Ceylon Surf, Safari & Highland Journey

Day-by-Day Tour

1. 01

   Day 01

   Arrival ↣ Negombo

   Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and receive assistance before a short private transfer to Negombo. Settle into your boutique beachfront resort and take time to recover from your journey. Enjoy a relaxed evening of lagoon-side seafood, tropical flavours and coastal atmosphere, with an optional sunset walk through the fishing village lanes and Dutch Canal surroundings.

2. 02

   Day 02

   Negombo ↣ Sigiriya

   Travel inland through coconut plantations, rural villages and farming landscapes towards Sigiriya. Settle into a nature-inspired retreat surrounded by lakes and forest before enjoying an unhurried evening in Sri Lanka’s dry-zone wilderness. An optional nature walk or wellness treatment can add a gentle end to the day.

3. 03

   Day 03

   Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

   Begin with an early climb of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy panoramic views across ancient landscapes and forest plains. Continue to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, exploring its royal palaces, temples and magnificent Buddha statues by bicycle or tuk-tuk. An optional village cooking experience offers a taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

4. 04

   Day 04

   Sigiriya ↣ Kandy

   Journey towards Kandy through spice-growing regions and forested hills, visiting the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple along the way. Stop at a traditional spice garden to discover aromatic herbs and their connection with Ayurveda before continuing into the hills. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and experience its spiritual atmosphere accompanied by ceremonial traditions.

5. 05

   Day 05

   Kandy ↣ Nuwara Eliya

   Travel through waterfalls, winding mountain roads and mist-covered valleys into Sri Lanka’s famous tea country. Visit a working tea estate and factory for a guided introduction to Ceylon Tea before continuing to Nuwara Eliya. Spend the evening enjoying the cool climate with a stroll around Gregory Lake or time at a local café.

6. 06

   Day 06

   Nuwara Eliya ↣ Ella

   Transfer to Nanu Oya and board the scenic hill-country train towards Ella. Travel through emerald tea estates, tunnels, waterfalls and cloud-covered valleys as the highland landscape unfolds around you. Arrive in Ella and settle into your hillside retreat before enjoying an evening of cafés, mountain views and sunset scenery.

7. 07

   Day 07

   Ella

   Start the day with an early hike to Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping views across Ella’s mountain landscape. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge before choosing from a range of optional experiences, including ziplining, ATV adventures, tea estate walks or waterfall visits. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed café experience and take in the slower rhythm of Ella.

8. 08

   Day 08

   Ella ↣ Arugam Bay

   From the Highlands to Surf Country

   Leave the mountains behind and travel through Sri Lanka’s southeastern landscapes towards Arugam Bay. Settle into a beachfront surf lodge or nature-inspired retreat before spending the afternoon on the coast. Try an introductory surf session or simply relax on the beach before enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of this celebrated surf town.

   Best season for Arugam Bay: May–September

9. 09

   Day 09

   Arugam Bay

   Enjoy a flexible day centred around Arugam Bay’s famous surf culture. Take a surfing lesson or refine your skills, or choose a slower experience with a lagoon safari, birdwatching, beach cycling, yoga or a coastal walk. End the day with time to relax by the beach and enjoy the destination’s easygoing atmosphere.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Arugam Bay ↣ Udawalawe

    Journey inland through changing landscapes towards Udawalawe National Park. In the afternoon, set out on a jeep safari across open grasslands and woodland in search of elephants, crocodiles, deer, buffalo and abundant birdlife. With its open terrain and rich wildlife, Udawalawe offers an excellent opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s wild side.

11. 11

    Day 11

    Udawalawe ↣ Galle

    Enjoy a relaxed morning or choose an optional early safari before travelling towards Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Continue to Galle and explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, where colonial architecture, artisan shops, galleries and cafés meet dramatic ocean views. End the day with a beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean.

12. 12

    Day 12

    Galle ↣ Departure

    Enjoy a final morning exploring Galle Fort at your own pace, with time for a leisurely café stop or last-minute shopping. Your private transfer then takes you towards Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.