Explore Kandy – Pasikuda – Sigiriya
OVERVIEW
Spend more days and explore the northern regions and eastern beaches of sri lanka at more relaxed phase. On your first night, unwind at a beachfront resort before driving up to Kandy, the last royal capital of the country. Visit Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage listed temple within the royal palace complex then explore the tropical wet zone mountains of Kandy.
Indulge in a few leisurely days at the beach in Pasikuda, renowned for having one of the longest shallow reef coastlines globally. Experience the tranquil and peaceful waters and colourful sea life by snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding.
On your return journey, travel via Sigiriya and experience the 1500 year old fortress built on top of a granite rock set amongst tropical dry evergreen forests and surrounded by national parks. Here you will ascend sigiriya rock for sunset and pidurangala rock for sunrise allowing for spectacular views. Cycle through village footpaths embark on a thrilling safari to spot elephants other wildlife.
Conclude your stay at a riverfront eco-resort in Negombo. Tailored for families traveling with kids, this trip offers a range of accommodations and activities, providing a close look at Sri Lanka's nature, culture, and history. Travel in your own spacious van and stay in family or triple rooms for a cohesive experience.
Journey Highlights
- 10 Nights accommodation
- 10 Dinners & breakfasts + 3 lunches
- Historial: Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance
- Nature Walk: Udawattakele Guided Walk
- Beach: Double kayaks or stand up paddle boards
- Beach: Snorkeling Kayankerni reef or glass boat ride
- Historic: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Cooking with Chef
- Nature: Minneriya safari
- Historic: Climb Pidurangala Rock
- Village Nature Walk
ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1 NEGOMBO
Highlights
Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your local representative.
Transfer to your beach front hotel in Negombo.
You’re probably exhausted after the long flight. That’s why we’ve chosen a beachfront hotel near the airport. You can relax by the warm Indian ocean, surrounded by coconut trees, and take a refreshing dip in the pool. And when the evening comes, simply unwind with a drink, soaking in the tropical atmosphere.
DAY 2 KANDY
Highlights
After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Kandy.
As you drive into Kandy, you’ll ascend the hills, witnessing the transition from a dry to wet climate with denser vegetation. The city boasts hills adorned with buildings and houses nestled among lush greenery, surrounded by towering mountain ranges and the Mahaweli River. Serving as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy captivates visitors with its revered grounds, centered around the last royal palace. Expect bustling streets that signify Kandy’s status as the central economic hub of Sri Lanka’s hill country, even to this day.
Check into your mountain top homestay experience
Hanthana House, nestled in the Hanthana Hills of Kandy, offers breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. This unique home-stay provides period furnishings and custom-designed fittings, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings. With spacious rooms featuring plush king beds and tranquil rain shower enclosures, guests can relax and indulge in luxury. The authentic Sri Lankan home-cooked meals and interaction with the friendly local family add to the cultural experience. Situated just a short drive from Kandy, Hanthana House provides a tranquil retreat amidst lush greenery.
Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance | approx. 2 hours
In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO world heritage listed temple located within the royal palace complex that houses sacred relic of a tooth of Lord Buddha.Each evening, the day’s worship culminates when the casket containing the tooth relic is put on display to devotees who have travelled from all over the world.
DAY 3 KANDY
Highlights
Udawattakele Guided Walk | approx. 4 hours | easy
Walk Through Udawattakele Sanctuary with a guide early in the morning.
You will be starting your tour at 6:30 am from the entrance of Udawattakele Sanctuary. After getting the tickets your naturalist guide will take you on an interesting trail through the forest. You will be stopping periodically to rest and refresh yourselves. The 104-hectare Udawattakele Forest Reserve in Kandy has an interesting history behind it. Historical records state that the caves within the forest were used by monks as dwellings for millennia. Your naturalist might take you for a visit to some of these dwellings. Later during the Kandyan kingdom, the forest was beautifully maintained with wide avenues for taking walks and was used as a pleasure garden reserved for the Royal Family. As such, the forest was forbidden for all except these family members and those who received a special invitation from them.
