Sri Lanka In Depth

19 NIGHT(S)

An unforgettable 20-day adventure through Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife, ancient heritage, lush rainforests and breath-taking highlands.

This 20-day itinerary takes you on an immersive journey through Sri Lanka, combining wildlife, culture, heritage, and scenic landscapes. Begin in Colombo with a vintage Land Rover city tour, Angampora martial arts, and Dutch Burgher cuisine, staying at The Tintagel. Travel south to Galle for puppet and mask-making workshops, a private cooking class, and a guided walk of the UNESCO-listed fort, staying at Fort Bazaar. Explore the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest with birdwatching, foraging, and forest-to-table dining, staying at Jansens Bungalow, then continue to the dry-zone of Wellawaya and Panama for safaris in Kumana National Park and visits to rural communities, staying at Jetwing Kaduruketha and Jetwing Surf & Safari. Journey into the remote wilderness of Gal Oya for a boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya and a cultural encounter with the Veddah tribe, staying at Wild Glamping Gal Oya, before ascending to Nuwara Eliya for a Tamil village visit, tea factory tour, and a trek in Horton Plains National Park, staying at Jetwing Warwick Gardens. Travel to Kandy to experience Kandyan dance, explore Embekke Devale, and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, staying at The Kings Pavilion, then venture into the Cultural Triangle from Habarana to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, and witness prehistoric sites at Ibbankaduwa, staying at Maia by Taru Villas and Villa Hundira. Conclude with a farewell seafood dinner by the coast before returning to Colombo for your onward flight.

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Trip Highlights

  • Take a private cooking class in Galle followed by a guided walk of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.

  • Trek through the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest and enjoy forest-to-table dining with local guides.

  • Embark on a thrilling safari in Kumana National Park, spotting leopards, elephants and migratory birds.

  • Explore the remote wilderness of Gal Oya and meet the indigenous Veddah community.

  • Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress followed by a visit to the medieval city of Polonnaruwa.

  • 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.

    BEST TIME TO VISIT

    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

    The Tintagel, Colombo
    Arrive in Colombo

    On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Colombo to rest and recover from your flight. Take some time to relax and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere before your adventure begins.

    1
    Colombo, Sri Lanka
    Explore Colombo

    Experience the traditional martial art of Angampora, enjoy a Dutch Burgher lunch (Lamprais), and take a vintage Land Rover heritage and food tour around the city. This immersive day offers a taste of Colombo’s rich history, culinary delights and lively streets.

    2
    Ambalangoda mask making
    Travel to Galle via Ambalangoda

    Journey south to Galle, stopping in Ambalangoda to meet local mask-making and puppetry families. Learn about these traditional crafts through hands-on demonstrations before arriving at your boutique hotel in Galle.

    3
    Galle
    Discover Galle

    Join a private cooking class with Dinesha and enjoy preparing traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Later, take a guided walk of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with an archaeologist, exploring its fascinating colonial history and architecture.

    4
    Sinharaja Rainforest
    Travel to Sinharaja

    Drive inland to Sinharaja Rainforest, arriving in the afternoon for a birding and nocturnal owl-spotting walk with a local tracker. Discover the unique sounds and sights of this UNESCO-listed rainforest and its endemic wildlife.

    5
    Sinharaja Rainforest (2)
    Explore Sinharaja Rainforest

    Spend the day trekking through the dense rainforest, learning about the forest’s ecology and foraging traditions. Enjoy a forest-to-table cooking experience with local guide Ramani, tasting dishes made from freshly foraged ingredients.

    6
    Buduruwagala rock carvings
    Travel to Wellawaya via Buduruwagala

    Visit a dry-zone farm and participate in a cooking session at Zelona Kitchen, experiencing rural Sri Lankan life. Then explore the ancient Buduruwagala rock carvings, a fascinating site that showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage.

    7
    Jetwing Surf and Safari Kumana
    Travel to Pottuvil & Safari in Kumana

    Stop at Magul Maha Viharaya temple, an ancient site with beautiful carvings and historical significance. Continue to Kumana National Park for an afternoon safari, spotting leopards, sloth bears and migratory birds in the wild.

    8
    Leopard Kumana National Park Sri Lanka
    Safari in Kumana

    Spend the day exploring Kumana National Park on game drives with your guide, observing a variety of wildlife and birds across its dry-zone landscapes. This immersive day allows you to experience the park’s untamed beauty and ecological diversity.

    9
    Gal Oya
    Travel to Gal Oya via Panama

    Arrive in the remote wilderness of Gal Oya and meet the Veddah indigenous community for an authentic cultural walk. Learn about their traditional lifestyle and practices while experiencing the region’s untouched natural beauty.

    10
    Senanayake Samudraya
    Explore Gal Oya & Senanayake Samudraya

    Enjoy a boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya, spotting elephants swimming and a wide variety of birdlife. Spend the afternoon exploring Nilgala, discovering its hidden trails and unique wildlife habitats.

    11
    Tea Factory Sri Lanka
    Travel to Nuwara Eliya via Kandapola

    Visit a Tamil village and tour Pedro Tea Factory, learning about traditional tea production. Continue to Nuwara Eliya in the cool central highlands, enjoying scenic views of rolling hills and lush plantations.

    12
    Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
    Explore Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains

    Take an early trek in Horton Plains National Park to World’s End and Baker’s Falls, marvelling at the dramatic landscapes. Spend the afternoon wandering Nuwara Eliya’s colourful markets and charming streets, soaking up the colonial-era atmosphere.

    13
    Kandy, Sri Lanka
    Travel to Kandy via Central Highlands

    Journey to Kandy, enjoying an immersive walking tour with a local guide, including bustling markets, the Royal Bar, and Helga’s Folly. Learn about the city’s rich history and cultural traditions as you explore its lively streets.

    14
    Kandy, Sri Lanka
    Explore Kandy

    Experience Kandyan dance with Guru Chanaka and enjoy a regal lunch at Eladetta Walauwa. Visit the intricately carved Embekke Devale temple and the revered Temple of the Tooth, discovering Kandy’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

    15
    Dambulla Cave, Sri Lanka
    Travel to Habarana via Matale & Dambulla

    Stop in Matale to see traditional lacquerware, then explore Nalanda Gedige, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest stone temples. Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temples and finish the day with an evening night safari to spot rare nocturnal wildlife.

    16
    Sigiriya, Sri LAnka
    Discover Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

    Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise, exploring its gardens, frescoes, and ancient ruins. Later, visit the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, discovering grand palaces, Buddha carvings, and ancient reservoirs that reveal Sri Lanka’s medieval brilliance.

    17
    Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
    Explore Anuradhapura

    Spend a full day discovering the monumental stupas, ancient monasteries, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura. Learn about the city’s significance as the first kingdom of Sri Lanka and its enduring Buddhist heritage.

    18
    Negombo Sri Lanka
    Travel to Negombo via Ibbankaduwa

    Visit the Ibbankaduwa Megalithic Burial Site en-route, exploring Sri Lanka’s prehistoric heritage. Conclude the day with a farewell seafood dinner by the coast, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey.

    19
    Aeroplane home
    Fly home from Negombo

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

    20

    Where to stay

    Jetwing Warwick Gardens, The Hill Country, Sri Lanka
    Jetwing Warwick Gardens
    Fort Bazzar, Galle, Sri Lanka
    Fort Bazaar
    Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya, Sri Lanka
    Gal Oya Lodge
    Jetwing Surf and Safari, Pottuvil, Sri Lanka
    Jetwing Surf and Safari
    Tintagel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
    The Tintagel
    The Kings Pavilion, Kandi, Sri Lanka
    The King’s Pavilion

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