A captivating 10-day journey through Sri Lanka’s wildlife, cultural heritage and scenic tea country.
This 10-day itinerary takes you on an immersive journey through Sri Lanka, exploring its wildlife, heritage and tea country. Begin with a night near Colombo to recover from your flight, then travel north to Wilpattu National Park for safaris and a visit to the African Kaffir community. Continue to Habarana, stopping at the sacred city of Anuradhapura, before discovering Sigiriya Rock Fortress, enjoying a traditional village lunch, and exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Travel to Kandy with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by a private dance school experience, a stop at Embekke Devale temple, and a Kandyan-style lunch. Journey into the central highlands to Hatton, staying at Ceylon Tea Trails, where you can tour the Dunkeld Tea Factory, walk or cycle through lush tea fields, relax by the infinity pool, and enjoy gourmet dining, before returning to Colombo for your onward flight home.
Trip Highlights
Spot leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and diverse birdlife in Wilpattu National Park.
Explore UNESCO-listed Anuradhapura, Sigiriya Rock Fortres and Polonnaruwa’s medieval ruins.
Discover centuries-old murals and over 150 Buddha statues at Dambulla Cave Temples.
Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Experience traditional dance, the carved Embekke Devale temple and a historic Walauwa lunch in Kandy.
Tour the Dunkeld Tea Factory, stroll or cycle through tea fields and enjoy luxury bungalow life at Ceylon Tea Trails.
When to go
This itinerary can be done year-round, as Sri Lanka generally has a warm tropical climate with plenty of sunshine. However, the wet season varies by region: the southwest (including Kandy and the Hill Country) experiences heavier rains from May to September, while the northeast (including Wilpattu, Habarana, and Sigiriya) sees more rain from October to January, so travel plans may need slight adjustments depending on the time of year.
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We had a great trip to Sri Lanka with Humboldt Travel. The experiences felt authentic, the guides were incredible and the hotels were like home away from home.
– Humboldt Client
Day by Day Itinerary
On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in nearby Kotugoda for the night to recover from your flight.
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Journey north along Sri Lanka’s scenic western coast, stopping in Sirambiadiya to meet the African Kaffir community, learn about their unique heritage, and join in their vibrant Manja music and dance.
Continue to Wilpattu National Park for a half-day safari, where leopards, sloth bears and diverse birdlife thrive in the park’s dense forests and lakes, before heading to your next hotel.
On the way to Habarana, stop at the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital that flourished as a centre of Buddhism and civilization for over a millennium. Explore its monumental stupas, the revered Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, ancient monasteries and serene archaeological sites before continuing to your boutique stay in Habarana.
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Begin the day with an early climb of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring its gardens and ruins before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
Later, enjoy a traditional village-style lunch at Priyamali Gemi Gedara before discovering the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where grand palaces, exquisite Buddha carvings and vast reservoirs reveal the brilliance of Sri Lanka’s medieval civilization.
On your way to Kandy, visit the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples, where you'll explore centuries-old murals and over 150 Buddha statues.
On arrival in Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, a spiritual and cultural landmark of Sri Lanka, before checking into your boutique accommodation for the night.
- SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Immerse yourself in Kandy’s rich heritage with a private visit to a traditional dance school, a stop at the exquisitely carved Embekke Devale temple and a regal Kandyan-style lunch at a historic Walauwa manor.
Later, explore the city’s lively streets with a local host, sampling authentic flavours and visiting bustling markets.
After breakfast in Kandy, journey into the cool central highlands to Hatton, where rolling tea plantations stretch across the landscape. Here you’ll stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, a collection of beautifully restored planters’ bungalows amidst the scenic tea country.
- SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Savour a day of indulgence at Ceylon Tea Trails with guided experiences like a tour of the historic Dunkeld Tea Factory and scenic walks or cycling through lush tea fields. Between elegant cream teas, infinity pool dips and gourmet dining by the fire, you’ll embrace the refined rhythm of slow living in Sri Lanka’s breath-taking tea country.
Where to stay
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