Sri Lankan Sojourn
22 Aug –
4 Sep 2025
- 14 Days
- Accommodation based on sharing a DWB room in hotels mentioned
- 24 Meals
- Group size: 15
Itinerary
We meet our guide at the airport, ready for our Sri Lankan Sojourn.
Upon arrival in Colombo, we are warmly greeted by our friendly tour guide. After checking in, you’ll have a leisurely morning to unwind before embarking on a tour of the capital city. Colombo is a vibrant blend of rich history and modern urban life.
Our adventure begins at Pettah, the floating market, where you’ll explore a maze of shops, street vendors, and bustling streets offering everything from textiles and electronics to fresh produce and spices. Next, we visit Colombo Port City, a visionary urban development showcasing luxurious amenities, cutting-edge architecture, stunning waterfront views, and even an F1 track.
Our journey continues to Independence Square, a serene historic site surrounded by peaceful gardens, where we’ll admire the grand Independence Memorial Hall, celebrating Sri Lanka’s liberation from British rule. We also visit Gangaramaya Temple, a beautiful fusion of architectural styles featuring intricate carvings, tranquil statues, and a picturesque lakeside setting, providing a spiritual and cultural retreat within the bustling city.
We conclude our day at the Lotus Tower, a striking symbol of modern Sri Lanka.
After enjoying a delightful breakfast in Colombo, we journey to Kandalama with a stop at the Dambulla Rock Temples. The Dambulla Rock Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a remarkable collection of five cave temples adorned with exquisite Buddhist mural paintings and over 150 statues. Perched atop a towering rock, these temples provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors are often mesmerized by the peaceful ambience and the intricate artwork that has endured for over 2,000 years, making Dambulla an essential destination for anyone interested in spiritual and historical exploration.
After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts remarkably well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and statues, reflecting the splendour of a medieval kingdom set amidst lush greenery. Polonnaruwa, the heart of King Parakramabahu I’s reign, remains a testament to ancient culture and religious heritage.
Following our visit, we’ll enjoy a local lunch at a village house in Habarana before heading to Sigiriya. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its striking frescoes, meticulously landscaped gardens, and panoramic views. This ancient rock fortress features a towering column of rock rising 200 meters above the jungle, where you can explore the remnants of an ancient palace and intricate water gardens at its summit, offering a captivating mix of history, art, and natural beauty.
After breakfast, you have a choice of activities for the day. You can join a Hiriwadunna village trek that features a cooking demonstration and a traditional lunch. Alternatively, opt for a bird-watching tour by boat with a naturalist guide, returning for lunch at Heritance Kandalama.
We’ll embark on a jeep safari in the afternoon at Minneriya National Park.
OR
We depart from Kandalama and journey to Kandy, a charming city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy was the final capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, and its rich cultural heritage.
After breakfast at our hotel, we journey to Nuwara Eliya, and visit the Blue Fields Tea Factory on the way. A tea expert will guide us through the factory, followed by a tea tasting and time for tea shopping.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, we’ll take a brief sightseeing tour of the town, passing by historic British-era buildings, the racecourse, the lake, the old post office, and the bazaar. Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque hill station renowned for its cool climate, lush tea plantations, and colonial architecture. It offers stunning views, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful retreat amidst rolling hills.
We journey to Ella, where we’ll explore the captivating Ravana Cave, the stunning Ravana Falls, and the iconic Nine-Arch Bridge, followed by a city tour.
Next, we travel to Yala to discover Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuary. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife—including elephants, leopards, and exotic birds—and scenic views of lagoons, forests, and beaches, this day promises to be unforgettable.
After breakfast, we embark on jeep safaris in Yala National Park, which spans 979 square kilometres. Our expert guides will lead us through the park’s most remarkable areas, ensuring a memorable wildlife viewing and exploration day.
We travel to Galle for a city tour. This historic coastal city is famous for its well-preserved 17th-century Dutch Fort, picturesque cobblestone streets, and vibrant mix of colonial architecture, boutique shops, and breathtaking ocean views. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest remaining fortress in Asia, initially constructed by European colonists.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we drive to Negombo on the West Coast. We’ll take a boat ride on the Madu River in Balapitiya and visit the Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda. After a delightful lunch at the Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Resort, we continue to our hotel in Negombo.
This charming coastal town features sandy beaches, bustling fish markets, and colonial heritage. Known for its scenic lagoon, historic churches, and vibrant street life, Negombo offers a perfect blend of local culture and natural beauty.
We have a day of rest and relaxation at our hotel and nearby beach before our farewell dinner.
After breakfast, we leave for the airport, hearts filled with Sri Lankan memories.
