*Sri Lanka Bucket List

Every Village Experience Responsible Tourism Program Includes the Following:

One on one consultation with our travel experts
Private registration and trip page
Pretrip Packet
Handpicked accommodations
Experienced Private Guide
Artisan shopping opportunities
Our favorite tour activities
Donation to one of TVE’s community partners

Known as The Pearl of The Indian Ocean, this tiny island nation boasts incredible beauty on its coastlines, within it’s tea plantations, among its mountain ranges, and inside its national parks. Sri Lanka lies just to the southwest of the continent of india, between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The warm, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean surround this island nation.

A trip to Sri Lanka should include visits to the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the country including the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy, the hilltop city of Sigiriya, and the colonial fortress town of Galle. You will marvel at the preservation of these stunning historical, religious, and cultural sites.

Safari in Sri Lanka is not to be missed. The expansive Yala National Park is unique in being located on the coast…meaning you can safari in the morning and enjoy the beach in the afternoon. This park offers incredible views and dense wildlife including Leopard, Sloth Beer, Spotted Deer, crocodiles, mongoose, and more. We also love looking for Asian Elephants in Hurulu Eco Park, Minneriya National Park, and Kaudulla National Park.

A trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without a traditional cooking class to learn about the local cuisine. Sri Lankan food is incredibly flavorful and colorful making this cooking class with a local family so much fun! Save some time to shop fair trade products that reflect the local culture and customs of this beautiful island nation. We suggest a stop at retail shop, BareFoot, in Galle or Colombo.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive to Colombo International Airport. Meet your Village Experience guide and transfer to hotel in Negombo.

Day 2 – Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Dambulla Cave Temple. Visit the Buddha statues inside these incredible caves. Stop for lunch and then check into hotel in Sigiriya. (B)

Day 3 – Morning visit to Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya. Afternoon jeep safari to go in search of elephants in one of the nearby national parks…depending on their location. (B)

Day 4 – Day trip to the ancient Kingdom of Polonnawura. This city dates back over 1,000 years! Then, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a family owned restaurant overlooking the rice paddies. (B)

Day 5 – Drive to Kandy to visit the Sacred Tooth Relic Tomb and the remains of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy. Check into hotel and relax or explore in the evening. (B)

Day 6 – Morning visit to Gadaladeniya Temple and Lankathilaka Temple in the morning. Then head over to the Royal Botanical Gardens for a picnic and some time to explore. (B)

Day 7 – Morning drive to Ella with a stop at a local tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya. Visit the 9 arches bridge via Tuktuk. Check into hotel nestled into the mountains. (B)

Day 8 – Free day to hike, cycle, enjoy the spa, go in search of waterfalls, or simply relax and take in the view. (B)

Day 9 – Morning drive to Yala National Park. Check into accommodations and enjoy the pool and the beach. This national park borders the ocean! (B)

Day 10 – Morning and afternoon safaris today to go in search of Leopard, Sloth Beer, Spotted Deer, crocodiles, mongoose, and more. (B)

Day 11 – Morning drive to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Galle…stopping at Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa for some incredible ocean views. Check into hotel located inside Galle Fort. Explore this adorable town in the evening and try one of the local restaurants. (B)

Day 12 – Morning walking tour of the major sites within the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort. Enjoy a Sri Lankan Cooking Class and lunch in the afternoon. This will be some of the best food of the entire trip! Free evening for shopping and exploring. (B,L)

Day 13 – Morning drive to Colombo. Stop at Barefoot Fair Trade Store for shopping and lunch. Visit the Red Mosque and Gangaramaya Temple in the afternoon. Check into hotel in Negombo for the evening. (B)

Day 14 – Transfers to airport throughout the day. (B)

Flight Reservations

Arrival & Departure: Colombo International Airport (CMB)

Vaccinations

Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date requirements (www.cdc.gov) and/or speak with a local travel doctor regarding vaccinations. We also advise that you speak with your doctor regarding a prescription for an antibiotic to combat food and water borne illnesses.

Recommendations for Sri Lanka include:
Covid-19 – Required by TVE
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid

Required Documents

Passport
Visa – Apply online HERE
Covid-19 Vaccination record
Covid-19 PCR negative test results
Travel Insurance – The plan must include medical evacuation, repatriation, medical coverage, trip cancellation and trip interruption, and Covid coverage.