Sri Lanka Local Way Exploration - 7 Days

Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in Negombo. After settling into your room, you have the rest of the day at leisure. Negombo, located close to Bandaranaike International Airport, is known as the cinnamon capital from the Dutch colonial era and offers some of Sri Lanka's most exciting diving spots. The town features a pleasant beach and lagoon, where you can enjoy fresh lobster, prawns and crabs served locally or take to the waves with kiteboarding. In the evening, Negombo comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, including bars, discos and clubs, providing plenty of options to unwind and enjoy your first night in Sri Lanka.

Travelling time: 8 km – 30 min

After breakfast, we visit the local fish market and fish drying area in Negombo. The market takes place right on the beach, where fishing boats unload their fresh catch. Here, you can observe fishermen untangling nets, playing with their children, and spreading fish out to dry along the shore. Take a stroll to see the traditional methods of fish drying by the sea. Afterwards, we transfer to Chilaw to visit the Munneshwaram Hindu Kovil, a significant regional temple dedicated to Shiva. This ancient complex dates back at least to 1000 CE and is one of the five historic Pancha Ishwarams in Sri Lanka. Later, we continue to Anuradhapura and check in to your hotel for the night.

Travelling time: 170 kms – 3.5 hrs

After breakfast, we visit Wilpattu National Park, renowned for its population of Sri Lankan leopards, distinctively more elegant than their Indian counterparts. The park's name derives from the numerous natural lakes, or "Willus", scattered throughout the area. Alongside big cats, Wilpattu is home to elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, mongooses and water buffalo. Keep alert for the sounds of wildlife, as you may witness a thrilling hunt in action. After the safari, we return to the hotel to relax. In the evening, we explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, once the capital of Sri Lanka and a centre of civilisation for over 1,300 years under 113 kings. The city's highlight is the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree sapling believed to be grown from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, standing proudly for more than 220 years. We stroll through the city's sacred sites, including the impressive Ruwanweliseya stupa, to appreciate the enduring heritage and cultural significance of this remarkable kingdom.

Travelling time: 80 kms – 1.5 hrs

After breakfast, we transfer to Sigiriya to visit the impressive Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This 5th-century citadel, built by King Kasyapa and recognised as a World Heritage Site, showcases ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning at its finest. We enter through the massive "Lion Paws", overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below, and explore the frescoes that echo the Gupta-style paintings found in India's Ajanta caves. The fortress is surrounded by ramparts and moats, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this historic stronghold.

Next, we visit Hiriwadunna village, a tranquil rural setting shaded by dry zone shrub forest. Here, we take a leisurely catamaran ride across the reservoir, enjoying views of Sigiriya Rock reflected in the still waters. We then visit a local Chena farmer's home to savour a traditional cup of black Ceylon tea. Experience village life as we walk through Chena cultivations and nearby woods before boarding a bullock cart - an ancient mode of transport still used by locals.

At the end of the day, we transfer to Dambulla and check in to your hotel for the night.

Travelling time: 90 kms – 2 hrs

After breakfast, we visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a significant site treasured by Sri Lankan kings since the 1st century BCE. This complex features five intricately decorated cave temples surrounding the golden Dambulla Rock Temple. Inside, you will see exquisite cave paintings and over 150 statues of Buddha, including a striking, gilded Buddha statue that dominates the main cave. Next, we explore the bustling Dambulla vegetable market, where local farmers trade fresh produce destined for distribution across the island. Even if you're not shopping, the lively atmosphere offers a fascinating glimpse into daily village life. We then travel to Matale to visit a Spice Garden, located in an important agricultural region known for its tea, rubber, vegetables and spices. Here, you can learn about the therapeutic qualities of various spices and enjoy a cup of herbal tea. Alternatively, you may choose to explore Matale town at your leisure, soaking up its vibrant street life. Finally, we transfer to Kandy and check in to your hotel for the night.

Travelling time: 90 kms – 2 hrs

After breakfast, we explore Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe until British annexation in 1815, Kandy offers a rich blend of culture, history and heritage. We visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the city's most revered landmark, before strolling through the lakeside town. You will see the modern Kandy City Centre with its international brands, arts and crafts centre, gem museum and lapidary. We also visit the bustling Kandy market, where fresh fruits and vegetables fill the vibrant stalls. In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural show featuring music and drumming that celebrates Sri Lanka's heritage. Afterwards, we transfer to Colombo for an evening city tour. Drive along the clean streets past the Race Course, once a horse racing venue and World War II airstrip, now home to boutiques and eateries.

Visit Pettah's Floating Market for a unique shopping experience, then continue to the developing Colombo Port City with its parks and commercial spaces. We pass Bauddhaloka Mawatha to the "Arcade" near Independence Square, a stylish shopping and dining precinct housed in a colonial building. Relax with a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital complex, browse designer shops, or soak in the atmosphere of Gangarama Temple. If time allows, you may choose to catch an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall or an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna Theatre (at own cost).

Travelling time: 90 kms – 2 hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Colombo Airport for your departure flight, concluding your journey.