Arrive in Johannesburg, ready to explore other Seagull tours for our next adventure!
We meet our guide at the airport, ready for our Sri Lankan Sojourn.
Upon arrival in Colombo, we are warmly greeted by our friendly tour guide. After checking in, you’ll have a leisurely morning to unwind before embarking on a tour of the capital city. Colombo is a vibrant blend of rich history and modern urban life.
Our adventure begins at Pettah, the floating market, where you’ll explore a maze of shops, street vendors, and bustling streets offering everything from textiles and electronics to fresh produce and spices. Next, we visit Colombo Port City, a visionary urban development showcasing luxurious amenities, cutting-edge architecture, stunning waterfront views, and even an F1 track.
Our journey continues to Independence Square, a serene historic site surrounded by peaceful gardens, where we’ll admire the grand Independence Memorial Hall, celebrating Sri Lanka’s liberation from British rule. We also visit Gangaramaya Temple, a beautiful fusion of architectural styles featuring intricate carvings, tranquil statues, and a picturesque lakeside setting, providing a spiritual and cultural retreat within the bustling city.
We conclude our day at the Lotus Tower, a striking symbol of modern Sri Lanka.
After enjoying a delightful breakfast in Colombo, we journey to Kandalama with a stop at the Dambulla Rock Temples. The Dambulla Rock Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a remarkable collection of five cave temples adorned with exquisite Buddhist mural paintings and over 150 statues. Perched atop a towering rock, these temples provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors are often mesmerized by the peaceful ambience and the intricate artwork that has endured for over 2,000 years, making Dambulla an essential destination for anyone interested in spiritual and historical exploration.
After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts remarkably well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and statues, reflecting the splendour of a medieval kingdom set amidst lush greenery. Polonnaruwa, the heart of King Parakramabahu I’s reign, remains a testament to ancient culture and religious heritage.
Following our visit, we’ll enjoy a local lunch at a village house in Habarana before heading to Sigiriya. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its striking frescoes, meticulously landscaped gardens, and panoramic views. This ancient rock fortress features a towering column of rock rising 200 meters above the jungle, where you can explore the remnants of an ancient palace and intricate water gardens at its summit, offering a captivating mix of history, art, and natural beauty.
After breakfast, you have a choice of activities for the day. You can join a Hiriwadunna village trek that features a cooking demonstration and a traditional lunch. Alternatively, opt for a bird-watching tour by boat with a naturalist guide, returning for lunch at Heritance Kandalama.
We’ll embark on a jeep safari in the afternoon at Minneriya National Park.
OR
We depart from Kandalama and journey to Kandy, a charming city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy was the final capital of Sri Lanka’s ancient kings. It is renowned for its stunning landscapes, the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, and its rich cultural heritage.
After breakfast at our hotel, we journey to Nuwara Eliya, and visit the Blue Fields Tea Factory on the way. A tea expert will guide us through the factory, followed by a tea tasting and time for tea shopping.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, we’ll take a brief sightseeing tour of the town, passing by historic British-era buildings, the racecourse, the lake, the old post office, and the bazaar. Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque hill station renowned for its cool climate, lush tea plantations, and colonial architecture. It offers stunning views, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful retreat amidst rolling hills.
We journey to Ella, where we’ll explore the captivating Ravana Cave, the stunning Ravana Falls, and the iconic Nine-Arch Bridge, followed by a city tour.
Next, we travel to Yala to discover Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuary. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife—including elephants, leopards, and exotic birds—and scenic views of lagoons, forests, and beaches, this day promises to be unforgettable.
After breakfast, we embark on jeep safaris in Yala National Park, which spans 979 square kilometres. Our expert guides will lead us through the park’s most remarkable areas, ensuring a memorable wildlife viewing and exploration day.
We travel to Galle for a city tour. This historic coastal city is famous for its well-preserved 17th-century Dutch Fort, picturesque cobblestone streets, and vibrant mix of colonial architecture, boutique shops, and breathtaking ocean views. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest remaining fortress in Asia, initially constructed by European colonists.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we drive to Negombo on the West Coast. We’ll take a boat ride on the Madu River in Balapitiya and visit the Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda. After a delightful lunch at the Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Resort, we continue to our hotel in Negombo.
This charming coastal town features sandy beaches, bustling fish markets, and colonial heritage. Known for its scenic lagoon, historic churches, and vibrant street life, Negombo offers a perfect blend of local culture and natural beauty.
We have a day of rest and relaxation at our hotel and nearby beach before our farewell dinner.
After breakfast, we leave for the airport, hearts filled with Sri Lankan memories.
Arrive in Johannesburg, ready to explore other Seagull tours for our next adventure!
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The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.
Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.
Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.
We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.
