classic jeeps.

Exploring Colombo in open-air jeeps offers unobstructed 360-degree views, perfect for capturing photographs and videos while sightseeing. The tour starts from Galle Face Green and covers approximately 20 archaeological and tourist sites, including the Aththidiya Bird Sanctuary. Guests can also enjoy self-driving experiences within the sanctuary. Complimentary photographs and video clips of the tour will be provided to guests.

After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
...read less

Check-out from the hotel well in advance and proceed towards the airport to connect with your departure flight home.