Trip to Sigiriya and Kandy
OVERVIEW
Embark on a 400km loop starting from Negombo to Sigiriya, then Kandy, and back to Negombo, ensuring minimal time spent inside the car and maximizing outdoor exploration.Explore three distinct climate zones and forest types of Sri Lanka, along with rich history and vibrant culture.
Your adventure starts with a tranquil beachfront stay, followed by exploration in dry evergreen savannah forests of Sigiriya. Ascend Sigiriya Rock at sunset and conquer Pidurangala Rock at sunrise for breathtaking views. Journey through to Minneriya national park on a jeep safari to encounter elephants, deers, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks and variety of other species. Transitioning to Kandy's lush mountains, visit the last royal palace of Sri lanka. Take a walk with a naturalist down Udawattakele Reserve a 104 hectare tropical forest which once was royal forest reserve for the kings of Kandy. Conclude with a stay at lagoon front for your final night, indulging in sunshine and pool time.
This family trip is tailored for those traveling with kids and those who enjoy being active in nature with their children. Travel in your own spacious van and stay in family or triple rooms for a cohesive experience. Experience the local culture up close at well-maintained eco lodges and guesthouses, providing an authentic glimpse into the local way of life.
Journey Highlights
- 6 Nights accommodation
- 6 Dinners & breakfasts + 2 lunches
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Pidurangala Rock
- Cooking with Chef
- Minneriya safari
- Temple of the Tooth & Cultural dance
- Udawattakele Guided Walk – approx.
ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1 NEGOMBO
Highlights
Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your local representative.
Transfer to your beach front hotel in Negombo.
After your long flight, we’ve selected a beachfront hotel near the airport for your comfort. Relax by the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by swaying coconut trees, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. The beachfront garden, dotted with coconut trees, provides ample space for kids to run around and play. As evening falls, simply unwind with a drink, soaking in the tropical atmosphere.
DAY 2 SIGIRIYA
Highlights
After breakfast, make your way to Sigiriya. On the journey from Negombo, notice the transition from bustling roads to flat terrain stretching for miles as the climate gradually warms up. Take in the captivating drive through the green paddy fields and observe how the weather becomes warmer as you enter the dry zone.
En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
The popular cave temple complex in Dambulla dated to the 2nd century BC is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. There are over 80 caves in Dambulla, some of which are used for meditation by monks. The Famous Rock temple has five separate caves containing 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu deities.
Check into your eco lodge.
In Sigiriya, you’ll experience the warm tropical weather, but nestled among the forest trees, this lodge will offer a shady, cool, and comfortable retreat, ensuring you feel refreshed. With 6 cottages set out in a graden full of trees.
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 3 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.
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 4 KANDY
Highlights
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Kandy. During your journey through Matale, you’ll gradually ascend the hills and notice the transition from dry to wet climate, with denser vegetation. Observing the change from flat to terraced paddy fields. As you near Kandy, expect bustling streets, as it’s recognized as the capital of Sri Lanka’s hill country. The mountains surrounding Kandy are adorned with buildings and houses nestled among lush greenery at the base, while their upper slopes are veiled in mist and boast pine forests and grasslands.
Welcome to Kandy! The hill capital and the venerated grounds of the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
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 5 KANDY
Highlights
Udawattakele Guided Walk | 4 hours
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 Udawattekele 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.
Return to the hotel.
DAY 6 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 7 AIRPORT - DEPART
Highlights
We Say Goodbye
PRICE & INCULSSION
Sharing a Triple Room
$ 4750 /Total
Sharing a Double/Family Room
$ 5650 /Total
What's Included:
Price Exclusions
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY | LOCATION | HOTELS |
---|---|---|
DAY 1 | Negombo |
Goldi Sands |
DAY 2 | Sigiriya |
Kuwera Eco Lodge |
DAY 3 | Sigiriya |
Kuwera Eco Lodge |
DAY 4 | Kandy |
Hanthana House |
DAY 5 | Kandy |
Hanthana House |
DAY 6 | Negombo |
Ging Oya Lodge |
DAY 7 | Airport |
MAPS
