12 Days in Sri Lanka Beyond the Tourist Trail

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Sri Lanka: Galle & the Southern Coast
2 stops
1
Galle Dutch Fort
Meet your private Eco Love Tours driver/guide and begin your journey through Sri Lanka. Assistance with luggage and private transfer towards Galle.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Galle Dutch Fort
Begin your Sri Lankan journey with a relaxed introduction to the historic Galle Fort, its ramparts, architecture and atmospheric streets.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Beyond Galle Fort: Craft, Culture & Coastal Life
3 stops
3
Traditional Jewellery-Making Workshop Get hands-on with Sri Lankan traditional jewellery making. Work alongside a local artisan, learn traditional techniques and create your own piece rather than simply watching a demonstration.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan flavours and learn about local ingredients, cooking traditions and everyday food culture.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Galle Dutch Fort
Explore the historic Galle Fort with your local guide, discovering its ramparts, colonial architecture,tasting home made ice cream, hidden corners and the everyday life of the Fort community.(And enjoy a beautiful sunset)
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Southern Coast / Local Community
2 stops
6
Hiriketiya Beach
Discover a quieter side of the southern coast and experience local life away from the main tourist trail.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Less crowded beach where you can enjoy a peaceful beach stay while witnessing an amazing sunset!
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 4
From the Coast to the Wild: Galle to Udawalawe
3 stops
8
Visit an ancient cave temple with getting in to local customs and exploring the way of living.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Elephant Transit Home (ETH)
Visit the elephant transit home which is the only orphanage which operates in an ethical manner.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
10
Udawalawa
Stop in the countryside to experience rural Sri Lankan life and learn about local livelihoods, food and traditions.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
From Wildlife to the Mountains: Beragala
2 stops
11
Udawalawe National Park
Experience a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park, looking for elephants, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The safari follows responsible wildlife-viewing practices and respects animals and park regulations.(A slow ðhical safari ride is guaranteed)
6 hours • Admission ticket free
12
Arrive in the peaceful mountain region of Beragala and experience spectacular views, rural landscapes and a quieter side of Sri Lanka.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Exploring the mountains: Beragala to Ella
3 stops
13
Bambarakanda Falls
Hiking the waterfall with a local guide.Enjoy the scenic view from the top and swim in natural pools.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
14
Lipton’s Seat
Visit the famous view point.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
Ella
Explore the little town with enjoying food & shopping.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Sacred Mountains: Rakkhiththakanda Sunrise & Ella
4 stops
16
A hidden sunrise view point where you don’t need to hike mountains.Just 5 minutes walk after driving 20 minutes from Ella.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
Organic Tea Queen - Ella
Meet local tea growers and discover the journey from tea plant to cup. Depending on the season, guests can experience tea picking, processing, rolling and tasting.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
18
Nine Arches Bridge
Walk to the bridge and spot the train on the bridge.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
19
Little Adam's Peak View Point
Sunset hike.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
From the Mountains to Kandy
3 stops
20
Nanu Oya railway station
Scenic mountain train journey from Ella to Nanu Oya.The driver will drop you off from Ella station and meet you again at Nanu Oya station.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
21
Visit a tea factory on the way to Kandy and taste finest Ceylon Tea.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
22
Kandy
Arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka's historic hill capital, and experience the atmosphere of this culturally important city.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Living Culture: Kandy Beyond the Temple
3 stops
23
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist temples and learn about its religious, cultural and historical significance. Respectful clothing is required.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
24
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
Nature walk / Bird watching
3 hours • Admission ticket included
25
Kandy Lake
Explore the area around historic Kandy Lake and learn about the landscape and history of the former royal capital.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Into the Ancient Kingdoms: Kandy to Habarana
3 stops
26
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Explore the historic cave temple complex, known for its ancient Buddhist murals, statues and religious heritage.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
27
Nalanda Gedige
An image house located in the right centre of the island (geographical centre)
1 hour • Admission ticket free
28
Habarana Lake
Enjoy a peaceful sunset canoe ride across Habarana Lake, surrounded by forest, wetlands and countryside. Look for birds and other wildlife while watching the sun set over the lake.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 11
Stories in Stone: Sigiriya & the Ancient Landscape
3 stops
29
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Explore the ruins of Sri Lanka’s medieval royal capital, including ancient temples, royal buildings, sculptures and the remarkable Gal Vihara, while learning how the kingdom shaped the island’s history.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
30
kandalama Reservoir
Take a slower journey through villages, paddy fields and rural landscapes, with time to experience everyday life beyond the major archaeological sites.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
31
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, discovering its royal gardens, archaeological remains, frescoes and remarkable history while learning about the ancient civilisation that developed around the rock.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 12
The Journey Home: Cultural Triangle to Colombo / Airport
2 stops
32
Colombo
Depending on the departure time, enjoy a short introduction to Colombo, with opportunities to explore local neighbourhoods, markets or food before departure.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
33
Bandaranaike International Airport
Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your 12-day journey through Sri Lanka.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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