Sri Lanka Discovery & Dubai Highlights (17N/18D)

(14 nights Sri Lanka + 3 nights Dubai)

This journey blends the cultural treasures, misty highlands, wildlife, and coastal beauty of Sri Lanka with the modernity, luxury, and adventure of Dubai. The itinerary offers scenic drives, guided tours, nature treks, and leisure opportunities, ensuring travellers experience both the heritage and contemporary highlights of each destination. Comfortable overnight stays and optional excursions provide flexibility and a well-rounded experience.

Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Evening fishing village visit and lagoon stroll / Overnight in Negombo

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Meet your driver and transfer 30–45 minutes to Negombo. Check in at a comfortable hotel or guesthouse. In the evening, stroll along the Negombo Lagoon and visit a traditional fishing village, observing local fishermen and their daily routines. Dinner at the hotel or nearby seafood restaurant. Overnight in Negombo.

Day 02: Drive to Sigiriya / Sunset climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress / Overnight in Sigiriya

After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya, a 4-hour drive through rural landscapes and small villages. Arrive early afternoon and check in at your hotel. In the late afternoon, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring terraces, frescoes, and the water gardens. Sunset from the top offers panoramic views of the Cultural Triangle. Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 03: Visit Dambulla Cave Temples / Elephant Transit Home at Pinnawala / Overnight in Sigiriya

Morning visit to Dambulla Cave Temples, exploring the five caves with 150+ Buddha statues and murals. Afterward, drive approximately 1 hour to Pinnawala Elephant Transit Home to see rescued elephants and learn about conservation efforts. Return to Sigiriya in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 04: Morning cultural workshop / Drive to Kandy / Evening Kandyan dance performance / Overnight in Kandy

Morning hands-on cultural workshop: choose between Sri Lankan pottery or traditional mask-making. Learn from local artisans and create your own souvenir. After lunch, drive 2.5–3 hours to Kandy, check in at your hotel, and attend an evening Kandyan dance performance showcasing drumming, acrobatics, and folklore. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 05: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens / Private tea tasting with local tea master / Overnight in Kandy

Morning visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, 15 minutes from Kandy, to see orchids, palms, and giant trees. Return to Kandy for a private tea tasting with a local tea master, learning about tea cultivation and tasting different blends. Afternoon at leisure to explore Kandy Lake or shop for handicrafts. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 06: Drive to Knuckles Mountain Range / Guided gentle nature trek / Overnight eco-lodge in Knuckles

Drive approximately 3–4 hours to Knuckles Mountain Range. Check in at an eco-lodge nestled in the hills. Enjoy a guided gentle trek through cloud forests, observing endemic flora and fauna. Evening at leisure with lodge amenities and dinner featuring local cuisine. Overnight in Knuckles.

Day 07: Travel to coastal Trincomalee / Visit Nilaveli Beach / Optional snorkeling / Overnight in Trincomalee

Drive 5–6 hours to Trincomalee, stopping for refreshments. Check in at a coastal hotel or resort. Afternoon at Nilaveli Beach for swimming, sunbathing, or optional snorkeling to explore coral reefs. Evening free for sunset walks or dining at beachfront restaurants. Overnight in Trincomalee.

Day 08: Explore Koneswaram Temple and hot springs / Boat ride to Pigeon Island National Park / Overnight in Trincomalee

Morning visit to Koneswaram Temple and nearby Kanniya hot springs. Optional ablutions at the sacred springs. Take a short boat ride to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkeling and wildlife spotting. Return to Trincomalee for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 09: Drive to Ella / Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak / Overnight in Ella

Drive approximately 5–6 hours to Ella through scenic tea country. Check in at a boutique hotel or guesthouse. Visit Nine Arches Bridge for photos and hike Little Adam’s Peak, a 1–2 hour trek offering panoramic valley views. Evening at leisure in Ella. Overnight in Ella.

Day 10: Village immersion near Ella / Overnight in Ella

Spend the day in a nearby village learning traditional Sri Lankan cooking and meeting local families. Participate in cultural activities such as weaving or farming. Afternoon at leisure to explore the surroundings, take photos, or enjoy tea at a local café. Overnight in Ella.

Day 11: Transfer to Yala / Evening safari in Yala National Park / Overnight near Yala

Drive 4–5 hours to Yala, checking in at a lodge or eco-resort. Evening safari in Yala National Park, known for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of birds. Dinner and overnight stay near Yala.

Day 12: Morning safari in Yala / Drive to Mirissa / Evening leisure on the beach / Overnight in Mirissa

Early morning safari for prime wildlife viewing. Return for breakfast, then drive 4–5 hours to Mirissa. Check in at a beachfront hotel. Evening at leisure to relax on the beach, enjoy sunset views, or explore local cafés. Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 13: Whale and dolphin watching excursion / Optional coastal cycling tour / Overnight in Mirissa

Early morning boat trip for whale and dolphin watching. Return for breakfast. Optional cycling tour along coastal roads, visiting fishing villages and small coves. Afternoon free for beach relaxation. Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 14: Drive to Galle / Explore Galle Fort with a local historian / Overnight in Galle

Drive 1–1.5 hours to Galle. Guided tour of Galle Fort with a historian, highlighting colonial architecture, ramparts, lighthouses, and boutique shops. Lunch at a café in the fort. Sunset walk along the ramparts. Overnight in Galle.

Day 15: Return to Colombo / Stop at Kalutara Bodhiya Temple / Evening farewell dinner / Overnight in Colombo

Drive 2–3 hours to Colombo, stopping at Kalutara Bodhiya Temple to learn about Buddhist traditions. Check in at the hotel and enjoy an evening farewell dinner with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 16: Futuristic Dubai: Guided highlights including Burj Khalifa Sky Deck, Museum of the Future, and evening private yacht cruise / Overnight in Dubai

Flight to Dubai in the morning. Check in at the hotel and explore Dubai highlights: Burj Khalifa Sky Deck, Museum of the Future, and shopping at Dubai Mall. Evening private yacht cruise around Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Dinner on board. Overnight in Dubai.

Day 17: Desert and Adventure: Optional morning skiing at Ski Dubai or leisure time / Evening premium desert safari / Overnight in Dubai

Optional morning skiing at Ski Dubai or free time at the hotel. Afternoon and evening desert safari featuring dune bashing, falconry demonstrations, stargazing, and a private Bedouin-style dinner under the stars. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 18: Old Meets New: Walking tour of Al Fahidi Historical District, abra ride across Dubai Creek, exploration of gold and spice souks / Evening dhow dinner cruise / Transfer to airport for departure

Morning walking tour of Al Fahidi Historical District to explore Dubai’s heritage. Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek and visit the gold and spice souks. Evening dinner cruise on a traditional dhow or fine dining at Atmosphere, the world’s highest restaurant. Private transfer to Dubai airport for onward departure.