DAY 4 PASIKUDA
Highlights
After breakfast, make your way to Pasikuda.
The horseshoe shape of Pasikuda beach, with its clear warm waters and sandy shores, is renowned as one of the longest shallow reef coastlines globally, allowing visitors to walk into the ocean without fear. Unlike many of the southern beaches in Sri Lanka, which can have rough waves, Pasikuda offers a calm and tranquil beach experience, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling, sea kayaking or paddleboarding.
There are two beautiful reefs nearby that you will get to explore over the next days.
Historically, it was a small Tamil hamlet adjacent to nearby Kalkudah. Pasikuda used to be a popular tourist destination; however, it faced significant devastation following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Double kayaks or stand-up paddle board experience
Paddle your way on the calm turquoise waters of Kalkudah Bay in late afternoon with double kayaks or stand –up paddles.
DAY 5 PASIKUDA
Highlights
We have two activities that you can take up over the today and tomorrow.
Snorkelling in Kayankerni reef | 3 hours
Transfer to Kayankerni Coral Reef early in the morning for snorkeling. Start your experience at sunrise with a beautiful boat ride as the first rays of light dawn across the Indian ocean.
Sri Lanka’s latest marine protected area, this coral reef is part of the larger Palk Bay reef system, which stretches across the shallow waters between Sri Lanka and India. And is accessible by a brief boat trip from Pasikuda, this secluded oasis promises a tranquil escape.
you are likely to be the only ones snorkeling around this coral garden, except for the occasional fisherman on the shore. The colourful corals are in good condition compared to most corals in the area and are home to a high diversity and abundance of marine life, this includes 207 species of fish observed up to date.
Glass Boat Ride | 3 hours
If snorkeling isn’t your cup of tea, and you don’t want to miss out on the magical underwaters, glass boat rides in Sri Lanka are just the choice for you. It’s the best way to explore the colourful reefs without getting wet
DAY 6 PASIKUDA
Highlights
Snorkelling in Kayankerni reef | 3 hours
Transfer to Kayankerni Coral Reef early in the morning for snorkeling. Start your experience at sunrise with a beautiful boat ride as the first rays of light dawn across the Indian ocean.
Sri Lanka’s latest marine protected area, this coral reef is part of the larger Palk Bay reef system, which stretches across the shallow waters between Sri Lanka and India. And is accessible by a brief boat trip from Pasikuda, this secluded oasis promises a tranquil escape.
you are likely to be the only ones snorkeling around this coral garden, except for the occasional fisherman on the shore. The colourful corals are in good condition compared to most corals in the area and are home to a high diversity and abundance of marine life, this includes 207 species of fish observed up to date.
Glass Boat Ride | 3 hours
If snorkeling isn’t your cup of tea, and you don’t want to miss out on the magical underwaters, glass boat rides in Sri Lanka are just the choice for you. It’s the best way to explore the colourful reefs without getting wet
DAY 7 SIGIRIYA
Highlights
After breakfast leave to Sigiriya.
Drive past endless flat terrain, passing both working and abandoned paddy fields and scrub jungle. Cross the country’s longest river, the Mahaweli River, which you previously crossed when entering Kandy, to enter the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. This region is home to many of the country’s ancient kingdoms.
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with a rich history dating back over 1,500 years. Perched atop a granite islandburg, it stands as an imposing geological marvel that rises above the surrounding landscape. The area surrounding this iconic landmark is characterized by lush Tropical Dry evergreen forests, bordered by national parks, wildlife corridors, and ancient man-made lakes. This diverse ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, deer, monkeys, and exotic bird species.
Check into your eco lodge.
