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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We offer a truly personalised service providing a more authentic, caring experience. As a family-run business, we like to treat our guests like an extended part of our family rather than just clients.
Our team have visited and experienced every region we sell. We design your holiday using this first-hand knowledge, ensuring you have the benefit of our specialist’s depth of experience.
We believe that luxury travel can be a force for good, creating transformative experiences that give back; enriching lives, uplifting local economies, and preserving the planet’s most precious places.
At Humboldt we go the extra mile and pay attention to the smaller details so that your trip is individually crafted with care.
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