Sri Lanka discovery tour | Explore the island

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and begin your Sri Lanka travel experience. Your representative will welcome you and arrange a transfer to Sigiriya for check-in at a nature resort near Jetwing Lake, where sunlight reflects across the ancient Siyambalawewa Tank, and views stretch toward the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

If you wish, stop en route at the ancient city of Anuradhapura to explore third-century BC shrines, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, monumental dagabas, intricate stone carvings, and the island’s remarkable early irrigation systems.

Begin the day with breakfast overlooking the pool and distant hills before setting out to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa with your guide.

Discover how King Parakramabahu’s vast irrigation systems transformed the region, and wander through well preserved palaces, shrines, and serene temple complexes that bring Sri Lanka’s history vividly to life.

In the afternoon, head to Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari, where you may witness the famous Gathering of elephants roaming the open plains.

Greet the sunrise over the mountains before setting out for Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Climb this UNESCO-listed “Fortress in the Sky” to admire frescoes more than 1,600 years old and explore the palace ruins crowning the summit. After your descent, refresh with a king coconut, known locally as thambili.

Continue to the royal city of Kandy and check in at King’s Pavilion, a refined hillside retreat offering misty mountain views and serene, personalized hospitality.

Discover Kandy on a panoramic tour of the former royal capital, nestled among protective hills. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic to witness a pooja ceremony and observe the devotion of local worshippers. You may offer lotus flowers and, with your guide’s assistance, take part in the traditional lighting ritual for a more personal cultural experience.

Optionally, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, spanning 147 acres and home to more than 5,000 plant species, including a renowned orchid house and an extensive collection of spices and rare endemic flora.

After breakfast, journey through misty tea plantations toward Wellawaya, passing slopes dotted with tea pickers. When available, visit a working tea factory to observe traditional processing and sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. An optional High Tea at St. Andrew’s Hotel adds a touch of colonial charm.

Later, arrive at Jetwing Kaduruketha in Uva Province, a resort inspired by a traditional village and set among paddy fields and rolling hills. Settle in and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, authentic design, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality.

Begin your day with breakfast at Jetwing Kaduruketha before continuing your Sri Lanka itinerary with a guided walk along the resort’s paddy trails alongside the resident naturalist and head chef. Visit the organic garden, harvest fresh vegetables, and take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration before enjoying the traditional Sri Lankan lunch you helped prepare.

In the afternoon, venture toward Wellawaya for a jungle trek to Elle Wala Waterfall. This secluded cascade, accessible by bicycle or on foot, offers a refreshing escape into nature.

Begin the day with breakfast overlooking misty hills before checking out and traveling toward Tangalle. En route, visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are rehabilitated and prepared for release back into the wild. Observe the feeding sessions and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

On arrival in Tangalle, unwind at Buckingham Place, a boutique beachfront retreat offering stylish rooms, oceanfront dining, and two inviting pools.

Enjoy a relaxed day by the coast or set out on an optional morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, where elephants roam open scrubland, and leopards move quietly through the dry forest for a thrilling wildlife encounter.

Later, unwind by the infinity pool or beach before visiting the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, an important nesting site that protects Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback turtles.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka for turtle nesting along this coast is generally from April to July, when sightings are most likely. Local volunteers safeguard the eggs and, when possible, release hatchlings safely into the ocean.

Step aboard a private catamaran accompanied by an experienced naturalist and head into the Indian Ocean in search of blue and sperm whales. From the bow or upper deck, enjoy prime viewing opportunities as the crew guides you to likely sighting areas.

While at anchor, savor breakfast on board before snorkeling in clear waters or trying stand-up paddleboarding near Weligama Bay, where vibrant marine life awaits. Conclude the voyage with a light lunch prepared by the onboard chef as you sail back along the coast.

Enjoy breakfast with freshly brewed tea before setting out on a panoramic tour of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in colonial history. Wander the cobbled lanes of Galle Fort, visit the Natural Harbor, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the iconic Clock Tower.

For a memorable finale, dine at Amangalla within the fort walls, where you may choose a colonial-style setting or a poolside dinner, with local music available on request. Your tailor-made Sri Lanka trip concludes with a private transfer to the airport for a smooth and seamless departure.