In Sigiriya, you’ll encounter warm tropical weather, but nestled among the forest trees, this lodge lodge offers a shady, cool, and comfortable retreat, ensuring you feel refreshed. With six cottages set out in a garden full of trees, their attentive staff ensures a special stay, with a focus on delicious meals sourced from their own organic garden and neighboring farmers.
climb Sigiriya Rock at sunset | approx 1.5 – 2.0 hours.
In evening begin your exploration of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Marvel at the ancient rock paintings and the massive lion paw entrance as you ascend. Upon reaching the summit, delve into the ruins of the 1500-year-old castle constructed by King Kasyapa and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
DAY 8 SIGIRIYA
Highlights
Cook Lunch with Chef | approx. 1.5 hours
Learn from the chef about local produce and cooking methods, then prepare your lunch. Discover grains, vegetables, spices, and herbs grown locally and how they’re prepared. Cooking with a Sri Lankan chef will immerse you in the island’s vibrant flavors and techniques, telling the story of the culture, people, and place.
Afternoon Minneriya safari | approx. 3 hours
Centered around the ancient Minneriya Wewa, the park encompasses a diverse range of habitats within its 88.9 square kilometers area, including scrub forests, tropical dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands.It’s regarded as one of the best spots in the country for witnessing wild elephants. The dry season, stretching from April to October, is regarded as the best time to visit as the receding water in the tank exposes grasses, attracting grazing animals. During this period, gatherings of elephants, sometimes numbering 200 or more, come to feed and bathe, a spectacle famously known as ‘the Gathering.’ Additionally, diverse bird species can be observed fishing in the shallow waters, while visitors may also catch glimpses of toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, and crocodiles.
DAY 9 SIGIRIYA
Highlights
Pidurangala Rock | approx. 2 hours
Rise early to climb Pidurangala Rock for sunrise. Used as a forest monastery for thousands of years, it maintains its ancient aura and natural beauty. It’s a 30 min moderately challenging climb, walking up steps past an ancient temple, rock boulders, and caves. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with an impressive view.
It’s one of the top places to see the sunrise over Sigiriya Rock. As the sun rises, Sigiriya Rock gleams with golden rays, turning a stunning orange-gold color, a sight only visible during sunrise or sunset.
Village Nature Walk
In the evening a two hour walk in the Udawalayagama village accompanied by a local person to learn about nature, the surroundings and get in touch with local people as they go about their day-to-day life.
DAY 10 NEGOMBO
Highlights
After breakfast, depart for your lagoon-front hotel in Negombo, where you’ll spend your final night.
Surrounded by verdant greenery and bordered by the tranquil Ging Oya River, Ging Oya Lodge offers an eco-friendly retreat conveniently located just a 40-minute drive from the airport. Accommodations blend modern comfort with natural beauty, providing stunning views of the river. Guests can enjoy guided hikes, boat rides, or simply relax in the serene surroundings. The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious organic meals sourced locally, ideal for nature lovers and adventurers seeking tranquility and sustainability.
DAY 11 AIRPORT - DEPART
We Say Goodbye
PRICE & INCULSSION
Sharing a Triple Room
$ 6500 /Total
Sharing a Double/Family Room
$ 8800 /Total
What's Included:
Price Exclusions:
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY | LOCATION | HOTELS |
---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Negombo |
Goldi Sands |
DAY 2 | Kandy |
Hanthana House |
DAY 3 | Kandy |
Hanthana House |
DAY 4 | Pasikuda |
The Calm Resort and Spa |
DAY 5 | Pasikuda |
The Calm Resort and Spa |
DAY 6 | Pasikuda |
The Calm Resort and Spa |
DAY 7 | Sigiriya |
Kuwera Eco Lodge |
DAY 8 | Sigiriya |
Kuwera Eco Lodge |
DAY 9 | Sigiriya |
Kuwera Eco Lodge |
DAY 10 | Negombo |
Ging Oya Lodge |
DAY 11 | Airport |
MAPS
